iPod Touch 1st Gen - Technical WhitepaperDescription: The iPod Touch was first released in September of 2007. This is the first multi-touch interface iPod relased by Apple. The iPod Touch and iPhone 1st Generation are nearly identical from a functionality standpoint. The main difference between these devices is the cell service, camera, and external speaker are missing from the iPod Touch. The iPod Touch runs a version of the OS-X Cocoa operating system. It's capable of connecting to the Internet using wireless Wi-Fi and is application store compatible. This model really changed the rules of the industry by expanding the capabilites of these devices.Battery Installation DifficultyWe would rate this installation 4 out of 5 screw drivers (Hard) in terms of difficulty. It's hard to leverage the case open and soldering skills are required for the install. If you're not technical, avoid performing this installation and seek professional assistance.
Physical Attributes
Dimensions: 110 x 61.8 x 8 mm Weight: 4.05 ounces
Original Battery Size: 900 mAh
Battery Type: Li-Polymer Battery Voltage: 3.7v
Casing Type: Polished Metal Screen Size: 3.5 Inches Screen Resolution: 480 x 320 @ 163 ppi Scrolling Type: Multi Touch Display
Device Information
Manufacture: Apple™ Operating System: OS X - Cocoa
Capacity Options: 8GB, 16GB, & 32GB
Year Introduced: 2007Ipod Touch Disassembly Procedure
Disclaimer: Opening the case will void the manufacture warranty if any remains. The warranty period for iPod is typically 12 months. TopTechies is not responsible for damage or problems that may result from following the disassembly and replacement procedures. Warning: The iPod Touch case is very difficult to open and you may need additional leverage tools to open the case.Preperation: Start with a clean, open table that has good light. Ensure the location you selected has access to a wall outlet for the soldering iron. The battery connection will need to be soldered in place. Take the two opening tools out of the battery blister package and set them aside. Make note if you've had issues with static electricity in the environemnt. If yes, you may want to use a static wrist band or ground yourself prior to starting disassembly.
Required Tools: Soldering iron, phillips screw driver, case opening tools, & additional plastic leverage toolsStep #1 - Power Off iPod TouchHold down the power button for 6 seconds and shut down.Step #2 - Remove Back PanelSlide the case opener tool around the edges to release the aluminum back side. This can be difficult and will take some time. In some cases, you may need to use some additional tools to leverage the back side open. Eventually, the back side will pop off as it is properly leveraged. Warning: If you use anything metal in the leverage process, such as a flat head screw driver, chances are you will scratch and damage the surface. Step #3 - Remove BatteryThe battery is glued in place and needs to be leveraged out. Starting on the right side, slide the case opener tool under the battery and leverage up. Do this in a few different areas on the battery until the battery releases. Try not to leverage the spot identified with the white circle. There is a ribbon cable below the battery in this spot and care needs to be taken.Step #4 - Remove Sensor Board a. Disconnect ribbon connector on top of board by leveraging up with the case opener tool. b. Remove the 2 screws holding the sensor board in place. Make note where these go because all the screw sizes are different on this model iPod. c. Carefully lift up on the sensor board along with the board that is connected to it to the left. The board to the left is mounted with double sided tape. As you remove the sensor board carefully lift up on the brown ribbon cable that connects to the main system board. It should look like this as it is released.Step #5 - Remove System Board a. Disconnect the ribbon connector on the left side of the system board. b. There is a strip of black tape the covers 2 screws near the dock connector. Remove this black tape so you can access the screws. Now remove the 4 screws that are visible. The screw vary in size so make notes to where they go for reassembly. c. Lift up the system board on the side where the sensor ribbon connects to it. The system board is held down by double sided tape. Note that the back side of the system board should remain connected to the touch screen. It should look like this once it's lifted up. As you can see the battery connector is now accessable to unsolder the battery. The white arrow shows where the battery connection is located at. Step #6 - Unsolder Battery a. Make note of the order of the colored battery wires and where they plug into the system board. This color code order is also documented in the battery installation step within this whitepaper. The order should be white, red, then black starting from the dock connector side. b. Plug in your soldering iron and let it come up to temperature which take roughly 10 minutes. Touch the iron to each area where the battery wires connect to the system board. Make sure you touch the iron on the solder joint where the wire connects to the board. Gently pull back on the wire and it should release after a short period of time. Important: Make sure you don't overheat the board. Take a 2 minute pause between wires to ensure the board does not overheat. The battery should now be removed. Battery Installation Procedure Step #1 - Tin the Battery WiresThe "tinning" process involves putting a thin layer of solder on the ends of the battery wires. This is does by placing the hot iron on the end of the wire and putting on a thin layer of solder. Do this for each of the 3 wires on the battery.Step #2 - Prepare the SurfaceThe holes where the battery wires were removed should be open. This allows you to insert and solder the new wires in place. If the holes are not open you could use a soldering gun that contains a solder sucker to remove the excess solder. The other option is to push a small stickpin into the hole while heating it.Step #3 - Solder in the New BatteryVerify the wire order to ensure the wires go into the correct holes. Start with a single wire and place it into the hole and heat the end of the wire with the iron. Put a small amount of solder on each connection. Check the back side of the connection or board to ensure a solid solder connection with the board and wire. Do not use too much solder, you only need a small amount to make a good connection. Repete the process for each wire.Step #4 - Reassemble and TestPut the battery back in place. You have the option of adding some additonal double sided tape behind the battery. Reassemble the parts and connections back in place. Test the iPod Touch functionality prior to installing the back cover. After the testing is complete, install the back cover.
Congratulations! You've completed the battery installation procedure for the iPod Touch 1st Generation.
