ipod hacks
I just applied that little battery voltage number indicator hack to my 30gig ipod, it's well cool!
For those of you who have don't know - create a file called '_show_voltage' in \iPod_Control\Device . When you reboot the iPod you get a digital meter that counts down the battery life from about 500 to 0 instead of the usual battery meter!
I wonder what other cool hacks there are out there that we don't know about.
Anyone know of a site that lists hacks like this?
Hack found here: http://ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5009&perpage=15&pagenumber=5
[629 byte] By [
bassman-x] at [2007-11-9 13:02:45]
# 1 Re: ipod hacks
What would the file extension be called? Can you post a picture of this, I am not sure I want to do this yet. :o
# 2 Re: ipod hacks
How did you learn about this?
# 3 Re: ipod hacks
that has been posted on this forum before
Huntyz at 2007-11-15 14:59:43 >
# 4 Re: ipod hacks
it was in a post in the long EU volume hack thread, can't remember URL off hand, but I think it was on page 4 or 5 of the thread.
psxguy85 - there is no file extension, just '_show_voltage', if you decide you don't want the hack, just delete the file and all is back to normal! You have to have 'show hidden files' enabled btw.
# 5 Re: ipod hacks
That's cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
# 6 Re: ipod hacks
Doing that made my system not recognize my ipod. I had to format it to get it working again.
# 7 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by jasonmccabe
That's cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it is isn't it! I never liked those battery bars, they don't give enough information, not a problem any more!
# 8 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by iamaustin
Doing that made my system not recognize my ipod. I had to format it to get it working again.
oh dear!:(
what ipod generation are you using? Maybe this only works on 3g ipods?
# 9 Re: ipod hacks
lol how the hell did you get in such a mess?
Huntyz at 2007-11-15 15:05:48 >
# 10 Re: ipod hacks
Im using a 3g 15 gig, i think maybe it was my system that got messed up, after i restarted my comp it was fine. I did a restore just cause ive been meaning to do one anyway
# 11 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by iamaustin
Doing that made my system not recognize my ipod. I had to format it to get it working again.
:( Now I don't want to do it anymore
# 12 Re: ipod hacks
what sort of object needs to be created of the name "_show_voltage" so that i get numbers instead of the battery bars. u cant just create a file!! i can create folders and text files ......etc but what do u mean by create a file and nobody mentioned an extension, if its a file it HAS to have an extension?
2nd gen 10g ipod ,windows Xp
ali at 2007-11-15 15:08:56 >
# 13 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by bassman-x
it is isn't it! I never liked those battery bars, they don't give enough information, not a problem any more!
You have a 3G right?
# 14 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by ali
what sort of object needs to be created of the name "_show_voltage" so that i get numbers instead of the battery bars. u cant just create a file!! i can create folders and text files ......etc but what do u mean by create a file and nobody mentioned an extension, if its a file it HAS to have an extension?
2nd gen 10g ipod ,windows Xp
you can just create a file. I created mine in notepad, simply open notepad, don't type anything, save the file as '_show_voltage', notepad will add a .txt extension, just delete this extension and then copy the file over to the ipod if you didn't already save it there in the first place.
# 15 Re: ipod hacks
Very cool.
# 16 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by jasonmccabe
You have a 3G right?
yup! 30gig!
# 17 Re: ipod hacks
anyone know if this will work on an old style ipod (10gb)?
# 18 Re: ipod hacks
I dont think it does work on 2nd gen ipods...Well I created the file, and it has made no difference on my 2gen 10gb ipod.
# 19 Re: ipod hacks
just done this on my 15 gig iPod without any trouble at all.. worked like a treat...
How did you come across this hack? i've not seen it elsewhere.
I wonder what other things can be done in a similar way... it'd be sooo good if you enable recording and things like that with it.
Drewpy at 2007-11-15 15:15:56 >
# 20 Re: ipod hacks
Cool, it actually worked!
# 21 Re: ipod hacks
Can you do this on a 1st Gen 5gig Winpod? I've tried with both _show_voltage and '_show_voltage', neither one worked. Put it in the Ipod_Contol/Device folder. No dice.
# 22 Re: ipod hacks
So what exactly does this number tell us? I just charged my iPod and it reads 515. Seeing as there are accurcay problems with the battery meter, are the same problems there with the number?
BigIzz at 2007-11-15 15:19:03 >
# 23 Re: ipod hacks
It works on my 3G 15gb. By the way, a Windows tip I've found useful is that if you want to save a file in Notepad (or any other common dialog for that matter) without appending the default extension, you enclose the whole thing in quotes. Useful for saving HTML through Notepad etc. So you create a file and save it as "_show_voltage" (with quotes, for once).
# 24 Re: ipod hacks
Create "_disable_cache" (without the "") in iPod_Control/Device and the hard drive will spin all the time when music is playing. Although pretty useless, this could benefit performers/DJ's who said they needed instant access to songs without the hard drive spin up time delay.
Phil at 2007-11-15 15:21:03 >
# 25 Re: ipod hacks
I just realised: isn't the iPod battery meter just a timer?
# 26 Re: ipod hacks
Create "_display cache" in the same directory. I don't know what it's supposed to do though.
Phil at 2007-11-15 15:23:04 >
# 27 Re: ipod hacks
Cool! I cant wait to try this out at home later. I have my pod with me now, but the cradle's at home.
I dont think the Ipod battery meter is just a timer though, otherwise, it will ALWAYS say empty everytime the pod is put to sleep for, say at least 8 hours. This has not been the case for me. The charging time and batt full message (if charging in the cradle or socket), however IS a timer, as has been proven in this forum many times.
I hope someone can figure out exactly what the numbers mean, and give people accurate estimates of what they mean (515-400, 1 hour consumed or 6 hours left, etc.)
Once again, mad propz to the person who discovered this.
# 28 Re: ipod hacks
The numbers are almost certainly a direct measure of voltage. They may not be actual volts but will have a linear relationship with the voltage across the battery.
This is why the voltage drops when transfering songs (heavy usage) and then climbs again when the HD stops working.
Laptops which give a more accurate time left read out do this by a more complicated process of measuring how much current is being consumed and adding this up over time to know how much juice is being used. This is compared to a table created when the battery is calibrated to work out how much time is left. That is why the system the iPod uses is not that clever. The latest mobile phones are also capable of this.
graeme
# 29 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by psxguy85
Cool, it actually worked!
What exactly did you do?
# 30 Re: ipod hacks
I can not get this to work I created a file with out the txt extension in teh device folder named "_show_voltage" but it still shows teh battery meter and ideas on what i did wrong
thanks
Fundex at 2007-11-15 15:27:15 >
# 31 Re: ipod hacks
Found my problem It does not show the number when it is charging say in the dock but when it is taken out got number "495" hehe Col.
Fundex at 2007-11-15 15:28:15 >
# 32 Re: ipod hacks
this should be added to the tips and trick section..this is a good hack :)
# 33 Re: ipod hacks
I have used the voltage meter hack and it worked for me on my 15GB-Gen3
# 34 Re: ipod hacks
So it's offical?
This will not work in 2G ipods?
px2so at 2007-11-15 15:31:13 >
# 35 Re: ipod hacks
Guess not...
Do apple document this kind of stuff somewhere, or how did somebody find out about it :confused:
# 36 Re: ipod hacks
Hmm... think about it this way: is there perhaps another reason why it's not documented, or another reason why it's not a user-selectable option in Settings? Perhaps it's not there for a reason...
# 37 Re: ipod hacks
Hmm... think about it this way: is there perhaps another reason why it's not documented, or another reason why it's not a user-selectable option in Settings? Perhaps it's not there for a reason...
My guess is that, from a design point of view, Apple didn't want too many numbers on the display. Confusing to many people.
ssper at 2007-11-15 15:34:18 >
# 38 Re: ipod hacks
Somebody should do a detailed step by step on this one!!!!!!!!!!
# 39 Re: ipod hacks
i got mine to work, but some one should tell those that dont know exactly how to do it, because in my windows xp i cannot create a file with no extension, like under new there isnt a type of file thats only file. i had to copy one of those and paste it and clean the file blah blah blah. maybe there's an easier way.
# 40 Re: ipod hacks
Yeah theres an easier way just press new > text document and name it without the .txt extension.
# 41 Re: ipod hacks
OK, maybe I must be a pro user, but this very simple:
1. Turn on PC
2. Connect iPod
3. Double-click My Computer
4. Click on Tools>Folder Options. On the View tab, make sure "Show Hidden Files and Folders" is checked
5. Double click your iPod drive (hint: it'll say something like "iPod")
6. Double-click the iPod_control folder
7. Double-click the "Device" folder
8. In an empty spot in that window, right-click your mouse, select New>Text Document
9. A new Text document will appear, titled "New Text Document.txt". Notice that the letters will be highlighted. This will allow you to name the file whatever you want
10. Delete the "New Text Document.txt" bit, and type in "_show_voltage" (no quotes). Do NOT enter an extension.
11. Disconnect iPod from the computer and you're done.
Adam
# 42 Re: ipod hacks
For Mac?
# 43 Re: ipod hacks
werrrddd.... =D
NooBiE at 2007-11-15 15:40:22 >
# 44 Re: ipod hacks
This is quite pointless but your could use DOS commands
copy con _show_voltage
then press CTRL+Z and then enter you have created a voltage file without notepad.
That was pointless but I just am showing another method.
# 45 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by LiquidGUI
<snip>
This is quite pointless but your could use DOS commands
</snip>
You're kidding right? ;) Do you know how many steps I'd have to make it? Just pulling up a DOS window alone would take 5 steps. ;) :D
I know, Start>Run>"cmd", but what about those that don't have Run on their start menu? Then, I'd have to get into IF this THEN that...
No way...
Adam
# 46 Re: ipod hacks
ok, maybe im stupid, but under windows xp, when u make a text file, it does not have a file extension, so u cannot delete the extension to make it into a "file" file, if u r saying a text file with the name also works then ok. i got mine to work after copy the preference file and paste it and edit the file. anyway.
# 47 Re: ipod hacks
Why dont you just copy one of the files allready in the folder (maybe empty whats inside the file) then just rename it to whatever.
Worked for me.
Huntyz at 2007-11-15 15:44:23 >
# 48 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by thesexybeast
ok, maybe im stupid, but under windows xp, when u make a text file, it does not have a file extension, so u cannot delete the extension to make it into a "file" file, if u r saying a text file with the name also works then ok. i got mine to work after copy the preference file and paste it and edit the file. anyway.
In Explorer, click to Tools --> Folder Options. On the View tab, uncheck "Hide file extensions" or something similar (My XP is not in English).
Henrik at 2007-11-15 15:45:26 >
# 49 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by jasonmccabe
For Mac?
The easiest way to do this (at least for me) is to:
get TinkerTool here (http://www.bresink.de/osx/TinkerTool2.html) to view hidden files in OSX
create a file with any text editor named '_show_voltage', without the quotes
remove the extension on this file
copy file to \iPod_Control\Device
playero
# 50 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by ashawley
You're kidding right? ;) Do you know how many steps I'd have to make it? Just pulling up a DOS window alone would take 5 steps. ;) :D
I know, Start>Run>"cmd", but what about those that don't have Run on their start menu? Then, I'd have to get into IF this THEN that...
No way...
Adam
Actually, two keys: Windows + R :P I use that a lot.
And people having trouble with creating files with no extension? In the File name box in Save as in Notepad, simply type "_show_voltage" with quotes!
# 51 Re: ipod hacks
Quick and easy way for the mac is in ther terminal type
touch /Volumes/IPODNAME/iPod_Control/Device/_show_voltage
where IPODNAME is the name of you iPod as it is mounted in finder. This will only work if you have Firewire Disk mode turned on.
Linux would be the same but if your running linux you should know how to use touch any way
jameso at 2007-11-15 15:48:37 >
# 52 Re: ipod hacks
Ok...dumb question...
I have created the file _show_voltage in notepad then saved it to my documents. Then I removed the .txt extention. However....How do I get it onto my Ipod. Using ipod 15gb with win 2k....
Thanks
# 53 Re: ipod hacks
whats the maximum number that you guys get on the screen, i get over 500 already when it's not even fully charged, and are you sure it actually goes down to 0 before battery dies?
# 54 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by Ipodding in NY
Ok...dumb question...
I have created the file _show_voltage in notepad then saved it to my documents. Then I removed the .txt extention. However....How do I get it onto my Ipod. Using ipod 15gb with win 2k....
Thanks
Follow my instructions earlier in the thread.
# 55 Re: ipod hacks
Thanks Adam....my fault for not reading the past posts close enough.
# 56 Re: ipod hacks
It is scary how computer illiterate some (most) of you are...
This could not be any simpler
and LiquidGUI, you are showing your age with the copy con thing :) Maybe evary new computer should come with DOS only, and you would have to use it for 6 months before you could turn windows on.
slr001 at 2007-11-15 15:53:38 >
# 57 Re: ipod hacks
That would be sooo evil :D
But hey, after a while people would be so much faster with the keyboard and stuff.
# 58 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by slr001
It is scary how computer illiterate some (most) of you are...
This could not be any simpler
and LiquidGUI, you are showing your age with the copy con thing :) Maybe evary new computer should come with DOS only, and you would have to use it for 6 months before you could turn windows on.
no kidding. i can't believe some of the responses. i did this "hack" in less than i minute with no problem. btw it's really cool :) but yeah, people really are computer illiterate around here!
maxf at 2007-11-15 15:55:43 >
# 59 Re: ipod hacks
awesome, this is a great little trick, great find.
Where can I find more stuff like this?
Oh, and also, this is like one of the easiest things in the hitory of computers to do, nobody should have problems with it. AWESOME!
# 60 Re: ipod hacks
I was having trouble getting it to work on my Mac using TextEdit to create the file '_show_voltage' (no quotes). I finally got it to work using BBEdit to create the file and selecting 'none' as the save state.
# 61 Re: ipod hacks
Ok, we have _show_voltage, which gives a nice little numeric out put instead of the standard but vague battery meter. Mine shows 504 fully charged and not playing music. Its a 15gig
We have _disable_cache which we think disables the cache (would make sense) and from what i can tell it does. you can see for your self by creating the file in the same way as the _show_voltage (or rename _show_voltage, even duplicating it and renaming it will be fine) and then skip through a whole bunch of songs quickly, usually if its reading from the cache it will load a song (well 3) in the memory and play from that then spin the HD down. when u tried to go through 4 or 5 song one of them would take a little longer loading than the other because the HD had to spin up. With the _disable_cache file there is no notaceable lag when skipping lots of song. but it will also chew the battery like there's no tomorrow.
What does _display_cache do?
it has also been mentioned (originally in a thread about taking the firmware off an iPod from the US using linux, about half way through, but no one really commented on it) around and has been advised to be left alone but what does it actually do? does any one know?
jameso at 2007-11-15 15:58:46 >
# 62 Re: ipod hacks
Anyone want to do it through DOS? :D
Mount iPod.
Go Start > Run, then type 'cmd'
Then type
<iPod drive> (eg 'j:')
cd iPodControl_Device
more > _show_voltage
Then press Control+C. There it is! Empty file with no extension named _show_voltage :D
# 63 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by jogloran
Anyone want to do it through DOS? :D
Mount iPod.
Go Start > Run, then type 'cmd'
Then type
<iPod drive> (eg 'j:')
cd iPodControl_Device
more > _show_voltage
Then press Control+C. There it is! Empty file with no extension named _show_voltage :D
Only works on G3 still?
px2so at 2007-11-15 16:00:41 >
# 64 Re: ipod hacks
Unfortunately seems that way...
# 65 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by slr001
It is scary how computer illiterate some (most) of you are...
This could not be any simpler
Um... Isn't Apple's main selling point that it welcomes "computer illiterates"? Y'know, how the Mac "just works", without having to configure 100 different things? It seems odd to me that an Apple-related board like this would be railing against people who generally want to keep it simple.
And regarding this hack specifically: If it ever gets posted as a Sticky, it should be made clear that this apparently only works on 3rd Generation units. I've got an ancient 1st Gen (but I love it anyway), and it doesn't seem to work on it, even running on v1.3 firmware.
# 66 Re: ipod hacks
I just tried the show voltage trick and I can also verify it works. Running XP Pro with a 3rd Gen 10GB iPod.
Man, I wonder what other iPod hacks are out there, waiting to be discovered. Perhaps some of the iPod hackers will discover the "_long_battery_life" and "_enable_scratch_resistance" hacks? ;)
Before I go, I got a 522 on the battery meter when I tried this trick. I've also noticed that 522 would be the highest reading recorded so far. Therefore, I boldly proclaim my iPod to be the KING OF ALL iPods! ;)
# 67 Re: ipod hacks
Could someboy post pics of this?
# 68 Re: ipod hacks
After two erases, a run through of mp3 gain, and a transfer of 5009 files in one dock sitting, my ipod came out with 526, therefore I proclaim MY IPOD TO BE THE KING OF ALL IPODS!!!
# 69 Re: ipod hacks
My iPod had a number of 515 BUT since it claimed its right to vote last night i would have to say that i have THE KING OF ALL IPODS!!!
jameso at 2007-11-15 16:06:50 >
# 70 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by jameso
My iPod had a number of 515 BUT since it claimed its right to vote last night i would have to say that i have THE KING OF ALL IPODS!!!
not trying to be rude but.. it was funny the first time. now it's just dead :rolleyes:
maxf at 2007-11-15 16:07:52 >
# 71 Re: ipod hacks
here you go unknown_one...
mikey at 2007-11-15 16:08:57 >
# 72 Re: ipod hacks
Charging mine now I'll see what it displays at full charge.
# 73 Re: ipod hacks
does it actually go down to 0? anyone tried?
# 74 Re: ipod hacks
Just curious, but has anyone had experience with the accuracy of the meter?
dcx693 at 2007-11-15 16:11:58 >
# 75 Re: ipod hacks
my meter hit 237 and then battery depleted
# 76 Re: ipod hacks
523 Total when fully charged.
# 77 Re: ipod hacks
So a meter thats below 250 has no charge left? man, and i thought it would take at least single digits for the ipod to be fully discharged!
Anyone willing to make a reference chart (515-400 = 4 bars, 400-335 = 2bars, 250=RECHARGE! etc.) so a truly ACCURATE gauge of the ipod battery can be had? Pretty please? :)
# 78 Re: ipod hacks
When the charge animation stops, mine only appears to show a figure around 496 at most... :(
# 79 Re: ipod hacks
I noticed mine fluctuates pretty wildly. For example:
Last night I fully charged my iPod. I did not use it, I set it down on my bed and picked it up a few hours later. The meter read 420something.
I probably listned to it for about a half hour and went to sleep. This morning, I picked it up and the battery read 450 (without an additional charge).
I listned to it for 15-20 minutes and the meter read 365. Then a few minutes later it was at 420. Now, a few minutes later, it is at 440.
BigIzz at 2007-11-15 16:17:03 >
# 80 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by BigIzz
I noticed mine fluctuates pretty wildly. For example:
Last night I fully charged my iPod. I did not use it, I set it down on my bed and picked it up a few hours later. The meter read 420something.
I probably listned to it for about a half hour and went to sleep. This morning, I picked it up and the battery read 450 (without an additional charge).
I listned to it for 15-20 minutes and the meter read 365. Then a few minutes later it was at 420. Now, a few minutes later, it is at 440.
Yes, the digital meter is quite annoying because of this. Mine told me to charge it after 200, so I decided to remove the digital meter.
# 81 Re: ipod hacks
me too, i removed it
# 82 Re: ipod hacks
hmm my ipod has been in the dock all day and when i took it out the meter said -1. has anyone else had this happen??
# 83 Re: ipod hacks
I went back to the battery meter too. It is interesting, but I think it's pretty clear Apple included the vague 4 bar battery meter for a reason (ie, the iPod isn't good at figuring out how much battery is left).
Not to mention the battery meter looks better on the screen.
BigIzz at 2007-11-15 16:21:00 >
# 84 Re: ipod hacks
You're right about the fluctuation: just now it loaded a song and went from 497 to 380, then after a while back to 497! :D
# 85 Re: ipod hacks
Any chance that this is displaying the actual battery voltage, where 500 = 5.00v, 396 = 3.96v, etc.?
# 86 Re: ipod hacks
Thanks very much for giving me credit for finding out those hacks. Not after glory - just a mention would've been nice.
geohar at 2007-11-15 16:24:04 >
# 87 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by geohar
Thanks very much for giving me credit for finding out those hacks. Not after glory - just a mention would've been nice.
I did reference where I had found the hack, but had lost the thread it came from at the time so didn't link directly to it.
please forgive me!
Big up geohar for discovering the hack!
# 88 Re: ipod hacks
Just so ya'll know. The fluctuating batter meter bug has been around for a while. Apple eventually fixed it w/the release of 1.2.6 (before the 3rd gen models were out), but then for some unknown reason, when they released the 3rd gen iPods, the bug came back. Pretty ironic that. ;)
Anyway, you'll probably notice that it tends to occur when the iPod is powered up and also whenever the disk spins up (i.e. loading from the cache).
It's just a cosmetic little deal..
Adam
# 89 Re: ipod hacks
Thanks for the history, Adam. I had thought that since I'd read the bug had been corrected with the old iPod, that the new ones would be fine. Meanwhile, I wish I had read this thread yesterday. My meter was reading 200-and-something, so I figured I was ok to skip charging it last night. Today I'm stuck in my office and the creature is completely nonresponsive. Sigh. Better go back to charging every night, huh?
# 90 Re: ipod hacks
Well it wont work for me and I know my way around computers. Have done everything exactly as written and battery wont display numbers. I have a 30gb 3 gen ipod by the way.
# 91 Re: ipod hacks
It was cool for a few days.......
# 92 Re: ipod hacks
http://www.lindqvist.com/xpo/index.php?newID=910
This allows you to record 6 seconds of audio using the Left earbud as a microphone.
# 93 Re: ipod hacks
Yes, the record feature seems part of the new ipod, but it was removed from the diagnostic menu with the most recent firmware. Bummer
# 94 Re: ipod hacks
No worries. I'll see if I can come up with some more hacks :)
geohar at 2007-11-15 16:32:15 >
# 95 Re: ipod hacks
hi
can anyone advise how to get into the control_device on the ipod, or access the hidden files, i have 3gen mac ipod
cheers:confused:
matto at 2007-11-15 16:33:15 >
# 96 Re: ipod hacks
I'm sure I've read somewhere (but can't find it) that you can change the battery gauge to read a more meaningful figure, like a percentage.
How do I do it, if indeed it is possible?
Cheers,
Inj.
# 97 Re: ipod hacks
Take a look at this thread: http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5365&highlight=battery+meter
next time use the 'search' button, when you need to find something.
# 98 Re: ipod hacks
Thank you, but next time read my post when I said I couldn't find it! Honestly...
# 99 Re: ipod hacks
If you use the hack you will become somewhat obsessed with the reading. My record is 511 straight out of the dock. Who can beat that?
# 100 Re: ipod hacks
The battery on my iPod needs to be recharged usually at around 200, which is ridiculous. If the battery supposedly has 40% of its power left, then why does it need more juice? :rolleyes:
# 101 Re: ipod hacks
nah, doesnt work on 1/2 Gen iPods.
Oh well, battery meter is nice lookin than a 3 digit number.
# 102 Re: ipod hacks
Strange, doesn't work on my UK 3G 30gigger..
loGan at 2007-11-15 16:40:19 >
# 103 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by bertuzzi
The battery on my iPod needs to be recharged usually at around 200, which is ridiculous. If the battery supposedly has 40% of its power left, then why does it need more juice? :rolleyes:
it's because the voltage of the battery has dropped below the ipod's operation voltage. it's pretty simple.
# 104 Re: ipod hacks
ok well, i dont quite understand where to put the file...
odie at 2007-11-15 16:42:27 >
# 105 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by spksmom
...My meter was reading 200-and-something, so I figured I was ok to skip charging it last night. Today I'm stuck in my office and the creature is completely nonresponsive. Sigh.
Better go back to charging every night, huh?
Why wouldn't you be charging your iPod every night if possible? Because it uses a Lithium Ion battery you NEVER want it to do a full discharge (run out of batteries to the point that it won't turn on) unless you are TRYING to purposely shorten the lifespan of your battery.
NiCad batteries lasted longer if you fully discharged them before charging (if you didn't then it had a "memory effect") but LiOn batteries need to be kept as full as possible all the time to maximize the lifespan. In other words its (basically) the opposite of the ol' NiCad
# 106 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by Musulsa
Why wouldn't you be charging your iPod every night if possible? Because it uses a Lithium Ion battery you NEVER want it to do a full discharge (run out of batteries to the point that it won't turn on) unless you are TRYING to purposely shorten the lifespan of your battery.
NiCad batteries lasted longer if you fully discharged them before charging (if you didn't then it had a "memory effect") but LiOn batteries need to be kept as full as possible all the time to maximize the lifespan. In other words its (basically) the opposite of the ol' NiCad
Actually, I get better full charges if I let my battery drain completely once in awhile. What do they say? That the battery is able to handle 500 discharges or something like that?
I let mine fully discharge about once or twice a month just because (like I mentioned previously) I get a better full charge afterwards. I usually do this before long road trips to guarantee a full 4-6 hour play time. So this is about 24 full discharges a year! Let's see... with that reasoning, then this battery should last me about 20 years. As if I will have this iPod in 5 years, let alone 20. Be realistic people... discharging the battery is not an issue as long as it's done within reason.
# 107 Re: ipod hacks
t is scary how computer illiterate some (most) of you are...
Really, I can't believe the amount of energy spent here to detial the 'steps' necessary to create an empty file in a hidden directory. Took me like 2 seconds, and that was prob 1 second too long.
# 108 Re: ipod hacks
Maybe some of us arent fricken computer freaks!
# 109 Re: ipod hacks
has anyone else found any other hack files?
I cant do the text file thing in XP, i have to use DOS, and I like DOS better, its much easier
run DOS and type
copy con _***_***
[enter]
copy con _***_***
[enter]
then go to the C:\Documents and Settings\"whatever it says here"
just thought i'd make it a little more detailed
# 110 Re: ipod hacks
oh man, this is old. I posted this over a year ago. I dosent show the voltage and it isnt any more acurate then the bar.
# 111 Re: ipod hacks
Also, to the new members, don't ressurrect posts from last year. And certainly don't give advice to people who posted about it last year either if someone DOES ressurrect the thread. Chances are they're gone or no longer care. Also, Jason Hilton is right - voltage != battery life
# 112 Re: ipod hacks
Not working on my 3rd gen 20gig.
Am i right in saying noone above 15gig has got this working?
# 113 Re: ipod hacks
Wow, the people who don't know how to do it...use a program! The latest version of MyPodPlayer has this feature in it [Extras Menu --> iPod Hacks] which has a total of 3 hacks: one for the battery meter, one for cache, and one for putting iPod to deep sleep every time.
Check MyPodPlayer out, still in beta, but you can get it from
http://www.iPodSoft.com
Enjoy ;)
# 114 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by EvilDude
Wow, the people who don't know how to do it...use a program! The latest version of MyPodPlayer has this feature in it [Extras Menu --> iPod Hacks] which has a total of 3 hacks: one for the battery meter, one for cache, and one for putting iPod to deep sleep every time.
Check MyPodPlayer out, still in beta, but you can get it from
http://www.iPodSoft.com
Enjoy ;)
MyPodPlayer looks interesting...
Does MyPodPlayer support 2G iPods with firmware 1.3 (or earlier)?
Will MyPodPlayer interfere or in any way screw up ephpod usage?
Thanks
# 115 Re: ipod hacks
Originally posted by Calculus
Not working on my 3rd gen 20gig.
Am i right in saying noone above 15gig has got this working?
Works like a charm on my 40 giger.
# 116 Re: ipod hacks
personally i dont like this hack...... i mean 500 ?? why not have a percentage based % that would be better
# 117 Re: ipod hacks
There is nothing that can be done about the hack by users, though. Apple has some system for using that number when calculating the percent of the battery left, but us users are pretty much stuck with a relatively useless number.
# 118 Re: ipod hacks
I read about a small app called iVolt that will also display the voltage on 3G iPods. Here it is: http://www.homepage.mac.com/billions/ivolt
I haven't tried it, but if anyone decides to, let us know how it works.
# 119 Re: ipod hacks
Isn't the "500" number equivalent to 5.0 volts? I *believe* that the EuPod meter option is calibrated that way. Therefore, the meter now has 500 increments, not five?
# 120 Re: ipod hacks
The left EAR BUD IS a microphone!!! HOW L337 IS THAT!
Azadre at 2007-11-15 16:58:46 >
# 121 Re: ipod hacks
I let mine fully discharge about once or twice a month just because (like I mentioned previously) I get a better full charge afterwards. I usually do this before long road trips to guarantee a full 4-6 hour play time. So this is about 24 full discharges a year! Let's see... with that reasoning, then this battery should last me about 20 years. As if I will have this iPod in 5 years, let alone 20. Be realistic people... discharging the battery is not an issue as long as it's done within reason.
Sorry man, thats incorrect. One 'cycle' is the term used, you get 500 of them. a cycle is from full - empty - full. Going from full - part empty - full is a part cycle, and still ages the battery like normal, although not a full cycle obviously.
Ewok^ at 2007-11-15 16:59:47 >
# 122 Re: ipod hacks
omg thank u soo much, finaly a battery-'meter' we CAN trust!
# 123 Re: ipod hacks
omg...mad trick!! :D keep those ipod hack coming thx.. :D
# 124 Re: ipod hacks
OMG its not freaking more accurate than the bar!
# 125 Re: ipod hacks
sorry to burst ur buble guys but apple regard a full discharge as from wen u charge to wen they reccomend u charge again, at 40%. so a fulll discharge is from 100% - 40% in battery life terms
swy32x at 2007-11-15 17:03:49 >
# 126 Re: ipod hacks
The number that this hack reports is simply the voltage comming from the battery. For example, a reading of 523 means 5.23 volts. This is what the battery meter is based on. The problem is that voltage is not the most accurate way to measure battery life. If you notice, the number will stay around 5 and then before it dies, it will drop rapidly. Also, you may have noticed that the battery meter drops when you unplug the iPod from the charger, then balances out. This is because the charger provides 12 volts, and the meter calibrates to that. Then the voltage suddenly drops, and the battery meter takes a few minutes to recalibrate to the new voltage readings.
# 127 Re: ipod hacks
anyone done this with a 4G 40gb yet? did it work?
# 128 Re: ipod hacks
you have to make a file called "_show_voltage" i got that but when i go to put the file in the ipod where do i put it i only see 2 folders i see calendars and contacts. where do i put it????
# 129 Re: ipod hacks
Those folders are hidden, you have to go to folder options and make them visible.
# 130 Re: ipod hacks
ahhhhhhhh i see now thanks
# 131 Re: ipod hacks
This may have been mentioned before, but I will just say it again for people that don't want to go over 7 previous pages....you have to remove the extension (.txt) when copying the file to iPod. You have to enable the show common extensions feature in Windows...as for Mac, I have never needed to do this on my Mac, so I don't know....I don't even use this hack anymore.
# 132 Re: ipod hacks
how do i remove the .txt
# 133 Re: ipod hacks
:rolleyes:
Deaddy at 2007-11-15 17:11:58 >
# 134 Re: ipod hacks
bft_tyler - open up windows explorer and do the following
1. - tools, folder options
2. - View
3. - Make sure hide extensions for known file types is unticked
4. - Now simply rename the file deleting the .txt at the end and your done!!
Dave
# 135 Re: ipod hacks
does anybody know how to do this battery meter hack on a mac using classic :-P
thnx
# 136 Re: ipod hacks
Has anybody tried the voltage hack on the 4G? Because I have a 4G and there is no 'control panel' in the iPod drive...
# 137 Re: ipod hacks
works fine on a 4G iPod...
# 138 Re: ipod hacks
How does this work? Where is the iPod control panel on the iPod drive for the 4G?? How do you do this??
# 139 Re: ipod hacks
what u say sounds cool, but how do u do it? where is that folder located, and what kind of file do u put in it? thanks
# 140 Re: ipod hacks
Here's How You Do It:
In Notepad dont type anything and then go to save it and save it like this "_show_voltage" (You have to use quotes) to anywhere and then go to where it is saved and drag it into ipod_control and then device (the icon should look the rest) then just eject your ipod and voila.
BUT YOU HAVE TO USE QUOTES OR IT WONT WORK
