Backstage: New iPod 4G diagnostics

Backstage

Backstage: New iPod 4G diagnostics

“Kick, punch, it’s all in the mind! If you wanna test me, I’m sure you’ll find…”

Hold [center button + menu button]. It resets. Then hold [center button + reverse button].

Hmmmm. Looks like the new iPod can spit out its serial number on command (nothing new, except to this menu). And wow, amazing how hot that hard disk can get; the mini runs so much cooler at peak. Then there’s that status test. On the mini, it says “WINTKLCD,” and on the 4G, it says “OPTRXLCD.” Component sources for the screens, or something else? The other stuff on the screens means headphones (yes/no), with or without FireWire Power charging, and with or without USB Power charging. Interesting, it seems to think that an optical TOSLINK cable counts as headphones, but there might just be a physical sensor in there.

(Update: Wintk = Wintek, Optrx = Optrex. They’re component sources.)

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Comments

1

Parappa is da man.

Posted by Dr. Webster on July 30, 2004 at 3:30 AM (PST)

2

Will this work on the 3Gs as well? I tried it on mine and got no love whatsoever.

Posted by Tracy on July 30, 2004 at 10:14 AM (PST)

3

Dude, optical would be the be-oh-em-be and could mean real recording capabilities! It should be relatively easy to determine if there is an optical sensor at the bottom of the jack.

Posted by errble on July 30, 2004 at 11:24 AM (PST)

4

Hi,

If you fiddle around with the contrast tests it sure looks like there is different shades of blue going on (more of a cyan colour actually).

Posted by David on July 30, 2004 at 8:14 PM (PST)

5

I’m not sure if the optical sensor could be used for more than one thing…... Why not use it as a high-speed data connection for an LCD remote as well as a recording port for a mic / digi line in / data (vid/photo) out. The bandwidth would let ipod share the connection with two or more devices would it not?

Posted by James on August 2, 2004 at 4:14 AM (PST)

6

In contrast test I almost looks like the LCD could REALLY be a color screen???
Maybe a hidden feature?

Posted by Adam on August 2, 2004 at 1:07 PM (PST)

7

Adam, you’re an idiot. there is no way thats a colour screen… USE YOUR BRAIN!

Posted by Me.... on August 2, 2004 at 11:20 PM (PST)

8

When running the 5 in 1 test I get a “USBFAIL NOCON” error. Is that normal?

Posted by Ronnie on August 4, 2004 at 7:38 AM (PST)

9

It says HPDETECT and HP FAIL how do I get out of this?

Posted by B.O.B. on September 4, 2004 at 6:03 PM (PST)

10

BOB just reset again, center+menu

Posted by No one on September 15, 2004 at 11:18 AM (PST)

11

I tried this menu, went into the 5 and 1 test and it stopped on the USBFAIL NO CON, the ipod is lit up but no go, cant get out of the damm menu even with center+menu, please help

Posted by Ewen on April 22, 2005 at 2:47 PM (PST)

12

With an article name of “Backstage: New iPod 4G diagnostics” I expected a heck of a lot more information. Your site is worthless!!!

Posted by none on December 25, 2005 at 7:05 AM (PST)

13

for 3g u have to press center+previous+forward to get it

Posted by mikey on May 21, 2007 at 12:50 PM (PST)

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