Retro Tech ASMR: Creative Zen Vision M disassembly and upgrade (battery, micro-sd, screen-protector

Описание

Bringing back to life amazing 15-year-old jukebox, which has a nostalgic value to many of us. Results – stunning battery life, large capacity and faster operation (no hdd hesitation)! If you manage to find Creative Playdock Z500 you will be surprised by the sound depth and quality of this little retro pair.

UPDATE - how to fix "new battery not charging" problem see in comments below the video

00:00 - overview
03:21 - disassembly
09:14 - battery replacement
11:26 - HDD swap for MicroSD via ZIF-CF-MicroSD adapters
18:57 - firmware upgrade

Battery:
Cameron Sino Battery for Creative Zen Vision M 30GB / 60GB 1400mAh - BA20603R79914 LPCS285385 (e.g. from Aliexpress)
Some aftermarket batteries (both 1400 and 1700 mAh) might work only on low firmwares or require utilization of control board from old battery (soldering needed). The battery I used was just plug-and-play with no modifications needed.



ZIF-CF adapter:
Leagy CF Card Compact Flash Memory Disk to 1.8 inch ZIF to 1.8 CE Adapter Converter for iPod (https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Compact-Memory-1-8-inch-Adapter-Converter/dp/B07B7K3CF4/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/258-4508856-9132041?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07B7K3CF4&pd_rd_r=1a157227-5cfd-4155-b4b7-8f4b12569102&pd_rd_w=IOFjG&pd_rd_wg=MDVXv&pf_rd_p=4490d326-3239-499b-8c8a-0dd8d6ad582a&pf_rd_r=F82RC72E6DY9W0D00ZZ3&psc=1&refRID=F82RC72E6DY9W0D00ZZ3)




CF-MicroSD adapter:
QUMOX microSD To CF Compact Flash Memory Card Adapter Reader type 1 WIFI (https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B019RAY92I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Setup worked with 64gb microsd without any issues, larger volumes should in theory be supported as well.



Screen-protector:
BROTECT Screen Protector Compatible with Creative Zen Vision M (Pack of 2) Clear Screen Protector Film (https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B013L8CJ7Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
There are still quite some alternatives on the market. I chose the one from German supplier BroTecht, whose products I use for many devices and quite happy with.