iFi Nano iDSD Black Label

I've tried opening my micro iDSD, but I guess I didn't pull hard enough, or the internal layout is more complex (digital and analog are supposed to be on separate boards IIRC). The nano also doesn't look to have any switches on the sides or bottom like the micro. I've avoided keeping the battery topped off and trickling, so mine seems to still be in good shape.

 

Ah, yes, I'd forgotten about those bottom switches on the micros - the nano just has a single switch on the back and the board is not attached to the case so it just slides straight out the front. More disassembly steps required for the micro models I guess.

 

Too keep the battery out of the equation, on these models, can one use a USB cable with the power wire cut off? That "proprietary hole", aka USB, is a bummer.

 

The nano BL could, I think, but the simplest way to avoid the trickle-charge issue is to power it on only when disconnected, then connect it to the system. It'll then use battery power until the battery runs down and then will pull power from the USB but will not charge (it only charges when it's off). This FAQ answer seems to cover it

https://ifi-audio.com/faqs/is-it-possible-to-leave-it-on-24-7/

And the in manual:

https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/nano-iDSD-BL-manua-Ver1.4.pdf

The micro signature has separate data and charging ports to avoid the trickle-charging issue. This is a change from the micro BL, which works the same as the nano BL (but the micro BL also has an A-port on the side for charging your phone).

 

I didn't know about that "turning on first and plug it later", that's a game changer. Since i have the Black Label, it's a big help, thanks!

 

IIRC there were different firmwares for the OG micro iDSD with varying power behaviour, and only certain ones were "battery-only if powered on before USB". It's probably more clearly documented for the BL on the iFi website. I had to search the head-fi thread for which "flavour" had the desired behaviour and check if that's what I had installed years ago.

 

nano BL battery replacement: additional hack

Ok, you can replace a battery that's been depleted by constant trickle-charging to give you longer portable life. But if you also use it as a desktop unit, the problem remains: because the nano charges to 100% when connected in USB mode or discharges to 0% when connected in battery mode (see manual and here), leaving it plugged in will result in long periods with the battery either completely full or completely empty, neither being ideal for lithium battery longevity. The micro BL behaves better in this respect, only charging to 75% when left on and connected (see the last part of the last bullet here).

With the nano, there's a hack for that - install a plug so you can take the battery out of the circuit when in desktop use:



This is as simple as making a lead to go between the JST XH (2.5 mm) connector on the nano's board and whatever plug is on the battery lead, and routing the wires outside the case for accessibility. I used XH-size connectors to suit my big fumbly fingers, but you could use PH (2.0 mm), which will likely be the size on any replacement battery, or anything else if you wanted something smaller (but you'll need at least one XH plug for the connector on the board).



Getting the wires outside the case could be achieved by just routing them over the flexible plastic wall around the USB plug, but then they can get in the way when you're trying to plug in the big female cable end. If you don't mind a small amount of destruction, use a hacksaw blade to cut a slot in the bottom rear of the case (unscrew and remove the back panel) that's both long enough and wide enough to accommodate all the wires. Sand away any rough edges so the cables won't get sliced.



Et voila:



Now you can disconnect the battery before plugging in the USB cable, and power will be pulled from the USB connection. When you want to use or charge the battery, connect the plug and off you go.

If you're more creative or obsessive than me, you could probably install a little switch on the outside of the case to do the same thing in a much tidier fashion. This suits me just fine though.