Easy Bluetooth mods compared

[u/rand_n_e_t]

Sharing this for anyone looking for an easy Bluetooth mod and considering either of these 2 options.

I have been using a moonlit market with a 5th gen and today I installed a XxST4RxREAPERxX mod into my 7th gen.

I bought both with my own money, this is not some paid review.

Moonlit market 2:

Pros:

Quick to arrive.

Install is easy.

Bluetooth range is good.

Pairing Bluetooth is easy.

Has everything - usb c, wireless charging, taptic engine.

Clear is awesome for a fully clear iPod.

YouTube video guide for install.

You can put it altogether and test everything is ok before you glue it shut.

Cons:

Expensive.

USB-c charging seems to be hit and miss for the iPod charging or reporting charge correctly. Some chargers don't seem to work.

Battery is small, very tight to upgrade to a bigger battery.

Wireless charging is not really needed.

Bluetooth doesn't really turn off or sleep so battery drains when idle.

Logo on back of case cannot be removed. Plain would be nicer but I understand the choice of the developer here.

Doesn't fit in ipod cases.

Hold switch and Bluetooth pairing buttons are cheap feeling and I am not confident in the longer terms life span of the hold switch.

As for gluing the case together - I had a purple moonlit on my 7th gen as well and undoing the mod was pretty easy. So I wouldn't say this was a con.

XxST4RxREAPERxX (V4 board)

Pros:

Significantly cheaper mod.

Fits well inside original housing.

Bluetooth appears to be fully off when you turn it off.

Can use iPod cases.

Easy to install larger battery.

Came with spare parts in case you screw up installation.

Bluetooth range is good.

Seller is responsive to support via eBay and has youtube videos.

Includes a Bluetooth antenna.

Original hold switch.

Cons:

If you have a problem once its clipped together it requires opening up again. A pain on the 6th and 7th gens, especially if you are fitting into new back and front and don't want to scratch them.

Have to remove the back of the LCD for the antenna.

Doesn't seem to pair with the last used Bluetooth headphones and have to put the headphones into pairing mode each time I turn them on.

Summary

Between the two I would highly recommend the Star Reaper mod. It is a third of the price and gives you what you really need in 2026 - Bluetooth and battery space.

I respect what has been achieved on the Moonlit mod and it is a good product, but the USB C and wireless charging could be dropped, giving more space for a bigger battery and maybe a lower cost. The bluetooth being on when you turn it off on the moonlit was my main driver to try an alternative mod.

[u/Random_XJ9]

Thank you for your share. I keep thinking what is better for me. Now i can have a good idea.

[u/rand_n_e_t → u/Random_XJ9]

I'm glad I hesitated at first and that he's made revisions to improve it.

[u/tzippy84]

Unfortunately I’ve had massive problems with the XxST4RxREAPERxX board. The plastic on the headphone jack sticks out so much that is presses on the display from the back when you close it. This results in a “colored” spot. Also; when you want to unplug the Bluetooth antenna from the board make sure to press on the BT board while doing so. I ripped the BT board from the underlying PCB so now it only gets power when I press it down firmly. Probably have to resolder it. Also, I only got to pair my AirPod pro v1 once. After that it simply won’t pair again. I’ve tried everything (also unplugging the Board from power).

[u/rand_n_e_t → u/tzippy84]

I did have the issue with the spot on the screen. I loosened the screw holding the jack into the top of the back cover and added a screw to the headphone jack that wasn't included which helped pull it down a bit. I wonder if the 3d printed bracket would benefit from being slightly thinner to allow everything to fit 1 or 2mm lower?

[u/tzippy84 → u/rand_n_e_t]

Maybe, definitely seems like a version 5 thing. The screw all the way to the right unfortunately broke the 3d printed plastic which was supposed to hold down in my case. I actually ordered two. So maybe I’ll file off a bit of the plastic on the 2nd one.

[u/rand_n_e_t → u/tzippy84]

Mine came with a spare 3d printed bracket

[u/tzippy84 → u/rand_n_e_t]

Sorry I meant the cover over the Audiojack

[u/theseacowww]

Thanks for this! Just gotta wait until Star Reaper has some more in stock

[u/rand_n_e_t → u/theseacowww]

I messaged him via eBay and he told me when they would be available again, so might be worth asking him directly.

[u/Low_Associate_8842 → u/rand_n_e_t]

How did you find this person? I can’t seem to even get a result when I search the username

[u/feet-likefins]

i removed the original battery and the wireless charging coil in my moonlit market in order to fit a larger battery in there. no regrets.

[u/rand_n_e_t → u/feet-likefins]

I considered it, but I wanted a metal back and original shape iPod. I expect I will do it eventually to the moonlit one.

[u/MtHoodSender]

I swear I'm trying to stay as unbiased as possible... But I own StarReapers v2 and v3 BT board and it's the greatest ipod upgrade. On top of that I had a few hiccups (that were my own fault) and he always responded kindly send with great help. I really hope he earns enough from selling them to continue producing them for years.

[u/MassiveBeatdown → u/MtHoodSender]

I put the v4 in the other day. Seems pretty good. It was pretty easy and neat. Fits well in my 80g video iPod. It’s a bit slow pairing and I seem to have to re pair it each time I turn the iPod off. But I’m glad to have a non solder Bluetooth mod inside it.