Forum Discussion
The breakdown that I first used is from TechRepublic: https://www.techrepublic.com/pictures/cracking-open-the-roku-2-xs/ Images 18, 24, & 28-30 were helpful.
Also, this youtube video was useful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2KGYDw-q-4
Having a background in electronics, I guessed that removing the WiFi and Bluetooth antennas would
be the easiest way to stop RF output without harming any other circuitry- so I used some hefty wire
cutters to cut them off and for added measure cut the pcb connection to nearby broadcast chips
with an exacto knife.
No harm done, so both Rokus that were modified work fine with no measurable rf output. You do
take a risk bricking your media player, but for us worth it. So stay grounded and don't touch any pins
on chips if unnecessary.
So this is great, I cracked open all 3 of my Roku ultra devices and removed the 2 antennae in each, closed it back up and it works great! Not some models may have 3 antennas but my older ultras only had 2 each.
I'd rate this as easy, all that's needed is a nylon spudger, philips screwdriver and optionally some electrical tape.
All I did is wiggle the metal antennae at their 2 connection points to fatigue the metal until it snaps off. I covered the terminal points with electrical tape just in case and re assembled.
Note if you have micro SD cards you will want to remove them first before starting, as they get in the way of removing the case.
jnwf wrote:
The breakdown that I first used is from TechRepublic: https://www.techrepublic.com/pictures/cracking-open-the-roku-2-xs/ Images 18, 24, & 28-30 were helpful.
Also, this youtube video was useful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2KGYDw-q-4
Having a background in electronics, I guessed that removing the WiFi and Bluetooth antennas would
be the easiest way to stop RF output without harming any other circuitry- so I used some hefty wire
cutters to cut them off and for added measure cut the pcb connection to nearby broadcast chips
with an exacto knife.
No harm done, so both Rokus that were modified work fine with no measurable rf output. You do
take a risk bricking your media player, but for us worth it. So stay grounded and don't touch any pins
on chips if unnecessary.
- jnwf4 years agoChannel Surfer
Good news. Ethernet is King!
- ChefZ4 years agoStreaming Star
The amount of wifi interference that has disappeared instantly from my 3 Roku devices in the house, which were already wrapped in faraday fabric mind you, is crazy. I should've done this a year ago.
Ethernet, IR, and IR repeaters for the win!
- ooSux4 years agoBinge Watcher
This is quite likely the #1 most useful information ever posted on Roku Forums.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - jnwf4 years agoChannel Surfer
Congratulations ChefZ! I will soon be removing RF from the new (4800) Roku Ultra. Dolby Vision
and sound will be a plus. Thanks for the feedback.