Discussions

[supermarkert]

Hear me out....

I have a Streambar SE with a bad internal Wifi adapter. It just doesn't work, and there's no way to fix it (no warranty, etc.). So I'm looking for options to salvage it for cheap
I'm aware that some have been successful in adding a USB Ethernet adapter, but I don't have Ethernet available in the area that it's installed. And I can find cheap USB Wifi adapters online (like the TP-Link TL-WN823N) for <$10.  
Has anyone tried this, or convince me one way or another it won't work?

[AvsGunnar]

@supermarkert 

If you can get a number off the wifi module inside the SE, then you "may" be able to find a USB wifi adapter with a compatible chipset and give that a shot.

You would likely be the first to do it though and I haven't come across any SE teardowns to see the chip used.  You could certainly search https://fccid.io/TC2 (Roku submittals) and see if you can glean any info from the pics or tests conducted as to the module.

If more of a project than anything else, ebay has some cheap refurbished Roku units (and even some for parts) that you may try swapping out the wifi module with yours and see if that gets you back up and running.  I have had ebay sellers actually just give me old equipment for the price of shipping.

[RokuReynan-L]

Hi, @supermarkert.

Welcome to the Roku Community!

We appreciate you reaching out to us about connecting your streaming player to your internet. 

May we know how long you have had this Streambar SE? Also, have you tried using an ethernet adapter to a wifi bridge?

You may also try connecting a USB Wi-Fi adapter to your Streambar SE. However, the suggested adapter for connecting your stream bar is an ethernet adapter. 

Furthermore, you may visit this support article on how to use USB to connect your Roku streaming device to a wired network

We'll wait for your response.

Regards,
Reynan

[supermarkert]

Thanks for the advice.

Looks like it's time to open this guy up and see what I can find. I got this device for free and I really liked the form factor for the space it's in, so was trying to avoid spending any significant amount of $ to replace it.

[AvsGunnar]

@supermarkert 

A possible way to make work would be to try using a TP Link Powerline adapter.  

It is a "paired" setup that requires one powerline adapter to be plugged into a wall outlet and the router via ethernet cable.  The other powerline adapter is then plugged into another outlet and the client device is connected to it via another ethernet cable.  Then you pair the two powerline adapters together so they communicate with the router. (gives you a wired connection).

I would think this method would give you the greatest chance of success.

However, by the time you buy the powerline adapters and a compatible USB ethernet adapter to convert the Streambar to a wired capability to accept the ethernet cable needed for the powerline adapter, you are nearing the cost of a new Streambar.  (currently on sale for $79).