Roku setup

[DOGBOT]

I have had a Roku Express for some time now

I am in an area where internet is a bit unstable and the connection will drop 2 or 3 times a day sometimes

Every tome the connection drops i have to go through activation. This is a real pain and i can see no logical reason for it

Is there a way to avoid this or is it time to ditch the Roku and go for something else?

[RokuDanny-R]

@DOGBOT

Thanks for the post.

Can you please clarify the issue you are experiencing? Are you having to activate your Roku device every time you use it? How are you powering the Roku device? Is the device plugged into the TV USB port or is it plugged into a wall outlet?

With more information we will be able to assist you further.

Thanks,
Danny

[DOGBOT]

Ill try again

Authentification keeps failing

[DOGBOT]

Really!

I though it was quite clear

I never mentioned anything about it being a power issue

It is an issue with your box of tricks forcing me through a lengthy, tiresome and pointless procedure every time the internet connection drops

[DOGBOT]

For clarity

Power is supplied by an always on 5v 2.5amp stable and regulated PSU that is in turn fed by a 12.2v - 13.5v always on 'off grid' dc system 

It is definately not a PSU issue

[DBDukes]

---

@DOGBOT wrote:

I never mentioned anything about it being a power issue

Which is why he asked. He asked how you were powering it, as some people connect it to a USB rather than using the included power brick. Just because you don't see how that can be the issue doesn't mean it's not the issue. It's a valid line of questioning for ruling in or out possible issues that can cause what you're experiencing. 

It could indeed be, and likely is, that the Express is defective. But before that determination can be made, certain things must be ruled out. After all, if it's not a defective box, a replacement will experience the same issues and nothing was solved. Try cooperating with those trying to help and perhaps you'll get a solution.

[DOGBOT]

Ok my bad

I had thought i had made it perfectly clear that this was a problem caused by having to go through the whole registration thing every time the Roku lost its internet connection

Even if this was a power issue, the constant re registration is still an issue as it would appear to be a software issue (ie. No record or memory of registration is kept in non volatile memory either on the device or on the servers)

Maybe I should have gone into lengthy explanations as to the way the device is used, how it has been powered, the checks that i have made in house, my technical qualifications, yada, yada, yada.

I thought it best to keep it simple and ask a question

So, I'll rephrase! 

Why is the information given in registration not held in non volatile memory? Is this a fault with the device, a design issue, or a fault with the server software?

Short of taking the device apart on a test bench, all in house possibilities have been, substantially, ruled out. Including, but not restricted too, possible localised interference, PSU, internal network incompatibilities, possible monitor issues, dc common rail supply issues and many other localised possibilities

All conclusions are that it was better to ask a simple question in a format that most non technically minded folk could understand. Obviously my bad!

And another question

Why is it that informed, and qualified customers are often ignored or lambasted for asking a question that maybe difficult to answer? This so often seems to be the 'modern' trend these days that it is no wander why folk get frustrated

[atc98092 · Accepted solution]

As best I can tell, the device registration is retained in non-volatile memory. Back when I was traveling for work (seems so long ago), my Roku would stay in my suitcase and only be connected at the hotel. This might mean it sat for weeks without being connected to power or a network. But I've never had any issues with the device being linked to my user account. I have an old Roku 2 XS that just sits in a drawer because it's too outdated. But I did pull it out to test something for another user, and after more than a year in the drawer it was still linked to my account.

So, there's definitely something going on with your device. My personal opinion would be that a chip has failed, or at least a portion of one. I'm not a fan of the Express, and have never had one. But with all the Roku devices I've owned, I've never encountered that issue. If you're within the one year warranty period, I recommend sending @RokuDanny-R a private message with your serial number and account email address and request a replacement. 

[DBDukes]

Hey @DOGBOT:

To echo what @atc98092 said, I have a Roku 2XS, purchased in 2011, discontinued by Roku in 2013, fully retired from service in 2015 and placed in a box on a shelf, that was subsequently taken back out, plugged in to assist in troubleshooting an issue in 2019, that worked just fine and retained everything. I feel confident that should I plug it in again, it would. Therefore, I would agree that Roku info is retained in non-volatile memory.

Maybe, as @atc98092 said, there is something wrong with your device. Perhaps something that might impact the data. Like a bad power source. 

Something I've learned over the years: there's always something new to learn. Getting all arrogant about what you do know only heightens the uncomfortable situation that can occur when what you know is wrong. Like your assertion that Roku registration information is not stored in non-volatile memory. 

Follow the troubleshooting steps, even those you've already done, and work with the people that are trying to help. Or don't. It doesn't matter to me; my Roku devices, even though unplugged for years, work just fine.

[DOGBOT]

Thank you

An answer that I can work with 🙂 

No way does my device hold any information

If my connection goes down it loses everything

If i turn it off it loses everything

Now I know that it should hold that information i can decide if I will bin it in favour of something else or replace it 

I don't know if it is still under warranty or not. I suspect not 😞