Wi-Fi & connectivity

[krth101]

I have an older tv that connects via RCA jacks with my ROKU device. All of a sudden the ROKU will not work. I get a prompt that tells me something about low power and to connect the device with an adaptor via USB. This TV does not have a USB port. Can you tell me what has taken place and if this older set is no longer compatible with a ROKU device? Was there an upgrade? Is there a work around?

[AvsGunnar]

@krth101 

Most of the Roku devices use a power cable (micro-USB on player end and a USB-A on power end) that then plugs into a USB wall adapter(5Volt, 1Amp).

All the above are very similar to mobile phone charging systems.  If you have any laying around, you can try using these with your Roku to see if they solve your low power issue.  

My dog recently broke my power cable in my Premiere+ (sat on the short cable and ripped free from player and replaced with longer 10ft cable from my local Walgreens who were clearing out a brand "Infinitive" so picked up a couple at $2.00 each.)

Normally, though, I think the wall adapter part would probably be the primary culprit to check first. (If you have it plugged into a surge protector, try plugging directly into wall.  If works, replace surge protector.  If not, replace power adapter first, then cable.)

[krth101]

Thanks for the info. Still a little confused though. This roku is plugged directly into the wall. There is no adaptor. The outlet appears to be fine. So is it the ROKU device that may be the problem?

[renojim]

What's the model number from Settings->System->About?  You could probably get a new power adapter, but I'm not sure it's worth it.  Those adapters do fail.

[AvsGunnar]

@krth101 

Sorry to confuse you.  Basically, you can make your own power adapter using the specs in my other posting.  Unplug the power cable from your Roku device and then replace with a cell phone charger cable and USB power adapter.  Most likely it is a microUSB connector that plugs into the player itself.  (bring the cable to the store to make sure you get correct cable).

Hopefully the image below may clear it up for you.  You player will have composite connections rather than the HDMI connection shown on this player.

Click on image to enlarge.

[BartZLederman]

I had problems like this with my express.  Many (most) of the 5 Volt USB adaptors I've tested don't actually supply 5 Volts, especially at the current draw of a Roku.  The power adapters that come from Roku with the device will power their devices, at least every one I tried.

However, I did a test and came up with another solution that has worked very well for me. The power supplies designed for Rasberry-Pi computers supply more than enough power for any Roku, and they come with a moulded in power cord and micro-usb plug.  Since I started using that I've never had any complaints from the Roku about low power.

I got mine from newark.com, part number 28-19339 for $4.99, which is a bit more than the cheap USB power supplies you get from the drug store or dollar store, but it fixes the problem permanently.  For what it costs, I think this is a much better solution than making your own power supply: by the time you buy the parts you might as well get something that's already what you need.  Don't be put off by the fact that it says 5.1 Volts instead of 5.0, that's within the specified variation for USB devices.

I don't work for Newark, I'm just a satisfied customer.

If you often have problems with USB power, not just Roku, then you might consider getting one of these:

https://www.mpja.com/USB-Port-Volt-Current-Monitor-Straight/productinfo/31568+ME/

It's currently on sale, and will tell you just how much current your USB device is consuming, and the voltage.  I've tracked down power problems with Roku devices and several other devices using this device, it's well worth the cost.

Again, I don't work for MPJA.COM, just a customer.