Squeezebox Players

[boomowner]

My Squeezeboh Boom stop working. When powered on, the buttons light up, but nothing is shown on the screen (the unit doesn't boot up). Tried a hard reset (holding an "Add" button before powering the unit up), nothing happens. Emailed customer support (Mr. Alfonso T.), he told me about a hard reset (which didn't worked), and, after I asked him to contact development, his response was that he can't do it (????), and his only advice was to go to this forum. So maybe someone here has some advice for me? Thanks!

[squeezeit]

If it is the screen that has died then there is not much that can be done.  Those screens are no longer manufactured.

Might just be the power supply, if you have any way to test that.  Meter?  Anyone near you with a Boom to swap power supplies?

There are some long shot ways to work around a dead screen, but before we jump off that cliff, can you get to the Boom's setup screen?  Press & hold the back button (left arrow)?

There was an update a while back which caused Boom screens to go dark, but was fixable via Boom settings.

[boomowner]

The power supply is just fine, because the lights behind buttons in the Boom light up when I power the Boom, and also when I push the "power" button either on the box or on the remote, lights in the Boom's buttons go dimmer or lighter. But nothing is seen on the screen, and other buttons (while being light up) aren't operational.

On the other hand, I also have a Squeezebox Controller (working without a problem), and through the Controller I can see the Boom on the network (with its network parameters), but can't operate it (even turn it on/off) using a controller.

I believe it could be a firmware corruption, so the Boom just doesn't even go through the initial sequence. Is it possible to install firmware manually (like in the case of the Controller which has a SD card inside)? Also, how to physically open the Boom's case? I don't see any screws...

[squeezeit]

You are probably correct on the power supply, but the fact that lights work on the Boom does not completely rule out a power supply issue.  It could be damaged to the point of supplying current but insufficient current for full operation.

The only way to update/downgrade the Boom's firmware is to connect it to a server (LMS on a computer, Touch's inbuilt server, or MySB.com online).  But if you cannot direct it to one of those servers then you cannot access the different firmware.

In addition to the Controller you could try setup via an Android phone utility and the computer based NET:UDAP utility, both can be researched here:    http://forums.slimdevices.com    I have no experience with either. 

Swap power supplies, find a local user of the Boom or match the specs on another power supply.

Find a local SB user with an SB3/Classic with a Brightness button.

return/exchange/credit/warranty:  Boom came with a 2 year warranty, if the credit card you used has buyer protection service (most do) this would extend the warranty to three years.

Did you try the Enter Setup routine I described?  Long shot, but I'd at least try it. 

[boomowner]

Does Logitech perform post-warranty repairs? No info on their website...

Do you know how to physically open the Boom's case? There should be the firmware card (or a chip) inside. And, of course, there is a (developer's) way to reload firmware without connecting the Boom to the network. The support guy with whom I communicated via email just refused to connect me with developers.

[squeezeit]

I highly doubt any developer is going to get involved nor disclose just how to do that anyway. 

Here is the Boom white paper which includes a complete assembly diagram:

http://wiki.slimdevices.com/uploads/a/ad/Logitech_Squeezebox_Boom_Audio_Design.pdf

[boomowner]

Great article, thanks! But it doesn't say how to open the sealed box without damaging it. And, of course, it has no info useful in my case. I will try to continue pushing Logitech's customer service to resolve the problem with my Boom, unless someone on this forum has had experienced the similar problem and would respond with his/her solution. Thanks, anyway!

[squeezeit]

Remove the front grilles, they just pop out.  You will then see screws to begin disassembly.

All of the hardware designers, including Caleb (the lead hardware engineer) are all gone now.

I suggested the Boom white paper solely for your request to see assembly of the Boom, not to help with hacking the firmware (which as you see is not present in that document). 

[boomowner]

Thanks for advice about how to open the case. :-) I'm not looking into hacking the firmware, just for the way to reinstall it locally (not remotely) and make my Boom working again. Have done it (professionally) for other computers (well, the Boom is just a Linux powered machine, isn't it?) in the course of my previous work, also have done it at home for my Controller (in this case using Logitech's procedure). So I hope that someone (Logitech's employee?) reading my post will respond.

It's a pity to have a beautiful, well working (in the past) Squeezebox Boom serving now as a "brick", and Logitech not providing a proper support (not even offering to repair it for my money!). Great company, but not treating me properly this time... :-(

[Gee11]

I've got the very same problem you've described. For what it's worth, I also have several other units so I have tried swapping the power supply and the symptoms are unchanged.

Since it's been a while since your original post, have you been able to do anything with your BoomBox ? Logitech has offered me a replacement UE Radio, but I think I may just hold on to my Squeezebox which I prefer. This unit is dead but I have 6 other SB devices. I'm hoping there is something I can do with this ? Had you managed to figure out a way to reset/update the firmware  since your last post ?