When your Soundbridge Network Music Player (models m500/m1000/m1001/m200) seems to not be receiving power, it is most likely an issue with your Power Adapter. Using a multimeter, you can test to see if the power adapter is working properly. This test MUST be done with the unit under a load, as testing without a load will usually show a proper voltage reading, but once a load is attached, the unit will be shown to be failing.
Testing the Soundbridge's power adapter with a load attached can be done in various ways:
1) you can take the unit to your nearest Radio Shack (or other electronics store) and ask the employees to test the adapter with a load attached.
2) you can hook up the soundbridge up to the adapter, and then using the tips of the multimeter probes to carefully pierce through the plastic covering protecting the wires to get a reading (make sure not to cross the probes.)
If you have a m1001 or M400x unit AND a Roku Streaming Player, then you can test to see if the problem is the power adapter by using the adapter for the Roku Streaming Player to see if it powers you device, as the two units have interchangeable adapters (Note: The inside diameter for the Streaming Players is a touch larger than that of an m1001/m400x so the connection may be slightly loose).
All of the following information is a guide to aid you in finding a proper power adapter for your Soundbridge device, please be sure to read thoroughly:
Any power adapter that you use to operate your Soundbridge device will need to be regulated.
The following list shows the minimum requirements for a power adapter for each of the different Soundbridge devices. Voltage requirements need to be precise, while amperage requirements are the minimum needed to power the device. For best performance it is generally recommended to try to get a power adapter that has a higher amperage rating.
M2000:
24 volts, DC, center positive, 0.7 amps.
Outside diameter = 5.5mm; inside diameter = 2.1mm.
M500/M1000 (with connections under the endcaps):
9 volts, DC, center positive, 1.3A.
Outside diameter = 5.5mm; inside diameter = 2.1mm.
The M1001 (includes units labelled as M1000 but with connections at the back) and the M400 PX (aka Pinnacle HomeMusic):
5.0 volts DC @ 1500mA (or 1.5Amp) connector uses 2.1 inside diameter and 5.5mm outside diameter. Center positive.
Take care to ensure that the replacement PSU has a straight edged connector. The elbow connectors that are now common will not fit inside the recess. Ask the online webshop about this specifically, or visit the real shop. This is true of all units with the power connector in a recess. Apparently, Maplins sells the straight pin connectors separately.
For US Purchases:
You can purchase replacements for the m1001 at:
http://shop.roku.com/accessories-all
(The Roku Streaming Players power adapter, does work with the Soundbridge m1001)
Apparently, Roku has stopped selling, or ran out of stock for power adapters that will work with models other than the Soundbridge M1001, when looking for replacements for m500/m1000/m2000 models, please confirm the specs with listed in this post. (Note: I will be updating this list with options as I find them)
Known options for those who wish to purchase replacements outside of the US:
Contact Roku Sales at: (408) 556-9042 (operating hours are Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM PST [GMT-8])
United Kingdom: Maplin, Conrad UK, Amazon UK
Germany: Conrad
Austria: Conrad
Switzerland: Conrad
France: Conrad
Netherlands: Conrad, POP electronics
Belgium: Conrad
Czech Republic: Conrad
Slovenia: Conrad
Slovakia: Conrad
Hungary: Conrad
Poland: Conrad
Sweden: Conrad
many other countries: Conrad, Mouser Electronics
M2000 adapters in the US:
http://search.digikey.com/us/en/product ... ND/2384486
http://search.digikey.com/us/en/product ... ND/2635782
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Special thanks to Burkhardi, S80_UK, dupondt, and jjaf for their help in compiling this information.
Edit: 9/18 updated Soundbridge accessories store URL for purchasing PSUs for m1001