B2 Skipping/Stopping During Playback

[waga...@gmail.com]

My B2 continues to skip and/or stop during playback. I can see it stopping on the web user interface graphic, then starting up again.  I have the latest software download (3/22/21) and I have scanned the disc several times.  I use an optical cable from the B2 to my Yamaha N402R receiver for playback which the B2 notes as wired speaker. I just replaced it with a brand new one, but no improvement. I also replaced the wifi antenna on the B2 with a brand new one.

The receiver plays through 3 Yamaha wifi speakers (WX010). I use the receiver for Spotify and Sirius XM with no playback issues whatsoever, so I will assume it's not a problem with the receiver or the wifi.

These are the stats from my B2:  

Software Version B2 Mar 22 2021 08:57:03
9065 tracks in 628 albums 319 artists
0 WAV 9065 FLAC 0 MP3 0 AAC
Capacity 500.00G Used 191.77Gb

Please help. Very frustrating not to be able to use my B2 music library with the annoying skipping and stopping.

Thanks.

[Daniel Taylor]

One way to completely rule out the WiFi as a source of the problem would be to power up with the WiFi dongle not plugged in.  To be doubly sure, you could run the Reset WiFi command (but then you'd have to re-setup your WiFi again later).  BTW, what is your WiFi signal strength?

[keith...@gmail.com]

Daniel,

If the B2 is stopping and restarting, skipping, why would it be wifi connection?  Optical cable direct to the receiver.  

"B2 notes as a wired speaker" ?  Do not know what that is .  Maybe a reseat or reflash the sd card,  it might be a slight PITA, especially if it is an internal sd card but worth a shot.

Keith Conrad

USA

[Daniel Taylor]

If the WiFi is losing the connection to the router, there can be pauses in any process that is running while the WiFi tries to reconnect.

[keith...@gmail.com]

And there you have it, did not know about that one.  Wonder if Waga can try a ethernet cable?

Keith Conrad

USA

[Daniel Taylor]

Of course, there could be other causes.  Reseating the SD card is a good idea.  Hopefully, it won't have to be rebuilt.  That's why I suggested something easier at first.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hi Waga,

As you have 9065 tracks in 628 albums 319 artists on the B2, you have obviously BEEN using it OK. I also note that you say the "pauses" also appear on the web user interface graphic when the sound stops.

This is why people are asking you about WiFi. We want to eliminate this as a possible cause of your problems.

To do this please remove your WiFi dongle, Boot up the B2 and "drive" the B2 from the front panel or the remote (for a time) and see if the interruptions to your music being played continue to haopen.

If not then we investigate WiFi further.  

If they do then the problem is either with the SOFTWARE/SD Card - OR - It is a hardware fault that is developing.

In which case we should begin looking at your SD Card first.

I hope this helps

Look forward to hearing how WIFiless B2 operates for you.

Fred

[waga...@gmail.com]

Hi. Thanks for all the comments/feedback/suggestions. 

I use my desktop computer (via the IP)and/or my iPhone  (via the new app) to control the B2.

I noted the wired speaker info because that's what the B2 display says when I turn it on.

Yes I have used the B2 without the skipping problem, as it has come and gone only to get worse recently. I put in a new modem and the best new wifi router I could find since most everything I listen to or view, comes via wifi (Spotify, SiriusXM, Netflix, Fire TV, etc.). I don't have any skipping or other issues with any of these other apps or devices that are using the wifi router (Netgear Nighthawk AX8 AX5700). I had the technician double check everything after installing the new modem and router to be certain it was working properly with all of my devices. The B2 unit sits about 12 feet from the router which is located in the attic above it.  It is connected to the receiver with the optical cable as I have noted. The receiver sits on the shelf right above the B2. I have even had the Yamaha receiver and speakers diagnosed for wifi issues and none found.

 I will try with the remote as you suggest. Battery is dead as I have not used it since I bought the B2 in Sept. 2018. Will have more batteries tomorrow and try again.

Stay tuned.

[Daniel Taylor]

Hi waga...

Before you remove the WiFi dongle, how about using the WiFi Strength command (Maintenance menu) to get the signal strength and then let us know what you find.

[waga...@gmail.com]

it says 31-41 dBm

[Daniel Taylor]

That's encouraging, as far as the WiFi goes.  I think Fred's suggestion to try running with out the dongle is still a good idea.

[waga...@gmail.com]

Got new battery. Removed the wifi dongle Used the remote as suggested above but sad to report I get the same skipping. What now?

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hi waga.

OK, that is progress but a bit disappointing.

FIRST - have you got a good backup of your B2's music made with either

"Main menu > USB Functions > Export to C" (Does a backup of the entire music collection to the drive in USB C and is incremental for subsequent uses of Export to C. The music is organised artist->album->track)  [NOTE - NOT using the "Backup to C" command]

or

by copying the contents to a PC via the B2's NAS capability?

IF NOT then your next step should be to make one.

With that done our next investigation needs to be round the B2's SD Card and the Software on it.

I am not sure which model B2 you have but it will either have an SD Card which sticks out of the right hand side towards the back or an internal micro SD Card which can be accessed by removing the back of the B2.

If it is a side one, power off and remove it, clean its gold contacts with a soft cloth and replace it.

If it is an internal one, do the same thing but following these instructions  -  https://www.brennan.co.uk/itemcontent.php/content/Techy

Once done, power up and see if the problem is cured.

If not then the next step is to purchase a new SD Card from Brennan as here https://www.brennan.co.uk/units

Depending on the above, you will know which type to order.

------------------------

Note, it is possible to write a new SD Card yourself but I think we need to do this with a NEW card, not using the old one. - given this it will be easier (and no more expensive) to get this from Brennan with the 

software already loaded.

When you get the new card, replace the old one with it and boot up you B2. Then the FIRST thing you must do is a 

"Main menu > Settings > Web Upgrade". 

After the B2 reboots test it to see if you problem is cured. 

If Not - your B2 has a hardware problem and will need to be serviced. (you have already backed up your music).

Hope this helps

Fred

[waga...@gmail.com]

OK. I had already backed up the music from my B2 onto a portable hard drive.

With great trepidation (as I am neither techie or mechanically inclined) I took off the back panel, popped out the micro SD card and cleaned it as suggested. It is a little tricky to re-insert but I did it.

Sadly, no improvement. I just ordered a new micro SD card from the Brennan site. Stay tuned.

Thanks again.

[keith...@gmail.com]

Has a heat issue been discussed?  You do have plenty of circulation around the b2, nothing  on top of it or blocking air flow?

Keith Conrad

USA

[waga...@gmail.com]

Not discussed but not any issue. Plenty of air flow around the B2 unit.

[PMB]

Hi Waga,

Please let us know if the replacement SD Card helps.

Here's some notes on changing the card -

Make sure the B2 is powered off and the DC plug is disconnected.

Remove the two screws marked with arrows (the top two only) - see our Techy Stuff page - link - How to change the micro SD Card.

Only pull the B2's rear panel out far enough (40mm - an inch and a half in old money - maximum) to access the card - otherwise you may pull off the CD Drive connection, which will result in a 'No CD Mechanism' message when the B2 is next powered on.

The SD Card is held in place by a push-push mechanism - to remove the old card push it (against the spring pressure) towards the centre of the unit and then release. It should pop out far enough for you to grip it (bit fiddly) and pull it all the way out - a pair of tweezers will help. Make a note of the orientation of the gold contacts - it needs to go back in the same way up.

To fit the new SD Card insert it with the gold contacts uppermost and push inwards against the spring. It should stay in place when released.

Refit the rear panel, without fitting the screws and power up. The red and green LEDs should flash for few seconds and then the display should light and show  'Brennan B2'. The LEDs stop flashing after around 10-12s and the display will change to 'b2 2000GB' (depending on the model).

If all powers up as expected fit the rear panel screws.

Do a Web Upgrade - Settings menu

Paul

Brennan Support.

[Dick Ellis]

I'm playing CDs using Line Out to an Outlaw RR2150 Input. The sound is great but there is much skipping before a track has finishing playing. I tried powering down and removing the WiFi dongle, but it's still skipping. Is re-seating or replacing the SD card recommended?  This is the first time I've used my new B2.  Thanks.

On Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 5:00:28 PM UTC-4 waga...@gmail.com wrote:

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hi. Richard.

I am afraid you have jumped in on this thread and your issues may be different and unrelated.

The forum works best by a member with a problem asking a question then members joining together to help solve that problem. While you may have found the discussion useful, if what is suggested can not be followed by you or does not solve your issue,

please can you start a new thread by asking a new question on the forum so that your issues attract the best attention.

Fred

[PMB]

Hi Richard,

Are you playing the actual CD or playing it from the HDD?

Try a Web Upgrade - Settings menu.

If the problem persists please email us on -   thebrennanb2   @   gmail   .   com   - no spaces, with a brief description of the problem.

Paul

Brennan Support.