Cannot connect to Nucleus+ / Roon Server after switching USB drives

Support Nucleus Support
1

Roon Server Machine

Nucleus+

Networking Gear & Setup Details

Orbi router and satellites - wifi + ethernet connected DAC

UPDATE: Orbi says the NucleusPlus is offline even though it’s connected via Ethernet to the satellite. I unplugged and replugged both ends of the Ethernet cable without any change in this status. The green Ethernet light is blinking on the Nucleus+. Restarted satellite, no luck.

As far as I can tell, the Nucleus+ Ethernet connection is not working, thus Roon apps can’t find Roon Server.

How can I troubleshoot the Ethernet connection on the Nucleus+?

Connected Audio Devices

Macs, iPhones, iPads, DAC (ethernet)

Number of Tracks in Library

Large - over 2 TBs of data

Description of Issue

Hi - I followed the common steps to switch the Nucelus+ connected USB drive to a new larger drive

  • turn Nucleus+ off
  • switch USB drives
  • turn Nucleus+ back on
  • in Roon, remap the storage path and rescan

However, after restarting the Nucleus+ (twice) I cannot connect to Roon Server from any device. It is stuck at the Waiting for your Roon Server message (“Roon is still trying to connect, but it’s taking longer than normal”)

It has been at least 30 minutes so far as of writing this post. Therefore, I cannot remap the path and rescan the USB drive. The network is working for all other devices in the house. Nothing else was changed with Roon - I just turned it off, swapped drives and turned it back on.

I also use Qobuz and Tidal with Roon, so even if the issue is with the new USB drive, those services should still work via Roon Server.

I’ve noticed in the past it can take Roon Server a very long time to start up - is this normal? I’ll give up, then check hours later and it works.

Also, I cannot find the instructions for how to access the web interface for managing the Nucleus+ - I would appreciate a link to how to do that. UPDATE: it seems Roon OS is accessed from Roon, so this cannot be accessed if I cannot access Roon Server.

If the Nucleus+ is this slow, are there faster devices? I only use Roon to stream to various devices, including a DAC and various Apple products and ARC.

Does the Nucleus+ have a standby mode vs on? The on button is lit up but I’m wondering if it’s in a standby mode?

Thank you.

3

I think I may have had what could be a similar experience while fiddling with cabling near my Nucleus this morning. Please forgive my question: could it be something as simple as rebooting your desktop machine (in my case my iMac)… that forced the Mac’s OS to remount the Nucleus?

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Interesting. I have too much open on my MacBook Pro to restart right now, and in any case my iPhone has the same issue. I restarted that and nothing resolved.

In the Orbi app, when I view this particular satellite, it lists what is and was connected to it. It shows that my DAC is online and connected via ethernet at the moment. However, with the NucleusPlus, it says the device is offline. It should be the same as the DAC - they are both connected via ethernet to the same satellite. The Nucleus+ is powered on, as far as I can tell.

When I switched USB drives I did not touch any other connections, but it seems the ethernet connection is the issue at the moment. Beyond disconnected and reconnecting, and powering off and back on, I don’t know how else to troubleshoot the Nucleus+ ethernet connection.

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5

Yes… suggest waiting until your other apps have finished; and then leaving everything else as it is and rebooting your Mac. Good luck!

6

Restarted MBP. No change. The Roon Nucleus+ is offline via ethernet until the problem can be tracked down. What I would appreciate help with is how to track down issues with the Nucleus+ and ethernet connections.

7

You can try and plug in a keyboard and a monitor and see what it is displaying. Any messages might be helpful for support.

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I’ve never done that before. I have an Apple display across the room with USB inputs. Would this need an HDMI to USB C cable? I’d have to order a long cable.

The keyboard and trackpad are wireless (Bluetooth). Would that work with the Nucleus+?

In the past I’ve been able to use Roon OS but since Roon won’t work because it can’t connect to Roon Server this is not an option.

I’m a Roon lifetime subscriber but right now I’m feeling left out at sea without a map. None of my other audio devices have such troubles, and generally it’s pretty quick to resolve any issues.

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6 hours and counting.

Is it possible the Ethernet connection on the Nucleus+ died and needs to be replaced? I ordered it from Roon so I assume I can send it in for repair?

Here’s what I see in the Orbi app even though it’s connected via Ethernet

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Any help appreciated as I’m at a loss as to what to troubleshoot. Roon was generally stable before. I don’t know what to research as the next step.

I’m wondering if I should look into a different Roon Ready streamer that’s more stable than the Nucleus+.

10

For reference, you would enter the IP Address of the Nucleus into a web browser to access the Web Administration interface; however, it appears as though your Nucleus is not accessible via ethernet.

If you haven’t got a suitable monitor to connect, do you have a TV with an HDMI connection that you could try?

It sounds as though the m.2 SSD in the Nucleus has failed, but connecting a display would help to confirm it.

Two further questions:

  • Is the unit still within the 2 year warranty period?
  • Did you buy it from a dealer or direct from Roon Labs?

Your answers will determine the next steps. Thanks.

One last thought - if you disconnect the USB drive, does the Nucleus boot up normally?

11

This morning I tried several things:
• Restarted the N+ with the previous USB drive attached as before = no change
• Restarted the N+ with no USB drive attached at all = no change
• Tried a third ethernet cable = no change
• Restarted the Orbi satellite again = no change

Then I moved the N+ near my Apple Display and connected them via HDMI to USB C. Tried the various USB options, with restarts between them. No change.

Nothing displays on the Apple Display when the N+ is powered on. I tried both HDMI ports and neither would display anything on the Apple Display.

I have to assume the Nucleus+ has died. It’s several years old, and no longer under warranty. I believe I purchased it from Roon, but I’m unable to confirm that (no receipt in email).

I’ll research options to replace it. I only need it as a streamer - I do not need a component that does more than that (i.e. no built in DAC). It basically just needs to sit on the network and play music via ethernet (or USB), AirPlay and ARC.

It looks like these are called Bridges on the Roon website for Roon Ready partner devices - is that what I’m looking for? The Nucleus+ is also a Bridge? Can any Bridge device serve as the Roon Server or do you have to specifically look for that capability?

Or alternatively, install Roon Server on a Mac? It would need to be always on so it can be accessed anytime for music playback and ARC. I recently started using Apple Music and I’m wondering if I can connect my music files USB drive and play them through Apple Music?

12

A Bridge is a bridge and a Server is a server. The bridge provides a networked output (if the output device isn’t Roon Ready on its own), it doesn’t replace the server

The Nucleus provides a Roon Server (and you need one Server device in your Roon setup)

13

Thanks. I did a little more research and see that Roon Server has to be run on some type of server device.

Therefore, I could use Roon Server on a Mac and keep it from going to sleep so it’s always on and always accessible to Roon Remotes and ARC. That may be my simplest option. I assume this means setting up a new instance of Roon Server (vs migrating) and starting fresh in Roon (sign into streaming services, setting the path to the USB drive with local music files).

14

Correct

If you have a Roon backup from a previous server, you can restore the backup on the new one

The migration is described here:

15

Thanks, I had forgotten I had backups.

17

Hey @Andrew_Thompson,

Thanks for writing in and sorry to hear about your Nucleus issues! Unfortunately, it’s not showing up under your account devices and therefore we’re not able to better diagnose the issue.

Certainly, let me know if your change your mind! We do have the option to send in the Nucleus for hardware repair.

18

Thanks. It’s no longer installed/online.