Roku Stick 3600R internet requirement

I have a question about the 3600R. I use it on the road with my WD Passport Pro Wireless (which works great for my needs). I set it up originally, got all channels loaded, then disabled Ping to get it to work without an internet connection (then I don't have to connect the PWP to the internet). I keep it in a case in my suitcase so I always have it.
This worked great for a few trips. Then my son asked to use it at home and I said yes, not thinking it would affect anything. Well, it apparently did a firmware update and now I have to have it connect to the internet in order to use it. Nothing I try will let me bypass that.
Does anyone know of a trick to get it to work again without internet?
Or, failing that, another player that small I can use? I thought about my FireStick (1st gen) but it also needs an internet connection (at least I have not figure out a way around it).
I appreciate any advice or solutions.