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expired Posted by dailydealsforme • Jan 24, 2019
expired Posted by dailydealsforme • Jan 24, 2019

T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router (Certified Pre-Owned)

+ Free S/H

$40

$109

63% off
T-Mobile
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T-Mobile.com has T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router (Certified Pre-Owned) on sale for $49.99 - Extra $10 off w/ promo code CPOROUT (apply in cart) = $39.99. Shipping is free. Thanks dailydealsforme

Note, be sure to select the "No credit check" option before adding item to cart.

Includes
  • T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router
  • 3x External Dual-Band Detachable Antennas
  • Power Adapter
  • RJ-45 Cable

Editor's Notes

Written by Discombobulated | Staff
Be sure to apply your promo code while in cart to receive discount. Offer valid for online p purchase only - Discombobulated

Original Post

Written by dailydealsforme
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Update: If item appears to show out of stock, you may try another web browser or try again later.

T-Mobile.com has T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router (Certified Pre-Owned) on sale for $49.99 - Extra $10 off w/ promo code CPOROUT (apply in cart) = $39.99. Shipping is free. Thanks dailydealsforme

Note, be sure to select the "No credit check" option before adding item to cart.

Includes
  • T-Mobile TM-AC1900 WiFi CellSpot Router
  • 3x External Dual-Band Detachable Antennas
  • Power Adapter
  • RJ-45 Cable

Editor's Notes

Written by Discombobulated | Staff
Be sure to apply your promo code while in cart to receive discount. Offer valid for online p purchase only - Discombobulated

Original Post

Written by dailydealsforme

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+155
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Top Comments

If I had to write a full up-to-date guide, it would be this:
(Up to date as of 5/2/19 with suggestions in this and later threads)
How to flash TM-AC1900 to RT-AC68U:

Install WinSCP, Putty, and a file archiver (click this link to download all 3 [ninite.com]). Install the Asus Restore Utility [asus.com], mirror [filedropper.com].
Connect your computer to the *yellow* port on the router by way of an Ethernet (LAN) cable
Check if SSH can be enabled - if so, enable it and jump to step #15
Go to Administration > System > Enable SSH > Yes > Apply
Ezlink: http://192.168.29.1/Advanced_System_Content.asp
Create a folder on your desktop, name it "router".
Download this file [mega.nz] and extract it to the newly made router folder. It contains a firmware to downgrade to, a firmware to upgrade to, and mtd-write.
Download firmware version 3.0.0.4.384.20308 from here [softpedia.com] and unzip the file
Disconnect the cellspot router from the internet if you haven't already
Set static IP for PC.
start > run > ncpa.cpl > double click Ethernet > properties > IPV4 >
IP: 192.168.29.5
Subnet: Default (255.255.255.0)
Gateway: 192.168.29.1
Place router into Recovery/Restore mode
a. Hold reset button 10 seconds
b. Power off router (keep holding reset)
c. Wait 10 seconds, keep holding reset
d. Power on router holding reset for 10 more seconds
Go to 192.168.29.1 in a web browser - you should see ASUSTek CFE miniWeb Server
If Mini-CFE webpage won't load, try Chrome Incognito mode, else use Asus Restore Utility (linked in #1)
If having trouble with this step perform NVRAM Reset (see #24) and try #9 again
Flash TM-AC1900_3.0.0.4_376_1703-g0ffdbba.trx from the "router" folder you created (hit the choose button, select the file, hit upload)
Wait for reboot at least 5 mins – WiFi lights on router will turn on when boot is complete
Log in to router (admin:password)
Go to Administration > System > Enable SSH > Yes > Apply
Ezlink: http://192.168.29.1/Advanced_System_Content.asp
Open Putty and WinSCP and connect them to 192.168.29.1 using a admin:admin or admin:password
Tip: In WinSCP select SCP as file protocol, in Putty SSH
In Putty type:
cat /dev/mtd0 > original_cfe.bin
In WinSCP refresh the window on the right side and note that original_cfe.bin is present
Copy original_cfe.bin to a local drive
Download the new .bin
a. Upload original_cfe.bin to http://cfeditor.pipeline.sh/
b. Select 1.0.2.0 US AiMesh as Source CFE for Asus/Merlin builds, (1.0.2.5 recommended for DD-WRT or Tomato)
c. Click Download
Rename the new .bin file to "new_cfe.bin"
Through WinSCP, Upload new_cfe.bin & mtd-write & FW_RT_AC68U_30043763626.trx to router
In Putty type:
chmod u+x mtd-write
./mtd-write new_cfe.bin boot
mtd-write2 FW_RT_AC68U_30043763626.trx linux
Wait until the CRC OK message comes up
Perform NVRAM Reset
a. Power off router
b. Wait 10 seconds
c. Press and hold WPS button
d. Power up the router and continue to hold WPS button for 15-20 seconds until power LED starts blinking very quickly.
e. wait 5 minutes
Reset PC IP back to default
Log in to router using 192.168.1.1 and the router is now an RT-AC68U with 64MB jffs
username:/password is now: admin:admin
If router isn't showing RT-AC68U, try Chrome Incognito Mode
Enable SSH (see #14) Ezlink: http://192.168.1.1/Advanced_System_Content.asp
Reconnect Putty (see #15)
In Putty, execute the code for fixing MTD5 partition.
cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin
mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
In the router page, go to Administration > Firmware and upload RT-AC68U_3.0.0.4_384_20308-gead790e.trx
This is the file you downloaded in step #6
Perform NVRAM Reset (see #24)
Enable SSH (see #14) Ezlink: http://192.168.1.1/Advanced_System_Content.asp
When going back into the router at this point, it may prompt you to update the username/password, not allowing you to go directly to enable ssh
Make sure you don't forget what you change the username/password to
Reconnect Putty (see #15)
In Putty, execute the code for fixing MTD5 partition.
mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
./mtd-erase -d asus
rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot
You now can (and should) flash an updated firmware, such as Asus, Merlin, Advanced Tomato, Tomato, and DD-WRT firmwares.
To flash newer Asus firmwares at this point, go to the router page, go to Administration > Firmware and upload the latest firmware from this page [asus.com].
At this point, for security purposes I'd recommend to either disable SSH or change it to 'LAN only". Also, definitely change both the default login id and password.


Additional Notes:

Yes, step 34 is partially redundant, but this is the way I did it twice and it caused no issues.
If you complete all the steps successfully, but you plug in the router to your network and there is no internet, your cable/fiber modem may coincidentally be on the same default IP as the router is. To fix this, go to the router webUI and on the status page you'll see an error stating an IP conflict which you can click so the router will change itself to a different IP
if you want to set up AiMesh, follow these steps


Feel free to message me if you get stuck, I may not respond immediately but I will try to help
No, it is something Tmobile would issue to customers who had bad reception in their home. This doesn't broadcast mobile wireless signal, just regular wifi. Since TMobile uses wifi calling the idea is stronger wifi in your house will alleviate their weak network.

It does not connect to the Tmobile network, and does not require Tmobile service. It will not give you internet if you don't have an ISP. It is just a regular modem, but branded.
Seems you're mixing your metaphors. You "pulled the trigger", not the plug. And you have to jump through hoops, not over them. You jump over hurdles.

Good luck with the conversion - it's not easy but it isn't rocket surgery! (Didya see what I did there?)

873 Comments

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Jan 24, 2019
2,312 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
Jan 24, 2019
hpark21
Jan 24, 2019
2,312 Posts
Quote from AwesomeTown :
Wow... You probably don't update your antivirus or install OS security updates either, right?

If you've been using it for over a year without installing new "updates schmupdates" then you'll be happy to know this came out less than a year ago and took exactly zero seconds to come up on Google after searching "asus router security flaw" : https://threatpost.com/asus-patch...ls/129666/ [threatpost.com]
But if you actually read the article:
"The attack is done from the LAN side the network, as opposed to the WAN side. In other words, as far as we know you cannot exploit this from the internet"

Which means that someone actually have to sit outside of the house and connect through my wifi to do this. Chances of this happening is VERY VERY remote considering attacker pretty much has to know that I use this router AND knows where I live AND actually be connected to my network (SSID must be known and password bypassed) as well since one has to be able to get to my admin login screen. Now, if router is accessible from internet I guess it may make it more vulnerable but since WAN access is turned off by default (does the default firmware even allow WAN access? I don't know as I never really looked close before over-writing with ASUS firmware) chances of this happening is remote as well.
Jan 24, 2019
130 Posts
Joined Jan 2017
Jan 24, 2019
BennyBombs
Jan 24, 2019
130 Posts
Quote from corgidog :
Wait wait wait. How to I set it up to work as a mesh network?
Flash 2 routers from the T-Mobile firmware to the Asus firmware. Setup one router normally as you would. Connect to second router and set it to be a mesh network node. Return to first router and click find node to connect to 2nd router. Done!
Last edited by bglaszcz January 24, 2019 at 06:05 AM.
Jan 24, 2019
2,312 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
Jan 24, 2019
hpark21
Jan 24, 2019
2,312 Posts
Quote from corgidog :
Wait wait wait. How to I set it up to work as a mesh network?
Follow direction in WIKI to flash ASUS AC68U firmware and follow ASUS guide on how to setup/turn on the Mesh network IF you have more than 1 of these and/or other supported ASUS router.
Jan 24, 2019
53 Posts
Joined Feb 2015
Jan 24, 2019
Triumph28
Jan 24, 2019
53 Posts
Quote from AwesomeTown :
I have 3 of these that I bought in the August deal. Just a heads up that my only complaint is dropping video conferences if I'm switched between access points. I work from home so this is a big PITA for me, but might not matter to anyone else.

Other than that it was fun to hack the firmware to stock (and now MUCH more secure), use the ASUS App to monitor and tweak the network from my phone, and of course get AiMesh. Great deal at this price point also.
You shouldn't be dropping a connection when roaming between them. Make sure aimesh is setup with all 3 talking, and that they are on different non-overlapping channels (1, 6, 11)
Jan 24, 2019
148 Posts
Joined Mar 2006
Jan 24, 2019
radejs
Jan 24, 2019
148 Posts
Quote from markelfennel :
So this item is basically like a TMobile cell signal repeater? As in no TMobile plan is needed for this item, it should be able to broadcast TMobile signal out the box?

Frankly, I dont know what it is as bought, but what I know is that it can be "flashed" to an Asus RT-AC68U, one of the best routers on the market that cost more than $150 usually. This thing screams and never goes down.
Jan 24, 2019
904 Posts
Joined Apr 2009
Jan 24, 2019
irha
Jan 24, 2019
904 Posts
I am getting "There was a problem with your payment. Please re-enter your credit card information blah blah" error, so I tried with another card and then it said it was out of stock. When I then tried with a different computer and browser it was in stock. This time I tried to checkout with the friend's card to whom I was shipping (so that both shipping and billing addresses match), and yet the same payment problem. I remember trying to order another deal from TMobile website a few months back and finally giving it up for similar payment errors. Is there a trick to get orders through their system that I am missing?
Jan 24, 2019
8 Posts
Joined Mar 2014
Jan 24, 2019
slickdealer59
Jan 24, 2019
8 Posts
I don't suppose any of you guys have experience with this router and openvpn? Assuming I can follow the process to load a custom firmware. Just trying to find a cheap solution to utilize open vpn and obtain about 15mbps at least. Thanks for your help!

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Jan 24, 2019
236 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Jan 24, 2019
corgidog
Jan 24, 2019
236 Posts
Quote from irha :
I am getting "There was a problem with your payment. Please re-enter your credit card information blah blah" error, so I tried with another card and then it said it was out of stock. When I then tried with a different computer and browser it was in stock. This time I tried to checkout with the friend's card to whom I was shipping (so that both shipping and billing addresses match), and yet the same payment problem. I remember trying to order another deal from TMobile website a few months back and finally giving it up for similar payment errors. Is there a trick to get orders through their system that I am missing?
I was getting an error about a bad payment card, so I just changed cards and it worked.
Jan 24, 2019
71 Posts
Joined Jun 2017
Jan 24, 2019
ggarcia109
Jan 24, 2019
71 Posts
I have two of these flashed to Asus firmware in a mesh network and they work great!
Jan 24, 2019
925 Posts
Joined Mar 2006
Jan 24, 2019
Lint42
Jan 24, 2019
925 Posts
I had this router from tmo for free for a few years. It was one of the most rock solid routers I owned until a power surge took it out. I beat the heck out of it with traffic and wifi devices and it barely needed a power cycle. I got my Max 100meg wirelessly all day long. Recommended router.
Jan 24, 2019
2,107 Posts
Joined Mar 2015
Jan 24, 2019
BLurnttoaStcruncheD
Jan 24, 2019
2,107 Posts
This vs the Asus ac2600
Jan 24, 2019
904 Posts
Joined Apr 2009
Jan 24, 2019
irha
Jan 24, 2019
904 Posts
Quote from corgidog :
I was getting an error about a bad payment card, so I just changed cards and it worked.
I tried changing the card already, it didn't help. So far, I tried 2 of my cards and one of my friend's card.
Jan 24, 2019
4 Posts
Joined Sep 2011
Jan 24, 2019
mcgrawp1173
Jan 24, 2019
4 Posts
Newbie question - So if someone had a Verizon Mi-Fi, could this be used to boost the signal and allow regular wi-fi usage?
Jan 24, 2019
2,312 Posts
Joined Sep 2006
Jan 24, 2019
hpark21
Jan 24, 2019
2,312 Posts
Quote from slickdealer59 :
I don't suppose any of you guys have experience with this router and openvpn? Assuming I can follow the process to load a custom firmware. Just trying to find a cheap solution to utilize open vpn and obtain about 15mbps at least. Thanks for your help!
well, this is specific to "Express VPN service", but I am guessing pretty much generic setup instruction for ASUS router will apply:
https://www.expressvpn.com/suppor...h-openvpn/

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Jan 24, 2019
562 Posts
Joined Oct 2018
Jan 24, 2019
FairWallaby2369
Jan 24, 2019
562 Posts
Try using incognito if it shows oos. I got this when this deal came out in December. Got the router and flashed it with the actual firmware now working as a repeater for the TV. It's quite solid.

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