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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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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 Funksultan :

I think you're possibly thinking of a different device. This actually allows the wifi calling. There are many instances in this thread verifying the same.

Prioritizing VOIP packets makes no sense. The bandwidth needed is so tiny that it would be pointless.
Nope, you are confusing this item with T-mobile Cell Spot (v1 or V2):
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-24269
or
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-36766

These will convert the LTE signal into WIFI so that for the phones that does NOT support WIFI calling can use your local WIFI to call/text through this devices.

This particular item we are speaking of, unfortunately confusing due to the name "cell spot router" does not have capability of converting LTE signals into WIFI signals or vice versa to enable the phones without WIFI calling feature to be able to call/text via your wifi signals.

QOS for VOIP packages becomes important when you saturate the bandwidth of the router. For example, if you are streaming multiple 4k videos, then you may be using close to maximum bandwidth, without QOS, there is chance that you will get garbled calls or even dropped calls and VOIP packet QOS will ensure clear signal. Of course, that is what manufacturers will say, as to effectiveness of it on this router, I don't know as I never really used stock firmware.
Jan 24, 2019
2,137 Posts
Joined Mar 2006
Jan 24, 2019
nebody00
Jan 24, 2019
2,137 Posts
Oos Frown
Jan 24, 2019
212 Posts
Joined Dec 2018
Jan 24, 2019
HonestStew611
Jan 24, 2019
212 Posts
Quote from bglaszcz :
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!
I have been reading posts looking for an answer to this question perhaps you or someone can help. Can the T-Mobile work as a Wi-Fi extender out of the box to an authentic AC68U

I have the ASUS AC68U. last year I was going to get an offer like this one but found a super good deal on the AC68U and couldn't justify the work to flash one for the first time compared to the deal on the actual AC68U. Now I have been looking for a repeater or extender for my garage. I was thinking I should get another and Mesh since that was my original intention and knowing that out of the box the T-mobile doesn't Mesh on its firmware again looking at flashing one.

Assuming no way to mesh since it doesn't Aimesh without flashing but wondering if it could be a wifi extender on my original AC68U until I flash it.

I found thus online looks like it might simplify things if you have an existing AC68U.
http://mutt.com/aimesh-on-a-t-mobile-ac-1900/

Also wondering what other people have used as a cheap Aimesh and or Wi-Fi extender with their AC68U other than the T-Mobile (that I am probably getting for that purpose) .
Jan 24, 2019
809 Posts
Joined Jun 2010
Jan 24, 2019
glassr
Jan 24, 2019
809 Posts
Quote from dalethefarmer :
Could you PM me a guide to setup 2 of these routers via ethernet to a switch?
Setup the 2nd as access point. Use same ssid and password on both routers. Use different 2.4 ghz channels on both. Channel 1 6 or 11.
Jan 24, 2019
2 Posts
Joined Oct 2018
Jan 24, 2019
MISA35
Jan 24, 2019
2 Posts
Does this has built in cable modem?
Jan 24, 2019
455 Posts
Joined Sep 2010
Jan 24, 2019
itbedave
Jan 24, 2019
455 Posts
Just for reference, a NEW AC68U is $139 at Microcenter, $109 refurbished. So this is a helluva deal if you aren't squeamish about doing the firmware hack. I just ordered my 3rd one and did the conversion on a Mac, and it worked great!
Jan 24, 2019
26 Posts
Joined Sep 2013
Jan 24, 2019
dritchie01
Jan 24, 2019
26 Posts
Quote from MISA35 :
Does this has built in cable modem?
No it does not.

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Jan 24, 2019
4,054 Posts
Joined Mar 2006
Jan 24, 2019
nightanole
Jan 24, 2019
4,054 Posts
Quote from HonestStew611 :
I have been reading posts looking for an answer to this question perhaps you or someone can help. Can the T-Mobile work as a Wi-Fi extender out of the box to an authentic AC68U

I have the ASUS AC68U. last year I was going to get an offer like this one but found a super good deal on the AC68U and couldn't justify the work to flash one for the first time compared to the deal on the actual AC68U. Now I have been looking for a repeater or extender for my garage. I was thinking I should get another and Mesh since that was my original intention and knowing that out of the box the T-mobile doesn't Mesh on its firmware again looking at flashing one.

Assuming no way to mesh since it doesn't Aimesh without flashing but wondering if it could be a wifi extender on my original AC68U until I flash it.

I found thus online looks like it might simplify things if you have an existing AC68U.
http://mutt.com/aimesh-on-a-t-mobile-ac-1900/

Also wondering what other people have used as a cheap Aimesh and or Wi-Fi extender with their AC68U other than the T-Mobile (that I am probably getting for that purpose) .
To set up the operating mode: 1. From the navigation panel, go to Advanced Settings > Administration > Operation Mode tab. 2. Select any of these operation modes: t Wireless router mode (default): In wireless router mode, the wireless router connects to the Internet and provides Internet access to available devices on its own local network. t Media Bridge: This setup requires two wireless routers. The second router serves as a media bridge where multiple devices such as Smart TVs and gaming consoles can be connected via ethernet. t Access Point mode: In this mode, the router creates a new wireless network on an exising network. 3. Click Apply.
Jan 24, 2019
396 Posts
Joined Jul 2004
Jan 24, 2019
[Rubberbandman]
Jan 24, 2019
396 Posts
Quote from Scyna :
Has anyone gotten the mesh to work without WiFi stability issues? I'm on the latest Asus firmware and my wifi drops for a few seconds sometimes. I'm running two ac1900 converted to ac68u

I have an original ac68U as the Master and a flashed ac1900 as the node. AIMesh is working flawlessly for me.

Make sure you wipe T-mobile certificates from the mtd5 partition, flash 3.0.0.4.384.21045 and then update both routers to the newest firmware.

Then you reset both routers to default settings and then configure AImesh.

Getting near gig throughput wired and about 250 Mbps wireless seamlessly throughout my home on my iPhone7.

I have the master linked to Gigabit fiber and the node plugged in wireless in the basement.
Jan 24, 2019
65 Posts
Joined Oct 2011
Jan 24, 2019
dalethefarmer
Jan 24, 2019
65 Posts
Quote from glassr :
Setup the 2nd as access point. Use same ssid and password on both routers. Use different 2.4 ghz channels on both. Channel 1 6 or 11.
So I shouldn't bother with flashing a firmware and using AiMesh?
Jan 24, 2019
1,163 Posts
Joined Dec 2013
Jan 24, 2019
SDpennypincher
Jan 24, 2019
1,163 Posts
So is this thing worthless without reflashing it? Or is it still a good deal for folks who lack the skill or ambition to reflash?
Last edited by UncleStu January 24, 2019 at 10:50 AM.
Jan 24, 2019
916 Posts
Joined Nov 2010
Jan 24, 2019
BobbyFinstock
Jan 24, 2019
916 Posts
Quote from CrimsonTeam6853 :
is this just tmobile cellspot? if yes, you can get it for free at tmobile store for $25 deposit.
I talked to customer service last time the deal was live and they said they no longer carry any of these in stores.
Jan 24, 2019
656 Posts
Joined Oct 2013
Jan 24, 2019
Riobi4007
Jan 24, 2019
656 Posts
Out of stock
Jan 24, 2019
79 Posts
Joined Aug 2014
Jan 24, 2019
rattatatat
Jan 24, 2019
79 Posts
Quote from Jons :
Oops, looks like we are unable to complete your order as some of the information provided is invalid. It's not a problem, though! Please call us at 1-844-899-4983 to help you submit your order.
Don't call this number, I did and they ask for your credit card details saying you qualify for a $100 rebate/gift card whatever, for the technical difficulties and you just have to pay for shipping pr $2.95. I asked the supervisor what is the name of their company, they said "family's savings" and they were in Florida. He'll ask you if its okay to charge your card to get the $100. It's a scam, then they tell you to wait for a supervisor and put you through this automated system, you can hear the rep pushing through the menus in the background, the automated message says you have been selected for these magazine and identity theft services for a discount trial that will be charged on the credit card given and can cancel anytime. I said no but the system or rep didn't care. Then the rep just hung up. I called my credit card to reject these unauthorized charges and close the card to avoid any further charges. Chase will expedite 2 day shipping for a new card. Too much trouble for this!!!

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Jan 24, 2019
1,220 Posts
Joined Dec 2010
Jan 24, 2019
new_yorker
Jan 24, 2019
1,220 Posts
Quote from corgidog :
Yeah it can support a buttload of WiFi devices. I have 4 Ring cameras and a bunch of other shit using it constantly. Works without issue, although I wish I had Google WiFi for better coverage.
Thank you very much, hug I bought one as well.

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