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

+ Free S/H

$40

$109

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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

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

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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

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Written by dailydealsforme
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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?)

874 Comments

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Feb 1, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Feb 1, 2019
User17347427
Feb 1, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from ST1NGY :
Acknowledged, except for the redundantCode:cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin which overwrites the only good backup of mtd5.
The Bayareatechpros guide recently put in the last 2 mtd5 commands.
Alex jumbled them in to the order of commands compared to the Lazymocha's Guide [lazymocha.com]

The first 7 are (Lazymocha's Guide)
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot

The last 2 mtd5 commands were ( Bayarea and Lazymocha never explained be on firmware 384.xxxxx)
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# ./mtd-erase -d asus

1) Are you saying the command be removed completely from the first 7 commands re: Bayareatechpros/Lazymocha's Guides from your quote above?
Quote from ST1NGY :
Acknowledged, except for the redundantCode:cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin which overwrites the only good backup of mtd5.
Code:
cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin


2) If so, are the commands correct for the firmware 376.3626 seen below, with your suggestion above?
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot
Then on firmware 384.xxxxx
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# ./mtd-erase -d asus
Does that look right? nod

3) Would it also be safe to say that another option of doing the Lazymocha's /Bayareatechpros Guides would be to install (376.3626),
* is needed because it will increase the partition size from 32 to 64 MB which allows you to subsequently upload any newer version.
Then, instead of doing the first 7 (now 6) mtd5 commands, just reset NVRAM and install 384.20308, reset NVRAM again..
and do all 9 (now 8) commands below?
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# ./mtd-erase -d asus
Last edited by User17347427 February 1, 2019 at 03:12 PM.
Feb 1, 2019
916 Posts
Joined Nov 2010
Feb 1, 2019
BobbyFinstock
Feb 1, 2019
916 Posts
Quote from Hawbgobblin :
Reset NVRAM
Do the guide.

If the guide(s) say:
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

Why are you asking this question?
I'm only asking that because I am not sure if I am expected to be using the router that I want to flash as the gateway or if it is fine to leave the other router as the gateway.
I'm not sure if these directions are assuming that you are connected to the internet via the router that you are flashing and nothing else.
For every step in the BayAreaTechPros guide that it says to go to 192.168.29.1, for me that would mean going to the other router that I want to leave alone instead of the one I do want to flash.
Does that make sense?
Feb 1, 2019
1,570 Posts
Joined Oct 2009
Feb 1, 2019
ST1NGY
Feb 1, 2019
1,570 Posts
Quote from Hawbgobblin :
The Bayareatechpros guide recently put in the last 2 mtd5 commands.
Alex jumbled them in to the order of commands compared to the Lazymocha's Guide [lazymocha.com]

The first 7 were (Lazymocha's Guide)
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot

The last 2 mtd5 commands were (Which Bayarea and Lazymocha never explained: on firmware 384.xxxxx)
Code:
/tmp/home/root# ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
/tmp/home/root# ./mtd-erase -d asus

1) Are you saying the command be removed completely from the first 7 commands re: Bayareatechpros/Lazymocha's Guides?
Code:
cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin
2) are the commands correct for the firmware 376.3626 seen below, with your suggestion above?
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot
Then on firmware 384.xxxxx
Code:
/tmp/home/root# ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
/tmp/home/root# ./mtd-erase -d asus
Does that look right?

3)
It would be safe to say, doing the Lazymocha's /Bayareatechpros Guides, the process of installing (376.3626)
* This will increase the partition size from 32 to 64 MB which allows you to subsequently upload any newer version.
Then instead of doing the first 7(now 6) commands, just reset NVRAM and install 384.20308, reset NVRAM
and do all 9 (now 8) commands
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot
/tmp/home/root# ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-erase
/tmp/home/root# ./mtd-erase -d asus
I was referring specifically to johnny2x4's instructions which had the command to create a backup of mtd5 in both the 376.3626 and the 384.30308 code sections.
My other point to him was simply that if you are going to add a step to install 384.20308, don't do any mtd5 cleanup while running 376.3626. Do it all in the 384.20308 code. And since it is a 384 release, the ability to directly erase mtd5 makes it unnecessary to run the following commands:
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
Just run: (while running 20308)
[Code]
cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin
ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-eras
./mtd-erase -d asus
rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot]/CODE]

I'm not commenting on those other instructions since I don't read or follow them. My above suggestions only apply when the instructions include a mandatory step to install 384.20308. However, if that gets people confused, maybe its better to leave out that optimization and just do the cleanup in 376.3626 and defer the mtd-erase commands until the latest firmware is installed.
Feb 1, 2019
292 Posts
Joined Dec 2014
Feb 1, 2019
seanblock82
Feb 1, 2019
292 Posts
I've been trying for hours to get this in recovery mode. I've tried all the guides and all. When I reset it, I get to the CPE window but it won't flash the .trx file. I click upload and nothing happens, then it times out. Any advice?
Feb 1, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Feb 1, 2019
User17347427
Feb 1, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from BobbyFinstock :
I'm only asking that because I am not sure if I am expected to be using the router that I want to flash as the gateway or if it is fine to leave the other router as the gateway.
I'm not sure if these directions are assuming that you are connected to the internet via the router that you are flashing and nothing else.
For every step in the BayAreaTechPros guide that it says to go to 192.168.29.1, for me that would mean going to the other router that I want to leave alone instead of the one I do want to flash.
Does that make sense?
Gotcha,
OK
Use FIND on this page from the very top of this page. and find " A guide on the Internet connectivity during the process."

Do you have 1 router or 2?

Feb 1, 2019
916 Posts
Joined Nov 2010
Feb 1, 2019
BobbyFinstock
Feb 1, 2019
916 Posts
Quote from Hawbgobblin :
Gotcha,
OK
Use FIND on this page from the very top of this page. and find " A guide on the Internet connectivity during the process."

Do you have 1 router or 2?
I have 2. The one I want to flash is setup as an access point right now.
Feb 2, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Feb 2, 2019
User17347427
Feb 2, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from seanblock82 :
I've been trying for hours to get this in recovery mode. I've tried all the guides and all. When I reset it, I get to the CPE window but it won't flash the .trx file. I click upload and nothing happens, then it times out. Any advice?
FIRST,
Clear your browser cache. Use Google Incognito mode.
Have chrome browser set to go to 192.168.29.1.

Trick is, have browser SEARCHING for 192.168.29.1 when holding RESET when power on of the router. SOON as mini cfe opens.. quickly find and load the firmware until 10% loaded, then let go the reset button.

IF that fails

Try reading the notes Step 2 - Flash the "functional" firmware with an older T-Mobile firmware Which is pretty much the same, but using CMD to ping the router. As seen in the below notes. (ignore his 192.168.29.8 text) just use cmd.. run as admin.. type: ping -t 192.168.29.1 and you see the results are the same as his as he shows in the photos, red text is his notes what happens when he uses the mini-CFE holding reset, turning on power.. it is all in the timing.
And he uses incognito mode.



IF none of the above helps you, THEN you have to do the Google Doc. Guide
(Again, top of this page is the Community Wiki.. search for "If accessing the mini-CFE webserver doesn't work at all for you... " )
Last edited by User17347427 February 1, 2019 at 04:34 PM.

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Feb 2, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Feb 2, 2019
User17347427
Feb 2, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from BobbyFinstock :
I have 2. The one I want to flash is setup as an access point right now.
The next question is, in the one you want to flash.. we will call it " NEW Router".. do you see SSH option in the UI?
Start your flash.
Community Wiki up top.
Last edited by User17347427 February 1, 2019 at 04:55 PM.
Feb 2, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Feb 2, 2019
User17347427
Feb 2, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from ST1NGY :
I was referring specifically to johnny2x4's instructions which had the command to create a backup of mtd5 in both the 376.3626 and the 384.30308 code sections.
My other point to him was simply that if you are going to add a step to install 384.20308, don't do any mtd5 cleanup while running 376.3626. Do it all in the 384.20308 code. And since it is a 384 release, the ability to directly erase mtd5 makes it unnecessary to run the following commands
Code:
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mkdir /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# mount -t jffs2 /dev/mtdblock5 /tmp/asus_jffs
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# rm -rf /tmp/asus_jffs/*
admin@RT-AC68U:/tmp/home/root# sync && umount /tmp/asus_jffs
Just run: (while running 20308)
Code:
cat /dev/mtd5 > /jffs/mtd5_backup.bin
ln -s /sbin/rc mtd-eras
./mtd-erase -d asus
rm -rf /jffs/.sys/RT-AC68U
nvram unset fw_check && nvram commit && reboot
I'm not commenting on those other instructions since I don't read or follow them. My above suggestions only apply when the instructions include a mandatory step to install 384.20308. However, if that gets people confused, maybe its better to leave out that optimization and just do the cleanup in 376.3626 and defer the mtd-erase commands until the latest firmware is installed.
100% understood, thank you Smilie
Last edited by User17347427 February 1, 2019 at 05:11 PM.
Feb 2, 2019
1,178 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Feb 2, 2019
Zwitterion
Feb 2, 2019
1,178 Posts
Quote from Hawbgobblin :
100% understood, thank you
Also, I would note that after flashing 20308 there is a glitch that sometimes appears where you can't Apply the enabled SSH change because the UI returns an "time duration cannot overlap" error (or something along those lines). The fix is to change the timezone to one that doesn't have daylight savings (Hawaii, for example). Then you are able to save the now-enabled SSH.
Feb 2, 2019
1,655 Posts
Joined Sep 2018
Feb 2, 2019
User17347427
Feb 2, 2019
1,655 Posts
Quote from Zwitterion :
Also, I would note that after flashing 20308 there is a glitch that sometimes appears where you can't Apply the enabled SSH change because the UI returns an "time duration cannot overlap" error (or something along those lines). The fix is to change the timezone to one that doesn't have daylight savings (Hawaii, for example). Then you are able to save the now-enabled SSH.
Are you sure it was that one firmware? Thought it was another version near that firmware.
Feb 2, 2019
28 Posts
Joined Nov 2018
Feb 2, 2019
DS_0x7CA
Feb 2, 2019
28 Posts
Picked one of these up back in June 2018, followed bayareatechpros instructions and everything went smoothly. Ever since I was able to convert it to a AC68U, I've been on Merlin. Just found out It won't be supported anymore for these TM models. I flashed back to ASUS's latest firmware (MTD5 partition stuff taken care of) so now I'm on the latest version (as of 12/06/18) according to ASUS site. I have another one of these TM models coming in tomorrow and will be doing the same to that router as well. That was the only reason I left Merlin. Since I'll be doing an AiMesh (yes my CFE is AiMesh). Now is there any way to block ASUS from automatically updating the routers? I don't want them coming up with a new form of reverting these back to TM AC-1900's rendering these "MTD5 partition" steps useless in the future. Any way to blacklist a ASUS server-side IP that is responsible for sending the auto updates? Thanks.

EDIT: would I just be better off having the other router as just a access point or repeater? If that's better I'll keep both at Merlin or even DD-WRT.
Last edited by DS_0x7CA February 1, 2019 at 10:26 PM.
Feb 2, 2019
1,178 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Feb 2, 2019
Zwitterion
Feb 2, 2019
1,178 Posts
Quote from Hawbgobblin :
Are you sure it was that one firmware? Thought it was another version near that firmware.
100% certain. I just flashed one of the routers I received and came across this. I'd remembered reading about something like this in passing, so was able to figure it out quite quickly.
Feb 2, 2019
1,178 Posts
Joined Nov 2011
Feb 2, 2019
Zwitterion
Feb 2, 2019
1,178 Posts
Quote from DS_0x7CA :
Picked one of these up back in June 2018, followed bayareatechpros instructions and everything went smoothly. Ever since I was able to convert it to a AC68U, I've been on Merlin. Just found out It won't be supported anymore for these TM models. I flashed back to ASUS's latest firmware (MTD5 partition stuff taken care of) so now I'm on the latest version (as of 12/06/18) according to ASUS site. I have another one of these TM models coming in tomorrow and will be doing the same to that router as well. That was the only reason I left Merlin. Since I'll be doing an AiMesh (yes my CFE is AiMesh). Now is there any way to block ASUS from automatically updating the routers? I don't want them coming up with a new form of reverting these back to TM AC-1900's rendering these "MTD5 partition" steps useless in the future. Any way to blacklist a ASUS server-side IP that is responsible for sending the auto updates? Thanks.

EDIT: would I just be better off having the other router as just a access point or repeater? If that's better I'll keep both at Merlin or even DD-WRT.
Others can correct me, but having removed the T-Mobile partition and removing all traces of the T-Mobile certificates, I highly doubt Asus can tell these routers apart from their official ones (absent a MAC address database). That said, I strongly doubt Asus would proactively try to brick/revert routers - the issues suffered so far have been a result of people upgrading their firmware. There is no auto-update.

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Feb 2, 2019
28 Posts
Joined Nov 2018
Feb 2, 2019
DS_0x7CA
Feb 2, 2019
28 Posts
Quote from Zwitterion :
Others can correct me, but having removed the T-Mobile partition and removing all traces of the T-Mobile certificates, I highly doubt Asus can tell these routers apart from their official ones (absent a MAC address database). That said, I strongly doubt Asus would proactively try to brick/revert routers - the issues suffered so far have been a result of people upgrading their firmware. There is no auto-update.
If you look up "auto update" on an AC68U in Google you'll notice that some routers auto-updated themselves. This dates back to 2016 maybe even more. IIRC that's how it was discovered that updating to ASUS latest firmwares at the time would revert you back to an AC-1900. Some people had converted theirs to 68U's and out of the blue without notice gone back to AC-1900 due to an auto-update. Merlin has even mentioned it being enabled in stock ASUS firmware code by default.

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