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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- Hi all,
Alex from Bay Area Tech Pros here with a video guide that follows along with the written guide on www.bayareatec...
Please leave all technical comments at the website, I will not be checking comments here. Please leave a like and subscribe (so I can set channel name and custom thumbnail).
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Thanks for watching and have a good one!
![5 Reasons why I prefer ASUSWRT-Merlin to ASUSWRT Firmware [RT-AC68U]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XykUML3T2VA/mqdefault.jpg)
Picked an ac1900 for $20 and this method still works in November 2023. Thank you!
had the AC1900 sitting on the shelf as a project I'll get to.... 4+ years later, I'm watching this (2022/5/24), and now enjoy a working uptodate router! thank you much!
I'm stuck on the cfe editor step. When I click on the link I get an error. Did you run into this? Thanks so much in advance!
Just used this guide on 8/17/2019 and worked without a hitch. After following all the steps, had the router update to the latest Asus firmware and worked perfectly without kicking it back to T-Mobile mode. Helps to have some basic networking skills and Linux experience to understand what is actually happening, but not necessary if you just follow the steps in the guide and video.
Used this today ... still ROCKS. Thank you so much!!
I wanted to thank you for sharing this video. Watching you step through it and following the instructions on the site I was able to convert 3 TMobile AC1900 to AC68U. The routers were 30 bucks each on ebay. THANK YOU. As of 8/17/2022 the instructions work perfectly. Edit: I updated the routers to the July 2022 Asus update without issue.
Thanks for the Edit/update. I followed this about a year ago and came back here to see if its ok to update the firmware. Have things been working just fine for you?
@@unseenorheard I had to disable NAT acceleration on the router in order for my guest wifi clients to access the internet. The only way guest wifi clients could access the internet was if enabled local intranet access which defeated the purpose of a guest wifi. Once NAT acceleration was disabled the guest wifi clients were working as expected.
I'm having a problem with the cfe editor. When I click on the link I get an error. Anyone else running into this? Thanks!
Completed this process today. Now I have AIMesh with RT-AC68U as the router and RT-AC66U as Access Point, whole house covered strong. First I setup the 66 exactly as I had the T-MO, then swapped them out. Since I don't have a USB to ethernet adaptor I had to switch the ethernet cable on my desktop between internet and router several times. One done I manually reset the 66, logged in and set it to be Access Point. Thanks for the instructions, very happy.
All works just follow the instructions beautiful people, thank you Alex you rule! Add donation link into your description so whoever can appreciate your work. Cheers!
THANK YOU Alex! You are the MAN! It took me awhile, but I figured it out and am so happy I managed to get this upgraded to the latest asuswrt merlin custom firmware THANKS to you! Both the video and your written directions made the magic happen!!!
I scored this router from a local thrift store for $7 bucks so it makes me so happy to be able to upgrade it to something useful. It will be replacing a super duper old linksys e1000 (also scored from from a thrift store ages ago) that I should have replaced years ago. :)
Thank you for your kind words.
Just got the T-Mobile Cellspot Ebay special, use it as Aimesh with my original RT-AC68. I have to use playback speed X.75 to slow down the video. It was an adventure and got the latest firmware flashed. How do I put money in your hand?
An update from 2023:
If you are stuck and you happen to be on Google Chrome you may need to use Firefox for all your Firmware Uploads.
Google Chrome's default HTTP timeout duration is too short and assumes the router is down because there's no response.
I performed this upgrade on 12-26-2021 and it worked great. I was able to install the latest firmware update from Asus with no issues. Aimesh is working awesome! Thank you Alex!
id like to confirm if guide still good as 01/15/2022? thanks in advance.
Instructions worked perfectly. Thanks!
Thanks so much for the guide! So helpful!
Thanks for the video guidance! Got it done in an hour, and the latest firmware 3.00.4.386_40558 is up and running! Now to flash the 2nd router tomorrow to get that sweet sweet AIMESH
How did you get the file to work says file is not valid
@@raze2400 hmm if you followed all the steps correctly it should work. Maybe try downloading the firmware update again. Or try downloading a different version of the firmware
Instruction still works perfectly in June, 2024。👍👍
Thank you for this. As of July 2019 this still method works with latest ASUS firmware.
I tried using the latest firmware after a failed attempt, and it seems they removed the option to change to SSH in the newest firmware.
@@ZigZagFilms I forget what that is. Is that bad?
@@philindeblanc yes, I tried different ways and doesn't work
@@elbebe1000 What does the SSH (secure server host?) do, and why is it needed to be changed?
Thanks. Following your steps, I flashed my unit to the latest firmware 3.0.0.4.385_10000 in Dec 2019.
Can you guide me? I am bad at following instructions...
@@baraclude The instruction video is already clear, which basically followed the steps here: www.bayareatechpros.com/ac1900-to-ac68u/. But you must disconnect all other connections, leaving only one ethernet connection from your laptop/PC to your router before executing those steps. This is very important!
@@hongliangfei3170 you should disable it not just disconnect as it may try to reconnect
I feel like smacking my keyboard keys after this video. Lol
Thank you for the content.
Thanks again for your video and written guide. I managed to get my router back after I screwed it up!
jun/2021 still working! Firmware (3.0.0.4.386_43129) was updated from Asus and works fine! Thank you
Just converted over my cell spot over to the ac68u. Thanks for the walkthrough!
Got a question for you, why do we want to converted to ac68u ? I just a this router for free and idk what this convertion thing, can you help me please
@@SpeedyBoyy To add features such as aimesh and repeater functionality
Such a Crystal Clear content. I was able to flash the firmware. Thank you so much for this video.
thanks for this guide. so easy to follow. so my tmobile router sit in garage for long time now able to use as mesh router.
Very good video i just did it today still works
Took me 30-ish minutes, but it worked, thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to post this video
Thanks again!
Thanks a lot for your help!
Great video!! And just updated firmware to 5717 (last digits and latest update). Also added my AC1750 as a mesh node.
The best video, really thanks man
It worked. Great tutorial!
Thanks for the vid. I had some weird hitches that required doing the reset button steps a few times over, but I got it working eventually.
that took all god damn day.... BUT i have a dope router now thank you
Great tutorial, still works 12/9/21
good guide still works in 2022 11 may.
Thanks for this guide! worked perfectly!
Still works, 11/2020.
Yes
Great guide. The CFE edit tool is a big help compared to the terror ride of a manual edit.
For anyone having issue like me MAKE SURE ROUTER IS IN AP MODE. NOT ROUTER MODE.
Thank you, needs some time, but everything was OK, works perfect
Thanks, worked great for me also.
Great steps, tried it a few hours back, worked great with the first attempt. Turn off all the firewall and use IE to get through step 6.
Thank you @LegitPC, is it safe to upgrade the firmware to the latest? If not how far can i go without breaking the mod
I just took my chances and updated to the latest 3.0.0.4.385.20585. THANK YOU
Nice work. Thanks for the vid and the site
Thank you so much. it's great guide
You the real MVP
I had an 3199 firmware and always get an error. But google doc and NO CFE instruction help me! :)) Now I have 3.0.0.4.384_32799. And also TY for this video )
Thanks for the tutorial. Processed worked on two ac1900s. Question for other folks: I used the US non-Aimesh CFE source. I'm just using these as repeaters for existing mesh network. Does it matter if I did not choose Aimesh CFE source? Benefit/problems? Thanks.
hi, I bought an used TM-ac1900 with asuswrt merlin to support my 300/100MB broadband. Now the max speed is 100MB with cable and 50 MB with 5G wireless, is that possible when previous user do something wrong while switch to merlin?
dude.. you're a fucking legend.. i like the speed of the video. Wasn't too fast where it was confusing, and it wasn't "hold your hand" and walk you through it slow.
Thank you!
Tested and confirmed that the Version 3.0.0.4.385.20632 works
Thank you. One issue and nearly a fix for the issue.
When finished, Network map shows Internet status is disconnected even though it is connected. Googling shows that the date/time not being set is one of the causes for this
Date/time were in fact not set because ntp was not working. Administration/System show "Reminder: The system time has not been synchronized with an NTP server."
Googling yields dozens of suggestions. None helped, except:
telent/ssh to the router and enter
nvram get link_internet
If it returns a value other than 2 then
nvram set link_internet=2
service restart_ntpc
I have not rebooted - but:
> Date/time is now correct
> Internet shows connected
> Warning that system time has not been synchronized with NTP server is, however, still displayed. I have not rebooted the router to see if it helps
After you have finished the instructions and are on ac68u with the mtd5 flash below the instructions, to prevent un flashing. flash merlin/tomato in the files included with the auto installer(not sure if necessary) then i suggest flashing FreshTomato as it is the most up to date , or JohnsFork which i personally have not tried but it is just as updated.
freshtomato.org/downloads/freshtomato-arm/2020/2020.2/K26ARM (freshtomato-RT-AC68U-ARM-2020.2-AIO-64K)
Dunno where to find johnsFork iv just seen of it in snb forums.
All that being said in FreshTomato you can set the time to automatically set .
I am sticking with Asus firmware. It's not a big deal if I have to restart a service two or three times a year
How do you get to here 1:49. He says, "Your going to do exactly what it says and your going to end up here" Where is here and how do you get there???
Read step 4 of the actual guide.
Thanks for the tutorial, worked dine. Had some issue on step 7 cause i used Chrome. Worked better with Internet Explorer.
Question plz. Did someone install asuswrt-Merlin ?? If yes, did it work fine for you ??
Yes im all the way on FreshTomato. Use firefox btw.
Thanks 😉
Does it need to be flashed per pc or per system ? in order to use as a regular full routerac1900
I followed all the instructions to the T, using the links supplied in the article, and it's still showing ASUS TM-AC1900. It didn't roll back, it just never changed.
known cause for that is skipping an nvram reset
It took me some time, but it worked great for me! Thanks for the the help. Do you know if the latest firmware from ASUS is safe to upload (3.0.0.4.384.45149)? it's dated 12/06/2018.
do you have a video showing a JTAG recovery in case the CFE gets hosed?
I flashed mine to begin with. I forget if I upgraded the firmware since but my version is 384.13. When I try to upgrade to 384.19 it doesn't do anything, am I hosed or is there a way to get the latest firmware? I read something about it not being possible if you've already flashed Merlin but then I see you might be able to flash it back to the TM and do this again?
well im at a loss. it gets stuck when flashing the 385, the router never shows the lights after attempting the flash. ping shows good connection aside from occasional timeout. (though step 3 call for 376_1703. i cant find that file) mine is currently a 376-3199. do i require the specific firmware 1703 and where can i get it?
Wish I would have seen this video before I just updated to 384.19, sounds like I am stuck now since I did not do the partition mod. Hopefully AI mesh is worth it.
funciono todo muy bien!
no me reconoce las credenciales admin y password
Hello, thanks for the guide, I followed it and it worked, I converted my router to an ac68u 2 years ago, I suppose I updated it from its interface and now it is again an ac 1900 with firmware 3.0.0.4.376_3221-gd4afd2e. If I apply your guide again, do you think it works?
I have tried to enter recovery mode and it does not allow me. Thanks again for your guidance.
Stupid question, is the router plugged into the modem during all of this, or just the PC?
Just pc
Thanks
What should I do if reboot is failed? WiFi lights on router never turn on.
If you want help ask for help on the website. The description of this video states "Please leave all technical comments at the website, I will not be checking comments here."
I accidentally used my cfe from one I did last year, go to setup my node and realized that I have the same MAC as my current node. Am I hosed or can I change the MAC back?
You can use a hex editor on the cfe to enter the mac address that's on the sticker on the back of your router.
Does anyone know if you can remove the Tmobile labels?
Electrical Tape or Nail Polish?🤷♂
Someone recently pointed to me that ASUS routers do not work as AIMESH correctly if they are converted from T-Mobile. I don't have two routers to verify that claim. But is that anyhow true with new firmware from ASUS?
I have not tested with new firmware, but that statement is incorrect with previous firmware.
Dood...mines one of the ones that doesnt have SSH. So I cant skip steps 5-10
I know it isn't hard - I just dont feel like doing this - can you do mines please
I get this file is not a valid firmware image when I upload the file
Cfe keeps timing out on me when I hit upload. Seconds later I get the can't reach page. I'm also pinging -t and I do get a reply. Never goes down until I reboot
So I followed another thread using a USB with the files on it. I was able downgrade it that way. I was on the latest firmware with CFE updated
do you need an additional router to flash? i only have the ac1900 from fios ont to wan on router then lan to different parts of the house. will i be able to flash with this setup?
You just need a modem, direct connect it to your computer and download everything you need. Reconnect again later for uploading the cfe. Direct answer: no, you don't need another router.
@@legitpc3050 hi thanks for the reply i dont have a modem my setup is from the ont (verizon fios box outside) it goes by ethernet to the ac1900 and from there it networks to different ports in the house. so basically what i need to do is from the ont ethernet directly to a computer and download files do this correct?
I upgraded my internet to 1 Gbps speed. I'm measuring the speed of 300Mbps Down and 900Mbps Up for wired connection. Will flashing to RT-AC68U help?
Probably not. That's a nice connection, very weird your upload so much higher than download.
ummm with those many steps i rather keep my tmo firmware =/.. where in bay area are you can you flash my router? lol
Walnut Creek, I have flashed routers that I can exchange for yours + money. Contact via website if interested.
How much would you charge for a 1 on 1 Skype walkthrough/teamviewer? @@legitpc3050
@@holtonbyrd2301 My standard home rate is $80/h in 2019. All contact should be done through my website, email, text, or phone. Not through third-party TH-cam.
@@legitpc3050 You can just catch a better router on sale for that price lol. But going to someone's house to do it makes sense to charge that much I guess.
Still working ?
Yes. Started with 3199 "Tmobile" firmware
Works 2021
@@CpuWaiy what firmware are using now ?
@@jluich 384.19 on both routers - It has been rock solid
The original_cfe.bin file doesn't show up.help plz
I followed everything accordingly and was successfully able to convert it to AC68U, but my internet speed dropped from 500mb to 50mb. What could be the reason and how can I fix it?
Enable CTF under Advanced > Misc settings
from CFE update step0ne- when do you leave the reset button. I tried releasing the button after clicking upload and also holding all the way till uploading file msg on the browser. the firmware is not downgraded. still at xx376_3180?
Hold the reset button for about 10 seconds, then let go.
Does this method still work? Tried yesterday for hours but I keep getting an error that the firmware file is not a valid one
Yeah just did it on the latest slickdeals ac1900 delviery.
All good for me. Had to reset Nvram (step 20) after step 8 since can't login with admin password
Does anyone know if this still works in April 2020?
I made it to the end but then I lost internet before we put in the last codes on putty to keep firmware. So I switched the Asus back to ap mode and now my Asus is stuck in ap mode. I can't find its ip address and Idk what to do lol
Does anybody know how to connect tmobile router to computer? Do we need to keep the internet connection ON through other router and connect tmobile router through either RJ45 port or through usb to RJ45 adapter and connect it to the LAN port of tmobile router? I am a bit lost coz no videos on this tutorial is clear enough to show the procedure how to actually connect it prior to doing the flashing. Thanks in advance!
If you have not already found out you should not be connected to the internet or the blue wan port only lan(0) the first yellow port beside the blue one . once you have finished all of the instructions and md5 flash below main instructions and updated to newest FreshTomato/JohnsFork firmware then you can hook your modem to wan.
some of these refuse to enter recovery mode
almost 2 hrs and still on step 7 - 8 lol
Great!! this turotial Works!!!
Alex can you help me with one on one support ? 😁
Just curious to know where did you get stuck during the process? What problems are you having?
Hi, You are so Genius and Very Helpful, Could you Please tell me you, one end of blue network cable connected to Router Lan port (yellow) where is the other connect to? Where is connected the other End?
I appreciate your Help
I constantly get stuck on the first damnt step. After I try to upload first firmware it says site can't be reached and never changes firmware.
For troubleshooting advice make a comment on the website that is hosting the guide which is provided in the description.
@@legitpc3050 thanks. Sorry to waster your time. The disclaimer in the beginning is funny as hell lol. I was able to get it working based on another comment on that site.
Lorenzo Emerson Which comment? Could you copy past it here? Thx!
Free to Game set the router to AP mode. Mine was set to something else I forget. But that made all the difference
This still work in 2021? My shipment gets delivered in January 2021
It works forever afaik.
@@legitpc3050 can confirm. Your method works still and is easy to follow. Thank you for taking the time to make the video!
Hi there, I can't log in the router... any idea? admin and password doesn't work.
I ran into the same thing, all four combinations of "admin/admin, admin/password, password/admin, and password/password" did not work. To all who had successfully converted to Asus RT-AC68U, what are the username and password that you used? Thanks a lot.
OK. I found a solution. Not sure if this is mentioned in the guide or the video above. Here is what to do.
1. After successfully flashed the Asus TM-AC1900 with TM-AC1900_3.0.0.4_376_1703-g0ffdbba.trx and the router had booted up successfully. At this instance, you CANNOT login with "admin/password". You will need to RESET the router in order to used the "admin/password" for logging in. Steps below.
a. After successfully flashed the Asus TM-AC1900 with TM-AC1900_3.0.0.4_376_1703-g0ffdbba.trx and the router had booted up successfully, while the router is still POWER ON, press and hold the RESET button on the back of the router for about 15 seconds, then release the RESET button.
b. After complete the step "a" above, wait for the router to complete the boot up. Go to your browser and enter 192.168.29.1 to log into the router. The username = admin and password = password will work.
Good luck
the website is down and I cannot access the files. Anyone have the files. Please and thank you
website is up now, if you encounter a similar problem in the future check archive.org for a mirror
Has anyone updated theirs lately? Are we safe to get the newest firmware update? 3.0.0.4.385.20490
yep-yesterday. Dec 2020
I figure Merlin might be a safer bet not to get reverted back because you have a TM-1900
Advanced Tomato, Tomato, or DD-WRT are the only ones guaranteted not to revert you back. Merlin has been known to revert, prior to the advent of the MD5 Fix. That said, it seems that the MD5 fix is a working solution, but no promises for the future.
Advanced Tomato is REALLY nice, though!
Since T-Mobile had patched with its latest FW to close the loop, this method of conversion is no longer valid. You will be stuck at step #7 (Flash TM-AC1900_3.0.0.4_376_1703-g0ffdbba.trx). I do not know when did T-Mobile introduced this patch. My advise is DO NOT buy the refurbished units, since they will all have the latest FW on them. You can try your luck on some used unit on Ebay and hope for the best. Until someone come up with a new method, the happy conversion days are over.
Nope you must have had an issue just did new one yesterday no problem.
Any chance you were able to get this working? I've got the same issue of the router uploading the 1703 firmware but not able to function after that.
Just did another one again tonight 12/20/19 it was a rebuilt one I got today from amazon. Follow the steps correctly and it will work fine. These units are no longer being supported by T-Mobile so they are not updating firmware and they can't prevent you from flashing back to a earlier version anyways so it will always work.
@@beldingja exactly they can always be factory reset