Note that firmware support is limited as the recent ASUS firmware will reset the router back to its original T mobile. And then you cannot hack it again to be an AC68U.

CPU temp looks a bit high?

This post has been edited by XPS: Apr 25 2018, 08:27 PM

Wrt-Votrex is NOT the same as WRT-Merlin. There was a discussion around Vortex and it no longer on GitHub as the author refused to post his source codes.

When (IF) you do update to 384.4_5 Merlin, please post feedback here. Or whoever forumer who manage to get it up on that version. ASUS hardware verification was updated some people reported, need to confirm.

This post has been edited by XPS: May 3 2018, 12:23 AM

Good to know. FYI there are now increasing number of reports of some TM1900 router hacked into AC68U are being stopped by the closed source code from ASUS for Merlin. Plus be very careful if you need to update to a later firmware revision (stock or otherwise). ASUS seems to be updating the CFE due to possible concerns surrounding copyright with regards to proprietary code from some component vendors.

Merlin does NOT support mesh nor have plans for the near future.

The T-Mobile AC1900 hacked into AC68U in theory can run stock ASUS firmware which supports AiMesh. However, its likely ASUS will update the CFE in the router once you update to the latest firmware. There are reasons where older ASUS firmware for the AC68U were removed from the official download site. Recent reports are that ASUS will prevent firmware downgrade in the future. Some units of TM1900 were reset back to the original firmware, unable to flash with new firmware, etc. Its to do with the ASUS hardware verification update.

Merlin had posted that his firmware does not support non ASUS routers, including TM1900 hacks. Portions of the Merlin firmware uses ASUS closed source codes and you really would have no idea what ASUS will do in the future.

Just stay with the version that works and not upgrade.

T-Mobile 1900 hack into the AC68U is not supported. That is why you need to hack the router to load stock ASUS or Merlin firmware. Plenty had been posted by RMerlin including his warnings etc.


This post has been edited by XPS: May 26 2018, 03:38 PM

T-Mobile 1900 is running on a special firmware. Do not believe you can flash an ASUS stock firmware without the hack. It is for all intents not an AC68U according to what had been discussed.

This post has been edited by XPS: May 26 2018, 03:58 PM

The other reason is licensing payments to component vendors (firmware) for the AC68U which may be different for the TM1900 (specific OEM model made solely for T-Mobile). Of course would not be surprised ASUS will need to lock down (or seen to be actively attempting) the TM1900 to protect against IP claims from the component vendors.

TM1900 hacked to AC68U bricked units starting to show[B]

Plus the region code is hard coded in the CFE. ASUS can at any time locked out China region units if they get into regulatory compliance issues. The ability to change region is in the firmware not CFE and the original region will be reverted once you reset to factory.

Its painful to pay the highest price compared to other countries for the AC86U. Whatever ASUS Malaysia marketing reasons are, it does not feel sensible.

TP-Link routers, not their wifi adapters, tend to exhibit various problems. ASUS, D-Link and Netgear are better options.

We should have a sticike. List of good routers and list of stable firmware versions. Would be helpful when people looking to get replacement routers. Too many discussions spread over different discussion threads. Buyers guide maybe?