Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

3 Pages  1 2 3 >Bottom

Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+

 DIR-868L to ASUS RT-AC66U with AiMesh, Latest DIR-868L Migration Options

views
     
fisherman10
post Feb 19 2021, 01:02 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



Managed to convert to using AC68U merlin firmware.

Connected as Access Point but funny thing now is that every time after reboot or power loss, it will startup with WiFi Disabled. Have to manually toggle it on and then it works until next reboot.

Any ideas why?
fisherman10
post Feb 20 2021, 09:41 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(gary_cheah85 @ Feb 20 2021, 07:18 PM)
Did you flash to Asuswrt then only flash to Merlin?
Try the process again.
*
Having the same problem on both latest stock Asus AC68u and Merlin AC68u firmware too.
fisherman10
post Mar 6 2021, 05:23 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(misk94 @ Mar 6 2021, 04:14 PM)
DIR-868L with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware update:

Through the new firmware, I discovered my AiMesh Router is running a bit hot. CPU is 80 C.

user posted image

48 - 52 - 80 C

After I installed a USB cooling fan the temperature dropped to below 70 C. Also, the 2.4G and 5G WiFi radios temperatures dropped too.

user posted image

43 - 48 - 67 C

Regards,

Updated 6 March 2021.
*
Wow yours is cool!! I've seen mine going up to 95C.

Can you share some photos of your cooling fan design?
fisherman10
post Mar 6 2021, 08:37 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(misk94 @ Mar 6 2021, 07:00 PM)
Thank you fisherman10.

Actually, I did not expect the temperature to go that low because I am using low tech and cheap usb cooling fan. Cost less than RM10.

I don't know how long it will last but at that price,  replacing the cooler after a few months is OK.

After whole night and whole day running the temperature is steady. Changed only by 1 or 2 C in the afternoon when it is hot. Now the temperature went back down again.

I think you guys going to laugh when you see my cooler setup.  biggrin.gif. The setup not pretty but works well.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


Since my DIR-868L is placed horizontally to fit the cupboard, I need to put the cooler at the bottom end of the router where the label is.

I bought the cooler from Shopee. Size 80x80x25 mm USB. The cooler is surprisingly quite.

https://shopee.com.my/DC-5V-USB-12V-2-Pin-4...1591.1796940602

Maybe this one better because have cover for both sides. I missed this one when I made the purchase earlier. Maybe I buy this model when after my current cooler failed.

https://shopee.com.my/%E3%80%90BEST%E3%80%9...1591.1448311562

For those having their DIR-868L placed vertically, I think the following model will serve you well. Just put the cooler at the bottom of the router. The 8 cm or 9 cm model should be OK.

https://shopee.com.my/USB-Router-Fan-TV-Box...1901.5158026107

Stay cool guys. cool2.gif

Regards,
*
Is the 5V usb fan from shopee spinning fast? Is 5V capable of spinning full speed?

So far I joined 80mm PC fan to USB cable. 12V PC fan powered with 5V USB from usb port. It spins but slow.

fisherman10
post Mar 6 2021, 11:03 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(misk94 @ Mar 6 2021, 10:20 PM)
Yes. The 5V USB fan spin fast.

Same size 80 mm fan.

The seller claimed 2000 - 3000 rpm.

I could feel the cold air when I put my finger near the gap between router and fan.

I think that's why I am getting good cooling from the fan.

BTW. I replaced posts with better pictures just now.
*
Thanks
fisherman10
post Mar 21 2021, 09:37 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(geep @ Mar 21 2021, 09:32 PM)
Thanks for the head up. I will surely try this 1 day cuz im planning to buy another Aimesh router in the future.
For now, 2.4G still my concern cuz i still have some old device like ipcam which rely on it.
Anyhow thanks for the guide, will surely save more $$$$$  thumbup.gif
*
2.4G working fine for me with 2 units DIR-868L running latest Asus Merlin 386.1_2 with aimesh.
fisherman10
post Mar 25 2021, 11:22 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(geep @ Mar 25 2021, 11:02 PM)
Yes, im using the official .trx image from Freshtomato.org. It doesnt matter what .trx image i flash on it, it will boot as RT-AC66U B1.
It seems Tomato will read the pre-config data from the CFE and load the profile for RT-AC66U B1 instead.
If i have more time and courage, will definitely try to reedit the CFE for further test and observation.  sweat.gif
user posted image
*
Please don't. I tried to change the odmpid to RT-AC68U and it will brick.

Then need to unbrick through the serial pins.

This post has been edited by fisherman10: Mar 25 2021, 11:22 PM
fisherman10
post Mar 26 2021, 03:07 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(geep @ Mar 26 2021, 02:42 AM)
Thank you for alerting me, you just save my precious time. thumbsup.gif
Also glad to know that there is someone on here succeed with the serial method.
*
Yes there's a weird bug. Even if I change the odmpid through NVRAM (not flashing the CFE with modified values), it will brick straight away. So you can't even clear NVRAM using the WPS button.
fisherman10
post Mar 26 2021, 09:37 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(geep @ Mar 26 2021, 09:34 PM)
Interesting hmm.gif modifying a single string will corrupt the whole bootloader.
Btw have you tried a tips from Bigxd the time you edit the odmpid?
Cuz I saw his mod CFE version and also Linksys mod version with native string.

To Remove HW_ver ?
user posted image

D-link with native odmpid
user posted image

Linksys version
user posted image
*
Can you link me the tips? I don't really understand the photos

fisherman10
post Mar 29 2021, 03:07 AM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(takumaki67 @ Mar 29 2021, 12:56 AM)
Thank you for actively suggestion fisherman!

Wondering how can I use the serial pins? ( I googled like having different type of USB -TTL adapter)

And after I got the adapter, could you advice how I can proceed ya? (Currently I am stuck at recovery loop of my dir868l and also failed using Asus Firmware Restoration too)
*
Is it the 2 lights flashing one after another repeatedly?

If so, have a look at this

https://koolshare.cn/forum.php?mod=viewthre...ghlight=dir868l

Because now it's bricked and can't flash a new correct CFE, what you need to do is to stop the boot process immediately before it even tries to boot into bootloop. Then "nvram set" all the correct CFE values. Then it will boot and then you can enable SSH and flash the correct CFE again and do a nvram erase.

This post has been edited by fisherman10: Mar 29 2021, 03:10 AM
fisherman10
post Mar 29 2021, 11:58 AM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(takumaki67 @ Mar 29 2021, 10:35 AM)
Thank you fisherman10 advice!
Yes, 2 lights flashing one after another repeatedly after I switch on DIR868L
(without and with hold RESET 15 seconds).

e.g.: INTERNET LED light up (GREEN) ~3 seconds then off and continuously
        until 10 minutes later POWER LED light up (AMBER) ~3 seconds then off another 10 minutes or no light up anymore.
*
It's supposed to be like this.

Immediately after turning on, Top LED flash once bottom LED flash once then stop. After 30 seconds then top LED flash once bottom LED flash once. And it keeps repeating.

It doesn't sound like your example. Perhaps yours isn't a hard brick yet. Maybe take a video to show?
fisherman10
post Mar 29 2021, 03:39 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(takumaki67 @ Mar 29 2021, 03:14 PM)
Thank you BTS1501 for the advice.
Ok, so we will focus to ASUS Firmware restoration.

I re-download the firmware restoration and latest RT-AC66U B1 firmware Version 3.0.0.4.386.41634 from ASUS website.

1. Set to static IP 192.168.0.10 (255.255.255.0) and turn off Firewall
2. Plug in LAN (No. 3) at DIR868L
3. Switch on + hold RESET button (15 seconds)
4. Launch Firmware restoration with browse downloaded new firmware
5. Firmware uploading in progress
6. Then after 100% flash but it shown 'Failed to recover the system'
user posted image
7. After that, only the INTERNET LED light up
8. Wait for 20 mins, and still only INTERNET LED light up (like no response)
9. Restart by switch power off then on, then it looks like the video shown before (INTERNET LED blinking)
https://youtu.be/mZPENORbJpA

Eventually still unable startup the router...
*
Saw the video. It's not bricked. No need serial method.

I think IP is wrong. Set this in PC.
ip address 192.168.1.123
Subnet 255.255.255.0
Gateway 192.168.1.1

Hold reset and power on. Then try the firmware restoring again.

fisherman10
post Mar 29 2021, 09:25 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(takumaki67 @ Mar 29 2021, 08:58 PM)
Appreciate BTS1510!
I see... So you mean need to clear two 868l nvram when I want setup Aimesh ya?
Then I will need to reconfigure the WAN and Wireless?
*
I think he mistaken.

If everything is working in Asus firmware already, you don't need to hold any button and power on.

To set up a node, let the device start-up as usual, press and hold reset button until light blinks then let go. This will factory reset that device.

Go to your main router, press AI Mesh, search for nodes, add the device that it found. It should work unless you messed up the MAC address/WPS pin when converting.
fisherman10
post Mar 31 2021, 04:50 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(misk94 @ Mar 31 2021, 03:31 PM)
Dear members,

I am thinking of selling my DIR-868L AiMesh router and node.

Both are already migrated to Asuswrt-Merlin firmware.

These are the units that I have been showing you the guide and performance benchmark.

So they are tested and having reasonably good performance.

The units are still having balance of the three year D-Link warranty. i.e. until mid Nov. 2022.

I am asking RM300 for the set (one router and one node). Complete with original box and power supply.

I think it is a reasonable price and comes with more than 1 year and 6 months remaining warranty.

Other sellers are selling used DIR-868L around the same price with no warranty at all.

Anyone interested please let me know.

Thank you.

Regards,
*
Upgrading to AX?
fisherman10
post Mar 31 2021, 08:01 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(misk94 @ Mar 31 2021, 05:28 PM)
Thinking in that direction. Faster WiFi5 or WiFi6?

Wife and children urging for upgrades.

I am fine with current setup but obviously I will be out voted by them.  biggrin.gif

Happy Wife Happy Life.  cool2.gif 

Regards,
*
I think go straight for WiFi6 better. Because single or dual antenna Wifi6 alone will be better than 3x3 or 4x4 Wifi5. That also very rare to see mobile devices with more than 2x2 antenna.
fisherman10
post Apr 2 2021, 08:49 AM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(takumaki67 @ Apr 2 2021, 02:23 AM)
Lately I saw someone fix the 2.4ghz weak problem in koolshare website.
He has attached the CFE file named 'CFE_868L_2.4Gfix_5GPRO.bin' in Baidu (aw7b)

I am not able download the file to test.
Maybe anyone can help download the CFE?
*
Yes it works. Now it's finally stable and have been running it for a few days. But can't directly use the one from koolshare website. Initially I had some annoying problems.

Give me some time. I'll post up a guide and OP can add to the guide.
fisherman10
post Apr 2 2021, 08:12 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



At present, DIR-868L can only be converted to RT-AC66U_B1 or to RT-AC68U.

Besides the problems mentioned in the opening post such as LAN/WAN ports rearranged and LED not working normally,
1) If converted to RT-AC66U_B1, everything works fine except 2.4G WiFi very slow
2) If converted to RT-AC68U, everything works fine except 2.4G WiFi very slow and WiFi is disabled/off after every restart.


Here's the guide to fix both 2.4G WiFi speed and WiFi disabled after restart. It will be converted to AC68U. AC68U has slightly more info when viewing connected clients list compared to AC66U_B1.

Only do this after you're already fully converted and running Asus firmware.

1) Download attached file. newcfe68u.bin and newcfe66ub1.bin and mtd-write and CFEEdit
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s6ooa6M8ZF...iew?usp=sharing

2) Use CFEEdit and change 3 macaddresses and WPS Pin according to your own router in the CFE file.

3) Turn on the SSH from router page. Administration > System > Enable SSH > Apply

4) Open WINSCP. Choose SCP protocol, enter router IP address, username and password

5) Now decide if you want your router to be Asus AC68U or AC66U_B1. Drag and drop both newcfe68u.bin OR newcfe66ub1.bin together with mtd-write file to the right side of WINSCP

6) Use Putty and connect to router. Enter username and password

7) Enter these commands in Putty to flash new CFE

CODE
chmod u+x mtd-write

./mtd-write newcfe68u.bin boot

OR

./mtd-write newcfe66ub1.bin boot



8) Enter this command into Putty to clear NVRAM and reboot

CODE
nvram erase

reboot


And it should startup as AC68U or AC66U_B1.

This post has been edited by fisherman10: Apr 4 2021, 09:45 PM
fisherman10
post Apr 2 2021, 09:09 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(BTS1501 @ Apr 2 2021, 08:47 PM)
Yes, the steps are correct. Will not brick the router.  Just some redundant steps. 

Step 5, rename the cfe 2.4fix to just cfe.bin so that when you flash easier,no need to check so many characters.

Step 7,8 ,9 not needed. Mtd write has 3 versions,one version need -i ,and one version no need (like step 10).

Step 11 optional.  You can just power off, then wps + power on until internet led flashes.

Using hp you should get around 50mbps (unless yours is high end hp. Using another 868l as repeater will be higher.
*
Good tips. Lemme edit. Can you tell which version is my mtd-write? Should use step 9 or step 10?
fisherman10
post Apr 2 2021, 10:11 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(takumaki67 @ Apr 2 2021, 10:03 PM)
Awesome! It works! Thank you fisherman10!
A cosmetic question, so the INTERNET LED and POWER LED no light after connected to Internet?
*
I notice that on my 868L acting as wireless access point, both LED no light.

On my other 868L acting as mesh node, the bottom light lights up green. Top light is Off.
fisherman10
post Apr 3 2021, 02:34 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,372 posts

Joined: Dec 2007



QUOTE(takumaki67 @ Apr 2 2021, 10:18 PM)
Coool!
Again appreciate your effort and the details steps fisherman10!
*
At first both LED is off but after a few days, yesterday I went to look at it, bottom LED lights up green. Anyway I can't be bothered about the LED.

3 Pages  1 2 3 >Top
 

Change to:
| Lo-Fi Version
0.0274sec    0.37    7 queries    GZIP Disabled
Time is now: 28th March 2024 - 08:16 PM