Is Anyone Running The TM-AC1900 (Rebranded RT-AC68U) on Stock Firmware?

No on 28/11/2017 - 15:15

Hi,

I had the TM-AC1900 delivered and before flashing it over the the regular RT-AC68U firmware I want to make sure its working correctly as the box wasn't sealed and I suspect I may have been sent a returned item.

All of my 2.4ghz devices are having a ton of drop outs and sometimes I can't connect to 2.4Ghz at all. I wonder if this could have something to do with AU / US bands and it will be ok once I flash the proper firmware.

Does anyone remember if the box was sealed and if the antennas came in bags?

Thanks

Computing

Comments

  • SaddenAscentAspirin on 28/11/2017 - 16:15
    +1

    Most recent sale on here for that device were refurbished. Are you sure you didn't accidentally order refurbished model?

    And have tried doing a wifi scan to see what channels are saturated near you and switching to a channel that isn't?

    • No on 28/11/2017 - 16:18

      Nah I bought this one: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/327856

      I emailed the seller and he said it is new and its normal for box to be unsealed.

      I've asked him if he will accept a return if I flash the asus firmware and it still has the problem but no reply yet.

      • HighAndDry on 28/11/2017 - 16:36

        Yeah I'm going to guess that'll be a hard "NO". No one is going give refunds because their products don't work with unofficial ghetto-rigged firmware. If anything, you flashing it to an unofficial firmware it's not supported for will probably waive any and all right you have to a refund or replacement.

        • No on 28/11/2017 - 16:43

          Yeah I suspect as much but figured I'd ask them. I just went to Australia Post and it would be $45 to return it to the US.

          I guess this is the risk of buying from the US.

  • Switchblade88 on 28/11/2017 - 18:54

    I was suffering chronic Wifi issues with my RT-AC68U.

    Turns out one of the squibbly little checkboxes had been ticked (Xbox compatibility) that apparently removed error correction from the signal stream. When a packet was unreadable by a device, it had to timeout before re-requesting from the router. Many hours of research to find that!

    If a factory reset doesn't solve it, try new firmware. If that still doesn't work, try different settings. If you're sure it's hardware, either post it back, or resell at cost to someone else.

    Your seller now knows that you -could- flash firmware, so even if it is actually a hardware fault he'll blame you for tinkering and you won't get reimbursement. And no ACCC protections from a US seller!

    I'd strongly suggest tinkering instead. New firmware will cost nothing, is reversible, and is relatively easy to test - you have nothing to lose by trying.

    • No on 28/11/2017 - 20:03

      The problem is this is the TM-AC1900 so if I put the RT-AC68U firmware on there I might not be able to go back to TM-AC1900 to return it.

  • No on 28/11/2017 - 20:04

    Amazon initially only offered $15 to cover the return costs which will be more like $60. They sent me a cryptic email which sort of indicates they will pay the full amount (I think!)

    ***But I have good news for you. We will issue a FULL refund once you return the item and with regards to the remaining amount that wasn't refunded, please email back the amount and rest assured that we will gonna send the amount back to you because you are certainly the type of customer I would personally like to take care of.

    ***Or if just in case you didn't receive a full refund after we receive the item back, all you have to do is to write back and we will honor the remaining amount plus any additional shipping cost that you have paid just to send the item back to us.

    I think I will return it and get another one from a different seller.

    • Switchblade88 on 28/11/2017 - 20:15

      That sounds awfully generous of somebody who isn't actually carrying the expense of postage and a potential item missing in transit. 'Good News' indeed…

      If the TM-AC1900 and the RT-AC68U are otherwise identical, then it's a safe assumption that firmware will work in both directions. After all, the 68U is already easily upgraded to Merlin or Tomato - and there's no barrier to returning to stock; so why not return to the AC1900 firmware?

      Don't give up yet. You could have a fully working device before it would even arrive back in the US if you persevere!

      • No on 28/11/2017 - 20:42

        The problem is its not as easy as just uploading new firmware in the web interface.

        These are the instructions for turning it into a RT-AC68U:

        http://www.bayareatechpros.com/ac1900-to-ac68u/

        I can't find a download for the stock ac1900 software.

        • SaddenAscentAspirin on 29/11/2017 - 09:35

          So it might be unethical, but chances are they won't know you flashed the ac68u firmware. You could also just say that's how it came (although you probably messed that up by asking if you could flash the new firmware). You could cover that by saying a friend suggesting updating the firmware might fix the issue and that's what you meant.

        • No on 29/11/2017 - 09:38

          @shamowfski: The seller agreed that I could try the new firmware. Still worried I got a bit of a fight on my hands but I am willing to give it a go.

          I sort of wonder if the seller knew it was faulty and figured that if they sent it to Australia I wouldnt be bothered returning it. Little do they know :)

      • No on 29/11/2017 - 09:34

        Tried the RT-AC68U firmware and Merlin. Both still had the same problem, Im going to send it back.

      • HighAndDry on 29/11/2017 - 14:19

        If the TM-AC1900 and the RT-AC68U are otherwise identical

        They're not.

        Not to mention flashing firmware carries with it unavoidable (if small) risks of bricking the unit.

  • Unbreakable on 16/05/2018 - 21:43

    Had wifi issues myself, flashed 68P, just speed on…

    anyway https://wiretuts.com/how-to-fix-asus-dsl-ac68u-slow-wifi-pro… !!

  • Unbreakable on 18/05/2018 - 20:08

    Guys i highly recommend doing the guide to flash to AC68U, it's complete!

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join