Revert RT-AC86U to Asus Firmware - not working

[TerryCustard]

Hi all,

I have an AC86U running 386.11 to which I'm trying to add a AX53U as Mesh Node. It won't connect to the 53U as a node in either the iOS app or in the web interface. Having read around this forum, one solution is to downgrade to stock firmware, connect the node and then reflash merlin firmware.

However, when I try and flash the stock firmware I get an error - failed. This is using the most recent release, the second most recent release and then I scrolled back to 2020 and picked a release from there and I still get the same issue.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions about how I might get round this and either successfully flash the stock firmware, or some other magic for connecting the AX53U as a node? I've tried connecting them by a cable but still no joy

Thanks in advance

 

[MDM]

Free memory - reboot and unplug USB if you have one, Then try again...

 

[TerryCustard]

Thanks, I've tried this. There was no USB, but rebooted. It's showing 143MB free memory, but still no joy in applying any of the downloaded firmware

 

[drinkingbird]

Thanks, I've tried this. There was no USB, but rebooted. It's showing 143MB free memory, but still no joy in applying any of the downloaded firmware

Try factory reset first, if that doesn't work, rescue mode and firmware recovery tool

 

[TerryCustard]

Thank you for your help - factory reset didn't work so it looks like it's the firmware recovery tool.

 

[drinkingbird]

Thank you for your help - factory reset didn't work so it looks like it's the firmware recovery tool.

Obviously also make 100% sure you grabbed the right firmware, not AX86 or AC68 by accident etc.

 

[TerryCustard]

Obviously also make 100% sure you grabbed the right firmware, not AX86 or AC68 by accident etc.

OMG, I thought who would do this. Turns out - I did and was trying to flash the AC68 firmware on to the 86. The proper file has of course, worked first time...

Thank you for your help and the reminder before I started using the firmware recovery tool!

 

[Crimliar]

Who would do this? Human error is pretty damn common - hence thumbs up for the both of you!

 

[drinkingbird]

OMG, I thought who would do this. Turns out - I did and was trying to flash the AC68 firmware on to the 86. The proper file has of course, worked first time...

Thank you for your help and the reminder before I started using the firmware recovery tool!

You're not the first, and you won't be the last. They make the model numbers too close to each other especially the 68 and 86.