RT-N66R Going back

[ShawnTRD]

So I got one of these from BB last Wednesday. Setup went OK. But then the router would just disappear. no wireless or lan seen. All the lights were still showing it was working. So my buddy linked me a Merlin firmware. I did the latest one and left for work. Wife came home and nothing worked. Power cycle it and it works for a couple minutes. I tried clearing the NVRAM. Works for awhile. they dies. Not sure if I should try another 66 or something else.

 

[Deleted member 22229]

Sounds like a defective unit I would return it to BB. Don't get another N66 they are getting old now and the current firmware has there signal output crippled and this will never change at this point. The only router from Asus I would even consider buying right now is the AC68U. The new AC87U they just released is full of bugs and unstable.

 

[Trip]

Shawn, if you have the gumption to try it, I'd give Shibby's Tomato a whirl (download the AIO "all-in-one" version). If the faults stem more from faulty firmware than hardware, it may just breathe life back into the unit. You can certainly flash back to factory if you don't notice any improvements, then return to BB.

 

[ShawnTRD]

The only router from Asus I would even consider buying right now is the AC68U. The new AC87U they just released is full of bugs and unstable.

Unfortunately the 68 isn't available at BB. Anything else you recommend?

 

[Trip]

Are you looking for an Asus for any particular reason? If you can get a full charge-back on your card from BB, then perhaps order the 68 online (NewEgg, Amazon, etc?). Otherwise, I'd look elsewhere for a solid wired router/firewall (ERL, etc.) then wire in an explicit AP of whatever brand (EnGenius, Ubiquiti, etc.), and for the same amount of investment overall, I'd wager you'll have a more stable and quite possibly better performing environment all the way around. I realize I just posted this in the middle of the Asus all-in-one forum, but just some food for thought.

 

[ChristineBCW]

EDIT: FORGET THIS ORIGINAL PARAGRAPH!

You might also try a local OfficeMax-Depot Staples type of place, and because of the ease of returning local products, I'd even consider ordering one from their warehouse for delivery to my nearest location - just to facilitate an easy return if I didn't care for it.

I just casually ran thru the Staples, OfficeMax and OfficeDepot websites, and they aren't selling Asus 68Us at all. TIGER DIRECT is one link that offering "shipping only to addressee" but not to these stores.

I checked over on NewEgg and didn't see 68U's at any substantial bargain for their "refurb/open box" options either. When they do arrive on returns, they're only marking them down $20 from their original $200 price, which means "demand is higher than supply".

So, 68Us are now rare! Get 'em while ya can!

 

[TonyH]

So I got one of these from BB last Wednesday. Setup went OK. But then the router would just disappear. no wireless or lan seen. All the lights were still showing it was working. So my buddy linked me a Merlin firmware. I did the latest one and left for work. Wife came home and nothing worked. Power cycle it and it works for a couple minutes. I tried clearing the NVRAM. Works for awhile. they dies. Not sure if I should try another 66 or something else.

Hi,
In a situation like this my first suspicion falls on AC adapter. I never use OEM power adapter on routers I use. I use lab grade 12V, 5 Amp. PSU. Maybe that is why I never have any funnies with routers? Since it is new get an exchange and try one more time? I just wonder why folks mess with f/w when the cause of problem is not even identified. Let's be logical, as an analogy, when your car runs poor, do you start replacing parts randomly? When I put new router into service I try first as I received it. At least after 24 hrs, I update to latest stock f/w. If still OK and when I need something stock f/w does not provide, I try 3rd party f/w. If things does not work well, I can fall back on stock f/w(known good point) and try some thing else, so on. Some one said "try Tomato f/w", why? We don't even know what is wrong with this router yet.

 

[ShawnTRD]

I took it back and got a RT-AC87R. Only problem I see so far is the Playstation Network isn't working on my PS4.

 

[Deleted member 22229]

Hi,
In a situation like this my first suspicion falls on AC adapter. I never use OEM power adapter on routers I use. I use lab grade 12V, 5 Amp. PSU. Maybe that is why I never have any funnies with routers? Since it is new get an exchange and try one more time? I just wonder why folks mess with f/w when the cause of problem is not even identified. Let's be logical, as an analogy, when your car runs poor, do you start replacing parts randomly? When I put new router into service I try first as I received it. At least after 24 hrs, I update to latest stock f/w. If still OK and when I need something stock f/w does not provide, I try 3rd party f/w. If things does not work well, I can fall back on stock f/w(known good point) and try some thing else, so on. Some one said "try Tomato f/w", why? We don't even know what is wrong with this router yet.

I believe the N66 uses a 19 volt power supply not 12.

 

[TonyH]

Hi,
Nit picking? My bench PSU o/p is variable 5V to 24V, multi o/p with near pure DC like batteries.

 

[Deleted member 22229]

Hi,
Nit picking? My bench PSU o/p is variable 5V to 24V, multi o/p with near pure DC like batteries.

Nope not nit picking just pointing out a true statement. I also have some very high quality variable regulated power supply's. I like the Astrons personally,I have also built some in the past but never really considered using one on a home router.

 

[TonyH]

hI,
Mine is HP one I hoarded when I retired in '97. I have an Astron 25Amp with volt, Ammeter separate powering odd HAM radio gears, QRP Plus set, VHF/UHF base station, accessories.
As a senior my building days are over. I just replaced busted RJ45 jack on a laptop I got almost free. Alienware M14Xr1.

 

[bilboSNB]

Don't get another N66 they are getting old now and the current firmware has there signal output crippled and this will never change at this point. .

Hello, can you clarify what this means? Are you saying ASUS have deliberately made the wifi worse in later firmwares?

 

[Deleted member 22229]

Hello, can you clarify what this means? Are you saying ASUS have deliberately made the wifi worse in later firmwares?

That's what I am saying yes. Asus has dummied down the output because of new FCC regulations and the law suit Netgear has levied against them. It's been discussed more then a few times here in the forums.