Broke rt3200, trashed

[WizardKnight]

I have a Belkin RT3200 that I had installed openwrt-23.05.0-mediatek-mt7622-linksys_e8450-ubi-squashfs-sysupgrade.
For some strange reason the wifi country code drop down box was empty. So I tried reinstalling the firmware and moved upto the .2 release openwrt-23.05.2-mediatek-mt7622-linksys_e8450-ubi-squashfs-sysupgrade

Something unfortunately has gone very wrong, and the router is bricked. The power led is off, and the internet led is solid orange. Windows is also reporting that the ethernet is unplugged, so I am guessing the unit is very bricked.

I tried holding in the reset while power cycling the unit, but there was no change.

I have been looking for a unbrick guide, but I haven't had much luck finding one.

Has anyone been able to recovery a RT3200 in this state, and if so could you share how you did it?

[frollic]

Serial console ?

[LilRedDog]

@WizardKnight

I tried holding in the reset while power cycling the unit, but there was no change.

Not how your router is reset:

While the router is powered ON, press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds. The “Router” light will begin to blink. Once the “Router” light stays solid, the reset process is complete.

[LilRedDog]

@WizardKnight

According to https://github.com/dangowrt/owrt-ubi-installer

Enter recovery mode under OpenWrt

Using the RESET button:

1. Hold down the "reset" button (below the "WPS" button) whilst powering on the device.
2. Release the button once the power LED turns into orange/yellow.

This will remove any user configuration and allow restoring or upgrading from ssh/http/tf

According to your router's OpenWrt page.

[LilRedDog]

@WizardKnight

(post deleted by author)

That's what I thought.

[frollic]

@WizardKnight

I tossed the router in the trash.

it was probably recoverable, but I guess you're not willing to spend the time and money ($5) to make it happen.