I see there's a device page for these and found mentions on github of support for them being added to 25.12 but couldn't get the .bin I downloaded to load. The web-ui says 'bad file' when tried to flash it. What should I do/where should I go for next steps? TYIA
Instructions for installing OpenWrt on these devices is in the git commit (the UR git commit points to the LR for instructions).
Thanks for the quick reply @psherman
I guess disassembly and soldering are required for these then?
What are the chances that an 'easier' way to flash will be available?
Based on the info in the commit, yes, that appears to be the situation.
Probably very very slim. Most of the time, a device for which there is an easy (I.e. web interface or TFTP based) method will have said approach from the point of initial official support. It is rarely (if ever) added later since it usually means that there are specific reasons that it is difficult to implement (for example, signed firmware and the like).
I would not try to force that factory image through the stock web UI if it already says “bad file”. Before opening the unit, double-check the exact hardware label/revision and region against the commit and device page, because TP-Link names can be annoyingly close. If you do go the serial route, take photos and save the original partitions/calibration data first; that is the bit I would be most careful not to lose.
@nubeovejita27 - thanks for the warning, but honestly I'm not going to open this thing up. It's working fine now and was a great upgrade for my previous AP (an ancient Netgear EX3700). In another life maybe, but I'm just not 'that guy' currently.