LEDE on TP-Link Archer C50, but the install Instructions is in polish

Installing and Using OpenWrt
2

TL;DR For US V1, user @basteln3rk reported that now using the Firmware LEDE Install URL, you just install using the stock firmware from the Web Upgrade interface, simple as that.

As for EU V1, device needs latest factory-eu image from Lede snapshots. No need to downgrade or sysupgrade (see @cedcuc17's comment below).

Notice for non Windows users: Pay attention to the file name, the V in the filename ArcherC50V1 mentioned below needs to be capitalized (see related comment below).

There are two manual recipes reported as successful from two different users:

Install LEDE @danghuy1994 's recipe, using sysupgrade

  1. This downgrades the stock firmware to the first release so that it accepts OpenWrt
  2. Set your computer IP address to 192.168.0.66 (force this address, not DHCP client)
  3. Install TFTP on that computer and ensure it serves the file ArcherC50V1_tp_recovery.bin
    a. That file is the patched image that you rename ArcherC50V1_tp_recovery.bin
  4. Connect it with cable to LAN port 1 of the router
  5. Put the router in recovery mode
    a. Power off the router
    b. Press and hold the reset button / wps while powering on the router
    c. Wait until WPS LED will light - about 8 seconds, release button
  6. The router will begin to download the "recovery" patched firmware
  7. There should be a reboot
  8. From this downgraded stock firmware's upgrade firmware page, use this OpenWrt firmware to install OpenWrt
    a. You are now running OpenWrt
  9. From OpenWrt's upgrade firmware page, use this LEDE firmware to go to from OpenWrt to LEDE. Do not preserve settings.

Install LEDE @steel_rat 's recipe, using TFTP

  1. This will install a specially crafted OpenWrt image directly that will accepts LEDE afterwards
  2. Set your computer IP address to 192.168.0.66 (force this address, not DHCP client)
  3. Install TFTP on that computer and ensure it serves the file ArcherC50V1_tp_recovery.bin
    a. That file is the patched image that you rename ArcherC50V1_tp_recovery.bin, according to the recipe you originally posted in Polish
  4. Connect it with cable to LAN port 1 of the router
  5. Put the router in recovery mode
    a. Power off the router
    b. Press and hold the reset button / wps while powering on the router
    c. Wait until WPS LED will light - about 8 seconds, release button
  6. The router will begin to download the "recovery" patched firmware
  7. There should be a reboot
  8. Then install LEDE sysupgrade firmware from OpenWrt's upgrade firmware page as you would for a sysupgrade

Going back to stock firmware (TP-Link)

  1. Use the danghuy1994 recipe and stop at step 7. Afterwards, use the stock firmware upgrade menu to go to a newer stock version if you want.
    a. When you want to flash a stock firmware using TFTP, you need to strip the U-Boot section from it or else you'll end up with a bricked device.
    b. The patched image at step 3 is already stripped so you do not have to manually do it. In case you need to do it, you need to strip the first 512 bytes from it (thanks @danghuy1994).
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