Linksys ea7500 v3 - "This firware file won't work on this router"

Installing and Using OpenWrt
1

Hi all, i'm a newbie here...
I would like to upgrade/install/flush my old router: linksys ea7500 v3, with the file version found at
the table:
openwrt-24.10.4-mediatek-mt7629-linksys_ea7500-v3-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin
When i got into the router - connectivity/router firmware update/manual file and choose the downloaded file i got the error: "This firware file won't work on this router".

Did anyone stumble across such an issue or can instruct me what shell i do?
Thanks
Shlomi

Flashing/installing on linksys ea7500 v3 without USB-to-UART
2

It needs to be flashed using serial console - https://git.openwrt.org/?p=openwrt/openwrt.git;a=commit;h=2fbffb3643b012e37c692e8c390b916b8ad20fe3.

3

Thanks for the reply.
i read the linked page but i didn't understand:

  1. where do i get the 7531.bin?
  2. how do i work/connect with tftp?
    Shlomi
4
  1. It's the KERNEL image renamed, from https://firmware-selector.openwrt.org/?version=24.10.5&target=mediatek%2Fmt7629&id=linksys_ea7500-v3
  2. You need to open it up.

Videos of how to flash any random device using serial and TFTP can be found on YT.

1 Like
5

From the same page (3 lines above where you read '7531.bin' - in the instructions for the section):

and provide the initramfs image

(I provided a link to a website that showed how to do so in Linux, MacOS and Windows, but it asked for moderator approval. A simple web search will produce numerous results.)

6

sorry, i know this procedure is clear to you but not so much to me, it's my first time, i'll be happy if you can walk me though.
This is the instructions set:
Flashing:

  • OpenWrt is only runnig in the first partition of dual boot
  • To ensure to be able to go back to the factory image, flash the last OEM firmware via OEM web interface. This will ensure that the OEM firmware is present on both partitions
  • Because of dual boot partitions, flashing via OEM interface is not supported

??? running these server on my unbuntu ?

  • Start a TFTP server and provide the initramfs image. Default settings:
    • Router IP: 192.168.1.1
    • TFTP server IP: 192.168.1.100

??? i don't understand where this file comes from ?

  • TFTP file name: 7531.bin

??? i understand it requires specific cable which i don't have, is there another option?

  • Open the device, connect UART and select " 1. System Load Linux to SDRAM via TFTP." during startup
  • Adapt the settings to your environment, if required
  • After initramfs is booted, flash the sysupgrade image

thanks,
shlomi

7

Are you asking us to repeat the same information?

In other words:

cp openwrt-24.10.5-mediatek-mt7629-linksys_ea7500-v3-initramfs-kernel.bin 7531.bin

(You were already provided this information and download location above.)

For serial, no, there is no other option. You'll need to procure a 3.3 V RS232-to-TTL serial adapter or device with TTL serial (e.g., an Arduino development board).

Yes, it is.

8

Hi,
is there a method of installing on Lynksis ea7500 v3 without USB-to-UART?

I tried to upload the upgrade file downloaded from the table matching line of device and it failing saying firmware file won't work...

i was trying to get usage of an old router lying at my old stuff box - I'm not sure if it's worth it to buy this new adapter.

Thanks,
Shlomi

9

No!

Depending where you are, they can usually be sourced locally at roughly $10 CDN.

1 Like
10

Please don't brick your device. This is not listed in the instructions.

1 Like
11

Do you really believe only the most cumbersome installation method is posted, on purpose?