It may be too far fetched but, is it possible to get the [squashfs-factory.bin] kinda like version for the v14? It doesn't have to be latest, can be any old version that fits and works.
Also, do you know why the default firmware keeps giving the error 4503 while trying to load a factory firmware?
I saw that, also another thread regarding the wr840.
I mean, are the chinese so... bad? why country-lock a cheap router? unless grabs tinfoil hat they are planning something with those devices having vulnerabilities all over the planet. Is the only possible explanation so far.
Now, back to planet earth, so tftp is the only way to go?
Tried to install openwrt-ramips-mt76x8-tplink_tl-wr841n-v14-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin version from [ulbricht-inr] with tftp but does break the router.
Seems to need still the squashfs-tftp-recovery.bin version for tftp...
Have now downloaded last snapshot (2 days ago) and built with config file above in thread from ulbricht.
Compile worked but can anyone confirm that this config and compiling worked for V14?
I don't want to brick another router...
Any comments please?
I've compiled my own version and seems to build an image for v14.
My problem is now that my v14 version does not enter in tftp mode...
Pressing reset button and power on does not work on this equiment I have
but I tought I installed an other v14 version with tftp.
Reset button seems to work... What could be the problem?
How can I do that? Were is any information? The new bootloader comes from TPLink or OpenWRT?
Upgrading the bootloader must be done in OpenWRT or not? Can I save the old one, how?
I upgraded a WR841N v14.0 with 64MB Ram and 16MB Flash. I compiled openwrt with above config and patched for 16MB flash size. Flash upgrade is working. If anyone is interested, I can share how to upgrade. Ram upgrade does not work yet.
16M/64M upgrade was successful. My devices are running with 16MB flash and 64MB RAM now. One with latest OpenWrt and one with gluon (Freifunk Stuttgart firmware).
I used the following devices:
RAM: Hynix HY5DU121622DTP-D43
Flash: Winbond 25Q128FVSG
Ram upgrade procedure:
Desolder old RAM
Solder new RAM
Now test the device. If you soldered the ram correctly, it works as before.
RAM size is hard coded in boot loader. To use the 64M you need to flash a modified boot loader. Either
a) use a modified OpenWrt image (with boot partition writable) and write it from OpenWrt
or
b) use serial console and flash with u-boot and tftp
I will upload modified u-boot binary and source later.
Flash upgrade is easier to solder but more firmware changes:
Save your ART partition. It is individual for every hardware.
Desolder old Flash
Write bootloader, firmware and ART partition to new Flash.
I use a cheap ch341a programmer with SOIC-8 clip.
Solder the new Flash.
ART partition can either be saved from OpenWrt or read with ch341 programmer after desoldering flash.
It can then either be added to firmware image before writing the new flash or written with modified OpenWrt later.
tftp recovery:
tftp recovery works on v14. press and hold reset button after power on. Device IP is 192.168.0.2, Server IP is 192.168.0.66, Filename: tp_recovery.bin
Serial console
I used the internal serial port for modification. It's 115.200 8N1 3,3V TTL, so use a ftdi adapter. Strangely I need a pullup resistor on RX (router side). Otherwise it does not get my inputs.
Pressing 't' after reset enters bootloader.
Original recovery commands are: ""tftp 0x80060000 tp_recovery.bin;erase tplink 0x10000 0x3d0000;cp.b 0x80070000 0x10000 0x3d0000"