AC68U from DD-WRT to Merlin help

[EdCaffreyMS]

Hello!

I've been a follower of SNB for years, and have gleaned a great deal of knowledge. This is my first forum post.... because I have exhausted all other avenues.

SETUP: Home network, running 3 Asus T-Mobile hot spot devices, that have been converted to AC68U, and are running DD-WRT firmware. 1 router is the main, connected to incoming cable/modem, and the other two are further "down the line" in the network as wireless APs for other areas of my property.

SITUATION: I just recently stumbled upon/learned of Merlin firmware for Asus routers, and wanted to try it on one of the routers that currently runs DD-WRT firmware, so started searching for information. Nothing.... at least that I could find. So I first tried the Web UI, and flashed the correct Merlin firmware to one of the routers (running DD-WRT)..... it acted like it worked, and even popped up with "Successful.... rebooting" but it comes back up with DD-WRT firmware/UI. I actually tried it a couple of times...all with the same results.... DD-WRT still there. I then downloaded the Asus Rescue tool..... that's where it lost me. The firmware restoration tool does not let you specify any given router (see pic).... so I stopped there...... and am seeking help here. I simply wish to flash a specific router, just to give Merlin a try.... but just don't know how to get there....from where I am.

 

[L&LD]

Welcome to the forums @EdCaffreyMS.

I don't think you looked very hard for your specific question(s).

[Announcement] Running Asuswrt-Merlin and forks on non-Asus devices is ILLEGAL | SmallNetBuilder Forums (snbforums.com)

 

[ColinTaylor]

Or more specifically: http://www.snbforums.com/threads/faq-read-me-first-before-posting-a-question.47153/

Q: Why can't I update my (modded) TM-AC1900 firmware?
A: Because you are running Asuswrt-Merlin on an UNSUPPORTED model, and Asus recently changed the firmware validation process to prevent such a thing. You will have to revert back to the original TM-AC1900. Beyond that, you're on your own.

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

Thank you for that. I will say that I would have never found that via a search.... I was searching everything using "Asus RT-AC68U" terminology. Only because the labels identify the routers as "Asus", and the UI identifies them as "RT-AC68U..... Beside, I'm not running Asuswrt-Merlin on anything..... I was going to out of curiosity....but it appears that isn't an option with these devices. Hmmm.