AC87R / AC87U 2.4GHz Hardware Repair

[Callipygous]

I have an AC87R unit that has a nonfunctioning 2.4GHz band. I cannot log in to the router after the initial setup as the ASUS login page is grayed out and contains a message along the lines of "you've got ASUS firmware on a non ASUS product". Another post mentions this is due to the 2.4GHz band driver failing to load.

I'd like to attempt a repair but would like some guidance. I've fixed obviously broken electronics before (ie. broken solder connections, fried capacitors). Can anyone point me towards schematics that would outline where the 2.4GHz hardware is once I open up the router? Also, any advice about opening these up in general would be great. Thanks!

 

[Callipygous]

Took it apart after work. Nothing jumps out at me but I'll throw up a gallery incase another set of eyes spots something. Bonus pic at the end stamped AC87U (while the casing is an AC87R). I know that's a fun question you all get around here! Might take the caps out of circuit in the next few days to test them. I'd really like for it to be that simple.

Album:
http://imgur.com/a/zXtEB

Edit:

Possible water damage? There are what looks to me like some dried water spots on the board.

 

[ngerasimatos]

I have always thought about gutting my router and putting it in a clear micro case with better cooling. I think it would look nifty. Aside from that I do not see anything out of the ordinary. Can you get it to boot to the mini web recovery page?

 

[Callipygous]

I've gotten to the mini recovery page and cleared NVRAM, flashed current firmware, and otherwise gotten the switch portion and 5GHz band up and running fine but after that am unable to login again. Same issue as the user in the following thread.

http://www.snbforums.com/threads/error-message-on-rt-ac87u-log-in-screen.28412/

You're right it'd be fun to 3D print a clear case with improved ventilation for some of these routers.

 

[ngerasimatos]

I've gotten to the mini recovery page and cleared NVRAM, flashed current firmware, and otherwise gotten the switch portion and 5GHz band up and running fine but after that am unable to login again. Same issue as the user in the following thread.

http://www.snbforums.com/threads/error-message-on-rt-ac87u-log-in-screen.28412/

You're right it'd be fun to 3D print a clear case with improved ventilation for some of these routers.

Never thought about using my 3D printer to do this. I am going to have to look into it. Can you get it to boot into mini web page?