Cannot access RT-N66U in recovery mode

[therobin]

I have a RT-N66U running merlin 380.70 and CFE version 1.0.1.9. I want to switch it to John's fork for better wifi. However, I cannot access the router in recovery mode.

I put the router in recovery mode by holding the reset button when powering on. It shows the slow blinking power LED. I then set my IP to 192.168.1.2, subnet to 255.255.255.0 and gateway to 192.168.1.1. However, once that is done, I cannot ping the router or access the CFE miniweb.

Once I reboot it, it restarts and boots the installed firmware just fine. I just cannot access the CFE miniweb to flash it. Any ideas on what to try?

 

[Tech9]

I want to switch it to John's fork for better wifi.

You won't get better Wi-Fi.

 

[eibgrad]

Putting the efficacy of the change in firmware aside for the moment, are you sure the CFE IP is 192.168.1.1? I have seen other IPs from time to time w/ Asus, like 192.168.29.1. Somewhat rare, but it does happen.

 

[Tech9]

It's 192.168.1.1 on this router. The computer must be connected to LAN port, not WAN. The update is really slow, may take >60min.