RT-AC87U initial install of MerlinWRT - yes, I know its outdated...

[m0erk]

Okay, basically I want to install merlin latest possible for the AC87U - which is RT-AC87U_384.13_10 according to the homepage.

Current firmware version is 3.0.0.4.382.52545 installed on the router.

If I now want to install the merlin firmware it states, that I have an invalid software and thus cannot load this firmware.

I searched a bit and found a nvram setting (DOWNGRADE_CHECK_PASS = 1) which i set via SSH but it doens't change the situation. Question is, do I need to go via the "recovery" method to flash the merlin firmware? I would like to avoid this, so the questions if there is any other way to manage it without?

 

[bennor]

Are you extracting the zipped file you downloaded from the Asus-Merlin website and flashing the firmware file that ends with ".trx"? Example file: "RT-AC87U_384.13_10.trx"
Double check you have download the correct firmware for your router.
See the Asus-Merlin Wiki page for installation directions and suggestions: https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng/wiki/Installation

As a last resort, try performing a hard factory reset on the router followed by a basic manual configuration. Then try to flash the Asus-Merlin firmware. Disconnect any attached USB drive from the router prior to attempting a firmware flash. Make sure to flash the firmware using a computer connected directly to the router's LAN port.

 

[m0erk]

I will try. Thanks.

I double checked the correct firmware. Funny thing, I have another AC87U it was firmware 380.xxx-something (old one) and there everything went normal. I was able to flash the firmware the "normal" way. It seems that the latest firmware 3.0.0.4.382.52545 on this router blocks somehow the flashing of the merlin firmware...