Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by sayboon

OpenWRT for TP-Link 1043ND v1.8+ on Maxis FTTH

sayboon — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:07:35 +0800

This is a step by step instruction on how to flash your TP-Link 1043ND v1.8+routers for those on Maxis FTTH to use an open firmware, OpenWRT, specifically those purchased circa July 2012. The reason why the later versions don't/wouldn't work is because TP-Link has programmed the bootloader to disable the WAN port if it detects another firmware variant aside from its original one. So even though you've done all the steps to the letter, it will still be a futile effort.

A work around has been found to circumvent this.

1. Restore it to a previous firmware where the bootloader doesn't disable the WAN port
2. Flash it to a factory firmware on OpenWRT
3. Perform a firmware upgrade on OpenWRT.

Props are given to KLSeet in providing the initial guidance and a pic of the TP-Link Web Console page as I've flashed my router from the stock firmware to its current state.

Firstly, download these 3 files:

Doesn't really matter which LAN port you're plugged in to (though some would argue anything but LAN port 1) but it is important to use the right browser. For some apparent reason, Chrome doesn't play well with the flashing process. So I'd recommend Firefox instead for this exercise.

Okay, now that you have the 3 files the first thing you should do now is to head to 192.168.1.1 (make sure you've done a hard reset/factory default via the back reset pin or via the Web Console) on your TP-Link router.

Default username: admin
Default password: admin

Go to System Tools > Firmware Upgrade tab
Click Browse and use the first file you downloaded, TP Link Pre 1.8 FW
Click Upgrade to to start flash

Wait for the upgrade to finish. Do not power off!

Once you've flashed it, head on to the Web Console @ 192.168.1.1

Default username: root
Default password: <blank>

Go to System > Backup / Flash firmware
Restore backup > Choose File
This is the second file you downloaded, OpenWRT - Factory

Again, wait for it to finish the upgrade.

Once you've flashed it, head on to the Web Console @ 192.168.1.1

Default username: root
Default password: <blank>

Go back to the System > Backup / Flash firmware
Restore backup > Choose File
This is the third file you downloaded, TP Link - System Upgrade

Ta-daaa, now your TP-Link 1043ND has it's WAN port enabled. The VLAN configuration for Maxis FTTH on this router are aplenty but will do up another tutorial if required. A good place to start is to check out KLSeet's page on the configuration for OpenWRT. Though it's for UniFi, the gist of it remains the same.

Note: Try this at your own risk! It has worked for me and many others but accidents do happen! Eg. power trip, corrupted file, etc.

Logitech Z5500 Fuse Blown (I think)

sayboon — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 00:57:33 +0800

Hi,

I was reading an old post (closed), http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/560050, and was trying to see if there was anyone out there who knew where I could buy a fuse specifically for these Logitech speakers, Z5500. Apparently, the fuse that works best came stock with the set, ceramic 2A 250V time delay (some call it time lag, slow blow, etc. but it essentially does the same thing). At least that's what most people in the Logitech forums say as well.

However I've been scouting in a few hardware shops and the best that I could come up with was a 2A 250V transparent tube fuse, put it in and the fuse blew almost immediately as I powered it on.

So coming back to my question, does anyone know where I could acquire such a fuse or know of any service center that repairs these type of speakers?

Much thanks!

iZZi Subscription Renewal

sayboon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:35:11 +0800

Not too sure how many out there have subscribed to izzi for a year or coming to a year but if there are perhaps we can relate on the situation described below.

I have been using izzi services close to a year now and so far the service provided has been quite decent, not fantastic but just enough to get me by. So, right now I'm thinking I should renew the service for another year and there I go looking at the renewal packages on their webbie and lo and behold; to my disbelief in their preposterous pricing and it goes something like this; iZZi Renewal.

Now, when I first subscribed to it, it was only RM66/month for the izziOne and now they tell me I will need to pay RM88/month or RM950.40/12 months! Even now for a new subscriber of the same package would only cost RM792 and you get the modem as well! On top of that, they say that the list price of the modem is RM699! If that's the case, why don't I sell them back the modem and sign up a new package again all at a cost of RM93 for a year?

Appreciate any izzi users feedback on this or anyone that sees the dis-logic in their business model.