[ian5142]

This thread has been started so that I can post unofficial builds for the Archer C7 v5.

The main problem I am having is finding a factory (TP-Link) firmware file for the Archer C7 v5 US. I have files for the CA (Canadian) and TW (Taiwan) models but not US.

I have not tested any of the builds, as I do not own this router.

Before testing these builds I would suggest having a recovery method ready (Serial + TFTP is what I use to debrick my TP-Links): https://openwrt.org/toh/tp-link/archer-c5-c7-wdr7500#tftp_recovery_de-bricking

I use TFTP32/TFTP64 in server mode. Then turn on the log and it will tell you that the router tried to grab a file with a specific name. Rename the firmware to that name and the router will pull the file and flash it.

I would suggest trying to flash the test firmware using the same method if the webGUI does not accept it.

[pocahontas]

[ian5142]

I have attached a test file for the US version.
I am fairly certain it is the same header as one of the other files though.

NOT TESTED.

[videobruce]

I'm surprised they came out with another version of this.
This just adds more confusion since the six versions (there were 2 v1's) have different components especially between v2 (what seems to be the most popular) and v4.

That ridiculously long 'Archer C7' (no version number) should of specified a version number(s).

[mugre1975]

I've tried to flash the US version of the firmware on the router's UI, and as suggested by TFTP changing the name to ArcherC7v5_tp_recovery.bin (which is the one the router requests), and I couldn't flash it with either method.
Web UI reports an invalid file type, and the tftp process just reboots as soon as it requests the file.
Hope this helps

[antonh]

Have you been able to make any progress on this? Is there anything we can do to assist?

I've just bought my second C7 on Amazon, but unfortunately this one is a v5 so I can't currently flash it.

[ian5142]

I am not a dev. All I was doing was modifying the header at the start of the file to see if it will flash on the device. If it is the same hardware internally just a different board layout and firmware version then it often works. That is how a ton of TP-Link devices are supported. 841, 842, 940, 941, etc.

[jez9999]

Arghhhh this is so annoying. I specifically bought an Archer C7 because the WIKI recommended it as a good router for DD-WRT and now I learn that V5 is not (and probably never will be) supported! Well guess what I have a V5. How misleading is that wiki??

[ian5142]

If you read first, you would find that only v1 (partially), v2, v3, and v4 are supported. I will change the wiki page you are talking about though.

[ian5142]

Official support has just been added, 37837. Not tested. Will not flash via GUI. See this thread: https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=317641

[fifi29]

The new build 39732 support archer C7 V5. I have tested, running since 2 days without an problems.

[bandu]

[fifi29]

Hi, use the build 37961. The router running good. ONly 5ghz wifi is not stable. often lost internet.

[videobruce]

How about a brief v4 vs v5 list of changes??

[darthrider]

There is no interfering 5GHz channel in my neighborhood so there shouldn't be any interference.

On stock firmware I was getting 71 MBps on the same channel (Channel 149 + UU) whereas now I am getting only 17Mbps speed on my new Archer C7 v5 (Build r37961)