Joined: 21 Aug 2019 Posts: 120 Location: Here, There And Everywhere
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2023 11:16 Post subject: Converting a "new" EA8500 to DD-WRT?
I have a chance to acquire a couple of Linksys EA8500 routers for a very good price. They are supposedly only a couple of years old, with regularly updated firmware. My plan was to use them as WDS Stations.
I am no stranger to converting to DD-WRT (from WRT54 a loong time ago, and up to R9000), but after reading the installation guide and mrjcd's "Installing DD-WRT on the Linksys EA8500", I'm wondering if it is worth the trouble. It seems that there is a distinct possibility that it is impossible to convert them to DD-WRT. There is no option to actually open them and look for header pins.
Even more, installation instructions claim "AS SUCH, as of October 2020, WE CANNOT ENDORSE BUYING A EA8500 ANYMORE".
Joined: 21 Aug 2019 Posts: 120 Location: Here, There And Everywhere
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2023 13:41 Post subject:
Thanks, egc!
So you are saying that the EU versions of EA8500 can be converted to DD-WRT even when updated to latest firmware simply by uploading the correct factory-to-ddwrt firmware?
(I am in Europe and I checked the pics, the power supply is indeed rectangular)
You can webUI flash factory-to-ddwrt.img from stock firmware so it will work unless an encrypted US model EA8500.
If US model it is fine, pins are easily visible through ventilation slots in front of the router, right side with a flashlight.
If pins do not exist you can simply drop in pin header (mrjcd) or hold in place without soldering, avoids heat damage.
Difficult part is opening the router case plastic clips, but with pry tools, guitar pick, tiny flat-head screwdriver all okay.
Joined: 03 Nov 2015 Posts: 317 Location: Florida, USA
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2023 15:26 Post subject:
I`ve upgraded (5) ea8500s in the last year and have not found one that worked without a serial cable. It may be different for you in the EU. Mrjcd`s tutorial worked perfect for me. Sometimes the holes are soldered shut and this method worked well. _________________ ......All GOOD here... Just Handshakes and Time Stamps !......
Last edited by ramblin on Sat Jan 28, 2023 15:33; edited 1 time in total
I picked up a second EA8500 here in Australia recently:
https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=333448
No serial cable needed for this one!
It came without box, so unsure if an International or US model with local power brick. _________________ ------------------------------------
Netgear XR500 OpenWrt-23.05.3 (Gateway)
Linksys EA8500 OpenWrt-23.05.3 (Wired AP)
Linksys WRT3200ACM DD-WRT r55819 (spare Wired AP)
Netgear WNDR3700v4 DD-WRT r55779 (spare Gateway)
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nickant44/albums
US models were not initially encrypted until after 1.1.4.16820 but problem is automatic updates.
Stage is set with 1.1.4.169978 to accept gpg firmwares, so on or after this build no downgrades.
If stock firmware is 1.1.9.192968 and able to webUI install factory-to-ddwrt.img = international.
Have no problems recommending EA8500, I use it daily and with little better range than R7800.
Sure it is older, SoC IPQ8064 @ 1.4 GHz vs IPQ8065 1.7 GHz and radios QCA9980 vs QCA9984.
