Best DIY platform

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fsk141
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 28 May 2010
Posts: 4

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 7:27    Post subject: Best DIY platform Reply with quote
I'm getting tired of buying off the shelf routers & flashing them. I was curious what you guys think is the most friendly diy hardware to buy. I've worked with pc engines before, and they are great little boards, but I would like a little more features (maybe 10/100/1000).
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Nitecon
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 01 Oct 2010
Posts: 49

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 12:56    Post subject: Reply with quote
My new favorite is the Belkin ShareMax F7D3301, it has 64MB ram and you can stick the mega build on there, + 2 extra USB ports for NAS / extra space.

Also has full GB ports, and 480Mhz broadcom processor. Thats faster than anything that comes close in it's price range.

Flashing is simple and is done directly from the Belkin CFE (30/30/30) and get belkins CFE, flash with DD-WRT mini, then once flashed and working flash it again with the mega build.

Overall performance for me so far has been better than any other router. The router is really cheap and I imagine the reason for it is because the Belkin stock firmware sucks so bad.

_________________
- Belkin ShareMax F7D3301v1 DD-WRT v24-sp2 (10/13/10) big - 15452M NEWD-2 K2.6 Eko
- WHR-HP-G54 DD-WRT v24-sp2 (08/07/10) std
- 3X Trendnet TEW-638APB WDS
- WRT54G - stock firmware
- Cisco PIX hacked 506E Firewall
-
Incompatible Device List
Supported Device List
dgcurtis
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 08 Oct 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 20:11    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was just at Best Buy and I see that these are now on clearance for $52.99.

I am going to pick one up but I am not 100% clear on the flashing instructions. I am still fairly new to flashing dd-wrt. I've put it on my wrt54g v8.2 but that's it. It doesn't support the mega build, which is why I was looking at the f7d3301. I didn't see an install guide for this model on the wiki.

The supported devices chart says to use the v24-15337_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini_f7d3301.bin image. I would initially tftp it and then I can flash it with dd-wrt.v24-15396_NEWD-2_K2.6_mega.bin?

Thanks for the info.
Nitecon
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 01 Oct 2010
Posts: 49

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 20:24    Post subject: Reply with quote
First things first....

Download these two files before you start anything.
F7D3301 ONLY!

Also download this guy:
ftp://dd-wrt.com/others/eko/V24-K26/svn15396/dd-wrt.v24-15396_NEWD-2_K2.6_mega.bin

Once you have both files you will need to log into the belkin firmware at 192.168.2.1. And set the factory defaults. Once that is done do a 30/30/30 reset (Hold Reset Button 30 secs, unplug power with reset button still held in... keep power out for 30, and plug power back in while still holding the reset for 30 more seconds)

Once that is done make double sure that your PC IP address is wired directly to the router, and that you have a static IP address of 192.168.2.8 with subnet 255.255.255.0

If you double checked and it's right refresh your browser at 192.168.2.1. You should now see a CFE Web Browser page that tells you to browse for a file.

Browse for the file and point it to the mini build first. Click upload it should tell you that it received the upload and it's now rebooting. At this point in time *VERY IMPORTANT* go take a smoke break make some coffee or do something else for the next 5 to 10 minutes, make sure you don't reset the router etc.

Once you're back from your coffee / smoke break, change the ip address on your pc to 192.168.1.8 with the same subnet of 255.255.255.0

Now open your browser and go to http://192.168.1.1

You should now see DD-WRT firmware. Now change the root password make sure you save stuff and then from the administration tab click on firmware upgrade

At this time point it to the mega build and click upgrade. This will take another 6 or so minutes roughly, so it's time for a beer as you're almost done...

Once this completes you should be in eko's new mega build!

Enjoy! Let us know if you have issues.


PS: Reason why there is no instructions on wiki yet is because I just recently finished helping the tests for the router along with Eko and perhaps some others.

_________________
- Belkin ShareMax F7D3301v1 DD-WRT v24-sp2 (10/13/10) big - 15452M NEWD-2 K2.6 Eko
- WHR-HP-G54 DD-WRT v24-sp2 (08/07/10) std
- 3X Trendnet TEW-638APB WDS
- WRT54G - stock firmware
- Cisco PIX hacked 506E Firewall
-
Incompatible Device List
Supported Device List
dgcurtis
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 08 Oct 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 20:35    Post subject: Reply with quote
Sweet! Thanks for the details.

Just to be sure.....I don't have to use tftp to initially upload the mini? The hardware devices page warns at the top of the Belkin list to use tftp instead of the web interface to upload the image.

I just want to make sure so I don't brick it. :)

Thanks again
Nitecon
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 01 Oct 2010
Posts: 49

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 21:26    Post subject: Reply with quote
F7D3301 does not need TFTP, it's an exception to the rule.
_________________
- Belkin ShareMax F7D3301v1 DD-WRT v24-sp2 (10/13/10) big - 15452M NEWD-2 K2.6 Eko
- WHR-HP-G54 DD-WRT v24-sp2 (08/07/10) std
- 3X Trendnet TEW-638APB WDS
- WRT54G - stock firmware
- Cisco PIX hacked 506E Firewall
-
Incompatible Device List
Supported Device List
r39o
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Posts: 45
Location: San Diego, CA USA

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 21:43    Post subject: Reply with quote
dgcurtis wrote:
I was just at Best Buy and I see that these are now on clearance for $52.99.

You sure? On line I see they are $79.99 and other models cost less....Emmm????? I guess I need to go down to a Best Buy.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Belkin+-+Share+Max+N300+802.11b/g/n+Wireless+Router+with+Gigabit+Ports/1002402.p?id=1218207304203&skuId=1002402&st=Belkin%20ShareMax%20F7D3301&contract_desc=null

_________________
AC1900 (R6900 V1) with dd-wrt and CM1100 modem
Retired:
WRT54GS V1 primary internet AP dd-wrt mega build 14929
WRT54G V4 repeater bridge dd-wrt mini build 13525 with Vonage and print server
WAP54G V2 client bridge dd-wrt micro build 13491M NEWD Eko feeding Free NAS (OFF for now)
WRT54GS V1 repeater bridge to an open access point across the street dd-wrt mega build 14929 <- Works good!
WRT54G V4 standby AP dd-wrt mini build 13525 (OFF until needed)
dgcurtis
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 08 Oct 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 22:37    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was going to post something later but I just left Best Buy and it was the 1301 I saw for $52.99 and not the 3301.

I went and picked up the 3301 anyway since I had a $10 off coupon.

I'll flash it when I get home.
r39o
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Posts: 45
Location: San Diego, CA USA

PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 0:00    Post subject: Reply with quote
dgcurtis wrote:
I was going to post something later but I just left Best Buy and it was the 1301 I saw for $52.99 and not the 3301.

I went and picked up the 3301 anyway since I had a $10 off coupon.

I'll flash it when I get home.

Where'd ya get the coupon? I am close to going and getting one myself. If the flash bricks....well it "is" new....

_________________
AC1900 (R6900 V1) with dd-wrt and CM1100 modem
Retired:
WRT54GS V1 primary internet AP dd-wrt mega build 14929
WRT54G V4 repeater bridge dd-wrt mini build 13525 with Vonage and print server
WAP54G V2 client bridge dd-wrt micro build 13491M NEWD Eko feeding Free NAS (OFF for now)
WRT54GS V1 repeater bridge to an open access point across the street dd-wrt mega build 14929 <- Works good!
WRT54G V4 standby AP dd-wrt mini build 13525 (OFF until needed)
dgcurtis
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 08 Oct 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 0:17    Post subject: Reply with quote
I got it from the Best Buy rewards program. I usually waste the coupons on blurays but this time I feel like I spent it on something worth while.
fsk141
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 28 May 2010
Posts: 4

PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 19:19    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was thinking more DIY hardware, but is it worth it to just but pre-packaged hardware. I know that belkin has produced some halfway decent hardware, I'm just not so sure it's the best route to go. Anyone else want to suggest a good piece of meat to work with?
dgcurtis
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 08 Oct 2010
Posts: 10

PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 0:41    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was thinking about using an Intel Atom processor on a mini ITX mobo. It would work fine but even in the smallest case, it would take up more room than a store bought router, use more power and most likely be a bit louder. Some of the hardware they have in the dd-wrt store looks pretty sweet but it's a bit more than I wanted to spend on hardware.

BTW, the f7d3301 install worked perfectly. It was easier to flash than the wrt54g that I have. I also was just at Walmart and they have it marked down to $54.00 (I made sure I double checked the models this time). Guess I'll be going back to Best Buy to either get the difference or returning it if they don't.
Nitecon
DD-WRT Novice


Joined: 01 Oct 2010
Posts: 49

PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:19    Post subject: Reply with quote
For the $60 or so bucks that you spend on the 3301, I definitely think it's worth it. The main reason it's an absolute selling point for me is that all ports are Gigabit ports, not standard 100mb. Flash space is also big enough to fit the mega build and 64mb ram is nice to have. I run a a NAS through the router as well and with the GB switch I can transfer roughly between 120 and 220ish mb / second if I'm transferring single large files.

Please note that that my PC's and NAS run on X25 solid state drives so don't yell at me if you don't get the same...

I use the second USB slot for a 2GB flash to mount jiffs2 for extra router stuffs.

It all comes down to what you want to do though and personal preference, I use to hate belkin equipment but the sharemax changed my mind, simply because of the price to hardware ratio. Building a similar x86 box / buying another boxed router with the same specs is generally $150+ and most of those still have 100MB ports.

_________________
- Belkin ShareMax F7D3301v1 DD-WRT v24-sp2 (10/13/10) big - 15452M NEWD-2 K2.6 Eko
- WHR-HP-G54 DD-WRT v24-sp2 (08/07/10) std
- 3X Trendnet TEW-638APB WDS
- WRT54G - stock firmware
- Cisco PIX hacked 506E Firewall
-
Incompatible Device List
Supported Device List
davel
DD-WRT User


Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 160
Location: Charlotte, NC

PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2010 9:08    Post subject: Reply with quote
Does this unit have any overheating issues?
grgz
DD-WRT User


Joined: 09 Oct 2010
Posts: 86
Location: Athens - Greece

PostPosted: Tue Oct 19, 2010 19:58    Post subject: Reply with quote
How about this if you want something DIY?
_________________
I can brick everything...
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