Posted: Sun May 18, 2014 18:38 Post subject: Installing DD-WRT on a rebranded TP-Link TL-WR1043ND?
Hello,
I'm new to the forum so first of all hello everyone
Ok, so I've purchased a router from a brand called ICIDU. They're a Dutch (?) company and they sell rebranded routers from other brands. The one I purchased, an ICIDU NI-707533 appears to be a rebranded TL-WR1043ND from the company TP-Link (www.tp-link.com), since the hardware and internals are the same. The only difference is that it has different firmware installed, that of ICIDU.
Now the problem is, they have an extra layer of security on the router preventing you from installing the wrong firmware. So if I upload the DD-WRT file for the TL-WR1043ND, it tells me to check the file name and try again, error number 18005. Now I was wondering what the file name should be. I've checked ICIDU's website and there are no firmware files there, so I tried emailing them. They basically told me there are no firmware files for the router and they've dropped all support for that model. So now I'm stuck.
Would there be any way to see how the router checks the file name? Or would there be any other way to force it to install the firmware?
Thanks in advance for any help! If any pictures or files are needed I'd be happy to provide.
Is there maybe a way to trick the router into thinking the firmware being uploaded is factory firmware? I read somewhere that you need to change the Hardware ID (HWID) of the firmware file and the version. However since the error says check filename, it might not work. And I have no idea what the HWID and version of my router would be :/
This must be flashed by disassembling the router and connecting a serial schematic cable to the board by soldering wires. Also it requires moderate knowledge at networking.
Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 11:20 Post subject: ICIDU NI-707533 with wr1043 dd-wrt, It worked.
I can confirm that upgrading the Icidu NI-707533 via serial and an external tftp server is possible and very easy, if done right. Going back to icidu firmware is not possible of you dont dump the factory firmware!
I hooked up an arduino uno (with the reset pin connected to ground) to the icidu on the P1 port (tx to pin1 and rx to pin0 of the arduino) on the main board, see attachment. Giving me a quick usb to serial connection. This allowed me to connect to the device via putty with a 11520 baud rate on the com port of the arduino, in my case COM6(other settings are already fine).(You can also use other usb to serial cables and options)