OpenWrt Forum Archive

Topic: TP-Link Archer C7 - No LEDs. Completely Dead?

The content of this topic has been archived on 19 Apr 2018. There are no obvious gaps in this topic, but there may still be some posts missing at the end.

Hello,

I bought a used TP-Link Archer C7 router. When I got it home and plugged it in, I get no LEDs lighting up whatsoever.

I disassembled it and tested voltage at the plug/socket, which reads 12v. So, I know I'm getting power to the board.

I did try hooking up a USB to UART/Serial cable to the pins on the board based on guides seen on this forum, but I am not seeing any output from it when booting the device.

A quick inspection of the board shows no damage. I do notice that when I plug the power cable in and turn the router on, the USB LEDs on the back light up for a fraction of a second but then shut off.

I'm assuming this board may be shorted out or have a bad capacitor, but didn't know if anyone else had any other suggestions on what to test/look for?

Thanks!

get a full dump and reflash spi, probably your u-boot is broken

Thanks. Can you give any more details as to what would be involved in reflashing spi?

spi programmer (3$ for ch341a based @ali/ebay) and soldering station with hot air

The discussion might have continued from here.