Sometime you need to upgrade your router flash to install more software, this his how I upgrade mine from 4M to 8M flash the original TP-LINK has only 4MB flash so we have to upgrade the WiFi router flash to 8 MB
We got a brand new TP-LINK TL-WR841N V11.1
The router has Qualcomm Atheros QCA9533 CPU running at 560 MHz
The problem with this version is it has only 4 MB Flash and 32 MB RAM
So to use this TP-LINK for WiFi Marketing purpose, we usually upgrade its RAM to 64MB and Flash to 8MB
Another issue is TP-LINK TL-WR841N V11 is not yet full supported by OpenWrt so we have to install driver and apps
I will address those software issues in other videos, please subscribe to see those.
In version 11, TP-LINK changed antennas to flat ones so it is easy to use those antennas to mod other routers, I love it.
accessories include 9V - 0.6A DC adapter, RJ-45 cable, software CD and documents
To open the case, we have to unscrew 2 screws under the WiFi router's stand
Those stands just sticked to the case using double sides tape, so it is easy to open them.
Then open 2 screws with phillip screwdriver
But after unscrewed, the case is still not open yet because there are some latches. We will use plastic card such as old credit card to open
Doing this way will not destroy your router case
And it is easier than using flat head screwdriver
There is not even a scratch on my router's case
Now we will de-solder 4MB flash chip from TP-LINK TL-WR841N V11 WiFi router
To desolder surface mount ic without special tools such as hot air, you can do my trick
Adding some tin in both sides of the IC
Head both side of the IC then use some small flat head screw driver to pry it.
Make sure you add enough tin so it could not cool down fast
Now clean up the board so solder new 8MB flash chip later
We also need to clean up the IC to copy its contents before trashing
Now I will copy old flash chip to new chip using EZP2010 USB high speed programmer
With this programmer, you can copy chip to chip without computer
Just put original and target chip follow the picture on the programmer
I have cheap DIY adapters and I can mount the chip to them using paper clips
Sorry to reveal to you that some time high tech products are made that ways ;)
Now just plug my adapters to the programmer
Becareful of the order, other wise you will got blank flash chip after programming
Now we will plug DC 5V power to programmer
The RUN led will light up after few seconds means we are copying flash chip
It will take few minutes to copy
When copy finish, the RUN led will turn off now we can power off and get flash chips out
And solder new 8MB flash chip to router board
Now we will plug in router adapter and check our result.
This LED pattern mean my WiFi Router TP-LINK TL-WR841N V11.1 is working with new 8MB flash chip [ Ссылка ]
Finally, we will close its case.

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