TomatoUSB

i followed the install instructions here
http://tomatousb.org/tut:installing-on-asus-rt-n16

Completed step 3
on #4 = i disconnected the asus RT N16 and waited for a moment and then press the WPS button (red) = result in power led blinking really fast

i then tried the recess gray Restore button = Power led blink slow - I assume i am in recovery mode

I then progressed to #5 and ran the firmware restoration utility —>
Connecting to the wireless device (for about 30 seconds)

wireless router is not in rescue mode

SO im not sure what i am doing wrong

Please suggest

It doesn't sound like you have done step #4 correctly. In step #4 you need to first unplug the power from your router. Then plug the power cord into the router while at the same time holding the reset button on the back of the router (yes, it feels like you need 3 hands to do this). Then keep the reset button pressed until the power LED starts blinking slowly.

That being said, there is an alternate method that does not require the use of the Asus firmware restoration tool. Its the method I used and it worked great. It involves going to an intermediate DD-WRT build and then from that to Tomato. Instructions for that method are here: http://www.linksysinfo.org/forums/showpost.php?p=358080&postcount=278

Whichever method you choose make sure you follow each step exactly.

Thanks for the alternate method

I google further and found out the the WPS is not the reset button
the reset button in the instruction I used, should say "Recover" button that is recessed - That was the confusion on my part and to clarify blinking slow = 1 blink about a sec. The WPS red button = blink faster 2x/sec

I was able to get into recovery mode and flash to TOMATO VPN. After reinstalling the firmware restoration and and rebooting the computer. And placing the TCX file on my HD vs on a memory stick.

So now i ve got Tomato firmware insalled its off to configuration and some fun

Hi,

Sorry for hijacking this 4 years old thread. I searched everywhere, several ppl have the same problem but no solution so far.

tl;dr version:
- Asus RT-N16 can't enter recovery
- power light stays off
- power supply and capacitor presumably okay

Longer version:
So I tried flashing tomato using the Asus Firmware Restoration tool which is presumably a tftp client. It finished uploading and "flashing", but afterwards it fails to find router and it doesn't automatically reboot, which is the other way around if flashing is successful.

On the first several trials I waited 5-10 minutes before unplugging. Tomato still fails to flash but I can still access recovery mode to repeat the process (flash stock FW, then tomato).

At one point I got tired and accidentally unplug right away without waiting 5-10 mins. Afterwards, the power light never went on. I can't enter recovery mode, and power light stays off all the time. LAN lights were on during startup, though.

Can this be fixed using serial recovery? or is there any other method without involving serial or jtag?

Cheers.