New ZBT WG1608 5G-ready router + GoldenOrb firmware

[Infector944]

I had that same password glitch too.

Reflashed with the the FW recovery and was able to create a new PW and now it works pretty well.

[machy]

Anyone have luck getting the SMS messaging to work? Or alternatively, has anyone tried flashing this with the generic OpenWRT 19.0.7?

[ratledge]

...

I ask because I've just ordered a WG1608 ($87 incl. shipping) from ZBT.

I just did the same Friday and they offered to flash it with OpenWRT for me. I think that I paid $83 and change with shipping?

I already had a Quectel EM12-G on the way to replace my EP06A in the WG3526 but I will probably sell that one.

The 1WG608 looks like a better router overall, most everything being equal. I think that the 3526 might be a little quicker and has twice the RAM (DDR3 instead of DDR2?).

[BillA]

I just did the same Friday and they offered to flash it with OpenWRT for me. I think that I paid $83 and change with shipping?

I already had a Quectel EM12-G on the way to replace my EP06A in the WG3526 but I will probably sell that one.

The 1WG608 looks like a better router overall, most everything being equal. I think that the 3526 might be a little quicker and has twice the RAM (DDR3 instead of DDR2?).

The WG3526 and WG1608 routers are available in two different Flash/RAM sizes.

1 . 16MB Flash /256MB DDR2 RAM - which can flash the standard firmware up to 16MB, and will run a bit slower on the 256MB DDR2 RAM.

2. 32MB Flash / 512MB DDr3 RAM - which can flash the standard firmware up to 32MB, plus allows you to flash/load additional apps/modules later on (for example additional modem support, VPN's, etc), and will run a bit faster on the larger 512MB DDR3 RAM.

The cost difference between the two memory versions is about $10, which is well worth it for those who need the extra flash and RAM. I prefer the larger Flash/RAM version, but not everyone needs it.


The WG1608 regardless of the Flash/RAM size, is also available in two different modem slot versions.

1. WG1608-v2 (single modem slot) comes with only a single M.2 modem slot which works with most newer 4G-LTE/5G modems using an M.2 connector, but will not work with mPCIe modems.

2. WG1608-DM (Dual Modem slots) comes with both an M.2 modem slot which works with most newer 4G-LTE/5G modems using an M.2 connector, and also an mPCIe modem slot which works with some older 4G-LTE modems using an mPCIe connector. BUT, you can only use one modem at a time (M.2 or mPCIe), due to design restrictions it will not fit two modems at the same time.

The cost difference between the two slot versions is about $10, which is well worth it for those who need the extra mPCIe modem slot. Now that's a cheap slut ... errr... I mean slot. lol

[jsmithson]

Received my WG1608 today with a Sierra 7411.
Could not get it to work with GoldenOrb 06-10 Firmware.
Could not get it to properly use wifi using GoldenOrb 06-14 Firmware.
Works perfectly using the recently uploaded GoldenOrb 11-17 Firmware...

Thanks to lurking in the forums for a couple of weeks, the most difficult part was getting my SIM to seat properly...

My testing environment is giving me 40 down and 5 up, using bands 2 and 71 (T-mobile post-pay).
My iPhone 12 gets 80 down and 40 up at the same location (5g)

Going to deploy at a cabin in the woods... far from 5g. Looking to beat unreliable DSL that is sporadically 4 down and 1 up.

Wanted to give thanks to whomever posted the 11-17 Firmware for the WG1608. It saved me tons of time... If you get a 7411 module go to that firmware first.

[Didneywhorl]

I was wondering if the new firmware helped with some module errors Ive been having

[bcd1975]

I flashed the 11-17 firmware early this morning. I have the rm500q card and So far it’s working great with no problems. Actually seems to run a lot better.

[jsmithson]

It's also a lot snappier.

[Didneywhorl]

It is pretty good. But It still doesn't like the EM160 module for some reason.

[Viper67857]

You guys get ipv6 on the 11/17? Mine wouldn't automatically add the wan1_6 interface like the 06/10 version does. Adding it manually would result in the interface grabbing an ipv6 address, but it wouldn't pass through to my other devices. Also, a reboot after adding another interface to wwan0 results in wan1 failing over to another physical interface and therefore no internet at all. I had to fall back to 06/10 to keep ipv6 working.