Hacking Build your own dongle (Research and development thread)

Wierd_w

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https://www.acmesystems.it/arietta

I would also look at the others. They have a better form-factor, but their I/o isn’t as friendly.

No, the router being discussed is not the Arietta. It is a no-name chinese router. It is typically billed with the following name:

"3g / 4g router 150m"

There are several variants. The baseline is powered by the mini-USB port. (Dunno if it can be back-fed through the host port or not...) It looks like this:

sku_217078_1.jpg

There are also "Contains useful battery!" variants that are self powering when charged. They cost more (and cost more to ship, because lipo batteries are basically bombs in the mail), but would probably be more useful. They look like this:

Portable-USB-RJ-45-Wifi-3G-150M-Wireless-Router-Mobile-5200mAh-Power-Bank-Battery-Charger-ADSL.jpg_640x640.jpg


You can find them at AliExpress, but they take the slow boat from China. (Literally. I ordered mine Saturday. I expect to get it...... Sometime.)
This unit was my "Candidate 2" for 'Flash and go" hardware, but excluded it on grounds of having too small a flash. Retr0id's compact C implementation of the FG injector solves the space problem by being small enough to fit.

Still needs the FoF patch though, so still needs custom kernel flashed.
Retr0id beat me to the punch on building images, but I dont mind. I just wanted the solution, and was well on the way to make my own anyway. By the time I get my hardware in the mail, Atmosphere will probably be ready. (I wish I was joking.) Regardless, I am looking forward to seeing people rocking out with their own dongles.

In fact, I want to see as many people making their own dongles with different hardware as is possible, because options are always good.
 
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HamBone41801

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No, the router being discussed is not the Arietta. It is a no-name chinese router. It is typically billed with the following name:

"3g / 4g router 150m"

You can find them at AliExpress, but they take the slow boat from China. (Literally. I ordered mine Saturday. I expect to get it...... Sometime.)
This unit was my "Candidate 2" for 'Flash and go" hardware, but excluded it on grounds of having too small a flash. Retr0id's compact C implementation of the FG injector solves the space problem by being small enough to fit.

Still needs the FoF patch though, so still needs custom kernel flashed.
Retr0id beat me to the punch on building images, but I dont mind. I just wanted the solution, and was well on the way to make my own anyway. By the time I get my hardware in the mail, Atmosphere will probably be ready. (I wish I was joking.) Regardless, I am looking forward to seeing people rocking out with their own dongles.

In fact, I want to see as many people making their own dongles with different hardware as is possible, because options are always good.
I don’t remember saying it was. They asked for a link and quoted a post where I specifically mentioned the Arietta.
 

Wierd_w

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Ok! Thanks for the info! While those are cheap, if I’m going to have to buy more then one, I think I might as well use the Arietta. They have a guide on building the operating system from scratch. I do have one question though. Is it possible to reflash the firmware on those routers?

That is exactly what Retr0id and I are doing. Replacing the stock firmware on these chinese horrors with OpenWRT + FoF EHCI Patch + C FG injector.


@Retr0id --

He bro, what do you think about calling this thing a "TianDong 1", a whimsical take on Tiangong 1, the chinese space station? IIRC, it is still proper chinese, and translates out to "Heavenly Movement".

The OpenWRT designation is kinda hard to remember or say out loud.
 
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Wierd_w

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No USB host, afaict...

It might have one internally, attached to the micro SD card reader. However, that would require surgery on the device. Unknown support upstream for linux. (Could be something else inside.)

Also, Hey-- which variant of the router did you get? With or without battery?
If you got the one without battery, can it be backfed through the USB host port?
 
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Retr0id

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It might have one internally, attached to the micro SD card reader. However, that would require surgery on the device. Unknown support upstream for linux. (Could be something else inside.)

Also, Hey-- which variant of the router did you get? With or without battery?
If you got the one without battery, can it be backfed through the USB host port?
I have the version without the battery in-hand, and I used it by powering over the microusb port in the side. My battery powered one is on the way from China...
 

DeoNaught

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I need to stop checking Gbatemp haha.

So looking around, I found this
https://wikidevi.com/wiki/Ralink_RT5350

It has a list of devices, which you guys should look at.

So is the only reason we don't want to use Teensy is because of price point? I mean, I really don't care about having Wifi.

Looking for a modem, I just need a ralink RT5350 with usb support right? or is there something else I need to look for aswell?

Also, have you guys seen the NixCore X1? Uses the Ralink RT5350 only downside is that it's $30 http://linuxgizmos.com/tiny-30-wifi-enabled-openwrt-module-runs-on-1-watt/

I'll definitly watch this thread. are you guys on Discord? we could make a small group to discuss theories, and possibly speed developement of find a concrete solution
 

Wierd_w

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I have the version without the battery in-hand, and I used it by powering over the microusb port in the side. My battery powered one is on the way from China...


Sometimes these unbranded electronics (In general) simply parallel the power rails between the USB ports as a cost saving measure, which is why I was asking. I have heard conflicting reports that RCM mode disables the power rail on the NX's USB port, but it would be interesting if the device could be powered directly from the host port, rather than the power port. Using a "charge only" cable and connecting it via the host port and seeing if it comes one would be an interesting experiment.

I too am waiting for my "with battery" version from China.

@DeoNaught The main deal is that this has some good points over a hobby board.

1) Comes in a smexy injection molded shell already
2) Very easy to reprogram by inexperienced user (with prebuilt image)
3) High availability
4) Low price

Sadly, it has a really big drawback.. Inconsistent hardware revs.

There is an interesting travel router in that list you posted. (https://wikidevi.com/wiki/Zoom_4506_3G_Wireless-N_Travel_Router) Looking at the FCC images, it is kinda bulky.. but it features a 1700mah internal lithium polymer battery, and is powered by a simple barrel style wall wart. Not sure if it is still in production; it looks a little dated on the shell design.
 
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Wierd_w

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The WBR-6803 would be too bulky Imo,

$20 isn't that exspensive Imo, I think $20 would be maximum for prices,
I'll buy it when I get enough money, and go from there.

This is the Nano right?(just want to make I am looking at the right one) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072KKMG6T?tag=hootoo0f-20

Looks like it. We either need official sources, or openwrt support though.

------

HooToo does not have a GPL sources package. Either this device does not run linux from factory, or they are asshats.
Will see about unofficial openwrt.

Yes-- OpenWRT.
https://wiki.openwrt.org/toh/hootoo/tripmate-nano

Valid candidate.

----

That version does not have a battery though.
 
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