RV50 Not Responding After Attempted 4.12 Firmware Update

AirLink Routers AirLink routers
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During the upload process of an attempted update on an RV50 modem to the 4.12 firmware, the modem, while still connected to power, abruptly shuts down. Upon re-powering the modem, there, now, is only a solid green power light and no additional lights (network, signal) illuminating with the modem not completing a successful reboot. An attempt to reset the device in recovery mode was made, with the solid green power light changing from a flashing green light to a red flashing light, but never to a flashing amber light needed to enter recovery mode. As of now, the modem is not responding at all by cycling through the different network and signal lights and there is no access to the modem or Ace Manager. Sierra Wireless Support has been notified, but the modem is out of warranty and the repair estimate was just under the price of purchasing a new RV50 modem which is not feasible. Prior on-line research has indicated others have had the same or similar issues while attempting a 4.12 firmware update, but all of the other solutions have not worked on this particular modem. Any help is appreciated to get the modem back on-line if at all possible.

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Hi,
Could you help to try to set module in recovery mode again?

  • Use Ethernet cable to connect module to your PC
  • Unplug power about 2-5minutes, and then power ON module
  • On the gateway, press the Reset button for more than 20 seconds. (Release the
    button when the Power LED flashes amber.)
  • Launch browser http://192.168.13.31:9191

If it is not successful, you should return it for repair. No way to re-update FW if you don’t enter to recovery mode.

Thanks,

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why is there no fix for this update, I too have now bricked two modems, I am not going to pay to have these fixed by a bad release… power goes green, press reset and hold goes to flashing red, never goes to amber

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Hi @rmarten, Could you share some info to see if I can help.
What is the old FW you have upgraded from? What radio module FW type are you using? Did you also have the power shutdown during upload process?

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No way to see old firmware, but it was using a Verizon SIM

Tried to flash modem to use Sprint, did update , rebooted and only green LED on.

Hooked up Ethernet cable, Held Rest down for over 20 seconds, goes from green to red, but never to amber

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Looks like more and more are having issues bricking modems with 4.12 Firmware update. I had a Sierra Wireless rep look at my device and it was bricked. Device was out of warranty and was informed it would cost $450.00 to repair the device (almost as much as a new one). Seems if several are having issues while downloading the 4.12 Firmware, Sierra Wireless would step up to the plate since apparently it is an issue with the 4.12 Firmware release and rectify all of these damaged modems due to the firmware.

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Hi @rmarten, I doubt that the issue may be caused by the mismatch between SIM card and radio module FW, note that North American RV50 gateways support multiple radio module FWs and this feature requires proper SIM card to select active radio module FW. Could you try as below:

  1. Try to insert Sprint SIM then reset.
  2. If step1 is not OK, try to remove SIM card then reset the gateway to recovery mode.
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Having the same problem with one of my units. Have tried everything to this point and ready to trash it and find a different unit. If they can’t support their equipment, I’ll find a company that actually wants my business.