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After updating my AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation) to theversion 7.9, my AEis displaying static orange (amber) light.
I've tried to factory reset it multiple times but it didn't help.
It literally worked few hours ago before the update, so I'm sure it doesn't have any hardware problems.
Any idea why this is happening? 😟
null-OTHER, Other OS, AirPort Express 2nd Generation
The update could have gone badly.. it happens unfortunately. Did you upgrade over wireless.. generally that is a no no and is discouraged? Although Apple does not warn about the possible bricking when done this way.
If you have tried to factory reset and had no luck then there is very little else possible. A static amber light normally indicates that the router has not managed to boot. Was it a very old one?
Although it may not have shown up hardware problems before the firmware update that does not mean something was already going amiss. Since this model has sold since 2012 it could be 5-6 years old already which is a long time for domestic routers to last.
If it is under warranty on the other hand take back to Apple and see what they can do.. or if you have applecare it could be covered for up to 3 years.. Be interesting to hear what they will do when the product is not available and people need a replacement for warranty purposes.
Outside of warranty there is the possibility of some DIY effort.. but the skills are much greater than average.. really fine soldering so you can get console access. Happy to give you pointers if you want to try.
The update could have gone badly.. it happens unfortunately. Did you upgrade over wireless.. generally that is a no no and is discouraged? Although Apple does not warn about the possible bricking when done this way.
If you have tried to factory reset and had no luck then there is very little else possible. A static amber light normally indicates that the router has not managed to boot. Was it a very old one?
Although it may not have shown up hardware problems before the firmware update that does not mean something was already going amiss. Since this model has sold since 2012 it could be 5-6 years old already which is a long time for domestic routers to last.
If it is under warranty on the other hand take back to Apple and see what they can do.. or if you have applecare it could be covered for up to 3 years.. Be interesting to hear what they will do when the product is not available and people need a replacement for warranty purposes.
Outside of warranty there is the possibility of some DIY effort.. but the skills are much greater than average.. really fine soldering so you can get console access. Happy to give you pointers if you want to try.
Thanks for answering, this was really helpful!!
Actually I’ve been using it for about 2-3 years now, so it is not covered under apple warranty anymore.
It would be helpful if you could guide me how to restore it by hardware, as fortunately I have some experience of repairing my devices on my own. Also I don’t have anything to loose anymore so it is a good idea for me to try this option too.
This shows the pinout of the console
http://embeddedideation.com/2014/03/dissecting-the-airport-express/
I would measure the voltages very carefully as the 3.3v and 1.8v lines should be spot on.
You will need to see if the bootloader works enough to give you a failure message you can understand.. but it is possible there is a way to upload the firmware again.. I did some digging but never in an express which is rather different to the airport extreme and TC I have worked on.
Talk to me direct if you like.
I though I might just check you have done factory reset correctly.. hold in reset button before you power on the Express and keep holding it in for 10sec or until the front LED flashes rapidly. Tell me if the rapid flashing is happening as that will indicate that the boot loader itself is at least working.
What is important is the signs of life...
If you hold in the reset button.. either when already powered on .. or before powered on.. and keep holding reset while powering on and for another 10sec .. does the front LED flash rapidly.. if so it is not dead dead. It could be revived I would hope by careful playing around perhaps using TFTP to send the firmware again.
Hey LaParenague,
Thanks for the link but according to it I need to use FT232RL adapter to be able to gain access to console, but unfortunately I don't have it.
About hard reseting, yup! I think I did it correctly and the amber/orange light is indeed started to flash rapidly.
So I guess at least this is a good sign and do you know how I can gain access to TFTP?
So far I wasn't able to find a way to re-send the firmware 😟
DZAVID wrote:
Hey LaParenague,
Thanks for the link but according to it I need to use FT232RL adapter to be able to gain access to console, but unfortunately I don't have it.
😟
You can use any USB to TTL serial adapter. The FT232RL is the better type but I have used cheap prolific version of the same thing.. albeit it is not as stable. $3 or less on eBay. You will need one to do the job.
FT232RL 3.3V 5.5V FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter Module for Arduino Mini Port 8011447324453 | eBay
Long time since I did this and I will need to check back through my notes.. but I do not have the Gen2 Express to work on .. so you will need to try and see if it is active during boot at all. I suggest you ping it .. so it has to be plugged into the computer by ethernet and set the computer to IP 10.0.1.10. Start a ping to 10.0.1.1 and see if there is any response.
Thanks!
Actually today I took it to local apple repair center, I am wondering what they will say about this. If they won't be able to fix this maybe I will try to do some experimental DIY things with it.
Anyway thank you a lot!! 🙂
I had a long play around and read back through all my notes. (getting old and don't remember this stuff for more than a day or two now.. so always write up what you are doing.)
There is no easy way in. The Express has a different bootloader to what is normal.. Apple deliberately do this. It does still have some functions but it is very difficult to get in to rewrite the flash as no tftp server or client is running. I think you would actually need to flash it directly via the JTAG and that means you will need to get a good Express to extract a working firmware so you can flash it. The firmware you download is encrypted. And cannot be used to flash. There is no firmware floating around the Internet which is common for popular routers.
I doubt the store is going to accomplish much but interested to hear.
I would simply buy a recent one second hand.. or decide on another product line altogether.
Mine did the same - was working find, did the update from my iMAC over a wired network and now the constant amber light!
How did you do a factory reset?
Hey Elanmike,
It is interesting to know that this issue is common.
The link to factory reset: How to Factory Reset an Apple Airport Express - YouTube
AirPort Express displaying static amber light
