Request for downgrade firmware/DFOTA package for EG18-EA (MikroTik Chateau) due to regional lock

IoT Modules LTE-A Module
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1

Hello Quectel Support Team,

I am using a MikroTik Chateau LTE18 ax router equipped with the Quectel EG18-EA modem.
Recently, the modem firmware was updated to version EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300. After this update, the modem encountered a regional lock issue and can no longer register on the mobile network in my country.

Could you please provide me with the official firmware package or DFOTA archive along with flash tools to downgrade the modem back to a stable version without regional restrictions (such as EG18EAPAR01A08M4G or EG18EAPAR01A12M4G)?

Here are my device details:

  • Modem Model: Quectel EG18-EA (EG18EAPA)

  • Current Firmware: EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300

  • Device IMEI: 869816043746410

Please send the download links or files to my registered email address.

Thank you in advance for your help!

2

Hi there,
May I know do you know what is the original FW version you have previously?

3

Hi Firdaus,

Previously, the modem was running smoothly on the EG18EAPAR01A08M4G firmware version before it got updated.If possible, could you please provide the firmware files or a DFOTA package to downgrade back to EG18EAPAR01A08M4G (or EG18EAPAR01A12M4G), as these versions do not have regional locks and are stable for my hardware?Thank you!

4

Hi there,
These FW (EG18EAPAR01A08M4G or EG18EAPAR01A12M4G) cannot be roll back to your newer Fw version since the version is _01.300.01 while the previous one probably only _01.001.01.001. If it is downgrade, the module cannot work properly.

Do you mean regional lock issue is like IMEI restriction issue?

5

Hi Firdaus,

No, this is not an IMEI restriction issue. The IMEI of the device is original and clean.

The issue is a strict regional software lock introduced in firmware version EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300. When operating in my country, the modem drops the network connection and outputs the error: “This firmware version is not supported in current region”.

Since a direct downgrade to the _01.001 subversion is impossible, could you please provide:

Either a newer/alternative firmware branch with the _01.300 bootloader that does not contain this regional restriction,

Or the official engineering flashing tool (like QFlash/QFirehose) and a full firmware package that allows a safe clean installation back to A08M4G / A12M4G?

Thank you for your guidance!

6

Hi there,

May I know where you based on? Could you show me how the message looks a like? “This firmware version is not supported in current region”.

I provided the EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.201.01.201 to your email address together with QFLASH and QFirehose tool. Kindly check on your side.

Thank you and have a nice day~

7

Hello.
I have the same problem.
My devise is: LHG LTE18 kit (LHGGM&EG18-EA).

Device IMEI: 869816043125631

Modem Model: Quectel EG18-EA (EG18EAPA)

Current Firmware: EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300

Factory Firmware: EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.001.01.001

RouterOS
Current Firmware: 7.23.2

Factory Firmware: 7.14.3
If You need I can send any additional information.
So please help me solve this problem.
May be You have any instructions what must (can) I do and some links to soft (firmware).
Thanks.

8

I ask is it possible to downgrade my modem firmware from current to factory? And how can I do it. Thanks.

9

Hi @AlexBor
unfortunately, EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300 unable to downgrade to EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.001.01.001 since there is different in versions ( 1.300.01 while the previous one probably only _01.001.01.001 . If it is downgrade, the module cannot work properly.)

You can try with FW EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.201.01.201 . I will email you on the FW.

11

Hello.
I have the same problem with my MikroTik LHG LTE18 kit.

Device: LHG LTE18 kit (LHGGM & EG18-EA)
Modem Model: Quectel EG18-EA
Modem Revision: EG18EAPAR01A13M4G
Current RouterOS: 7.23.2 (stable)
RouterOS Factory Software: 7.2.3
RouterBOARD Factory Firmware: 7.20.8
RouterBOARD Current Firmware: 7.20.8

The modem detects the SIM card and can scan and detect available LTE cells and mobile operators, but it cannot register on the network. The LTE interface status is “denied”.

I have tested SIM cards from different mobile operators, including Beeline and MegaFon. The SIM cards work in other devices, but the EG18-EA cannot register on the network.

When I check for a modem firmware update in RouterOS, I get the following message:

“This firmware version is not supported in current region.”

Could you please help me solve this problem and provide the appropriate firmware for my EG18-EA modem, as well as instructions on how to downgrade or reflash it?

If firmware EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.201.01.201 is appropriate for my modem, could you please provide the firmware package and flashing instructions?

I can provide the device IMEI and any other information privately if required.

Thank you.

Current Modem Firmware (shown in Firmware Upgrade): EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300

12

Hi @Firdaus,

I am experiencing exactly the same issue and would really appreciate your help.

Device: MikroTik LHG LTE18 kit (LHGGM)
RouterOS: 7.23.2
Modem: Quectel EG18-EA (A13)

Firmware history

Original firmware (working):

EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.003.01.003

Updated using the official MikroTik firmware upgrade to:

EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300

The upgrade completed successfully, but immediately afterwards the modem completely lost the ability to register on any mobile network.

RouterOS now reports:

installed: EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300
latest:    EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300
note: This firmware version is not supported in current region
status: firmware is already up to date

Current modem information

ATI

Quectel
EG18
Revision: EG18EAPAR01A13M4G

AT+QGMR

EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300

Diagnostics

AT+CPIN?
+CPIN: READY

AT+CEREG?
+CEREG: 2,4

AT+CREG?
+CREG: 0,2

AT+CGREG?
+CGREG: 2,2

AT+QNWINFO
No Service

AT+CFUN?
1

AT+CSQ
27,99

AT+CEER
No cause information available

AT+QCFG="band"
+QCFG: "band",0x8d0,0x1a0080800d5,0x0

RouterOS monitor:

status: denied

The modem correctly detects the SIM card, sees nearby base stations and has good signal strength, but it cannot register on any operator.

I have tested several SIM cards from different operators (Beeline and MegaFon). All of them work perfectly in other devices.

What I have already tried

  • Factory reset

  • Reinstalling RouterOS

  • Automatic and manual operator selection

  • LTE only / Auto modes

  • Different band configurations

  • Multiple SIM cards

  • Modem reboot

  • Repeated firmware upgrade

Unfortunately, nothing has helped.

I found this topic because my problem appears to be identical to the other users who upgraded to 01.300.01.300 and then received the “This firmware version is not supported in current region” message.

I noticed that you previously provided EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.201.01.201, together with QFlash and QFirehose, to users with the same problem.

Could you please send me:

  • EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.201.01.201

  • QFlash

  • QFirehose

  • Flashing instructions

If you need my IMEI, serial number or any additional information, I will be happy to provide it privately.

Thank you very much for your support!

13

Hi @stinkybob
I have sent a follow up email. kindly check.

14

Hi @Sasha_Gerbud
I have sent you a follow up email to your email. kindly check.

15

Hi @Firdaus,

I have exactly the same issue.

My module originally had:

EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.300.01.300

I downgraded it below the 01.200 branch before I found your recommendation.

The downgrade completed successfully, but now the module reports:

AT+CFUN?
+CFUN: 5

AT+QRFTESTMODE?
+QRFTESTMODE: 1

AT+CFUN=1
+CME ERROR: phone failure

AT+QRFTEST=“mode”,0
+CME ERROR: phone failure

Could you please send me the recommended recovery firmware
EG18EAPAR01A13M4G_01.201.01.201 together with the flashing instructions?

If necessary, I can also provide my IMEI privately.

Thank you very much.

16

Hi @Magnetic @Sasha_Gerbud @stinkybob @AlexBor
Currently, the issue has not been fixed yet with the 01.201.01.201 FW. Currently We are working to find solution on this issue.