RM520N-GL bricked after attempted firmware update - is there a way to recover it?

IoT Modules 5G Module
1

TL;DR: Is there a way to recover a module after a botched firmware flash attempt? (maybe like what’s mentioned elsewhere in this forum - RM502Q-AE stuck in FTM mode after firmware upgrade.

Hi everyone. New forum user here though I’ve been using Quectel modules for a while now, mostly with Mikrotik access points.

Anyway, I recently installed a brand new RM520N-GL in an Asrock Industrial IMB-1231 motherboard running Windows 11. Module was duly detected after I installed drivers downloaded from iamromulan’s Github page - iamromulan (Cameron Thompson) · GitHub . I was never able to connect the module to 5G or LTE networks even though 5G signal is definitely present and strong, ditto for LTE. Module was stuck in HSPA. Device manager showed a missing or incorrect driver for something related to 5G though I can’t remember the device’s exact name.

Anyway, being an idiot I decided to try and update firmware following iamromulan’s instructions which I later found out contradicted Quectel’s instructions document. His instructions say you should pick the partition_complete file with .mbn extension with QFlash, Quectel’s tell you to use prog_firehose_lite.elf

Long story short, the device is no longer detected by Windows. One of its ports briefly showed on the device manager (QDLoader), but after a reboot it is no longer appearing.

So my question is, is there any way to recover the unit? iamromulan’s page has some complicated recovery instructions which require a specific positioning of the m.2 slot, but if recovery can be achieved with software I’d be a very happy person!

Thanks in advance and my apologies for the long winded post.

1 Like
2

Dear @Navegador
Did you detect the device? Or just show +CFUN:5 ?

If detect the device, just show CFUN:5 , you can try to restore QCN. I had shared to you via Message.

3

Hello,

I have the same problem. CFUN:5, but RM520NGL is still detected. Can you share QCN and required tools please (preferably Linux tools)? I am aware of a possible performance loss.

Thanks!

4

Dear @subbadupper
We only have tool for Windows.
Is it ok for you?

5

Yes, I can work with that.
Thanks

6

Dear @subbadupper
I have sent to you via Message, please check.

7

could you send the tool to me as well

8

Dear @John_Brady
Which tool? Backup QCN or others?

9

Dear Miss Silvia,

I have the same predicament, where my RM520N-GL module bricked, trying to update the firmware.
The router got overloaded and crashed, which cancelled the firmware update during the “erasing NAND 0%” comment and never recovered.

I need the tool(s) and guide to unbrick the module. Thank you in advance!

10

@silvia Hey, I havent received any response yet from you, did you perhaps overlook my message? :smiley:

11

Dear @Meyus
What is behavior? Stuck in download mode? Do you try to upgrade firmware again?

12

Honestly doesn’t matter too much what file you pick in Qflash to start the flash. Qflash basically Auto detects the loader, program XML, and patch XML. Is this a PCIe only AP RM520 model?