Method B (TFTP Recovery) is all about the initial handshake. The bootloader on the RE505X only looks for a TFTP server for a very brief window during the power-on sequence. If you miss it, the device tries to boot its (corrupted) firmware instead.

Here is the precise timing breakdown for a successful recovery:

Phase 1: The Setup (Before you touch the hardware)

1. PC IP Address: Manually set your Ethernet adapter to 192.168.0.66.

   • Why? The RE505X bootloader is hardcoded to look for a server at this specific address.

2. File Naming: Rename your firmware file to RE505Xv2_tp_recovery.bin.

   • Note: If the transfer doesn't start later, try shortening it to tp_recovery.bin.

3. TFTP Server: Open Tftpd64. Ensure the "Server Interface" dropdown shows 192.168.0.66.

Phase 2: The Critical Handshake (Seconds 0–15)

This is where the timing must be exact:

• 0 Seconds: With the RE505X unplugged from power, use a paperclip to press and hold the Reset button.

• 1–2 Seconds: While still holding Reset, plug the RE505X into the power outlet.

• 2–8 Seconds: Keep holding the Reset button. Watch the LEDs on the device and the Log Viewer tab in Tftpd64 on your PC.

• The "Release" Trigger:

  • Option A: If the Tftpd64 log shows a "Read request" and a progress bar starts moving, release the Reset button immediately.

  • Option B: If you don't see the screen, wait until the Power LED starts flashing rapidly (usually after 5–7 seconds), then release.

Phase 3: The Transfer & Flash (1–5 Minutes)

Once the file begins transferring, the device enters a high-risk state.

1. The Transfer (10–30 seconds): The progress bar in Tftpd64 will fill up. Once it reaches 100%, the file is inside the RAM of the extender.

2. The Write (2–3 minutes): This is the most dangerous part. The extender is moving the file from RAM to its permanent Flash memory.

   • LED Behavior: The LEDs will usually flash in a specific pattern or all light up at once.

   • CRITICAL: Do not touch the device. Do not unplug the Ethernet cable. Do not turn off your PC.

3. The Reboot (60 seconds): Once the flashing is complete, the device will reboot itself. You will know it's done when the Power LED stays solid and the Wi-Fi LEDs (2.4G/5G) begin to blink or light up.

Troubleshooting the Timing

If Tftpd64 shows nothing in the log after 10 seconds:

• Check your Firewall: Windows Firewall often blocks TFTP requests. Disable it temporarily.

• Check the Cable: Ensure the Ethernet cable is in the RE505X's port and your PC's port.

• The "Double-Tap": Some users find success by releasing the Reset button the instant the Ethernet icon on their PC taskbar shows a connection (meaning the port has "woken up").

Would you like me to provide the specific steps for disabling the Windows Firewall or setting that Static IP address?