First Hardware Mod: OpenWrt on a Router
Introduction
Our hackerspace recently got a new tool: a hot air rework station.
I decided to use it to practice by hard-modding a router to run OpenWrt (I had never done this kind of hardware work before).
Device: TP-Link WR845N v4
Hardware tools: hot air rework station, temperature-controlled soldering iron (fine tip and knife tip), CH341A programmer, SOP 8/16 adapter board, desoldering braid, solder sucker, flux, rosin, tweezers, solder wire, heat‑resistant tape.
Parts: