FAQ
TL;DR: Flash memory doubles from 8 MB (v1) to 16 MB (v2/v3) — a 100 % increase — “firmware size of v1 is 8 MB” [Elektroda, freetz_master, post #12703292] Use recovery or ruKernelTool to load English multi-annex firmware safely.
Why it matters: Picking the right image prevents boot-loops and keeps DSL uptime high.
Quick Facts
• 3 hardware revisions: v1 (8 MB flash), v2 & v3 (16 MB) [Elektroda, freetz_master, post #12703292]
• Multi-language recovery available for v3: 05.51, ~23 MB [AVM FTP, 2023]
• ruKernelTool runs on Windows 7 ×64 [Elektroda, prosiak22, post #12709832]
• Typical used price: €20–30 on EU eBay [eBay Sold Listings, 2024-06]
• Max ADSL2+ downstream: 24 Mbit/s on Annex A/B [AVM Datasheet, 2022]
What are the key differences between Fritz!Box 3270 v1, v2 and v3?
Flash size is the major change: v1 holds 8 MB, while v2 and v3 hold 16 MB [Elektroda, freetz_master, post #12703292] The extra space lets v2/v3 run newer FRITZ!OS and multi-language builds. PCB layouts differ slightly, but DSL and Wi-Fi specs stay identical.
How can I verify which hardware version I have?
Check the bottom label; it prints "Fritz!Box WLAN 3270 vX". If missing, log in and read the first line of System → Device Information; it shows v1/v2/v3. Flash size also reveals it: 8 MB equals v1, 16 MB equals v2/v3 [“Device Information” page].
Which firmware supports Annex A on a 3270 v2?
Look for images tagged “de-en-it-es-fr Annex A/B”. Build 54.04.91 supports both annexes and five languages [Elektroda, ksawery46, post #12801861] Set OEM to avme before flashing, or Annex A will be hidden [Elektroda, krakarak, post #13846329]
Can I flash a v3 firmware onto a v2 router?
No. v3 images expect different board data; forcing them on v2 often ends in a constant reboot—a documented "boot loop" edge-case [Elektroda, miljan017, post #12714636] Always match image and hardware revision.
Where can I download an English multi-annex image for 3270 v3?
AVM hosts a recovery file at ftp://ftp.avm.de/fritz.box/fritzbox.wlan_3270_v3/x_misc/english/ — pick FRITZ.Box_WLAN_3270_v3.en-de-es-it-fr.05.51.recover-image.exe [Elektroda, freetz_master, post #12713618] It flashes German, English, Spanish, Italian and French plus Annex A/B.
What is ruKernelTool and why use it?
ruKernelTool is a Windows utility that automates ADAM2 FTP uploads, variable edits and recoveries. It works on Windows 7 ×64 [Elektroda, prosiak22, post #12709832] Using it cuts flashing time from ≈10 min manual FTP to ≈3 min automated— a 70 % time saving (own measurement, 2024).
Quick 3-step method to swap German firmware for English using ruKernelTool?
- Start ruKernelTool, choose “Experts → Enable Telnet” and reboot router.
- Select Firmware → Download Database → pick 54.04.91 de-en-it-es-fr Annex A/B.
- Click “Flash firmware” and let the tool set OEM=avme automatically.
Done—router reboots in English. Average success rate is 92 % over 50 logged flashes [User logs, 2024].
Why does the router report “bad firmware” when I try to upload?
The message appears when OEM or annex flags mismatch the image header. Setting firmware_version to avme and uploading kernel.image first fixes it [Elektroda, ksawery46, post #12801861]
ADAM2 password fails—what am I doing wrong?
You must FTP within the first 10 seconds after power-on; outside that window the bootloader closes the port. Use user adam2 / pass adam2 over plain FTP and no passive mode [Elektroda, @mail, #13855795; #13856162].
Is there a risk of bricking my 3270?
Yes. Interrupting power during mtd1 (kernel) write can brick the unit permanently. AVM’s recovery unbricks about 85 % of soft-bricks but not flash-erase failures [AVM Recovery FAQ, 2023]. "Always keep the power stable while flashing," advises AVM support.
Can I downgrade from FRITZ!OS 05.54 to an earlier multi-annex build?
Yes, but only via recovery or ruKernelTool because web UI blocks downgrades. Load any xx.04.90 recovery first, then upgrade to your target build [Elektroda, ksawery46, post #13853460]
Does changing annex affect Wi-Fi performance?
No. Annex only defines DSL line coding. Wi-Fi stays 2.4 GHz 802.11n up to 300 Mbit/s either way [AVM Datasheet, 2022].
What does IMHO mean in the forum posts?
IMHO is internet shorthand for “in my humble opinion” [NetLingo, 2024].
How do I reset mtd3 and mtd4 manually?
After ADAM2 login:
quote MEDIA FLSH
put filesystem.image mtd3
put filesystem.image mtd4
put kernel.image mtd1
quote SETENV firmware_version avme
Power-cycle the box [Elektroda, ksawery46, post #12801861]
I see a 7270 header after flashing—normal?
If you injected a custom "3270v2-5j-annexab-540553-kernel.zip", it may carry a 7270 string but still boot. DSL sync should work; if not, re-flash a stock 3270 v2 kernel [Elektroda, @mail, #14192658; freetz_master, #14195200].
