AWUS036ACM MediaTEK dont showing in iwconfig

[fewarc]

Hey guys

So I bought a ALFA, AWUS036ACM

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073X6RL9D?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details

and I cannot make it work neither in Kali linux or Mint throght VMware.. I have another one TP-link that works correctly in my Kali throght VMware.

The AWUS036ACM It supposed to work out-of-the-box in kali linux. But I cannot even make the VMware to show the adapter according iwconfig or lsusb command.

I already tried updating :

$ sudo apt-get update & upgrade

Does anyone know what else can I do?

Thanks:)

[Fred Sheehan]

https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/How_to_Install_Firmware_for_Mediatek_based_USB_WiF i_adapters.md

[fewarc]

Fred, : I tried it out but didn't work still. Some customers have had the same issue. one of them fix it copying randoms git reps, but he didn't document the process. ...

if you know anything else I can do, I'll appreciate u would share it.

[Fred Sheehan]

Try a full upgrade first;

sudo apt full-upgrade -y

Is your host Windows?

if it is try cleaning up old USB devices Windblows has listed..

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/device-cleanup-tool-windows

When you install the USB adapter, do you also ensure it is being 'passed through' to the VM you want to use?

That setting will be in your VM manger itself.

The only other thing that springs to mind is with some adapters you have to 'enable' USB modeswitching to get it to fire up the first time, I had to that with a comfast adapter that uses MediaTek MT7612U chipset;

https://github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi/blob/main/home/How_to_Modeswitch.md

[fewarc]

Thanks again Fred I'll try it, but I could only get my TP link V2/V3 to work as a managed mode. But the mediatek ALFA not even that. It's not even showing up in my iwconfig / lusb console.

[Fred Sheehan]

if its not being seen by

lsusb

Then it sounds like a pass through problem.

You say your using VMWare, you have directed the USB WiFi adapter to the VM itself?

5037

And actually searched for wireless networks in the system?

5038
5039

It does sound like the problem is the pass through of the USB to the VM, one thing to note, with some USB adapters, they will be seen by Windows as a CD first, to install drivers, and if such an adapter is used, then the autoplay settings stop it being seen as a USB device. Once its plugged in check autoplay settings for it, and ensure the pass through settings are correct. You may even have to install the windows drivers for your Alfa before Windblows is happy.