iceman_3233 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Has anyone found a board that will work. Tried using PL-2303 USB-to-Serial Bridge Controller with no luck. I've read it needs a special board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr-Protocol Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I am picking up one of these: http://www.alfa.com.tw/in/front/bin/ptdetail.phtml?Part=consoleboard&Category=0 Darren will have some that work in the shop eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebkinne Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I can confirm that the one Mr. Protocol posted works. Best, Sebkinne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rain724 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Any TTL to RS232 level shifter that worked with a Fonera 2100 will work on the Mark IV, correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m1k Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Take care about pin (rxdata,txdata,ground) Any converter with max232 or similar will work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfam Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 I can confirm that the one Mr. Protocol posted works. Best, Sebkinne +1 I.can also.confirm this one works perfectly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singh763173 Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 Anyone know where I might be able to pick one up (from uk)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d3cryption Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 http://www.data-alliance.net/-strse-710/Developer-Kit-for-Hornet-dsh-UB/Detail.bok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singh763173 Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 cheers d3cryption - bought some ap51's from them before and got caught out on customs charges! although if my search within the uk remains fruitless then i think ill go ahead and just buy from them again. thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr-Protocol Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 http://www.data-alliance.net/-strse-710/Developer-Kit-for-Hornet-dsh-UB/Detail.bok OUCH $30? That and the guy didn't email me when they were in stock... makes me not want to do business with him anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobtheman Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 what do you use these for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csystem Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 (edited) what do you use these for? If for some reason (bad flash or a corrupt firmware bin file) you can't access the router through ethernet (bricking) you can use the four pins located on the PCB to establish a serial connection and look at the initial bootloader (u-boot) and manually flash a new firmware and configure other settings. Just make sure the converter you use/buy is 3.3 volts VCC and not 5. Edited March 15, 2012 by csystem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d3cryption Posted March 16, 2012 Share Posted March 16, 2012 OUCH $30? That and the guy didn't email me when they were in stock... makes me not want to do business with him anymore. one of the only sites i've found them on... I was disappointed at the price tag, and the fact they have no more 121's in only the pcb.... Mr-Protocol, have you found any cheaper? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr-Protocol Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 Nope, but at least it's known working and will work on any other UART I may have laying around... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barry99705 Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 If for some reason (bad flash or a corrupt firmware bin file) you can't access the router through ethernet (bricking) you can use the four pins located on the PCB to establish a serial connection and look at the initial bootloader (u-boot) and manually flash a new firmware and configure other settings. Just make sure the converter you use/buy is 3.3 volts VCC and not 5. It's not a brick if you can still get to if from these pins. It's a brick when the only thing it can be used for is a paper weight. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfam Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 While awaiting my new 8GB SanDisk Cruzer Fit to arrive (because my current one is apparently !#$!$@!$'d), I got a package from an eBay purchase! I can confirm that the board I linked to below works flawlessly, AND better than the Alfa rig, because it supplies power to the board as well as serial connectivity! w00t!! I took a chance, and for $3.99/free shipping, thought what the hell? It works GREAT! it's 3.3v or 5v, comes with a spiffy 4-wire connector wire. The little board it comes with has 5 pins: 5v, 3.3v, Tx, Rx, Gnd Plugged into my Win7 box, it found drivers and installed as: Prolific USB to Serial Com Port Connected the 4 wires to my pineapple , and it powered up!! Fired up PuTTY and connected right up, right into console! With the performance of this little guy, I'd say F**K $30 for that Alfa-branded one, not to mention the Alfa one has to be either plugged into a 9-pin serial, or you have to have a 9-pin serial to USB cable in addition to the Alfa serial board, AND you also have to additionally supply power to the board. (I was gifted one of the Alfa serial connectors and can confirm it works as well, but not without the gyrations mentioned above.) This little guy does it all for a nice price. I have no connection to this eBay guy other than to share my experience, and to hope it helps someone here looking for a great quality USB to Serial for this project. I couldn't be happier for the money, and the shipping was reasonably quick (he shipped the next day), but takes a bit in transit due to it being overseas. eta: I just placed an order for a 2nd one...never hurts to have a spare! :) PL2303HX USB to TTL - $3.99 - free shipping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineDominator Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 While awaiting my new 8GB SanDisk Cruzer Fit to arrive (because my current one is apparently !#$!$@! d), I got a package from an eBay purchase! I can confirm that the board I linked to below works flawlessly, AND better than the Alfa rig, because it supplies power to the board as well as serial connectivity! w00t!! I took a chance, and for $3.99/free shipping, thought what the hell? It works GREAT! it's 3.3v or 5v, comes with a spiffy 4-wire connector wire. The little board it comes with has 5 pins: 5v, 3.3v, Tx, Rx, Gnd Plugged into my Win7 box, it found drivers and installed as: Prolific USB to Serial Com Port Connected the 4 wires to my pineapple , and it powered up!! Fired up PuTTY and connected right up, right into console! With the performance of this little guy, I'd say F**K $30 for that Alfa-branded one, not to mention the Alfa one has to be either plugged into a 9-pin serial, or you have to have a 9-pin serial to USB cable in addition to the Alfa serial board, AND you also have to additionally supply power to the board. (I was gifted one of the Alfa serial connectors and can confirm it works as well, but not without the gyrations mentioned above.) This little guy does it all for a nice price. I have no connection to this eBay guy other than to share my experience, and to hope it helps someone here looking for a great quality USB to Serial for this project. I couldn't be happier for the money, and the shipping was reasonably quick (he shipped the next day), but takes a bit in transit due to it being overseas. eta: I just placed an order for a 2nd one...never hurts to have a spare! :) PL2303HX USB to TTL - $3.99 - free shipping haha that's the one I purchased right after Darren mentioned the mark4 using serial to repair broken firmwares. I too like this model, haven't tested flashing but can confirm the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d3cryption Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 thanks for the post hfam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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