Question about modren day Flashing

[drewmerc]

Literally a $2 clone of a UART will work on eBay from China.

You can go get a BlackCat but it introduces a lot of complex variables. You don't even know yet if it is your UART reader hardware, computer OS software, configuration, or connection. Start simply, as simply as you can get then maybe get something that does 15 different things. I would start with returning the USB Blaster as it's probably not compatible, or it maybe it is - though no one uses it, so who knows.

I prefer something (authentic) FTDI based for UART. You can buy something for under $5 on eBay, though it may be a clone or it may work perfectly.

Personally, I recommend sparkfun.com as they are US based, sell genuine products, and have never failed me. Remember, if you choose to buy something new don't get a sophisticated 25-in-1 device. Get one as a simple as possible.

It's also important, power on then modem normally with it's own power source. Then, you should only have 3 cables for UART - Ground, Rx, Tx. Find the right ones and you'll see something.

Additionally, if you want to test your UART reader - they sell a "looper", I don't remember the exact language but a good shop will know what you are talking about if you describe it. Since you do not know if Win 10 is working with your UART reader, and if it is - if your UART reader is working with your modem. It's basically a feedback loop. You connect it, and when you type something into putty you should see it repeat it. This method has been around for decades and you can probably make one yourself, or ask a good shop. Maker shops are good for it. I listed one online already.

the ftdi chip i linked is authentic as its to new to be cloned (and i own one) its a ft232h and why its 3x the price of the clone ft232rl's

the looper your talking about is just connecting tx and rx and typing into terminal should echo back (thus telling you it works)