I'm afraid it looks like a 5V Maxim chip in that photo MAX232EPE, for 3.3V use the recommended is max3232cpe, probably pin compatible.
There's usually a physical loop-back way of testing serial cables, linking external TX to RX via suitable resistor (1k, or 100 ohms or short if desperate!), then you can get what you type echoed back.
I'm afraid it looks like a 5V Maxim chip in that photo MAX232EPE, for 3.3V use the recommended is max3232cpe, probably pin compatible.
There's usually a physical loop-back way of testing serial cables, linking external TX to RX via suitable resistor (1k, or 100 ohms or short if desperate!), then you can get what you type echoed back.
well, heck. I guess I can get my money back since they advertised falsely.
I finally received the USB 3.3v TTL adapter in the mail this afternoon and hooked it up.
I still cannot get any prompt within putty or hyperterminal. I've repeatedly tried to time the ctrl+C immediately after plugging in the power and have got no prompt. I start by having the TTL adapter connected on all 4 pins (GND, 3.3v, TX,RX). Drivers for the converter are updated and Device Manager says all is installed correctly.
The LEDs have changed, however. Lise usual, the LEDs all light brightly when first plugging in the power, but then go off. Now, however, if I remove the router's power, but with the TTL still connected, the LEDs blink very rapidly - almost to the point they're consistently lit. The blinking stops if I pull the 3.3v wire from the router.
I've read the Serial Recovery wiki and am not sure what else I can do until I can get a cfe prompt.
