Thanks for all the information in this thread!
Sorry this isn't that constructive:
I'm not very good with electronics/hardware but I'm going to try this and buy the usb serial ttl connector.
I'm looking at some cheap ones, they have rx, tx, vcc and ground, and it says it is 1.8v.
I think that seems to cover everything needed.
I'm just not sure if there are different types of ttl, etc.
It should be ok?
I can buy it for less than $1, so it's a good deal
(A Chinese site.)
Thanks