#02 - How To Find The UART Interface - Hardware Hacking Tutorial

This is the second episode of the Hardware Hacking Tutorial series.

This series is to share information on how to do hardware hacking and how to do reverse engineering. The series is useful both for beginners and experts.

In this episode we will talk about how the find tue UART interface on an IoT device; we will take an home router (Gemtek WVRTM-127ACN) and show how to find the UART interface using simple tools like a multi-meter and using more advanced tools like a JTagulator board.

UART stands for Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter, it is the serial interface of the device where to attach the serial console. It is essential, in hardware hacking, to find the UART interface because it allows you to see what is printed on the serial console during the boot cycle, and It allows to see what type of bootloader your device is using and his version, what Operating System you have and his version, what kind of CPU and other peripherals you have, the amount of RAM and EEPROM; often you can get information on how the EEPROM is partitioned and a lot of other information, including information during the firmware upgrade cycle.

Often it is also possible to interact with the serial console, interacting with the bootlader, getting the login prompt and, sometimes, being able to logon locally on the system.

In the device we are interested in, usually the serial or UART interface is included, because it is used during the development phase and for testing purposes, but it is hidden inside the motherboard.

We will discuss, and show on video, various techniques to find the position and the pin-out of the UART interface including using a simple multi-meter.

We will show, also, how to connect a PC, running a terminal emulator software (we use PuTTY), to the UART of the IoT device using a TTL serial adapter.

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Links with additional Information:

[TheMadMagician]

Definitely the most practical introductory material I have come across with regards to hardware analysis and communication. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos!

[mohammedalimatar]

You simplified the most complex subject of hardware maintenance, appreciated and thanks a lot for your dedication

[PraveenKumarKoppula-wqeo]

The video is very beginner friendly thanks for the great explanation

[JayJay-kimi]

When I first watched these videos 11 months ago it seemed like some type of wizardry what you was doing. But you really inspired me and I've got a nice electronics lab, lots of good gear. Now I can practice and do this on the many routers I have around the house. IT no longer seems complex, or difficult. Infact, this is fairy simple when compared to hacking phones. Your videos are very good, and your English is excellent. I like your accent you sound like a real old school hacker. Bet you did phreaking ;) Just wanted to say a big thanks man. Please continue to make more videos.

[rosernick]

I dont usually comment... but this learning material is worth appreciation... Thank You Sir, your a good teacher...

[МаксимПетров-яд]

6:21 Tip for other viewers: It also can be only two pins: Rx and Tx, so if you can't find any 3-4 pin connector, check it. Thanks for these amazing videos and good luck!

[VVhizz]

Extremely useful video, very well explained and entirely possible to follow for a complete novice. Your instructions helped me debrick an expensive device that was destined for the dump otherwise. Thanks a lot for making this.

[nightwl]

Thanks a lot for this video, I really like the fact that you picked an undocumented device that has not already been showed!

[UniqueEvents-jl]

Thanks so much for your quality efforts at impacting knowledge. This is an area I'm seriously interested in learning, but I have little or no good knowledge of electronics. Please guide me on what I need to learn to help me understand your tutorials better.

[JoseRamosP]

an excellent explanation, a lot of technical knowledge and a good teacher

[mohamedbouabid]

just a random comment to help you with your effort

[JayJay-kimi]

When you see an older guy teaching you how to hack hardware you know it's straight up solid facts. Thank you for this video. I just figured out my small MIDI keyboard has UART pinouts and I forgot how to identify each one. You saved my bacon.

[ReggieWilliams-preo]

Great channel and video! I would appreciate a video on the basics of electronics

[beatraad]

Absolute madlad, posting all these awesome videos! Cheers!

[tompipes]

I really enjoyed the overview, helped me save a bad NAS board. Thank you!

[auroradigiampietro]

Very clear eplanations and interesting channel. Good job!

[stevecross]

I am new to hardware hacking - explanation was great a lot of technical knowledge and a good teacher. I am going to have to watch a few more times before hands-on. But some good work

[vanhetgoor]

This is fabuloso! Now I know about finding the UART and I am learning to speak Italian as well. I can almost understand every word, it is very much the same as American. It is very easy, I do not know why people go to school!

[ShaunakGanorkar]

Please guide us more. Can you please share some good reading materials as well?
Your videos are good. It was interesting to see the use of multimeter to identify the TX and RX.

[GabrielM]

Amazing video, very clear explanation, thank you!