I have been using a FTDI programmer with a mini-usb connector for ages. Since my new laptop (MacbookAir M2) is usb-c only, I decided to order a FTDI programmer with a usb-c connector.
But it does not work. That is, when I use a usb-c cable (tried many) to connect the programmer to my computer. Not even a power led. So I thought the programmer was broken. But when I connected it to a usb-c to 'old-fashioned female usb' adaptor in the computer and the same (but male) in the programmer all is well. Since I bought the usb-c programmer so I can eventually get rid of all the different cables this is not what I was aiming for.
Can anyone explain why a straight-up usb-c cable does nothing and the weird workaround does?
Try using a different USB-C cable that is known to support both power and data. Look for cables that explicitly state they support USB 3.1 or 3.2 standards. Also see if the FTDI driver is missing.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
As I said, I tried many cables. From 15cm. to a meter, the latter being a usb4 cable so that might be an issue. But the other 5 cables are usb3. I think they are all different 'brands' (hard to tell since they are not really branded). But since they came with various brands external ssd's I assume there is some difference. And I assume a cable that works without any problems with an external disk will support both power and data. All cables I tried work with external disks, and since I get over 100MB/s from these disks these cables must be at least 3.1.
And because it does work with the adaptor-to-adaptor workaround I feel safe to say the FDTI driver is present and working.
So, the mystery continues...
Your programmer probably does not have the proper (if at all) termination resistors on the CC1 and CC2 lines but your C to A adaptor does.
Without the resistors, your notebook won't recognize that something is plugged in.
However since the adaptors were probably made according to USB specs, the resistors are in the adaptor.
That might be it. When plugged in with a usb-c cable, the Macbook does indeed not see anything connected to the usb bus.
So the programmer is pretty useless, as I still need more than just a usb-c cable to use it.
Oh well, I now have an extra programmer in case I loose of of the others.