Pro mini not able to upload

[bakedpotatolord2]

I'm trying to program an arduino pro mini for an NRF remote , but it won't upload a sketch. I know that the programmer works, and I know it's the right voltage and speed (3.3v, 8Mhz). I tested it with another pro mini board, and it uploaded fine. I know rx and tx are not connected to anything else, and I've tried timing the manual reset many times.

Uploading .pio\build\remote\firmware.hex 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 2 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 3 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 4 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 5 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 6 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 7 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 8 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 9 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b 
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding 
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 10 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x3b

the resp is different every time, and it takes about 2 minutes to go through all the attempts.

the pro mini is running the blink sketch, and I've verified continuity from the USB-uart adapter's rx/tx to the board.

I've tried uploading with upload speeds of both 57600 and 115200. I've tried uploading as arduino mini and arduino pro or pro mini I honestly don't know what else to try, other than trying to re-burn the bootloader.

thoughts?

(I know the solder looks light on the first pic. I tried to remove the board with a solder-vacum.)

[sonofcy]

I have never changed an upload speed or flashed a bootloader. For that board you have to select the right processor. Just go through the list until one works, maybe use a sharpie to mark it. NOTE, I always try at least 3 times just in case.

[bakedpotatolord2]

I know what processor I have (ATmega328p 8MHz), but I tried all of them a few times anyways. no luck.

[ShermanP]

So the other Pro Mini, the one that works ok, does not have either the joystick or the nRF module connected to it. But this one does. Is that right?

Edit: And is the working Pro Mini also powered by a battery at the RAW pin?

[bakedpotatolord2]

no, the other one has the joystick and nRF module as well.

and yes, they are both powered by a 1s 18650 cell

[ShermanP]

Well if they are identical circuits, then it's possible there's a defect in one of the Pro Minis. Did the bad board ever work so far as you know?

The most likely problem would be the voltage regulator, or something leading to it from the RAW pin. You might try comparing the voltage on the Vcc pin between the two Pro Minis when they are powered up but not doing anything. The voltages should be the same at about 3.3V.