

I had the two 5v pins connected (from 5v on the adapter to the 5v pin on the washing machine). I had it that way for maybe 10 or 15 min until I was told not to. The USB→TTL adapter was a little warm when I disconnected it. Now I wonder if I damaged the washing machine port because when I meter the 0v against the 5v, there is almost nothing there. Did I damage it, or did the manufacturer disable the serial port before it got to me?
Indeed. It was in fact the 0v pin on the washing machine that is next to the RX pin.
When I meter gnd against 5v on the adapter, I get 5.15v. So both the adapter and the DMM are fine.
I heard that connecting two DC supplies together would have no problem if they both output exactly the same voltage. Of course we would never have an exact match, but the only strain on either side of the connection would be from the difference between the 5v from the adapter and 5v from the washing machine.
So I’m tempted to conclude no damage was done and the serial port was sabotaged at the factory.