USB to Raspberry Pi Console Connection for Java Embedded Development

For Java Embedded development, the easiest way I found (which I told Gary C. about recently) is to use an FTDI Breakout Board with a USB port.

Here are the steps:

1. Buy these parts:
OSEPP FTDI Breakout Board $15.99http://www.frys.com/product/6997547?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Set of Jumper Wires $12.99
http://www.frys.com/product/7367744?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

2. Make sure the jumper on the FTDI Breakout is configured for 3.3 volts.

3. Use the jumper wires to make 2 connections from the FTDI Breakout 
Board to the RPi:

From FTDI 3.3V TXD to (GPIO Pin 8)
From FTDI 3.3V RXD to (GPIO Pin 10)

See this Web reference:
http://wolfpaulus.com/journal/embedded/raspberry_serial

4.Connect one end of a USB cable into the FTDI and the other 
end into the Windows/Mac/Linux PC. 

5. Then use PuTTy or minicom on a Windows/Mac/Linux PC with a 
new connection to the right serial port (Ex. /dev/ttyUSB0 on a 
Linux PC or COM5/COM6/COM?? on Windows PC) using these serial 
connection settings 115200 bps 8-N-1.

6. Hit return a couple times to get the console prompt.  
Make sure the RPi is properly powered with it's AC adapter 
(not connected to a computer for power since only the AC 
adapter that comes with the RPi has enough current to drive 
it for this use).