Short Answer: The BrainBoxes Ltd. (model # US-101) and all other USB to serial adapters are not recommended for firmware upload. Only built in serial ports or Card Bus Adapter serial ports should be used.
Long Answer: Although many USB-to-serial devices will interface with the SuperSting™ Electrical Resistivity Instruments ONLY built in serial ports or Card Bus Adapter serial ports should be used for firmware updates. Firmware changes are very rare for older models without Wi-Fi update capabilities. A failed update will require opening the unit for a lengthily reset procedure or shipping to AGI for reset. If you only need a USB to serial adapter for data and command file upload and download, the BrainBoxes Ltd. (model # US-101) is recommended for all generations of older SuperSting instruments that do not have Wi-Fi. The latest SuperSting Wi-Fi model will update firmware over the Android App and the local Wi-Fi access point it offers.
The full procedure is outlined HERE