
I didn't have a spare Serial to USB convertor on hand for a recent project. So decided to try my arduino mega (Should be able to do with others also)
connect wire from Reset to Ground. This will hold all Atmel pins in high-imp tristate
Use TX/RX and +5v/+3.3V/Gnd to project using serial IO
USB into computer
Connect up using whatever means you use. PuTTY etc...