In this JDM programmer the idea is to "steal" power from serial port, so you can't replace 1.5kΩ with a 15kΩ ..
Try any other resistor of,say 1kΩ to 2.2kΩ, if you have them, of course ..
Regards,
IanP
You can open this loop by removing section starting from pin5 of DB9 and going diagonally to right-down, leaving pin5 connected only by the left track ..
Regards,
IanP