another quick test would be to connect to a working tty, verify the pc/comm port/hyperterm.. most of us use procomm.. scripts make that a cleaner device.. you can also set your capture path to a share drive, then use a script to determine the file duration... same app at another site, the supervisors have access to the share.. they get a new file every 30 minutes...
another test, put a nul modem cable between that pc and a working pc.. you should be able to type to the remote screen.. your cable between the tty port and the comm port on the pc may need a nul modem adapter... most of the time if it's baud or protocol problems you will get garbage.. if layer one is not right, you get zero
john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc