Troubleshooting Serial Connections

Question :

I've set up an RS232 (Serial) connection in TinyTERM, but I'm not getting a login prompt. What should I check?

Answer :

First, check to make sure you've chosen the right serial port. TinyTERM defaults to COM2. Many computers now have only one serial port, COM1.

You'll also need to double-check the communications settings. To do that, click the Setup button next to the serial port you've chosen in TinyTERM's Session Properties. The baud rate, parity, word length and stop bits all need to match the port settings on the host computer, for the host port your PC is connected to.

Question :

I've done all that. Everything is set correctly. But I'm still not seeing a login prompt.

Answer :

In that case, there is a program included with Windows you can use to test the connection. Close TinyTERM and do the following.

Click on Start | Programs | Accessories | Communications | HyperTerminal. You may get a dialog box asking if you want to use HyperTerminal as your default telnet program. Click No if that comes up.

HyperTerminal will ask for a name and a connection icon. In the name field type "Test," then click OK.

Next you'll see a "Connect To" dialog. Change the "Connect using" line to the serial port you used in TinyTERM, then click OK.

A properties dialog will come up. Change the settings there to match those you have in TinyTERM, then click OK.

This will take you to the main HyperTerminal window. In the lower left will be a connection timer. If that shows HyperTerminal as connected, hit Enter once or twice. Do you get a login prompt here?

The chances are that if everything is set correctly, you won't get the login prompt. This means that the problem isn't in TinyTERM or HyperTerminal, but somewhere else. It may be a problem in your PC's serial port, in the cable connecting you to the host, or in the host's serial port. You'll need to test the hardware for failures.

Question :

I do get a login prompt in HyperTerminal, but TinyTERM still doesn't have one.

Answer :

When you start TinyTERM, do you get any text in the window at all? It should give you a copyright message. Sometimes that message will not display, either. In that case, rebooting your PC will fix that problem, and should give you the login prompt the next time you connect.