COM 1 problem

One means of checking whether a cradle is performing properly is to run a Windows terminal emulation program to see if input is received from the cradle when the HotSync button is pressed.

Close the HotSync Manager before launching the terminal program, and place your organizer in the cradle. Verify that RNAAPP is not running in the background before testing the serial port (you may need to use CTR+ALT+DEL to do so).

1. Run Hypertrm.exe.
2. Name your session, select OK
3. At the Phone Number screen, under Connect Using select "Direct to COM 1 [or whatever COM Port used for your cradle]", select OK.
4. At the Port Settings screen:
   
   For Bits per second select: 9600
   For Data Bits select: 8
   For Parity select: None
   For Stop Bits select: 1
   For Flow Control select: None
   
   Select OK.
   
   
5. Press the HotSync button on your cradle and you should see gibberish flow across the screen, verifying that your organizer and cradle are functioning properly.

If this does not produce a character stream, power off the system, unplug it, and open the case. Check the area around the serial port for any type of damage, including scorch marks or damaged chips. If physical damage is evident, you will need to contact Dell technical support for a replacement motherboard. Before using the Palm with your system again, you must contact the manufacturer and request a redesigned cradle less susceptible to static electricity discharges; alternatively, you may want to consider a USB PalmPilot cradle, if one is available for your model.