FIGURE A

Create a new connection in HyperTerminal. Click picture for a larger image.

In this example, I'm creating a connection to COM2. In the Phone Number screen, pull down the "Connect using" box and select "Direct to COM2." As you see in Figure B, choose the COM port you want to test. Then click OK to continue.

FIGURE B

Choose the COM port you want to test and click OK to continue. Click picture for a larger image.

The next step is to configure the COM2 settings. The only thing you need to change is the speed. The default speed is 2400, but you should change it to 9600. In Figure C, you see how to select 9600, which is a good speed for testing. Click OK when you're ready to continue.

FIGURE C

Change the speed in the COM port properties. Click picture for a larger image.

Now you're ready to test the connection. You see in Figure D that you should select Call->Connect. Then press the HotSync button on the cradle.

FIGURE D

Select Call->Connect and then press the HotSync button on the cradle.

If you see gibberish on the screen, your serial port is receiving data from the Palm device, indicating you don't have a hardware problem with the Palm device or cradle. Figure E shows you what you might see.

FIGURE E

You'll see something like this if your hardware is working. Click picture for a larger image.

Other things to try
Some other things you might want to try can be found by visiting, http://www.palm.com/support/helpnotes/desktop/comports.html and http://www.palm.com/support/helpnotes/hotsync/timeout.html.

If none of these suggestions work, check out the other HotSync-related articles in this special HotSync issue of PalmPower Magazine.

Heather McDaniel is unique because she has experience in three important fields--real estate, handheld computing, and personal success coaching. She holds a real estate license in both Hawaii and New Jersey. Prior to starting her own personal success coaching business dedicated to helping people reach their goals, Heather is the news editor and former sales manager for ZATZ, publishers of this magazine. She's widely acknowledged as a leading expert on the handheld industry. For a free coaching session, contact Heather at heather@coachheather.com or visit http://www.coachheather.com.