Q: Why can't I communicate with one of the serial ports using the serial port on the back of my PC or laptop and Hyperterm? If I press the reset button, I can see the firmware monitor, but I don't get a login prompt when I start the OS.     A: Most likely the problem is the cable. You will need a null-modem cable between the Systech Device Server (RCS, POS, NPS, NDS or iNS/ixNS series) and the serial port on your PC. But not all null-modem cables are created equal. To get a login prompt on a Systech Device Server with the factory default configuration, you must supply DCD signal (pin1) to the Systech Device Server. Normally this is crossed over from DTR in the null modem cable. You can remove this requirement by telneting to the device or pointing your browser at the device and setting "ignoredcd" true on the port.     Answer Last Updated: July 7, 2008