I've got a Cambridge Z88 that I want to get working with my PC.

Around 6 years ago - in 2004 - I made heavy use of my Z88 to do a whole bunch of writing on the train while commuting to and from work. The Z88 is solid state, lightweight and has a full size silent keyboard, so it works very well as a writing instrument.

I still have the serial cable I soldered up back then and used successfully in 2004. It has these connections:

   Z88           9 pin
  -----         -------
  2 TxD ------> RxD 2
  3 RxD <------ TxD 3
  7 GND <-----> GND 5
  4 RTS ------> CTS 8
  5 CTS <-+     RTS 7
  8 DCD <-+---- DTR 4
  9 DTR ----+-> DCD 1
            +-> DSR 6

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find my notes from 2004 that describe how I got it to work back then. I've spent several hours trying to Google a result, but to no avail.

I'm pretty sure the cable is fine - after all, it's what I used successfully six years ago, and I've checked it out with a multimeter - so I'm focusing on the PC end of things, which is where I'd like some assistance.

Q1: In my recent attempts, I've been using both Hyperterminal (as built into Windows XP) and the command line (copy com2: con:), but with no success. What's a good (better!) serial communications application to use? Is there one that allows me to see as deep as the signalling that's occurring on the wire?

Q2: If you have a Z88 that works correctly with your PC, what software do you use on the PC end, and what's the pinout of your cable?

I'm pretty sure that the Z88 itself is working properly: When using the built in Import/Export tool to send a file, I see different behaviour when my serial cable is connected compared to disconnected. When disconnected, the transmission appears to work, with a progress meter counting up and then finishing; when connected, nothing happens 'cept a timeout if I wait long enough.