ALDL Echo Test Program

[85_Olds_Ciera]

Moates has a "ALDL Echo Test Program," which tests your ALDL cable not hooked into vehicle.

Has anyone tried this test?

I'm still trying to figure out if my LapTop's Com1 is not working, or this new ALDL Cable has a problem.

[Superdave]

i used to use it when i first started.. IMO the Hyperterminal test works much better.

Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > Hyperterminal

Start a new session on COM1 with a baud rate of 300 (make sure your ALDL circuit is connected before you hit OK). type anything you want in the text window, if nothing shows up then you have a problem, if everything shows up then your ALDL is functioning propperly. If garbled up stuff shows up then either try a higher baud rate or check all your solder connections.

[IsaacHayes]

Make sure your serial port is enabled in the BIOS. I had mine shut off on this laptop.

[85_Olds_Ciera]

IMO the Hyperterminal test works much better.

Thanks...

Since the ALDL Cable was defective via confirmation on two different computers, I had to have a way to test both computers to see if Com1 was working.

From years ago, I bought a "null-modem serial cable," which is/was normally used to hookup two Win Computers (95/98/etc) together for transferring files.

So, I found this website, How to Do a Serial Loopback Test, which explains how on RS-232 DB-9 Connector that pins 2 and 3 must be short circuited to each other on this null-modem cable, and how to use/setup Hyperterminal program. (9600, 8, No parity, 1, No Flow).

What a pill, and some 8 hours wasted on a defective ALDL cable...