The first step is to convert from the KIM’s 20 ma current loop to normal RS-232 levels, but you can get that from our I/O Expander 😉
Even though I use an iMac for most of my work, we have a PC down in the workshop running XP that gets connected to the KIM. Windows includes Hyperterm, which works quite well as a terminal with the KIM. The KIM is doing all the UART work in software, bangin’ bits to make it all work.
Here are the settings I use:
- 2400 baud (4800 works, 9600 is pushing it)
- 8 stop bits
- 2 stop bits – Note this is unusual! Most systems use one, but KIM needs two.
- No parity
- No flow control
To get your KIM talking, press the reset, then press backspace or RETURN on the Hyperterm keyboard. That sends the right zero/one bit transitions for the KIM to measure the length of a bit and then start talking.