DOS PC to Windows 98 PC file transfer with null modem and Telemate

[to hamartetikon]

Hi! I am struggling with file transfer between 2 PC's with Telemate software.

PC#1:
OS: IBM DOS 4
Terminal software: Telemate 4.12
Floppy drive not functioning so can't use any other software other than whatever is already installed in HDD. There's no other software for serial port file transfer in this PC.

PC#2:
OS: Win98 SE
Terminal software: Telemate 4.12
Floppy is functioning so I could install and use any software on this end.

I have connected the PC#1 and PC#2 using serial port null modem cable.
I open Telemate in both machines, set Connection type to "Computer" in both.
I open the Terminal window in both PCs.
I have set Local echo ON in both PCs. (both Telemate clients have identical preferences)
I have set the connection speed to 2400 bps.
I have switched RTS/DTS on and off.
I have switched XON/XOFF on and off.

When I type anything on PC#2 Telemate Terminal view, I see the writing in PC#1 Telemate's Terminal view.
When I type anything on PC#1 Telemate Terminal view, nothing happens on PC#2.

When I initiate Telemate's ZMODEM transfer on PC2#, ZMODEM upload dialogue opens in PC#2 and PC#1's Telemate receives the ZMODEM string and launches Telemate's ZMODEM download dialogue, but the transfer always times out and nothing is transfered.
When I initiate Telemate's ZMODEM transfer on PC1#, ZMODEM upload dialogue opens in PC#1, but nothing happens in PC#1.

Same happens in Telemate's chat window. PC#2 sends chat without problems to PC#1, but PC#1 does not send anything to PC#2.

However, in both computers I have "Command HQ", a game that supports null modem play. When I launch the Command HQ in both PC's and select "human vs. human" and "Null modem", both game clients immediately recognize each other. Game is playable and data is transferring to both directions; from PC#1 to PC#2 and from PC#2 to PC#1. In-game chat also functions OK: if I type anything in chat in both PC's, the chat is always visible in the opposite game client.

It seems that with Telemate the null modem connection is one way (PC#2 to PC#1). I have tried with 2 different factory made null modem serial cables that are both labeled as "null modem serial cable".

What could prevent any Telemate transfer of data from PC#1 to PC#2? Is the serial cable wrong type, do I need direct cable instead of null modem cable for the Telemate to be able to transfer data?

Null modem cables obviously are not broken as they function without problems when I use the cable with Command HQ.

 

[bakemono]

Is it possible that PC #2 has an incorrect IRQ setting in Telemate that prevents it from receiving any data?

 

[to hamartetikon]

Is it possible that PC #2 has an incorrect IRQ setting in Telemate that prevents it from receiving any data?

Ah, a good question! Thanks, did not occur to me yet to check this. I will check it next time I have the setup connected.

I got PC#1 floppy back to life just by changing RTC battery and so I was able to backup the important files to floppies, so the null modem connection is not crucial anymore, still it would be nice to get it working just for curiosity.