Veyron 2x12 Motor Controller in serial mode

Good Morning
We are having problems with the Veyron 2x12 motor controller in serial mode.

The user manual states that the device uses a UART when in serial mode. This then assumes that a native computer RS232 serial port can be used to send commands to the unit. Is this assumption correct?

We are NOT using a microcontroller for commanding as shown in the youtube instructions. If it is truly a UART interface, then a computer RS232 port should be suitable

We have tried with hyperterminal, realterm, Labview MAX and LV full development platform to communicate with the controller. These softwares are tried and proven to be highly successful in RS232 comms applications.

The following is a list of observations on the use of the device which needs confirmation or discussion as to whether it is correct operation.

I might point out that these observations have been found to be identical on 5 brand new devices straight out of the box

1. The device CANNOT be turned on while plugged into the serial port....in other words, the unit remains inactive and NO LEDS light up. Only by unplugging from the serial port, turning power on to the unit and then plugging the serial port back in does it come alive.
2. When sending a query command (e.g. 1,RCONFIG\r\n....as mentioned in the user manual), the send appears to work, as the status LED flashes (ONLY Status 1 and not both as mentioned in the user manual)
3. There is no reply from the unit when a query command is sent
4. The first thing checked and confirmed is the serial port Tx and Rx connections, followed by power supply polarity
5. Trying the device in test mode (according to the youtube instructions) proves the devices are working

Has anybody encountered these issues with this controller?

Thank you