The flickering indicates the RAM and checksum tests are occurring. When the LED comes on hard, they've passed. So far so good.
If you install the serial devices, I think the interface will simply be recognised. The DIP switches present a problem as I don't have a Softbox manual anymore. It is probable that they configure the baud-rate etc for the RS232 interface. I have what looks like a newer Softbox in the loft which has neither serial chips nor DIP switches. Having said that, I used that hardware to lash-up all sorts of prototypes, and I can't say categorically why I retained that particular box.
It looks like progress though. Perhaps the baud rate could be discovered by trial and error. I never thought I'd forget this stuff, but it is looking promising. I expect some perky message comes out of the RS232 on power up which would help in determining the config.
If you install the serial devices, I think the interface will simply be recognised. The DIP switches present a problem as I don't have a Softbox manual anymore. It is probable that they configure the baud-rate etc for the RS232 interface. I have what looks like a newer Softbox in the loft which has neither serial chips nor DIP switches. Having said that, I used that hardware to lash-up all sorts of prototypes, and I can't say categorically why I retained that particular box.
It looks like progress though. Perhaps the baud rate could be discovered by trial and error. I never thought I'd forget this stuff, but it is looking promising. I expect some perky message comes out of the RS232 on power up which would help in determining the config.