Do I need to download a program to program a TVS 125 from my laptop or do I just need to connect to the serial port

you should be able to use terminal with vt100

Doc, use hyperterm, 9600, 8, N, 1
No auto detect.
You must have a NULL modem cable or adapter.
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MrG

Thanks for the quick response but Im still not sure if I need a program to talk to it or just connect

On a TVS-125 you won't need any program, when using hyperterm and the correct cable, when you press ENTER it will prompt you.

Thanks everyone for the help