RS232

Can anyone help me with using Slink-e with home vision? I would like to learn some of the RS 232 signals from slink-e to use with HV to provide a 2 way interface inwhich when an amp is switched on with IR via HV a signal is sent back to say to HV it is on and which source is selected etc....and so on. I think it is easier to use slink-e via a terminal emulator to read the rs 232 out.I have had no luck so far is setting this up but im very new to this and understand that learning visual basic would be helpful too.I really need a kick in the right direction to get me started. Please help. The idea is to once the rs232 is understood to write my own touch screen control for all my hifi as most is Sony with Control ports.