Okay, since I don't have schematics yet (awaiting for 'em..), here's what I got.. Serial cable coming straight out of back of PC. (All this is done on PC. Haven't touched empeg yet) Port IS set at 11920/8N1, which is default for the VFD.
The lines are not shorted together when the cable is plugged in/unplugged...

Thru the ribbon cable (despite what I just said earlier, finished more tests) does convey my signals, including the +5Vdc.

I'm thinking that maybe I need to have the "/RES" line on the VFD connected to the +5Vdc. The sheet for the VFD specified that the VFD will reset when a low level signal is applied to the "/RES" line.

Because as it stands, everything SEEMS to be working, except the VFD ain't turning on..

Whee. Once I figure this little thing out, they're up for sale. (And this is probably something real easy for someone who actually does this everyday. I barely know what I'm doing. Honest. <g>)

Me.