I tried using different computers and differet OS, and I have a DB9 cable to go directly into a com port.
But the problem persists… 
As the image1 shows, I set the baud rate=115200.
And I tried using different baud rate, the problem persists.
If the MAX232 chip is bad, then the SSC-32 board could be considered to be bad, since this component is not socketed. The MAX232 chip is a communications interface device and it’s possible it could be defective which is why the LED blinks but nothing happens, regardless of baud rate settings used.
I would do as Jonny (innerbreed) suggested to send the board back and get a replacement.
Yes I still maintain he needs a new SSC-32. Contact the good people at active and I will do the same… 
We will get you going.
Thank you very much. I have contacted the active-robot , but havn’t received a response yet.
I will contact them today, but I’m going to need more information. I can’t go to Active Robots and say yellowfish needs a new controller. 
Send me an email with your info.
oh go on jim that would be funny. lol 
yellowfish, good luck and i hope the problem gets sorted for you.
yellowfish, may the force be with you… always.
What is your email address? I can’t find it in your profile…
I got a reply from active-robot. It let me send the controller board for testing.
Um, there is a button below this post labeled email… Click it! 
I am sorry, I still can’t find the email button… 
Could you send an email to me, then I can reply it.
My email: [email protected]
It’s… right here… 
Alternately, if you’re using the old style…
Yellowfish, I copied your email over to Active. All should be fine.
We are looking into the problem. Obviously we didn’t know.
In defense of yellowfish’s sanity. I don’t either. 
Ahhhh, guys, why did no one say anything?! Y’all ought to be seeing the email buttons, and I don’t know when they stopped showing up. Maybe after we upgraded to the new forum version?
Anyway, we’re looking into it!
Thank you very much!