Most software does not need bidirectional communication.
What software were you looking at trying?
So the tdc 8000/8001 pin out is based on looking down at the connector as you are soldering the leads on the pins
Notch up or away from you
There are 5 pins arranged in a smile configuration
Pin 4 in the 7 pm position is jumped to pin 5 in the 5 pm position . RTS to CTS
Pin 3 in the 6 pm position is ground to Pin 5 on DB9
Pin 1 in the 1 pm position is signal to Pin 2 on DB9
Use a light guage wire for making the jumper. Much easier to solder on the pins.