ok, so i found a diagram to convert a usb cable to a 9-pin connector:
http://pinouts.ru/Converters/usb_ser...r_pinout.shtml
if anyone knows where i can get a program for my palm pilot, you would be one of the most awesome people in the world. but if no one knows where i can find one, i'll just bug my team's programmers to make one
thanks!