replacing anilam crusader II control

Hi

Has anyone out there replaced an anilam crusader II control on a
knee mill? While my control works well the record and input rs232
ports appear dead. A com port tester from radio shack shows no
lights when connected to the record port and only one light when
connected to the input port.
I had hoped to do more 3 axis work but the limitation on keyboard
entry holds me to 2-1/2 axis mostly. A call to anilam gave a price
of $7500 for a 3000m replacement control. Just a few thousand out of
the budget.
Has anyone tried a home brew replacement?

thanks

Jim