8 N 1 is generally the used standard for serial communications because almost all devices are setup for this. The lower baud rates giver higher reliability and a longer cable allowance. The cable limit for 56k is much less than say 2400.

The way I mentioned is the simplest way. If you really want you can watch the signal levels at the low level and then measure the wave length. This can be done visually using a scope if you want do it manually.

If you are using a canned app you can still write a program that sets up the INI as an independent program. You can also contract out the job if you are willing to spend about $600 bucks or so.