Hi James,
Thanks for checking out the ADS1298R!
Are you able to see the on-board respiration signal? This would require JP34 [1-2] and JP35 [1-2].
I found that the Respiration measurements with ADS129xR devices work best with ECG cables < 5 kOhms of impedance. Too much impedance will prevent the ADC from resolving the Respiration waveform.
Can you measure the impedance of your cables (from electrode to DB15 header)?
Best Regards,