Connecting Switches to a serial port

If your computer has a serial (RS232) connector, you can connect your switches to it directly with a suitable connector.

We supply connectors, but it is easy to make your own, or to connect your switch directly to the serial port without the need for a switch adaptor.

Making the connection

You need a 9 pin D socket with a female connection. It will look like this:

 Look for the numbers moulded onto the body of the connector, and solder the wires from your switch as follows:

Switch 1 connects pins 7 and 8

Switch 2 connects pins 6 and 4

Configuring your software

Selecting Serial switches 

In the Switch Connection menu of your software, you will see an optin to connect your switches to a serial port if the sofwtare supports it.  In The Grid 1 it is found in the Input Device menu under Switch Settings/Configure Switches.  In The Grid 2 it is found in the Edit menu under User Settings.  Select Input Device/Switches/Connection.

Select the serial option and the correct Com port.

What is the correct Com port?

On a desktop or laptop computer with a 9 pin serial connector, it is almost certainly either 1 or two.

However, more recent machine do not have a serial connector, and the serial port may be a "virtual" one that is accessed via USB or Bluetooth.  In this case, you need to find out the serial port number from Device Manager.

In Windows XP, left click on the Start button, then right click on My Computer.  When the window appears, click on Device Manager in the left hand side.

On the right, click on Ports.  You should see your virtual com port displayed with a number.  Make a note of this number and select it in the switch setup of your software.

Note: Only one program can access a serial port at a time.