OK the problem is that I want my program to detect when a arcane game style push button is pressed but I know very little about how the serial port works. I am currently testing with a 9 pin connector by touching different combinations of pins together but am having no luck. Could someone explain how I can send a signal without using any other conponents other than the button and the serial cable? Note that the data sent doesn't matter, i just need anything that will fire an event. Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.

It would be a lot easier with a parallel port. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&... But if you only have a serial port, you will need some additional external hardware: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...

ok I have access to a parallel port also so would it be possible for someone to give me a short description or draw me a diagram of what pins to use or how I can use it with my scenario. Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.

Google is your friend. http://www.diyha.co.uk/electronics/...

Part of the problem is that the newer windows do not direct manipulation of ports. All types of the old style ports, serial, parallel, and game could detect switch closure. The problem is now you need a driver for the port.

I doubt if there are very many (any?) home users who have tried to program a parallel port under XP. That was only done by a few during the days of DOS.

Be *very* careful experimenting the way you are as sometimes different voltages are involved between port types and one can blow a port. As Othehill says, google is your friend. e.g. some useful hits from googling for serial port pins:- http://www.lammertbies.nl/comm/cabl... http://www.dataip.co.uk/Reference/S... http://www.beyondlogic.org/serial/s... What you are looking for is a condition (rather than data) and for this DTR or RTS/CTS could be used. Note a 25 pin port uses different pins. Good Luck - Keep us posted.