Hi,

I am trying to make a serial port spliiter where I can connect two devices to the serial port and use a slide switch to select the device to be connected. I tried this by using a two way switch to connect the ground wire to either of the serial port's (5 th PIN) depending on the position of the switch. But, my plan backfired and lost a PIC micro that was connected on one the two serial ports. Am I on the right track ??? . I would also like an Indicator LED to be powered from the DSR or CTS pin to indicate the serial port in use . Will this damage devices connected on the port. Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by dreamproject

Hi,

I am trying to make a serial port spliiter where I can connect two devices to the serial port and use a slide switch to select the device to be connected. I tried this by using a two way switch to connect the ground wire to either of the serial port's (5 th PIN) depending on the position of the switch. But, my plan backfired and lost a PIC micro that was connected on one the two serial ports. Am I on the right track ??? . I would also like an Indicator LED to be powered from the DSR or CTS pin to indicate the serial port in use . Will this damage devices connected on the port. Thanks in advance.

Simple enough, but you need a multi-pole switch, and switch ALL the used wires EXCEPT the ground wire - leaving the ground un-switched will make sure everything is at the same ground potential.