SmartDriver Support
SmartDriver Serial Port Information

SmartDriver doesn't require much from the user for easy, reliable vehicle monitoring. But it does need an available serial port to allow it to communicate with your PC.

If your computer has no serial ports, but is a 'legacy-free' model that only features USB ports, you may wish to consider a USB-to-serial adapter, available from IOGEAR, IBM and Belkin, among others.

Perhaps your computer only has one serial port, and a mouse or other serial device, such as a PalmPilot®, is using it.

First of all, can the device using the serial port actually use another port on your PC? If you have a serial mouse (that is, if the connector on the end of the mouse looks like this

instead of this,

you may be able to use a PS/2, or 'bus'-style mouse. If your PC has a port like this available, then the easiest way to free your serial port is to buy a replacement mouse at your local computer store for $10 to $20.

If you cannot disconnect your device from the serial port (such as a PalmPilot®) without losing the usefulness of the device, then you should consider adding another serial port to your PC. Several manufacturers offer inexpensive add-on boards for your PC.

SmartDriver recommendations on adding a serial port to your PC

If you have a desktop PC, you will want to add a serial I/O (Input/Output) expansion board to your machine. If you are uncomfortable opening up your computer to add hardware, please see your dealer for installation.

If you wish to add a serial port to your desktop PC yourself, you may wish to consider a PCI or ISA board from SIIG, Inc. You can learn more about this product line by clicking here.

If you are planning to use a notebook or portable PC with an available PCMCIA (PC Card) slot, you may want to consider a serial I/O expansion card by Socket Communications. Information on this product is available here.

Although most of these devices are known as 'Plug and Play' compatible, it is still sometimes necessary to manually configure these products. Please refer to the device's installation manual or your local computer reseller for information about configuring your additional serial port.

Summary

Technical Support Numbers and Websites