Db-9 connector for slot car racing

I hope someone out there can help me on this one. I am using a db-9 connector to attempt to rig photo-transmitters to a slot car race track. I am using pins 1,5,6,8 and 9. Pin 5 is set as a ground. It may be best to refer to this site for the diagram. http://www.hoslotcarracing.com/ and scroll down to the serial I/O interface. I have tested each of the pins after making the connections and they test out fine. However, when I attempt to attach it to the computer it is like the connector does not exist. The lap timer software that I am using (from the same site above) is not recognizing the new connector. Even when I test the port within the software it just acts like the connector does not exist. My com ports are working fine. From windows if I attempt to add new hardware and let the computer search for the hardware you can hear the lap timer software appear to make a “lap”.

Ok, I hope I have not completely lost anyone on this. I am running window xp Pro. I have had problems finding a workable email address for the owner of the software. Any help would be great.

 

The software from here http://www.gregorybraun.com/LAPTIMER.ZIP gives me the email of support@gregorybraun.com Looks like when you go through the setup of the software, it gives you the choice to choose RS232, Joystick, keyboard, or Printer.