i need to go from the nine pin output on my 7531 to my usba port on my laptop what works? i see a number of adapters on Amazon, but don't know if what i ordered will work . I also got a nessage on my laptop, no com port selected, or did it say available? Rghhhh!

Any serial / RS232 / DB9 to USB converter should work for you.

What the frick are those things

Blues, I had one but it wouldn't work, or something is wrong with my laptop com port? I have ordered a new one to arrive tommorow from Amazon.
One thing that worries me is i have the MSD handheld monitor for changing settings in my 7531, but the monitor won't follow the proper route when i attempt to go from "shift" to shiftlight rpm, it diverts to the wrong place. Very frustrating, because i went to a safe neutral valvebody in my TF trans, and neutral is now where high used to be. That is a problem because what i was using would keep shifting, and would shift into neutral . The shift pattern is now P R 1 2 3 N

Some of the "lower priced" serial / usb comms cables will not work with the MSD s/ware, they use a cheaper / different converter chip in the cable.
Also, you may need to download a driver for your USB port or just configure it depending on your version of windows. I had to download a USB/serial port adapter driver for the grid when I first got it years ago. However a newer, more recently purchased lap top (windows 10) did not require it and it really was plug and play.
HTH's

This MESSAGE reminds me back when i was configuring my 7530...there are a few vids from MSD on youtube. They aren't very 'clear' or 'professional' but these should be adequate to help you navigate that 7531. One possibility is to: In the MENU try selecting a different 'port'.

Sean, which MENU are you refering to? I am a bit computor iliterate .

A better question is why is MSD using such an outdated port in the first place? It would have been much easier if they would have just used a USB port for us to plug into!

Because a 7530/7531/7530T/75301 are all DECADES old now. As stated you may need to download a driver for your current cord set up and the new one coming as well. I used those digital boxes for ever with a lot of luck but went to grids and they are WAY more user friendly.

When you launch the software there's a menu bar along the top of the main page. The different 'ports' will be selectable I'd have to have a display open to show you but if you poke around a little, it's easy to find. Greg if you're not really familiar with it you really should take some time to watch some vids on Youtube that may be linked on the MSD parent website. It took me a while but I'm not exactly compu literate either. Whenever you think you're done ...VERIFY your inputs are working at the engine!!!

As has been stated, that MSD stuff is getting old. The Grid uses a Micro USB / USB cable

Thanks everybody. It looks like i got it, with the sugestions i got here. I downloaded a driver from the maker of the r232 to usba, and got in! So i was able to set rpm for shift light one and two, then left the rest so hi there won't be any further shifts. I disconected the laptop, then rebooted and checked the msd and my shift values were there. So i should be good! Still bothered that i can't set those shift light values with the hand held monitor, but oh well.

Even the newer Digital 6AL-2 boxes still use the serial port. It's a PITA. Like Tig said, some of the cheaper adapters won't work.
Have to download the driver so the adapter cable will work. Mine came w/ a CD.

Yes, the DB9 to USB adapter should work. I always have a lot of questions, especially when it comes to computer equipment. Last month, our company had to deal with connecting monitors to display promotional videos, and we turned to the service at https://www.2orange.nl/narrowcasting/narrowcasting-software/. They provide and configure narrowcasting software. The team did an excellent job, installing the necessary software and offering various software options. So, it's always better to seek professional help if you're unsure about something.

This is what mine looks like. My Avenger still has that box, plus I have a spare. I bought an old laptop that just gets used for it. I seem to remember having to download a driver, also. The cover tells you that I cant remember how to do it every time... Wasnt able to read a name or number off of the cable. Also, there are 3 USB portrs on the laptop, and it will only work if plugged into a certain one ?? Not sure why. Jim

Look for the term "null modem" in the description when buying. Serial/ DB9 can be wired two different ways... I was around for this stuff.

Thanks for the reply, got it going and logged some runs .