diff --git a/test-serial.rb b/test-serial.rb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b8c6160
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test-serial.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+require "rubygems"
+require "bundler/setup"
+require "active_record"
+require "serialport"
+require "state_pattern"
+
+
+project_root = File.dirname(File.absolute_path(__FILE__))
+Dir.glob(project_root + "/app/models/*.rb").each{|f| require f}
+Dir.glob(project_root + "/app/helpers/*.rb").each{|f| require f}
+  
+connection_details = YAML::load(File.open('config/database.yml'))
+ActiveRecord::Base.establish_connection(connection_details)
+
+
+if __FILE__ == $0
+
+  #params for serial port
+  port_str = "/dev/ttyUSB1"  #may be different for you
+  baud_rate = 9600
+  data_bits = 7
+  stop_bits = 1
+  parity = SerialPort::EVEN
+
+sp = SerialPort.new(port_str, baud_rate, data_bits, stop_bits, parity)
+
+#just read forever
+while true do
+  printf("%c", sp.getc)
+end
+
+sp.close                       #see note 1
+
+end
+