NI-DAQmx for USB Devices Getting Started Guide

1 Getting Started GUIDENI-DAQ mx for USB DevicesThis Guide describes how to install and configure NI USB data acquisition (DAQ) Devices and how to verify that the Devices are working properly. Current versions of NI documents are available at You must be an Administrator to install NI software and Devices on your and Mac OS drivers are available by entering rddqld at Step 1. Install the Application SoftwareInstall the NI application software: LabVIEW or later, LabWindows /CVI , Measurement Studio , or LabVIEW SignalExpress LE up any applications before upgrading software or modifying the 2. Install NI-DAQmxInstall driver software before installing USB Devices so Windows can detect them.

2 Insert the CD. If the NI-DAQmx installer does not open automatically, select aisNI-DAQmx for USB Devices Getting Started Run. Enterx:\ , where x is the CD drive letter. Complete the instructions, including rebooting the computer. Troubleshooting instructions are available in the Hardware Installation/Configuration Troubleshooter at 3. Unpack and Set Up the DeviceRemove the packaging and inspect the device. Contact NI if the device is damaged. Do not install a damaged device is static sensitive. Always properly ground yourself and the equipment when handling or connecting to the signal label, strain relief, and panel mounting information, refer to the device documentation. Plug the USB cable into the PC and device, and follow the Terminal Block2 Signal Labels3 USB-600x/6501 Device4 USB-9000 Series Device5 USB-443x Device34215 National Instruments Corporation3NI-DAQmx for USB Devices Getting Started GuideFirmware Update After installing a USB device or upgrading NI-DAQmx , complete any Windows Hardware Wizard prompts to update the firmware on your Series Users When first connecting the device to your computer, the Found New Hardware Wizard cycles through approximately three installations before the device is ready for use.

3 Windows Device RecognitionWindows versions earlier than Vista recognize newly installed Devices when the computer Device MonitorAfter Windows detects newly installed NI USB Devices , NI Device Monitor runs automatically at startup. Follow the prompts to install the software for each sure the NI Device Monitor icon, shown at left, is visible in the taskbar notification area. Otherwise, the NI Device Monitor does not open. To turn the NI Device Monitor on, unplug your device, restart NI Device Monitor by selecting Start All Programs National Instruments NI-DAQ NI Device Monitor, and plug in your NI Device Monitor prompts you to select from the following options. These options may vary, depending on the Devices and software installed on your system.

4 Begin a Measurement with This Device Using NI LabVIEW SignalExpress Opens a NI-DAQmx step that uses the channels from your device in LabVIEW SignalExpress. Begin an Application with This Device Launches LabVIEW. Choose this option if you have already configured your device in MAX. Run Test Panels Launches MAX test panels for your for USB Devices Getting Started Configure and Test This Device Opens MAX. Take No Action Recognizes your device but does not launch an following features are available by right-clicking the NI Device Monitor icon: Run at Startup Runs NI Device Monitor at system startup (default). Clear All Device Associations Select to clear all actions set by the Always Take This Action checkbox in the device auto-launch dialog box.

5 Close Turns off NI Device Monitor. To turn on NI Device Monitor, select Start All Programs National Instruments NI-DAQ NI Device 4. Confirm Device RecognitionTo confirm device recognition, complete the following steps:1. Launch Expand Devices and Interfaces, and expand NI-DAQmx Devices to confirm that MAX detects the device. If your device is not listed, press F5 to refresh MAX. If the device is still not recognized, go to Right-click the device name and select Self-Test. National Instruments Corporation5NI-DAQmx for USB Devices Getting Started GuideFor self-test help, click Help Help Topics NI-DAQmx MAX Help for NI-DAQmx . When the self-test completes, a successful verification message appears.

6 If an error occurs, refer to 5. Attach Sensors and Signal LinesAttach sensors and signal lines to the terminal block or accessory terminals for each device. The following table lists pinout information about sensors, go to , or Sensors in the NI-DAQmx Help. For information about IEEE TEDS smart sensors, go to If using LabVIEW SignalExpress, go to Step 7. Using Your Device in an to Access PinoutMAXR ight-click the device name under NI-DAQmx Devices , and select Device Help Help Topics NI-DAQmx MAX Help for AssistantSelect the task or virtual channel, and click the Connection Diagram tab. Select each virtual channel in the to the NI-DAQmx Help that installs with to the device for USB Devices Getting Started 6.

7 Run Test PanelsUse the MAX Test Panel feature as follows:1. In MAX, expand Devices and Interfaces NI-DAQmx Right-click the device, and select Test Panels to open a test Click Start to test device functions, or Help for operating instructions. To troubleshoot errors, refer to the NI-DAQmx Help, or go to 7. Using Your Device in an ApplicationUse the DAQ Assistant to configure virtual and measurement channels. DAQ Assistant installs with NI-DAQmx and can be used with LabVIEW or later, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, or with LabVIEW SignalExpress. National Instruments Corporation7NI-DAQmx for USB Devices Getting Started GuideLabVIEW SignalExpress is accessible from Start All Programs National Instruments NI-DAQ LabVIEW SignalExpress.

8 For help within LabVIEW SignalExpress, go to Help LabVIEW SignalExpress following table lists DAQ Assistant tutorial locations in NI applications:Programming ExamplesNI-DAQmx includes example programs to help you get Started developing an application. Modify example code and save it in an application, or use examples to develop a new application or add example code to an existing locate LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI. Measurement Studio, Visual Basic, and ANSI C examples, go to and enter the info code daqmxexp. For additional examples, refer to ApplicationTu t o r i a l L o c a t i o nLabVIEWGo to Help Search the LabVIEW Help. Next, go to Getting Started with LabVIEW Getting Started with DAQ Taking an NI-DAQmx Measurement in LabVIEW.

9 LabWindows/CVIGo to Help Contents. Next, go to Using LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition Taking an NI-DAQmx Measurement in StudioGo to NI Measurement Studio Help Getting Started with the Measurement Studio Class Libraries Measurement Studio Walkthroughs Walkthrough: Creating a Measurement Studio NI-DAQmx SignalExpressGo toHelp DAQ Assistant in LabVIEW SignalExpress Help. 2005 2009 National Instruments Corporation. All rights Instruments, NI, , and LabVIEW are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Refer to the Terms of Use section for more information about National Instruments trademarks. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

10 For patents covering National Instruments products/technology, refer to the appropriate location: Help Patents in your software, the file on your media, or the National Instruments Patent Notice run examples without the hardware installed, use an NI-DAQmx simulated device. To use a simulated device in MAX, select Help Help Topics NI-DAQmx MAX Help for Go to or If you need to return your National Instruments hardware for repair or device calibration, go to and enter rdsenn to start the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) Technical SupportFor support information, refer to the Technical Support Information document available at Also visit or For support available at the National Instruments worldwide offices, visit National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504.