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This document covers installing NI myDAQ software and setting up your NI myDAQ.
Table of Contents
- NI myDAQ Box Contents
- Software Installation
- Hardware Setup
- NI ELVISmx Instrument Launcher
- Next Steps
NI myDAQ Box Contents
The first item you see when you open your NI myDAQ box is the Getting Started document. This document walks you through installing software, setting up your NI myDAQ, and taking your first measurement. It also contains information about the various device connections on the NI myDAQ.
Download NI myDAQ Quick Start Guide
Figure 1. NI myDAQ Quick Start Guide
Next, locate your NI myDAQ device. Keep the tray and box to store your NI myDAQ and accessories. You also can store a breadboard on the right side of the tray.
Take the tray out of the box and make sure you have these items:
- NI myDAQ Student Instrumentation Device
- NI myDAQ Software Suite DVD, USB Cable
- Digital Multimeter (DMM) Probes
- 3.5 mm Audio Cable
- NI Screwdriver
- Screw-Terminal Connector
Figure 2. Contents of NI myDAQ Box
Software Installation
Before you can start using your NI myDAQ, you must first install the required software from the NI myDAQ Software Suite DVD (included in your box). Simply insert the DVD in your computer and follow the on-screen instructions. Note that the installation process may take from 20 to 40 minutes.
If you do not have the disk, you can download the software from the following locations:
- LabVIEW Development System for Windows
- Circuit Design Suite Software - includes NI Multisim, Ultiboard
- NI ELVISmx Driver Software - NI myDAQ hardware driver
Note: For NI myDAQ software version and operating system support for NI ELVISmx hardware driver, visit the NI Software Version Support for NI ELVISmx Devices.
Hardware Setup
Once the software installation is complete, you can set up your NI myDAQ hardware. Connect the screw-terminal connector to your NI myDAQ. The screw-terminal connector must snap securely into place to ensure proper signal connection. Then connect one end of the USB cable to your NI myDAQ and the other end to the computer. Once connected, the blue LED lights up to indicate that the device is being powered.
If the light does not illuminate, refer to the Troubleshoot your NI myDAQ article for more information on possible causes and solutions.
NI ELVISmx Instrument Launcher
When your NI myDAQ is connected to your computer, the NI ELVISmx Instrument Launcher appears on the screen. The instrument launcher offers easy access to eight of the NI ELVISmx virtual instruments. These instruments are computer-based versions of some of the more commonly used laboratory instruments. To learn more about NI ELVISmx virtual instruments, visit Using NI myDAQ with NI ELVISmx Software Instruments.
If the ELVISmx Instrument Launcher does not appear, refer to the Troubleshoot your NI myDAQ article for more information on possible causes and solutions.
Next Steps
Now that you have installed your software and set up your NI myDAQ, you are ready to take your first measurement using NI myDAQ and NI ELVISmx instruments.
After you have completed your first measurement, you can take your second measurement using NI myDAQ and LabVIEW.
Reader Comments | Submit a comment »
"Is the DVD that comes with the myDAQ the
only place where the drivers for the myDAQ
can be found?"
The drivers are included as part of the
elvismx software which can be downloaded from
http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2595/lang/en
-- Peter Green
- Oct 24, 2011
NI myDAQ software/drivers
Is the DVD that comes with the myDAQ the only
place where the drivers for the myDAQ can be
found?
-
Robert Pomeroy,University of Colorado Boulder.
robert.pomeroy@colorado.edu
- Aug 09, 2010
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