Setting Up Your NI myDAQ

Publish Date: Feb 14, 2013

Overview
After reading this document, you'll understand:
What you need to setup.
How to install software and hardware.

Table of Contents
1. NI myDAQ Box Contents
2. Software Installation
3. Hardware Setup
4. Choose Your Software Instrument with NI ELVISmx Instrument Launcher
5. Next Steps

1. NI myDAQ Box Contents

When you open you box, you'll see two items:
1. The NI myDAQ Quick Start Guide. It contains additional information about various device
connections not found in this document.
2. A tray which contains the following items:
(a) NI myDAQ Student Instrumentation Device
(b) NI myDAQ Software Suite DVD, USB Cable
(c) Digital Multimeter (DMM) Probes
(d) 3.5 mm Audio Cable
(e) NI Screwdriver
(f) Screw-Terminal Connector

Figure 1. NI myDAQ Quick Start Guide

Figure 2. Contents of NI myDAQ Box

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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. You'll need all these items to get setup.

2. Software Installation

You have two options for installing the required software.

1. Use 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.
2. Download the software online.
LabVIEW Development System for Windows
Circuit Design Suite Software - includes NI Multisim, Ultiboard
NI ELVISmx Driver Software - NI myDAQ hardware driver
Note: Using NI ELVIS, too? For NI myDAQ software version and operating system support for NI
ELVISmx hardware driver, visit the NI Software Version Spport for NI ELVISmx Devices .

3. Hardware Setup

Once the software installation is complete, you can set up your NI myDAQ hardware.
1. Connect the screw-terminal connector to your NI myDAQ. The screw-terminal connector must
snap securely into place to ensure proper signal connection.
2. Connect one end of the USB cable to your NI myDAQ and the other end to the computer.
3. Confirm 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.

4. Choose Your Software Instrument with NI ELVISmx Instrument Launcher

What is the ELVISmx Instrument Launcher?

The ELVISmx offers eight virtual instruments which are computer-based versions of some of the more
commonly used laboratory instruments. ELVISmx is also shared with NI ELVIS, a prototyping platform
for circuits and electronics.

Why does it appear?

To help you get started more easily. These are some of the most common functions you can use your
myDAQ for.
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.

5. 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 myAQ and NI ELVISmx instruments.

After you have completed your first measurement, you can take your second measurement using
NI myDAQ and LabVIEW.

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