Solution
To measure an encoder with a CompactDAQ system, the first thing to check is the number of counters available to the system and the number of counters you will need.
Each Counter Input Encoder Task in the DAQmx API uses one counter per an encoder measurement.
Generally an NI CompactDAQ Chassis has four built-in counters, so four encoders can be measured by a single CompactDAQ chassis.
To expand the number of encoders in a single CompactDAQ system, you can use the
NI-9361. The NI-9361 has 8 built-in counters in a module. While this expands the number of counters available to the system, the
number of encoders you can connect to the module depends on the type of measurement you want to take.