Setting Up Your NI myDAQ Student Data Acquisition Device

Updated Nov 13, 2023

Environment

Hardware

  • Digital Multimeter Device
  • myDAQ Student Data Acquisition Device
  • USB Cable

Software

  • myDAQ Software Suite

Driver

  • NI-ELVISmx

This document explains how to install the application and NI-ELVISmx driver software and set up your myDAQ Student Data Acquisition Device. This page also contains links to several resources, such as software download pages, installation troubleshooting, and measurement examples.

NI myDAQ Box Contents

When you open the box, you'll see the following items: 
 

  • The NI myDAQ Quick Start Guide . It contains additional information about various device connections not found in this document, as well as a quick measurement example to get you up and running.

  • A tray containing the following items:
     

    •  NI myDAQ Student Data Acquisition Device

    •  NI myDAQ Software Suite DVD

    •  USB Cable

    •  Screw-Terminal Connector

    •  Digital Multimeter (DMM) Probes

    •  3.5 mm Audio Cable

    •  NI Screwdriver
       

Figure 1. NI myDAQ Quick Start Guide

 

Figure 2. Contents of NI myDAQ Box
 

Keep the tray and box to store your NI myDAQ and accessories. You also can store a breadboard and other accessories on the right side of the tray. You'll need all these items to get set up.
 

Software Installation


 

You can install the necessary software from the media that shipped with your myDAQ, or from ni.com/downloads.

Note: Using NI ELVIS, too? For software version and operating system support for the NI ELVISmx hardware driver, consult the NI ELVISmx Readme, available on the software media shipped with your device or on the NI ELVISmx software download page.
 

Hardware Setup

After the software installation is complete, you can set up your NI myDAQ hardware. 
 

  1. Connect one end of the USB cable to your NI myDAQ and the other end to the computer.

  2. 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.

Choose Your Software Instrument with NI ELVISmx Instrument Launcher


 

What is the ELVISmx Instrument Launcher? 

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

Why does it appear? 

The ELVISmx Instrument Launcher helps you get started taking measurements easily. It provides some of the most common functions you can perform with your myDAQ.

The ELVISmx Instrument Launcher should automatically appear after you connect your hardware. If the ELVISmx Instrument Launcher does not appear, refer to the Troubleshoot your NI myDAQ article for more information on possible causes and solutions. You can also manually launch the ELVISmx Instrument Launcher by selecting Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI ELVISmx for NI ELVIS & NI myDAQ»NI ELVISmx Instrument Launcher.

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 .