LabVIEW getting started with DAQmx

[Don_pg]

I installed LabVIEW 8.6 (evaluation version) in order to learn it for a possible upcoming assignment.  My Windows XP PC has no hardware installed.

 

I am running through the steps in “LV_Getting_Started.pdf.”  I have some questions on Chaper 4 entitled, “Hardware: Acquiring Data and Communicating with Instruments.”  I installed NI-DAQmx version 8.8 to enable me to continue.  When I ran the Measurement and Automation Explorer and tried to create a new NI-DAQmx task, it told me to run the license manager.  But since I have an evaluation copy of LabVIEW, I don’t yet have a license.  Does NI allow me to run this in evaluation mode?  Is there any way I can get through Chapter 4 of LV_Getting_Started.pdf while in evaluation mode?  Can I simulate the required data acquisition hardware?  Thank you.

[Hillman]

Hi,

Thanks for the post.

I am not aware of different versions of MAX.

In LabVIEW this is an Express VI called Simulate Signal - you can use this to simulate signals from a DAQ.

Does this help at all?

Kind Regards,  

[Don_pg]

Thanks for the response.

 

I am familiar with the Simulate Signal Express VI.  My problem is with the DAQ Assistant Express VI.  As discussed on p. 4-2 of “LV_Getting_Started.pdf”, I selected the properties of the DAQ Assistant.  Then I selected Acquire Signals – Analog Input – Voltage.  At that point, I am stuck.  Under Supported Physical Channels, it says, “No supported devices found.”  Can you  point me in the right direction here?  Apparently, I have to do something to simulate these physical channels.

 

[Hillman]

Hi Don,

Thanks for the update.

NI-DAQmx Simulated Devices:

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3698

This developer Zone article has a set by set guide of setting it up in MAX and then moves on the DAQ assistant.

Let me know how you get on,

Kind Regards, 

[Don_pg]

Thanks for responding, Hillman. 

I went to the web site you recommended  (NI-DAQmx Simulated Devices:) and went through the steps.  In the section, How to Use an NI-DAQmx Simulated Device, step 2a, it says to “select Create New NI-DAQmx Task.”  At that point, it tells me that the software is not currently licensed and to run License Manager. 

Recall that I am running the evaluation copy of LabVIEW 8.6 and do not yet have a license.  Am I prohibited from doing this in conjunction with LV_Getting_Started.pdf, Chapter 4?

-- Don

[Hillman · Accepted solution]

Hi Don,

Sorry for the delay - been busy in the UK Office lately.

This is expected behaviour.

You need to have ADE license to use DAQmx API. To gain this you need either a licensed copy of LabVIEW, CVI LabWINDOWS... SignalExpress Lite. SignalExpress Lite is free of the ni.com website  

Install this, and it will let you use the DAQmx for 30 days.

I hope this helps,

Kind Regards,
James.