digital output to power a motor

[jastew1011]

I have a usb-6008, and I was hoping to use the digital and possibly analog outputs to turn on and control a motor. When i tried to turn on one of the outputs I didn't get an voltage reading while connecting the output and ground. Could you explain if I can accomplish this with the usb-6008 and how? thanks

[EMotts]

You can't use the digital output of a USB-6008 to run a motor directly.  The 6008 can't supply nearly enough current, and you will probably damage it.

The right way is to use the digital output to turn on an external transistor, which turns on the motor.  That way the transistor carries the heavy current.

See the following link for some specifics.  In the diagram, the "chip output" is the digital output of your USB-6008.  Be sure to use the protective diode with a motor:

Transistor ciruits

There are probably a hundred links out there with the same information, but this is the one I have used.

Ed