[DonRotolo]

I've been playing with the USB-6009 device and LabVIEW this past week, and teams need to be aware of a few points:

1. Install LabVIEW first. The version 8.0 download from NI is about 450 MB, so don't even attempt it without a broadband connection. You can play with this software even without hardware, so teams that aren't participating in the trial can also get some experience. (Edit: I am told that a disc with LabVIEW 8 is in the KOP, so if you can wait it'll avoid a huge download...)

2. Next, install NI-DAQmx. The NI-DAQmx version that came with Team 1676's shipment is 7.5, instead of loading that you need to download version 8.0 from NI's website. This is essentially the device driver for the hardware, but more. Again, this is a huge (over 450 MB) download.

If you are unable to find the "DAQ Assistant" in the Express Inputs area of the Functions menu, you have the older version of NI-DAQmx installed. This caused a bit of frustration for me until i realized the problem.

3. Remember the DAQ device is static-sensitive!! Although reasonably robust, you CAN damage it easily enough, especially in the dry winter weather. Now would be a good time to invest in a few anti-static wrist straps.

4. Once you've attached the connectors and stick-on labels (be careful to get them right!), you can attach the USB-6009 to the computer. Windows will sort everything out just fine.
(Run through the test panels to check everything is working OK)

5. Go through the "getting started" tutorials, they are well worth the time. The .PDF is 80 pages, but print it out anyway, it's awfully convenient. Especially have the students run through these!!

6. After the tutorial, create a Virtual Instrument (VI) to both generate a sine wave on an analog output and to look at it from an analog input. Once you can do that, you have the basics down, start thinking about interfacing with the real world - for example, the Robot Controller. Read a PWM output from the RC and display the value on a VI.

Please, all teams involved with this program, I urge you to record your experiences here so we can all learn from each other. In particular, any interesting applications or uses of the hardware would be interesting.

Regards,
Don