Chapter 1
Introduction
1-6
ni.com
What Is the MAX Create New Channel Wizard?
In the past, data acquisition system developers spent a large amount of time
defining the signal types, connections, transducer equations, and unit
conversions before beginning development of the actual system. For
example, if you are using thermocouples, you must perform additional
cold-junction compensation (CJC) calculations to convert raw voltage
values into actual temperature readings, and then apply scaling factors that
depend on the type of thermocouple used. From there, you may need to use
additional code to convert the temperature into proper units, such as
degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, or kelvin.
With the Create New Channel Wizard in Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX), you simply fill in the blanks to define an input signal by
specifying its name and description, the type of transducer being used, any
scaling factors or equations required, CJC settings, and unit conversion
factors. The channel name, also known as a
virtual channel
, is then
referenced throughout the application—with all of the conversion
processes performed transparently.
Notes
Using virtual channels and NI-DAQ, you can completely control the board without
the NI 435
x
instrument driver. You cannot use the Create New Channel Wizard with the
NI 435
x
instrument driver.
To configure virtual channels in Traditional NI-DAQ, refer to the
Step 15. Configure
Channels and Tasks
section of the
DAQ Quick Start Guide.
Refer to the examples recommended for use with the Create New Channel Wizard in the
chart shown in Figure 1-1.
Installing the Software and Hardware
For software and hardware installation instructions, refer to the
DAQ Quick
Start Guide
that shipped with your device or at
ni.com/manuals
.
LED Patterns
When you connect the NI 4350 (USB) to your PC, the computer should
detect the NI 4350 (USB) immediately. When the computer recognizes the
NI 4350 (USB), the LED on the front panel blinks or lights up, depending
on the status of your device. If the LED comes on after the NI 4350 (USB)
is connected to the computer, it is functioning properly. If the LED remains
off or blinks, refer to Table 1-1. The LED blinks on and off for one second