Vernier SensorDAQ User manual

Vernier SensorDAQ®
User’s Manual
Vernier Software & Technology
13979 SW Millikan Way
Beaverton, Oregon 97005-2886
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Vernier SensorDAQ User’s Manual Copyright 2009 by Vernier
Software & Technology. All rights reserved. You are entitled to
reproduce parts of this manual for use in your educational system
only. No part of this manual may be used or reproduced in any
other manner without written permission of Vernier Software &
Technology, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in
critical articles or reviews.
SensorDAQ, Vernier and caliper design are our registered
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National Instruments, NI, ni.com, and LabVIEW are trademarks of
National Instruments Corporation. Refer to the Terms of Use
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Published by
Vernier Software & Technology
13979 SW Millikan Way
Beaverton, Oregon 97005-2886
[phone]
FAX [phone]
www.vernier.com
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Third Edition
First Printing

Table of Contents
What is SensorDAQ? ................................................................................................... 1
SensorDAQ Equipment List........................................................................................ 1
Quick Start.................................................................................................................... 1
SensorDAQ Components............................................................................................. 5
Providing Power to SensorDAQ.................................................................................. 6
Connecting Sensors and Signal Lines......................................................................... 6
Vernier Analog Sensors............................................................................................. 6
Vernier Digital Sensors ............................................................................................. 7
Screw Terminal.......................................................................................................... 7
SensorDAQ Example VIs............................................................................................. 9
SensorDAQ Palette..................................................................................................... 12
NI Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) .............................................. 12
Resources..................................................................................................................... 16
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................... 17

What is SensorDAQ?
The SensorDAQ® interface provides connectivity between Vernier or
custom sensors and a Windows computer running LabVIEW software. More
than 50 Vernier sensors are available for use with the SensorDAQ.
You can also combine the use of sensors connected to the SensorDAQ with
the output of Vernier's Digital Control Unit (DCU) or the SensorDAQ's
screw terminal for control projects. Examples include alarm systems and
temperature-controlled environments.
By following this guidebook, you will learn to:
• Set up and collect data using Vernier sensors.
• Find sample programs.
• Access the SensorDAQ palette.
SensorDAQ Equipment List
The SensorDAQ package contains the following equipment:
• SensorDAQ interface
• User’s Manual
• Vernier Voltage Probe
• CD containing SensorDAQ files
• USB cable
Quick Start
Install National Instrument Software
Install National Instruments LabVIEW software and device driver.
1. Install National Instrument’s LabVIEW application software version 8.2
or newer.
SensorDAQ User's Manual 2
2. During installation of LabVIEW select to install NI-DAQmx device
driver software. This software is included with your LabVIEW software
(it may or may not be a separate CD). SensorDAQ requires version 8.6.1
or newer. If you have an older version of the software you can update
with a free download from www.ni.com.
3. Proper installation of NI-DAQmx driver requires that you install
LabVIEW first and reboot your computer after installation.
Connect Equipment
4. Connect the USB cable to SensorDAQ.
5. Attach the other end of the USB cable to any unused
USB port on your computer.
6. If the NI-DAQmx driver software is properly
installed the computer should provide a “Found New
Hardware” message and the SensorDAQ LED next
to the USB cable port on the SensorDAQ should be
blinking.
Place SensorDAQ Files into the LabVIEW Directory
7. Placing the SensorDAQ files depends on what version of LabVIEW you
have installed.
•LabVIEW Education Edition
The SensorDAQ files are automatically installed.
•LabVIEW 2009
1. Insert the SensorDAQ CD
2. Open the LV2009 folder.
3. Double click on the file called VernierP.exe. This is a silent
installer with no feedback. It should take less than a minute
to automatically install the files.
•LabVIEW 8.2, 8.5, 8.6
1. Insert the SensorDAQ CD
2. Open the LV8.2 LV8.5 LV8.6 folder
3. Open the folder “inside 1.0 BIN” and copy the file
“dtree110vernier.dat” into the LabVIEW shared directory

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“C:\Program Files\National Instruments\Shared\Example
Finder\1.0\BIN”.
4. Open the folder “inside 1.0 Products LV 8.x exbins English”
and copy the file “VernierWin.bin3” into the LabVIEW
shared directory “C:\Program Files\National
Instruments\Shared\Example
Finder\1.0\Products\LabVIEW\8.x\exbins\English”.
5. Open the folder “inside examples” and copy the folder
“Vernier” into the LabVIEW directory “C:\Program
Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW 8.x\examples”.
6. Open the folder “inside menus Categories” and copy the
folder “Vernier SensorDAQ” into the LabVIEW directory
“C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW
8.x\menus\Categories”.
7. Open the folder “inside vilib” and copy the folder “Vernier”
into the LabVIEW directory “C:\Program Files\National
Instruments\LabVIEW 8.x\vi.lib”.
Launch LabVIEW and Collect Data with SensorDAQ
The following example is an advanced LabVIEW program that is very useful
for testing your equipment and collecting data. To find information on our
many LabVIEW example programs go to the section called SensorDAQ
Example VIs.
8. Connect a Vernier Auto-ID sensor to Ch. 1.
9. Launch LabVIEW
10. From the Getting Started Window click on the “Find Vernier Products
Examples…” link in the bottom right hand corner if you are using
LabVIEW Education Edition. This will launch the NI Example Finder. If
you are using other versions of LabVIEW click on “Find Examples...”.
11. Open the folders Toolkits and Modules » Vernier Products » SensorDAQ »
Log and Analyze Data » Log with Analysis, and single-click the
SensorDAQ Logger.vi to view the description of this example.
SensorDAQ User's Manual 4
12. Double-click SensorDAQ Logger.vi to open the example.
13. Start the example by clicking LabVIEW’s white Run arrow in the
upper left corner.
Tip: If LabVIEW has successfully detected the SensorDAQ, you will see
the device icon appear in the upper left corner (see figure below), along
with the sensor reading. In this example a temperature sensor was
connected.
14. Click the Collect button . LabVIEW will begin plotting data in the
graph.
15. Once data have been collected, click and drag the mouse on the graph to
highlight data. Click on the various analysis buttons in the toolbar
(zoom, examine, statistics, integrate, linear fit, and curve fit) to study
your data.
16. Stop this VI by selecting Exit from the File menu.

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5
You have now successfully set up your equipment, collected data, and
performed analysis. Keep reading for information on the hardware, the
LabVIEW examples, and the SensorDAQ palette.
SensorDAQ Components
SensorDaq features four channels to connect Vernier sensors (three analog,
one digital) as well as a screw connector providing two analog input (AI)
channels, one analog output (AO) channel, four digital input/output (DIO)
channels, and a 32-bit counter/timer (PFI).
SensorDAQ back view
1. The USB Cable Strain Relief is used to ensure a secure USB connection.
2. Use the Mounting Slot and Panel Mount to mount SensorDAQ to an
object.
3. The LED blinks when SensorDAQ has power and is recognized by the
DAQmx driver.
4. The USB Port is for computer connection.
5. Use the Tie Wrap Point to lock down and secure the device.
SensorDAQ side view
1. Ch.1–Ch.3 BTA (British Telecom Analog) channels for Vernier analog
sensors. The Vernier voltage probe is an analog sensor.
2. Use the Mounting Slot and Panel Mount to mount SensorDAQ to an
object.
3. The Screw Terminal Connector is available for customized input and
output. The screw terminal can be removed after being wired for specific
experiments. Replacement terminals are available from Vernier.
SensorDAQ User's Manual 6
4. DIG BTD (British Telecom Digital) input/output channel for Vernier
digital sensors.
Providing Power to SensorDAQ
SensorDAQ is powered by the USB cable from the computer.
Connecting Sensors and Signal Lines
Vernier Analog Sensors
Sensors can be divided into two basic types—analog and digital. Examples of
analog sensors are Voltage, Temperature Probes, pH Sensors, Force Sensors,
and Oxygen Gas Sensors. Up to three analog sensors can be connected to
SensorDAQ at any time
1
. The channels for the analog sensors (Ch.1–Ch.3)
are located on the left side. The analog ports accept British Telecom-style
plugs with a right-hand connector.
Pin 1 = Sensor output (+/-10V)
Pin 2 = GND
Pin 3 = Vres (resistance reference)
Pin 4 = AutoIDENT (used for auto-ID
of most Vernier sensors)
Pin 5 = Power (+5VDC)
Pin 6 = Sensor output (0-5V)
Most sensors provided by Vernier are auto-ID sensors. When you plug an
auto-ID sensor into SensorDAQ, the software will be able to identify it and
set up the file accordingly. Auto-ID information includes default settings for
data collection rate, length of collection, and calibration coefficients.
Most Vernier analog sensors send a raw voltage signal in the range of 0-5V on
pin 6. A few send a signal in the range of ±10V on Pin 1. The raw voltage
signal is converted to proper units using the sensor’s calibration coefficients.
Most Vernier sensors that plug directly into SensorDAQ without an adapter
are auto-ID. However, the SensorDAQ can read a 0-5V or ±10V signal from
many types of sensors. To make the connection to SensorDAQ with a sensor
without a BTA plug, use an adapter (www.vernier.com/adapters/), or a bare
BTA cable (order code BB-BTA) wired to your custom sensor.
1
Due to the high power consumption of some Vernier CO2 Sensors, only one CO2 Sensor
can be used at a time with SensorDAQ.

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7
Vernier Digital Sensors
Pin 1 = I/O1
Pin 2 = I/O2
Pin 3 = I/O3
Pin 4 = PWR (5.08V)
Pin 5 = GND
Pin 6 = I/O4
Examples of digital sensors are Motion Detectors, Radiation Monitors,
Photogates, and Rotary Motion Sensors. One digital sensor at a time can be
connected to SensorDAQ. The digital channel (DIG), which accepts British
Telecom-style plugs with a left-hand connector, is located on the opposite side
of the analog channels.
The SensorDAQ’s DIG Channel also accepts a Vernier Digital Control Unit.
This is a small box with a short cable that uses the DIG channel to provide
output (up to 600 mA of current) for controlling electrical devices.
Screw Terminal
SensorDAQ screw terminal connectors can be used for input or output.
When used for output, these connectors provide a limited current (see specs
below); therefore, in some cases you will have to provide an external power
source. The +5V terminal can be used as your voltage source. This source
can only supply 200 mA maximum.
Note: A convenient option for running devices using digital output lines is
the Vernier Digital Control Unit (DCU). The DCU plugs directly into the
DIG channel and can supply up to 600mA of useful current to output lines. In
addition, the Vernier Power Amplifier (order code PAMP) can be used with
the screw terminal outputs to drive loads up to 1 A.
SensorDAQ User's Manual 8
The table below describes the signals available on the screw terminals.
Screw terminal connector pinout
Terminal Signal Name Reference Direction Description
5,8,10 GND — — Ground: Reference point for single-
ended AI measurements, bias current
return point for differential mode
measurements, AO voltages, digital
signals at the I/O connector, +5 VDC
supply, and the +2.5 VDC reference.
11,12 AI <0..1> Varies Input Analog Input Channels 0 and 1:
For single-ended measurements,
each signal is an analog input
voltage channel. For differential
measurements, AI 0 and AI 1 are
the positive and negative inputs,
respectfully, of differential analog
input channel 0.
9 AO 0 GND Output Analog Output Channel 0: Supplies
the voltage output of AO channel 0
from 0-5V with an output current
drive value of 5 mA. The maximum
update rate is 150 Hz, software
timed.
1-4 P0.<0.3 GND Input or
Output
Digital I/O Signals: You can
individually configure each signal
as an input or output.
6 +5 V GND Output +5 V Power Source: Provides +5 V
power.
7 PFI 0 GND Input PFI 0: This pin is configurable as
either a digital trigger, an event
counter input, pulse generation
output, or as a period, semi-period,
two edge separation timer.

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Analog Input Wiring
In the differential input setting, connect the the positive lead of the source to
the AI(0) terminal, and the negative lead to the AI(1) terminal. The differential
input mode allows the SensorDAQ to measure a voltage difference on these
terminals up to +20V or –20V in the ±20V range; however, the maximum
voltage on any one terminal cannot exceed ±10 V with respect to GND. In the
referenced single-ended input mode setting, connect the positive lead of the
source to either AI channel terminal, AI(0) or AI(1), and the ground or
negative lead to the GND terminal.
Analog Output Wiring
The SensorDAQ has one AO channel that can generate an output from 0–5V.
The AO has an output current drive value of 5 mA. The maximum update
rate of the channel is 150 Hz, software timed. To connect loads to the
SensorDAQ, connect the positive lead of the load to the A0 terminal, and
connect the ground lead of the load to a GND terminal.
Digital I/O
In addition to supporting Vernier digital sensors, the SensorDAQ has four
digital lines, P0.<0..3>, which comprise the DIO port. GND is the ground-
reference signal for the DIO port. The default configuration of the
SensorDAQ DIO ports is open collector, allowing 5 V operation, with an
onboard 4.7 kΩpull-up resistor. An external, user-provided, pull-up resistor
can be added to increase the source current drive up to 8.5 mA limit per line.
Counter/Timer
SensorDAQ has a counter/timer that can be configured for pulse output,
timing input, event counting, or as a digital trigger.
SensorDAQ Example VIs
The best way to get started with SensorDAQ is to open and run examples.
You can use the examples without modification for data logging with
analysis, for control, to perform output, to troubleshoot your hardware, and
as starting points for your own custom program.
The SensorDAQ examples are located in the LabVIEW\examples\Vernier
directory. An easy way to find the examples is to launch the LabVIEW
Example finder and open the Toolkits and Modules folder. The Example
Finder is launched from the Getting Started Window or from the Help » Find
Examples menu.
The examples are stored in descriptive folders. Locate the folder that best
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matches your sensor or how you plan to use the hardware. For best results,
explore all of the example folders and open a sampling of examples. Inside
the folders you may find examples labeled Starter. Open these examples first.
They are designed as a starting point for testing the hardware and learning
the LabVIEW code. There may also be subfolders that are labeled Advanced
Low Level. In general, these examples will only be useful if you require a
higher level of flexibility for communicating with the SensorDAQ.
The folders are explained below:
Digital Control Unit (DCU)
The Vernier DCU connects to the DIG Channel and provides output lines
that can control small electric devices. This is a great device for classroom
projects or discussion of sensor control. In this folder you will find examples
showing how to control the output lines, how to control lines based on sensor
readings going above or below threshold values, and how to control servo
and stepper motors connected to the DCU.
Feedback and Control
The SensorDAQ screw terminal provides digital input and output, analog
input, analog output and pulse output. The examples in this folder provide
examples of feedback and control using the screw terminal channels.
Log and Analyze Data
These are examples that are great for running science and engineering-type
experiments in the classroom. In this folder you will find examples with the
features required for collecting data and performing some type of analysis on
the data including; linear fit, curve fit, integral, statistics, tangent, and more.
In addition you will find examples for creating XY graphs, performing
events with entry, saving data to file, building tables, zeroing a sensor
reading, changing sensor units and more.
Inside this folder is a LabVIEW example VI called “SensorDAQ Logger.vi”.
This is an advanced example where Channels 1-3 can be used to collect data
with Vernier analog sensors, and the screw terminal inputs AI0 and AI1 can
be used to collect data with custom analog sensors. These five analog inputs
can be configured, and the calibration coefficients modified. Clicking on the
Data Collection button configures the data-collection rate, length of the
experiment, as well as any triggering. Once data have been collected, there
are some analysis features that can be used. If you would like to analyze a
small portion of the data, simply click and drag your mouse to highlight the

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region, or use the Zoom tool to zoom in or zoom out. Data can be stored and
deleted to compare against other runs, as well as saved to file.
Motion Detector
The Vernier Motion Detector connects to the DIG Channel. We have created
an Express VI for the Motion Detector that can be used to create quick,
simple and clean LabVIEW examples. If you are using the Motion Detector,
start by viewing the Express VI examples in this folder.
Physiology Sensors
Vernier provides sensors such as blood pressure, ekg, heart rate, respiration
monitor, and spirometer. These examples are similar to the examples located
in the Data Logging folder. They provide the features that allow you to
collect and analyze the data. Of course the analysis in these examples is
specific to the sensor.
SDAQ Analog Sensors
The examples in this folder show how to read data from analog sensors. The
Analog Express VI is the focus of these examples because it provides a very
simple, quick and clean method for programming the analog sensors. If you
are just getting started with SensorDAQ, with LabVIEW, or with teaching
how to program the SensorDAQ, the Express VI and these examples should
be the starting focus.
SDAQ Digital Sensors
This folder contains examples for the Vernier Photogate, Radiation, and
Rotary Motion sensors. The Vernier DCU and Motion Detector are also
digital sensors, but have their own folder of examples that were detailed
above.
SDAQ Pulse Output
The SensorDAQ has two counters as part of the hardware. One counter is
available on the screw terminal, and the other is hidden on the DIG Channel.
To access the hidden line, connect the DCU to the DIG Channel; line 1 of the
DCU is the pulse output line. These counters can be used to provide a pulse
output or a pulse train. The examples demonstrate how to do this.
SDAQ Screw Terminal
These are examples that demonstrate analog input, analog output, counter
counting and timing, digital input and digital output from the screw terminal
SensorDAQ User's Manual 12
channels. You will find additional screw terminal examples in the Feedback
and Control folder.
SensorDAQ Palette
The SensorDAQ is a device that is designed to be programmed using
LabVIEW development software. Use the SensorDAQ palette of Express
VIs and driver VIs to communicate with the device and perform control and
data logging. Combine this with all of the power of LabVIEW to create
custom programs, perform data analysis, generate reports, post to the web
and more.
Accessing the SensorDAQ Palette
As you customize an existing SensorDAQ example (or even if you are
building a new program from scratch) you will need access to the
SensorDAQ Express VIs and driver VIs. These are located in the Functions
palette and are placed on the block diagram by clicking and dragging. The
Functions palette is accessed in LabVIEW by selecting View
» Functions
Palette or right-clicking in the block diagram workspace. If you do not
immediately see the SensorDAQ palette click on the Search button at the top
of the Functions palette and search “SensorDAQ”. If there are no
SensorDAQ results in the search the SensorDAQ files were not properly
installed.
Analog Express
This Express VI should be your starting point for learning how to program
the SensorDAQ. It allows you to test your hardware and build a useful

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13
LabVIEW program in a quick and clean method. Simply click and drag the
Analog Express VI into the block diagram. The Express VI will provide a
popup dialog that allows you to configure all five analog inputs, view and
modify the calibration coefficients, zero the sensor reading, choose the
sensor units, set the data-collection rate, length of the experiment, as well as
any triggering.
Motion Express
Use this Express VI to configure data acquisition from the Vernier Motion
Detector connected to DIG Channel. In addition, the popup dialog of this
Express VI allows feedback on your hardware connections.
Data Logging
The data logging palette of subVIs are designed for building LabVIEW
programs that have the features and analysis required for classroom
experimentation. View the examples in the Data Logging folder to see how
these driver VIs, analysis VIs, and Utility VIs can be used.
SensorDAQ User's Manual 14
DCU Control
The Vernier Digital Control Unit (DCU) is a piece of hardware that connects
to the SensorDAQ DIG Channel and provides useful current to digital output
lines. The DCU Control VIs allow you to easily build programs for
controlling these output lines, including outputs based on sensor readings and
outputs required for stepper and servo motors.
Low Level Drivers
In most cases the Express VIs, the DAQ Assistant, the Data Logging palette,
and the DCU palette provide the flexibility and power you will need for
creating your custom SensorDAQ program. The Low Level Driver VIs may
be useful if you do require more flexibility, and there are many examples in
the example folder with the name Advanced Low Level that show how to use
this palette. However, these examples also add more complexity.

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15
DAQmx API
The DAQmx device driver software will install a DAQmx API that is
available in the LabVIEW programming environment. This palette, found in
the Measurement I/O palette, provides the most flexibility and power for
communication with SensorDAQ. Of course, it also means increased
complexity. For most users the SensorDAQ drivers and Express VIs provide
the appropriate flexibility, ease-of-use, and power, and the DAQmx API will
not be used or viewed. However, if you have experience using DAQmx API,
or if you require the low-level flexibility, we have provided some examples
that show how to use DAQmx API with SensorDAQ. They are labeled
Advanced Low Level in the example folders. There are a few differences in
configuring a DAQmx task for the SensorDAQ sensor channels that can be
seen in the examples, such as setting up the channel names of these channels.
DAQ Assistant
The NI-DAQ Assistant is an Express VI wrapper of the NI DAQmx API,
installed with NI-DAQmx device driver software, found with the DAQmx
API in the Measurement I/O palette. The DAQ Assistant supports the screw
terminal channels of SensorDAQ, and is a great way to program these
channels. However, the DAQ Assistant does not support the Sensor
Channels. Use the SensorDAQ Analog Express VI as an alternative Express
VI for configuring the Sensor Channels.
SensorDAQ User's Manual 16
NI Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX)
If you have worked with other National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW
software, you may be familiar with MAX.
MAX is a software application that is installed with NI-DAQmx device
driver software. This application can be used to determine if the SensorDAQ
hardware and NI-DAQmx software have been properly installed. MAX Test
Panels can also be used to test the SensorDAQ channels. However, only the
screw terminal channels will appear in the pull-down list of Channel Names.
The Vernier Sensor Channels will not automatically appear in the list. You
can manually enter the Sensor Channel names and still perform a test. For a
common Vernier Sensor connected to Ch.1, that reads from the 0-5 Volt
sensor line the inputs are as follows:
Channel Name: "Dev1/_sensor0_5V"
Max Input Limit: 5 Volt
Min Input Limit: 0 Volt
Input Configuration: RSE
For a Vernier Sensor that reads from the +-10 Volt sensor line (Voltage
Probe and Microphone) the inputs are as follows:
Channel Name: "Dev1/_sensor0_10V"
Max Input Limit: 10 Volt
Min Input Limit: -10 Volt
Input Configuration: RSE
Resources
The following manuals and resources provide detailed information about
SensorDAQ and LabVIEW.
SensorDAQ Book
Vernier is releasing a book called Hands-On Introduction to LabVIEW with
Vernier SensorDAQ. It is designed to teach the fundamentals of LabVIEW
and provide exercises using SensorDAQ.
Vernier Product Support
Go to www.vernier.com/labview/training

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SensorDAQ Projects
Check the Vernier engineering web site for SensorDAQ info and free
SensorDAQ projects at engineering.vernier.com
SensorDAQ Specifications
This guide, available on the SensorDAQ CD and online, describes
SensorDAQ technical specifications.
Project Lead the Way
Project Lead the Way (www.pltw.org) has integrated the SensorDAQ and
Vernier physiology sensors into their new Biomedical Sciences courseware.
DCU Manual
The Digital Control Unit (DCU) gives you an easy way to use SensorDAQ's
digital channel for exciting, do-it-yourself projects. Find DCU information at
engineering,vernier.com/general/sensors/dcu-btd
Math Machines
Math Machines www.mathmachines.net creates customized connector and
control experiments for teachers using SensorDAQ.
National Instruments LabVIEW Support
The National Instruments web site is a complete resource for LabVIEW
software support. Go to www.ni.com/academic/learn_labview to find
resources for learning LabVIEW.
Troubleshooting
• If the SensorDAQ LED does not blink, the driver may not be properly
installed. Try re-installing the driver. Reboot the computer after installing
the driver.
• If the SensorDAQ LED is blinking, but the LabVIEW examples do not
detect SensorDAQ, reinstall the driver and make sure the installer says that
the driver is installing for your version of LabVIEW.
• If the SensorDAQ LED is blinking, but the LabVIEW examples do not
detect SensorDAQ, unplug SensorDAQ's USB cable, reboot the computer,
then reinsert the USB cable to SensorDAQ.
• The version of NI-DAQmx driver software from National Instruments
must be version 8.6.1 or newer.
• The USB cable, or the USB port of the computer may not be responding
properly. Try a different cable and a different port.