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U12 Quickstart

1. Install the appropriate LabJack driver and software bundle.

2. Connect the U12 to the computer or hub.  The status LED should immediately blink 4 times (at about 4 Hz), and then stay off while the computer enumerates (installs) the U12.  Earlier versions of Windows will bring up a hardware install window, and you should accept all defaults if prompted.  After enumeration the LED will blink twice and remain solid on.

If the U12 fails to enumerate:

  • Make sure you are running Windows OS version 4.10.2222 or higher,

  • If Win98SE, check out win98sehid.zip,

  • Try connecting the U12 to another PC,

  • Try connecting a different USB device to the same port, preferably an HID device (e.g. mouse),

  • More U12 troubleshooting info.

3.  Run LJtest.exe which was installed during step #1 above.  There should be nothing connected to the U12 besides USB, and do not select "Test Fixture Installed" or "Continuous".  Close when done.

4.  Run LJlogger.exe for basic testing and data logging.

Some basic tests:

  • Connect a jumper wire from AO0 (Analog Out 0) to AI0 (Analog In 0).  Use the control towards the upper-left of LJlogger to change AO0, and you should read back the voltage on AI0 as shown in the first row of the voltage column to the right.

  • Connect one end of a jumper wire to +5V.  Tap the other end inside the CNT terminal, and each tap will cause 10-50 counts or so on the Counter indicator.

  • Take the same +5V wire and hold the other end inside the IO0 terminal.  Element 0 of the IO State Read indicator should turn black to indicate the digital input is reading high.

  • Connect a jumper wire from IO1 to AI1.  Click (turn black) element 1 of the IO Direction control.  Now toggle element 1 of the IO State Write control and the voltage reading on AI1 should change from 0 to 5 volts.

5.  Refer to the U12 User's Guide.

Moving forward from here ...

Software Options:

  • Sample Applications:  A great place to start, and it may be all you ever need.

  • Programming:  We have drivers/examples available for many languages.

  • DAQFactory:  DAQFactory is measurement and automation software from AzeoTech.  The free Express version of DAQFactory works with the U12.  DAQFactory allows non-programmers to make custom applications.  It is easy to collect input data, convert to engineering units, display it, and log it to file, without any programming.  Scripting is also supported so you can do advanced applications with control and automatic setting of outputs.

Getting Support:

  • If you have a question that you think should be covered in the documentation, try going to our web page where you think it should be and post a comment there.  The U12 Datasheet is a likely location.

  • Other great options are our live chat support or email.

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