Complete the following steps to get started with the NI USB-6008/6009.
Note For information about non-Windows operating support, refer to the Getting Started with NI-DAQmx Base document available from ni.com/manuals.
  1. Install the application software (if applicable), as described in the installation instructions that accompany your software.
  2. Install NI-DAQmx[1].
    Note The NI-DAQmx software is included on the disk shipped with your kit and is available for download at ni.com/support. The documentation for NI-DAQmx is available after installation from Start » All Programs » National Instruments » NI-DAQmx. Other NI documentation is available from ni.com/manuals.
  3. Install the 16-position screw terminal plugs by inserting them into the connector jacks, as shown in the following figure.
    Figure 2. Signal Label Application Diagram

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    1. Overlay Label with Pin Orientation Guides
    2. Screw Terminal Connector Plug
    3. Signal Label
    4. USB Cable
  4. Affix the provided signal labels to the screw terminal connector plugs. You can choose labels with pin numbers, signal names, or blank labels, as shown in the following figure. Choose one of the labels, align the correct label with the terminals printed on the top panel of your device and apply the label, as shown in the previous figure.
    Figure 3. NI USB-6008/6009 Signal Labels

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    1. User-Defined Custom Label
    2. Terminal Number Label
    3. Digital I/O Label
    4. Analog Input Differential Signal Name Label
    5. Analog Input Single-Ended Signal Name Label
    Note After you label the screw terminal connector plugs, you must only insert them into the matching connector jack, as indicated by the overlay label on the device.
  5. Plug one end of the USB cable into the NI USB-6008/6009 and the other end into an available USB port on the computer.
  6. Double-click the NI MAX icon on the desktop to open Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX).
  7. Expand My System » Devices and Interfaces and verify that the NI USB-6008/6009 is listed. If your device does not appear, press <F5> to refresh the view in MAX. If your device is still not recognized, refer to ni.com/support/daqmx for troubleshooting information.
  8. Self-test your device in MAX by right-clicking NI USB-6008 or NI USB-6009 and selecting Self-Test. Self-test performs a brief test to determine successful device installation. When the self-test finishes, a message indicates successful verification or if an error occurred. If an error occurs, refer to ni.com/support/daqmx.
    Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with shielded cables and accessories.
  9. Connect the wires (16 AWG to 28 AWG) of a shielded, multiconductor cable to screw terminals by stripping 6.35 mm (0.25 in) of insulation, inserting the wires into the screw terminals, and securely tightening the screws with the flathead screwdriver to a torque of 0.22 N · m to 0.25 N · m (2.0 lb · in. to 2.2 lb · in.). Refer to the Pinout and Signal Descriptions section for an image of the NI USB-6008/6009 pinout.
    If using a shielded cable, connect the cable shield to a nearby GND terminal.
    Note For information about sensors, go to ni.com/sensors. For information about IEEE 1451.4 TEDS smart sensors, go to ni.com/teds.
  10. Run a Test Panel in MAX by right-clicking NI USB-6008 or NI USB-6009 and selecting Test Panels.
    Click Start to test the device functions, or Help for operating instructions. Click Close to exit the test panel.

1 NI USB-6008/6009 devices are supported by NI-DAQmx 7.5 and later.