Personal Daq User’s Manual   878695  Hardware Setup    3-1 
Hardware Setup    3 
Personal Daq, System Components ……3-2 
Personal Daq …… 3-2 
PDQ Expansion Modules …… 3-2 
USB Hubs and Power Adapters …… 3-3 
Connecting Your Personal Daq Acquisition System …… 3-4 
Connecting a PDQ Expansion Module to a Personal Daq …… 3-4 
Connecting Various Hardware Setups …… 3-4 
Example 1:  Direct Connection to Computer USB Port(s) …… 3-4 
Example 2:  Connection to USB-Powered Hub …… 3-5 
Example 3:  Connections to Self-Powered and USB-Powered Hubs …… 3-5 
 
CAUTION 
 
The discharge of static electricity can damage some electronic components.  
Semiconductor devices are especially susceptible to ESD damage.  You should always 
handle components carefully, and you should never touch connector pins or circuit 
components unless you are following ESD guidelines in an appropriate ESD controlled 
area.  Such guidelines include the use of properly grounded mats and wrist straps, 
ESD bags and cartons, and related procedures.  
 
CAUTION 
 
 
Never connect an expansion module to (or remove it from) a Personal Daq main unit 
while the main unit is connected to a power source.  Such action may result in 
EEPROM errors and loss of calibration data. 
 
CAUTION 
 
 
Never remove a USB cable from an active Personal Daq device while an acquisition is 
in progress.  An active device is any device that is currently open and has channels 
configured for scanned input.  Such disconnection may require you to exit and then 
re-launch Personal DaqView, after the USB cable has been connected. 
 
CAUTION 
 
 
 
When using Personal Daq modules to acquire data, computer energy save modes can 
cause false data readings.   Prior to using Personal Daq modules, ensure your 
computer’s energy save mode is disabled.  If needed, consult your PC user’s manual to 
disable energy save (power suspension) modes. 
 
 
When using a power adapter with your Personal Daq system, be sure to supply power 
(from the adapter to the Personal Daq) before connecting the USB cable.  This allows 
Personal Daq to inform the host computer (upon connection of the USB cable) that the 
unit requires minimal power from the computer. 
 
Note:  This chapter pertains to hardware aspects of the Personal Daq, including the PDQ expansion 
modules and two basic types of USB hubs (self-powered and USB-powered).  Product 
specifications are contained in the previous chapter. 
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