The NI myDAQ is a great tool for hands-on engineering projects and experimentation. You can use it to prototype systems and test circuits anywhere, anytime. LabVIEW and Multisim software are available to greatly enhance the abilities of this device. NI LabVIEW is a powerful, graphical development environment that offers unrivaled integration with thousands of hardware devices and provides hundreds of built-in libraries for advanced analysis and data visualization. NI Multisim is an industry-standard, best-in-class SPICE simulation environment. It is the cornerstone of the NI teaching solution to build expertise through practical application in designing, prototyping, and testing electrical circuits. Yet, there are also many accessories that can further enhance the abilities of your myDAQ. Today, we’ll take a closer look at them.

mySTEM™ Project Board for NI myDAQ

Let’s start with the mySTEM™ Project Board, this accessory adds the capability to control large, high current output devices. To make the myDAQ very affordable, it was designed to offer relatively low power. However, if you are looking to work on high-quality STEM projects that require monitoring processes with sensors, making decisions, and causing an appropriate output you might need a little boost. This is where the mySTEM™ Project Board fits in.

Benefits of the mySTEM Project Board:

• Allows you to connect your myDAQ to larger, high current devices
• Transform it into a Programmable Action Controller
• Ability to control four separate output channels
• Focus on the logic of control and signal processing
• Includes learning resources created by distinguished Educator, Tom White

mySTEM Do Engineering Starter Kit

For use with the mySTEM Project Board and NI myDAQ, the mySTEM Do Engineering Starter Kit offers over 360 parts for building a fully-functional models & prototypes. This Kit consists of over 360 precision-made fischertechnik parts (including lights, switches, gearboxes, motors, plugs, wires, reed contact, and more) for building an almost unlimited array of fully-functional models and prototypes.

Explore myProtoBoard

Another accessory worth mentioning is the myProtoBoard. It connects directly to myDAQ & provides prototyping space. Each I/O line from myDAQ is broken out through quad contact blocks to make wiring easier. myProtoboard includes a 9V battery holder for supplemental voltage & current source for projects. A breadboard is attached for solderless prototyping.

Basic Parts Kit

And finally, the Basic Parts Kit for myDAQ offers hundreds of parts for your prototype needs. Excellent for performing experiments that help develop a greater understanding of key concepts. A variety of items including resistors, capacitors, semiconductors, LEDs, inductors, wires, switches, and more are included.