A Python-based Data Acquisition & Logging tool for Data Translation (MCC) Hardware.

PyDAQ-Logger provides a robust Python interface for Data Translation USB DAQ boards (tested on DT9816) using the DT-Open Layers driver (oldaapi64.dll).

It handles:

• Hardware initialization
• Real-time voltage logging to CSV
• Automated post-acquisition visualization

• Direct Driver Access: Uses ctypes to wrap oldaapi64.dll, bypassing proprietary software.
• Real-Time Logging: Logs 6 analog channels to timestamped CSV.
• Smart Visualization: Detects active channels (Mean > 0.2V) and ignores floating pins.
• Interactive Naming: Prompts user for active channel names.
• Robust Error Handling: Gracefully releases hardware resources on Ctrl+C.

• Data Translation DAQ Board (DT9816)
• DT-Open Layers driver installed
• oldaapi64.dll in C:\Windows\System32\ or script directory

• Python 3.8+
• Libraries:

pip install pandas matplotlib

Plug in your USB DAQ board.

python main.py

• Initializes board and prints resolution & voltage range
• Logs to CSV: daq_log_YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS.csv
• Prints voltages to console

• Press Ctrl+C
• Name active channels (e.g., Pressure Sensor)
• Stacked plot window appears

Adjust sampling parameters at the top of the script:

CHANNELS = [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]  # Active pins
GAIN = 0.1                     # Board-specific gain
FREQ_HZ = 20                   # Samples per second

Change to 1 sample per minute:

FREQ_HZ = 1/60  # 0.0166 Hz

--- Initializing DT9816(00) ---
Specs: 16-bit, Range [-10.0V to 10.0V]
Logging Channels [0,1,2,3,4,5] to daq_log_2023-10-25_14-30-00.csv
Press Ctrl+C to STOP recording and VIEW PLOT.
Data: [0.0012, 4.9821, 0.0001, ...]

• CRITICAL ERROR: Could not load 'oldaapi64.dll'

  • Install manufacturer drivers
  • Ensure DLL is in System32 or script folder

• Driver Error X in olDaInitialize

  • Check board connection
  • Ensure no other program (QuickDAQ etc.) is using the board

Open Source. Modify freely for your DAQ hardware implementation.