Keithley 3104 Data Acquisition Board

This site is devoted to showing how to install the DAQ and test it with some sample software to make sure it works.
Step 1:  Take the Keithley board and software out of their packaging.
Step 2:  Put the software into the CD-ROM drive and follow the on-screen instructions to load the software.  In the package a small sheet of paper shows what to install and where. IMPORTANT!  YOU MUST INSTALL THE SOFTWARE BEFORE YOU INSTALL THE HARDWARE!
Step 3:  After you have finsihed installing, shut off the computer and remove the chassis.
Step 4:  Put the board into an empty slot the correct way.  (The small piece into the small opening, the larger piece in the large opening)
                Make sure the port to be used is facing outward to accomidate the cable.---Picture of the board in PC
Step 5:  Restart the computer (after you have put on the chassis) and the computer should take over the configuration and calibration between the hardware and
                the software.  An important step is to change the analog input from 16 single to 8 differential openings.  This led to problems here at the camp.
Step 6:  Open the Test Panel on the computer.  If it opens, you have correctly installed the hardware and the software!  Congratulations!
 
 
 

How to test the software
 
 

Now you can test the board with a simple circuit!  Yeah!
Step 1:  Take a small board (provided by the nice people at Keithley) and attach the wires as shown in the picture.

Step 2:  Attach the other end of the cable to the computer.
Step 3:  Take the wires coming out of this card and attach them to the proto-board as shown in the picture below

Step 4:  Attach a DMM with one end in the yellow hole and the other in the black hole.  Turn on the DMM to 20V.  You should get a reading.
Step 5:  Test Point should be correctly loaded on your computer.  Open the program.
Step 6:  Type the file you want in the file box and start the program.
Step 7:  Flip the logic switch that is connected to the DAQ.  You should get a reading on the voltage. Also the time stamps should start.
Step 8:  Adjust the knob labeled +V and flip the logic switch again.  The voltage should change.  IMPORTANT!  DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE VOLTAGE METER IF IT DOESN'T GO ABOVE 10.  The limit  of the program is 10 volts.  If your voltage changes the same amount as the voltmeter, you have corrected calibrated the software.  Congratulations!