Compatibility of USB-1208HS-4AO DAQ with Mac M2 (macOS) and Python Interface

[tBuchner]

Hello everyone,

I’m planning to use the USB-1208HS-4AO DAQ for an upcoming project where I want to use the DAQ to control four voltage amplifiers (4AO) and read their sensors (8 DI). I need a high sample rate > .5 MS/s and have a few questions:

 

1. Mac Silicone (M1, M2, M3) Compatibility:

• Is the USB-1208HS-4AO DAQ compatible with Apple’s new Mac chips running macOS?
• Are the drivers compatible with the latest versions of macOS?

2. Python Interface and Software Recommendations:

• Can I interface with the USB-1208HS-4AO using Python on macOS?
• What software tools or libraries are recommended for data acquisition with this DAQ on macOS?/ Is there support for third-party libraries like PyDAQmx or similar on macOS?

3. Feature Parity and Performance:

• Do all features of the USB-1208HS-4AO DAQ work on macOS as they do on Windows?
• Is the buffering and data acquisition speed the same as when using it on Windows with NI LabVIEW or MATLAB?
• Can I expect the same buffering capabilities and data throughput on macOS as on Windows?

4. Alternative Solutions:

• If the USB-1208HS-4AO DAQ is not fully compatible, are there alternative DAQs that offer similar functionality with better macOS support?

I appreciate any insights or experiences you can share, so far we are using NI DAQ systems through Windows and Matlab.  

Thank you!

[Fausto]

Hello @tBuchner.

The USB-1208HS-4AO device is supported by our UL for Linux Library, which is compatible with macOS.  

Supported MCC Hardware:  https://files.digilent.com/manuals/Linux-hw.pdf

We have not yet tested with the M2 and M3, nor received any related form posts from customers.

Buffering capabilities and data throughput should be similar between a macOS system versus a Windows system.

Please note that MCC daq devices do not have MATLAB and LabVIEW support for macOS and Linux systems; no other alternate devices available.

Regards,

Fausto