Introducing the ADS Max, a powerful new tool designed to enhance your lab and learning experience. Our in-depth FAQ addresses your most common questions, from technical specifications and software compatibility to accessories and courseware. Read on to discover how the ADS Max can revolutionize your approach to test and measurement.
Getting Started & General Information
Q: What’s included in the Analog Discovery Studio Max box?
A: The ADS Max package contains:
-
- 1 x ADS Max hardware
- 1 x Canvas Max
- 1 x Power supply (power cable sold separately)
- 4 x M4 6mm screws
- 1 x 2M USB Type-A to Type-C cable
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x Quick Start Guide
- 1 x SERI
Q: What accessories are recommended for the ADS Max? Do I need them?
A: The ADS Max requires a region-specific power cord, which is sold separately (310-021-X).
Q: Where can I find the technical specifications for the ADS Max?
A: The specifications document can be found on the ADS Max reference page on the Digilent website.
Q: Does the ADS Max have any safety features like a fuse?
A: Yes, the Digital Multimeter (DMM) on the ADS Max is protected by a fuse. For details on protection mechanisms for other onboard instruments, please consult the specifications sheet.
Q: How durable is the ADS Max? What materials is it made of? Is it student drop-proof?
A: We will provide information about the device’s materials and durability soon. Please note that while we aim for robust design, it is not specifically designed to be student drop-proof.
Q: What are the dimensions and weight of the shipping package?
A: The shipping container dimensions are 50 cm x 38 cm x 19 cm, and the total weight is 4 kg.
Q: Is there a way to physically secure the ADS Max to a workbench?
A: The ADS Max does not currently have a built-in lock entry for physical security.
Software & Programming
Q: Which software does it use? Is it included?
A: Interface with the onboard instruments using WaveForms (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux), which is included for free. For programming, you can use the free WaveForms SDK (C++ and Python) or the free LabVIEW WaveForms Toolkit (via VI Package Manager).
Q: What is WaveForms?
A: WaveForms is the virtual instrument suite for Digilent Test and Measurement devices like the ADS Max.
Q: Is there LabVIEW support for ADS Max? Is it required?
A: Yes, the ADS Max is supported in LabVIEW through the LabVIEW WaveForms Toolkit (available in VI Package Manager).
Q: Can I use DAQmx?
A: No.
Q: Are there any plans to support NI ELVIS III in Digilent WaveForms?
A: No, there are no plans to support ELVIS III in WaveForms.
Courseware & Canvas Boards
Q: Does the ADS Max come with any courseware? Where can I find learning materials?
A: The ADS Max hardware itself does not include specific courseware. However, educational materials are available through our partner’s Canvas boards. Additionally, online documentation for common tasks will be available. If you have the LabVIEW Academic Volume License, it will include a section on using Analog Discovery devices with LabVIEW. Sample coursework and guides for each software instrument are also available on the ADS Max Resource Center: Analog Discovery Studio Max (Under Construction) – Digilent Reference.
Q: What is a Canvas board?
A: Canvas boards are designed to dock with the ADS Max, expanding its capabilities for teaching and learning. They can provide breadboarding areas or application-specific circuits, tailoring the ADS Max for specific educational concepts.
Q: How do I obtain the courseware/Canvas boards?
A: Courseware is provided with our partner’s Canvas boards, either in printed or online formats. Most partner Canvas boards will be available through NI sales channels, including online, direct NI sales representatives, and our distributor network. Please refer to the details of each specific Canvas board for more information.
Q: What Canvas boards are currently planned or available?
A: Information about available and planned Canvas boards will be available on the Digilent website. Some of our partner Canvas boards include the EMONA ESSB-Signal & Systems, EMONA FOTEx-Fiber Optics communications, and EMONA DX-IQ: Wireless analog & digital communications, which will be available later this year.
Q: Is the pinout of the ADS Max available if I want to design my own Canvas board? Can I sell my own Canvas designs?
A: Yes, the ADS Max pinout is available in the user manual. If you are interested in creating and selling your own Canvas boards through the NI sales network, please contact NI’s Academic Business Developer and NI’s Academic Product Manager to discuss the requirements.
Purchasing & Inventory
Q: Are academic or volume discounts available?
A: Yes, we offer academic discounts and volume discounts. Please refer to our standard NI sales policies for more information.
Q: Can I create custom bundles with accessories for my students’ remote labs?
A: We encourage you to contact our distribution partners to discuss creating customized bundles that meet the specific needs of your online lab courses.
Q: Can lab managers track individual ADS Max units?
A: Yes, each ADS Max ships with a unique serial number. While native support isn’t planned yet, you can use third-party asset management systems like NI SystemLink to track the inventory.
Comparison with ELVIS III
Q: How does this compare to ELVIS III?
A: The ADS Max takes the best of the ELVIS III, such as its form factor and instrumentation specifications, and combined it with the power of the Digilent software and ease-of-use experience. Not only more affordable than the ELVIS III, the ADS Max also removes the complexity of an on-board Real-Time & FPGA and the large software package previously required, to let students and professors focus on their measurements above all else.
Q: Will ELVIS top boards be compatible with the ADS Max?
A: No, unless otherwise stated by the board partner. While they share a similar physical size, most ELVIS III top boards are not compatible with the ADS Max due to differences in the number of input/output connections and the absence of an internal FPGA on most ELVIS III boards.
