This description applies to version 5.0 of the ZE Recorder.
The ZE Recorder provides an easy way to acquire measurement data using NI‑DAQ hardware and save it to CSV or TDMS files.
⚠️ The installer does not include the LabVIEW Run‑Time Engine or the NI‑DAQmx drivers.
These must be installed manually by the user before the software can be fully used.
Required versions: Microsoft Windows 11, LabVIEW Runtime 2025 Q3 (32‑bit), NI‑DAQmx 2025 Q4.
For fast data acquisition, a USB‑DAQ device is recommended.
The ZE Recorder GUI consists of a main window with a resizable layout, starting from a predefined minimum size.
Open PDF manual – Opens the user manual.
Open TDMS Viewer – Opens the TDMS Viewer.
Toggle configuration panel – Show/hide the configuration area.
Start measurement – Starts the data acquisition.
Measurement indicator – Blinks during a running measurement.
Stop measurement – Stops the ongoing measurement.
When the configuration panel is visible, an additional section appears below the main view where measurement settings and parameters can be adjusted.
Measurement specifications primarily depend on the hardware used.
| Parameter | Value | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. number of channels | Depends on the connected hardware | Max. sampling rate | Depends on hardware resolution. Configurable for all channels simultaneously. 0.001 Hz to 1,000,000 Hz |
| Number of devices | Unlimited, as long as max. sampling rate is maintained. Channels must be ordered per device. | Storage format | CSV or TDMS (selectable) |
| Voltage range | Depends on hardware. Usually ±10 V | Supported devices | All NI‑DAQ controllable devices |
| Resolution | Depends on hardware. Configurable per channel via "Range" | System requirements | Microsoft Windows 11 PC, NI‑DAQ hardware, LabVIEW Runtime 2025 Q3 (32‑bit), NI‑DAQmx 2025 Q4 |
The ZE Recorder installer can be found here:
https://github.com/Zuehlke/ze_recorder
Installation steps:
- Copy the installer files to a local drive.
- Run
Setup.exe.
⚠️ The installer installs only ZE Recorder components, not NI‑DAQmx drivers or LabVIEW Run‑Time Engine.
Required versions: Microsoft Windows 11, LabVIEW Runtime 2025 Q3 (32‑bit), NI‑DAQmx 2025 Q4.
These must be installed manually before the software can be fully used.
External download links:
-
LabVIEW Runtime 2025 Q3 (32‑bit)
Download LabVIEW 2025 Q3 Runtime -
NI-DAQmx 2025 Q4
Download NI-DAQmx
Default installation paths:
| Component | Path |
|---|---|
| Executable | C:\Program Files (x86)\Zuehlke\ZE_Recorder |
| Configuration & result files | C:\Program Data\Zuehlke\ZE_Recorder |
-
Start Measurement
- Measurements can only start if at least one channel is configured and the file name and folder are not empty.
- Current data from all channels is displayed as a graph (default: last 1000 values). X-axis range can be adjusted.
-
Open TDMS Viewer
- Opens a new window for viewing data.
- To see parameters, data, and graph on the right, select a data group (Measurement Data) or an individual channel on the left.
- Only a portion of values per channel are displayed by default. This can be changed via the “Start index”, “Samples” and “All” controls.
⚠️ Configuration can only be changed if no measurement is running.
Fields: Project ID, Operator ID, Description.
- No impact on measurement.
- Stored as metadata in the result file.
| Field | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| DAQmx Channel | Dropdown to assign available physical channels (analog input only) | Yes |
| Range (+/-) | Set the ADC range; should match expected signal. Always symmetric around 0V | Yes |
| Terminal | Terminal configuration of the measurement | Yes |
| Unit | Measurement unit, stored in channel description | Yes |
| Temp? | Marks channels for temperature measurement; corresponding DAQ module used | Yes |
| Description | Channel description, written into TDMS file | Optional |
| Sampling Rate | Sampling rate in Hz (0.001 Hz – 1,000,000 Hz) | Yes |
- Multiple independent DAQ devices can be used; channels must be ordered per device. Software will verify and reorder if needed.
- Channels marked with Temp? support thermocouples and RTD sensors. The recorder automatically calculates temperature after parameters are entered. For custom setups, raw voltage data recording is recommended.
- File names are generated from timestamp + configurable postfix, e.g.,
2020_08_12-141300_Test.tdms. - Files can be saved as CSV or TDMS.
- Default save path:
C:\Program Data\Zuehlke\ZE Recorder\Config. - Alternate folder can be set in the “Folder” field.
When closing the software via the
Xbutton, parameters are saved to:
ZE_Recorder_Config.xmlinC:\Program Data\Zuehlke\ZE_Recorder\Configand reloaded on next start.
A key goal of ZE Recorder is KISS (Keep It Stupid Simple).
For advanced applications, NI Flex Logger can be used, providing:
- Automatic file splitting – define when to switch to a new file for long-term measurements.
- Triggered measurements – start measurement on configurable events; pre/post-event durations configurable.
- Multiple sampling rates – record channels at different rates.
- Configurable display – customize data visualization to your needs.
⚠️ Not all NI hardware is supported.
Supported: cDAQ chassis 91xx with C-series modules.
Not supported: older USB 6xxx series, Virtual Bench, MyDAQ.
Supported hardware list
More info: NI FlexLogger