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• How to Store Data using WINDAQ MySQL

How to Store Data using WINDAQ MySQL

A MySQL database can store 30,000 times more data than a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Used in combination with WinDaq/Lite, Pro or Pro+, WinDaq/MySQL is a convenient solution for those needing to store and easily retrieve large quantities of data. The WinDaq/MySQL application acts as a bridge, linking WinDaq to a MySQL database.

Before we can create a MySQL database and begin storing data, we’ll need to install the MySQL Connector/ODBC:

1. Download the MySQL Connector/ODBC at https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/odbc/3.51.html and run the installer.
2. With the driver successfully installed, select “Data Sources (ODBC)” from the “Administrative Tools” group in the Windows Control Panel.
   
3. Click on the “Add...” button.
4. Select the MySQL ODBC 3.51 Driver and click “OK.”

The connector allows you to connect to database using the WINDAQ/MySQL application.

Note: This program does not work with ODBC driver 3.5.1.10. If you currently have this driver, please upgrade to 3.5.1.11 or later.

With the connector/ODBC driver installed, we can run the MySQL Command Line Client (if you don’t have MySQL you can download it for free at www.mysql.com) and create a database.

For this example we'll create a database called “test.”

With the database created, we can import data using WinDaq/MySQL.

First we'll need to run WinDaq.

Next we'll run the WinDaq/MySQL application, select the appropriate data acquisition device (a DI-710-ULS in this case) and enter our log-in information. We'll specify the database into which data will be stored (test) and click “Connect.”

With WinDaq/MySQL connected to the “test” database we'll enter the number of samples to collect, choose whether or not to loop (continuously update) the data and name the table. The table is the collection of rows and columns used to organize our data.

Finally, we'll click the “Start” button and watch as data streams into the “test” database.

Stored data can be viewed in the MySQL Command Line Client.

For additional MySQL tools and viewing options, go to dev.mysql.com/downloads/gui-tools/5.0.html.