The question often arises, “Is there a way to display the actual values in WinDaq?”. While real-time numerical data is displayed in WinDaq data acquisition software along with a real-time graph, some customers might prefer to display data in a larger “meter-style” graphical format.
Fortunately, there’s a WinDaq add-on that allows you to do just that!
UltimaSerial, a third-party company with close ties to DATAQ, has created the Magic Meter add-on. With customizable window sizes and font colors, high and low-level alarm indicators and the ability to perform real-time arithmetic calculations, the add-on offers WinDaq users a versatile, meter-style display.
In this application note, we’ll guide you through the Magic Meter installation, demonstrate key features and show you how to display the real-time numerical data being generated by WinDaq, in a clean, customizable display.
Begin by download the WinDaq add-on package and following the installation instructions at:
lhttp://www.ultimaserial.com/Download.html
Once installed, launch the WinDaq Data acquisition software, and choose ‘Add-ons’ from the ‘View’ pull-down menu, and select ‘Magic Meter’ (View>>Add-ons>>Magic Meter).
![](https://www.dataq.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MagicMeter02.jpg)
Upon launching the Magic Meter add-on, you’ll see a meter display window containing the real-time value on channel 1 (the current highlighted channel).
Hover over the upper left-hand corner of the window to display the ‘Setting’ button (as shown below), and left-click on it.
![](https://www.dataq.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MagicMeter04.jpg)
Here you can choose the size of the meter window, change the color pallet and even select alarm levels, generating a visual alarm when signals rise above or fall below the thresholds entered.
![](https://www.dataq.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MagicMeter05.jpg)
With Magic Meter configured, double click anywhere in the window to superimpose the live meter readout.
![](https://www.dataq.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MagicMeter08-1024x297.jpg)
![](https://www.dataq.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/meterandgauge.gif)
The Magic Meter add-on provides a clean, straight forward solution for those seeking a meter-style display in WinDaq.
Be sure and check out the full assortment of UltimaSerial add-ons at http://www.ultimaserial.com/wdspectrum.html