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Product line · LabJack

LabJack T-series (LabJack Corporation)

LabJack is a US company, started in 2001 in a Colorado garage, that makes data-acquisition devices, usually called DAQs. A DAQ is a box that sits between your sensors and a computer: it measures voltages with vendor-specified ranges and resolution and reads and switches digital lines, while a program on the PC, Mac or Linux machine decides what to measure and saves the results. The current T-series has three members: the T4, the T7 and the T8. All connect over USB or Ethernet, share one free software library called LJM, and can also run small Lua scripts on their own. Model details for the T7 are in its own record.

Profile overall:Evidence: InferredLast reviewed 2026-10-19 · audited

Models on BenchRove

Specs live on each model's page, not here.

History & Evolution

Why this section is brief: Only the founding year and first product are documented by LabJack itself; T4/T7/T8 launch dates were not found in any fetched primary source (firmware-history page URL returned 404), so none are given.

  1. 2001 Evidence: Documented

    LabJack is started in a Colorado garage; the U12 is its first product.

    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack states it was started in 2001 in a Colorado garage and that the U12 was its first product and is still sold. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · FAQ How was LabJack started?, dated September 1, 2022 (WebFetch; curl 429) · retrieved 2026-10-19

  2. Date not documented Evidence: Documented

    The T-series (T4, T7, T8) becomes the recommended line for new applications; LabJack recommends the T4 or another T-series device over the original U12.

    No launch dates given; none were found in a fetched primary source.

    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack calls the U12 the original LabJack and recommends the T4 or another T-series device, supported by LJM, for new applications. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · U12 product page, description (WebFetch); price on page deliberately not used · retrieved 2026-10-19

How it works Evidence: Documented

You wire a sensor to the screw terminals (for example an analog input, AIN0) and plug the LabJack into a computer by USB or Ethernet. LabJack's free Kipling app shows live readings on a dashboard. For real projects you write a short program (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C and others) that asks the device for readings and saves them. The LabJack does the precise measuring; your computer does the thinking and storage.

More detail (advanced)

Every T-series device exposes its functions as Modbus TCP registers. The LJM library wraps this so that the same calls (open the device, read a named register such as AIN0, start a stream) work over USB, Ethernet or, on the T7-Pro, WiFi, and programs often move between T-series models with minimal changes. LJM runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, including a Raspberry Pi. Hardware-timed streaming is available (up to 100 kHz input stream on the T7). Digital lines can act as SPI, I2C, 1-Wire or serial masters. An on-board Lua interpreter lets a script run headless, without a host.

Evidence (6)

  • All T-series devices use Modbus TCP and are compatible with the LJM library; programs for one T-series device often work on others with minimal changes. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · T-Series Datasheet 1.0 Device Overview, Family Variants / All T-series Devices · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • LJM is LabJack's free, cross-platform driver/library, usable from Python (from labjack import ljm) and C. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · LJM Library Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • LJM supports Windows, macOS and Linux, including a Raspberry Pi running a Linux distribution. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · LJM Library Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Kipling is a configuration and utility application for T-series devices supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; LJLogM and LJStreamM are Windows-only. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · Kipling, System Requirements · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • The T7 supports SPI, I2C, 1-Wire and asynchronous serial protocols as master only. Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • T-series devices support on-board Lua scripting for headless operation. Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

What can you build or do with it?

  • First check that a DAQ works (analog loopback) Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    T7 outputs a voltage on DAC0 and reads it back on AIN0 in Kipling
    You also need
    One jumper wire, USB cable
    Difficulty
    Beginner

    Maker documentation

    Evidence (1)

    • The T7 Quickstart has the user install the LabJack software, connect by USB, run Kipling and jumper DAC0 to AIN0 to see AIN0 follow DAC0. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · 2.1.0 T7 Quickstart Tutorial, steps 1-8 (fetched as .md) · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Log sensor voltages to a PC file Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    DAQ measures; Kipling or a logging app records
    You also need
    Sensor with a voltage output, PC
    Difficulty
    Beginner

    LabJack T7

    Evidence (2)

    • Kipling is a configuration and utility application for T-series devices supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; LJLogM and LJStreamM are Windows-only. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · Kipling, System Requirements · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • The T7 has 14 analog inputs (single-ended) or 7 differential, with programmable gains of x1, x10, x100 and x1000. Evidence: Documented

      From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Automated measurements from a Python script Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    Python program calls LJM to read inputs and set outputs
    You also need
    Python with the labjack-ljm package
    Difficulty
    Intermediate

    LabJack LJM Library

    Evidence (1)

    • LJM is LabJack's free, cross-platform driver/library, usable from Python (from labjack import ljm) and C. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LJM Library Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Test bench or lab rig in LabVIEW Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    LabVIEW program uses the LabJack LJM VIs (not NI-DAQmx)
    You also need
    LabVIEW licence; LabJack LabVIEW_LJM wrapper
    Difficulty
    Intermediate

    NI LabVIEW

    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack states using a LabJack in LabVIEW is not identical to NI hardware: T-series devices use LJM and do not use Measurement & Automation Explorer or DAQ Assistant. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LabVIEW for LJM (Windows, macOS), fetched as .md; requirements and macOS warning · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Stand-alone logger or controller without a PC attached Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    Lua script runs on the device at startup
    You also need
    Power source; (T7-Pro) microSD for logging
    Difficulty
    Intermediate

    LabJack T7

    Evidence (2)

    • T-series devices support on-board Lua scripting for headless operation. Evidence: Documented

      From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

    • The T7-Pro adds WiFi, a 24-bit low-speed sigma-delta ADC, a battery-backed RTC and a factory-installed microSD card. Evidence: Documented

      From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Low-cost Linux host for a measurement station Evidence: Documented

    Its role
    Raspberry Pi runs LJM and the acquisition program
    You also need
    Raspberry Pi with Linux, USB or Ethernet
    Difficulty
    Intermediate

    Raspberry Pi 5

    Evidence (1)

    • LJM supports Windows, macOS and Linux, including a Raspberry Pi running a Linux distribution. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LJM Library Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Networked DAQ read by PLC or SCADA software Evidence: Inferred

    Its role
    Device answers Modbus TCP requests over Ethernet
    You also need
    Ethernet network; Modbus client
    Difficulty
    Advanced
    Evidence (2)

    • All T-series devices use Modbus TCP and are compatible with the LJM library; programs for one T-series device often work on others with minimal changes. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · T-Series Datasheet 1.0 Device Overview, Family Variants / All T-series Devices · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • Because T-series devices use Modbus TCP, a generic Modbus TCP client can read them without LJM (inference; register map not reviewed here). Evidence: Inferred

      LabJack · T-Series Datasheet 1.0 Device Overview, Family Variants / All T-series Devices · retrieved 2026-10-19

Strengths & limitations

Strengths

  • One free, cross-platform library (LJM) across all T-series devices; code often ports between models. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (2)

    • All T-series devices use Modbus TCP and are compatible with the LJM library; programs for one T-series device often work on others with minimal changes. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · T-Series Datasheet 1.0 Device Overview, Family Variants / All T-series Devices · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • LJM is LabJack's free, cross-platform driver/library, usable from Python (from labjack import ljm) and C. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LJM Library Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • USB and Ethernet on the T-series, with WiFi on the T7-Pro. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (2)

    • T-series devices (T4, T7, T8) have a USB Type-B connector and an RJ45 Ethernet connector; WiFi is on the T7-Pro only. OEM variants (T4-OEM, T7-OEM) omit the enclosure and most external connection components; a T8-OEM is not currently available. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · 4.0 Hardware Overview, Communication Edge (T4, T7, T8) · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • The T7-Pro adds WiFi, a 24-bit low-speed sigma-delta ADC, a battery-backed RTC and a factory-installed microSD card. Evidence: Documented

      From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Supports many languages and LabVIEW, with free examples. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack states its software integrates with LabVIEW, C++, MATLAB, Python, Java, .NET, Delphi, Visual Basic, VB6, VBA and more, with free examples. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · About page · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Headless operation with on-board Lua scripting. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • T-series devices support on-board Lua scripting for headless operation. Evidence: Documented

      From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Long-lived support; the original U12 is still sold. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack states it was started in 2001 in a Colorado garage and that the U12 was its first product and is still sold. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · FAQ How was LabJack started?, dated September 1, 2022 (WebFetch; curl 429) · retrieved 2026-10-19

Limitations

  • It is a measurement peripheral, not a general-purpose programmable board; complex logic normally runs on the host. Evidence: Inferred
    Evidence (1)

    • A LabJack is a measurement device that is normally host-driven; its only on-device programming is Lua scripting, which can also run without a host (inference: no other on-device programming method was found). Evidence: Inferred

      LabJack · 25.0 Lua Scripting, Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Some LabJack desktop apps (LJLogM, LJStreamM) are Windows-only; Kipling runs on Windows, macOS and x64 Linux, not on ARM Linux. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (2)

    • Kipling is a configuration and utility application for T-series devices supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; LJLogM and LJStreamM are Windows-only. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · Kipling, System Requirements · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • LabJack ships an LJM build for Linux ARM64 for a Raspberry Pi running a 64-bit operating system; Kipling, LJLogM and LJStreamM are not supported on ARM. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LJM Software Installer - Linux ARM Family, ARM64 section · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Not driven by NI-DAQmx, NI MAX or DAQ Assistant; LabVIEW users must use the LJM VIs. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack states using a LabJack in LabVIEW is not identical to NI hardware: T-series devices use LJM and do not use Measurement & Automation Explorer or DAQ Assistant. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LabVIEW for LJM (Windows, macOS), fetched as .md; requirements and macOS warning · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Digital serial protocols are master-only. Evidence: Documented
    Evidence (1)

    • The T7 supports SPI, I2C, 1-Wire and asynchronous serial protocols as master only. Evidence: Documented

      From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

Alternatives & comparisons

Integrations

Grouped by how well each one is supported. Each label shows the weakest evidence behind the entry.

Documented integrations (7)

  • LJM library (free, cross-platform) Evidence: Documented

    OS
    Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi Linux

    On Raspberry Pi: LJM 1.2304 ARM64 build needs a 64-bit OS with glibc 2.36+; Kipling, LJLogM and LJStreamM do not run on ARM.

    Evidence (3)

    • LJM is LabJack's free, cross-platform driver/library, usable from Python (from labjack import ljm) and C. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LJM Library Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • LJM supports Windows, macOS and Linux, including a Raspberry Pi running a Linux distribution. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LJM Library Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • LabJack ships an LJM build for Linux ARM64 for a Raspberry Pi running a 64-bit operating system; Kipling, LJLogM and LJStreamM are not supported on ARM. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LJM Software Installer - Linux ARM Family, ARM64 section · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Modbus TCP (all T-series) Evidence: Documented

    Protocols
    Modbus TCP
    Evidence (1)

    • All T-series devices use Modbus TCP and are compatible with the LJM library; programs for one T-series device often work on others with minimal changes. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · T-Series Datasheet 1.0 Device Overview, Family Variants / All T-series Devices · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Kipling configuration app Evidence: Documented

    OS
    Windows, macOS, x64 Linux

    Not supported on ARM Linux (e.g. Raspberry Pi), per LabJack's Linux ARM installer page.

    Evidence (2)

    • Kipling is a configuration and utility application for T-series devices supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; LJLogM and LJStreamM are Windows-only. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · Kipling, System Requirements · retrieved 2026-10-19

    • LabJack ships an LJM build for Linux ARM64 for a Raspberry Pi running a 64-bit operating system; Kipling, LJLogM and LJStreamM are not supported on ARM. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LJM Software Installer - Linux ARM Family, ARM64 section · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • LJLogM and LJStreamM logging apps Evidence: Documented

    OS
    Windows
    Evidence (1)

    • Kipling is a configuration and utility application for T-series devices supported on Windows, macOS and Linux; LJLogM and LJStreamM are Windows-only. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · Kipling, System Requirements · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • NI LabVIEW via LabJack LJM VIs (GitHub labjack/LabVIEW_LJM) Evidence: Documented

    Versions
    LabVIEW 7.1 or newer
    OS
    Windows
    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack states using a LabJack in LabVIEW is not identical to NI hardware: T-series devices use LJM and do not use Measurement & Automation Explorer or DAQ Assistant. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LabVIEW for LJM (Windows, macOS), fetched as .md; requirements and macOS warning · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Languages listed by LabJack (C++, MATLAB, Python, Java, .NET, Delphi, VB and more) Evidence: Documented

    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack states its software integrates with LabVIEW, C++, MATLAB, Python, Java, .NET, Delphi, Visual Basic, VB6, VBA and more, with free examples. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · About page · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • SPI, I2C, 1-Wire and asynchronous serial (master only) Evidence: Documented

    Protocols
    SPI, I2C, 1-Wire, UART
    Evidence (1)

    • The T7 supports SPI, I2C, 1-Wire and asynchronous serial protocols as master only. Evidence: Documented

      From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

Alternatives to an integration (1)

  • Talk Modbus TCP directly instead of using LJM Evidence: Inferred

    Protocols
    Modbus TCP
    Evidence (1)

    • Because T-series devices use Modbus TCP, a generic Modbus TCP client can read them without LJM (inference; register map not reviewed here). Evidence: Inferred

      LabJack · T-Series Datasheet 1.0 Device Overview, Family Variants / All T-series Devices · retrieved 2026-10-19

Known incompatibilities (1)

  • NI-DAQmx / NI MAX / DAQ Assistant Evidence: Documented

    Evidence (1)

    • LabJack states using a LabJack in LabVIEW is not identical to NI hardware: T-series devices use LJM and do not use Measurement & Automation Explorer or DAQ Assistant. Evidence: Documented

      LabJack · LabVIEW for LJM (Windows, macOS), fetched as .md; requirements and macOS warning · retrieved 2026-10-19

Tutorials & learning resources

Official material first, then beginner to advanced.

  1. T7 Quickstart Tutorial (LabJack)

    writtenBeginnerOfficial

  2. What is a LabJack?

    videoBeginnerOfficial

    LabJackSupport · published 2020-05-26

    BenchRove read the description and transcript; not watched. Content not verified.

    44-second marketing explainer; no procedure.

  3. LJM Library Overview (LabJack)

    referenceIntermediateOfficial

  4. LabJack Kipling and Lua Scripting Tutorial (1 of 2, 2 of 2)

    videoIntermediateOfficial

    LabJackSupport · published 2015-11-24

    BenchRove read the description and transcript; not watched. Content not verified.

    From 2015; the Kipling UI may differ now.

  5. LabVIEW for LJM (LabJack)

    writtenIntermediateOfficial

Where to buy

Links go to the maker or the maker's own list of official sellers. BenchRove shows no prices or stock and earns nothing from these links.

Choosing a model

  • T4 - 4 high-voltage analog inputs (±10 V, 12-bit) plus flexible I/O (vendor overview).
  • T7 - general-purpose; 14 analog inputs, up to 100 kHz stream; T7-Pro adds WiFi, 24-bit low-speed ADC, RTC and microSD (see tech-labjack-t7).
  • T8 - 8 isolated, simultaneously sampled 24-bit inputs for higher-precision or isolated work (vendor overview).
  • U12 and other U-series - legacy; LabJack recommends T-series for new applications.
  • Standard, OEM (no enclosure/connectors) and Pro variants exist; check the variant before ordering.

Related on BenchRove

Sources & last review

Last reviewed 2026-10-19. Audited by BenchRove. Labels: Documented (from a primary source), Inferred (reasoned from sources), Unverified (not confirmed). How we verify

  1. LabJack · FAQ How was LabJack started?, dated September 1, 2022 (WebFetch; curl 429) · retrieved 2026-10-19
  2. LabJack · U12 product page, description (WebFetch); price on page deliberately not used · retrieved 2026-10-19
  3. LabJack · 2.1.0 T7 Quickstart Tutorial, steps 1-8 (fetched as .md) · retrieved 2026-10-19
  4. LabJack · Kipling, System Requirements · retrieved 2026-10-19
  5. LabJack · LJM Library Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19
  6. LabJack · LabVIEW for LJM (Windows, macOS), fetched as .md; requirements and macOS warning · retrieved 2026-10-19
  7. LabJack · T-Series Datasheet 1.0 Device Overview, Family Variants / All T-series Devices · retrieved 2026-10-19
  8. LabJack · 4.0 Hardware Overview, Communication Edge (T4, T7, T8) · retrieved 2026-10-19
  9. LabJack · About page · retrieved 2026-10-19
  10. LabJack · 25.0 Lua Scripting, Overview · retrieved 2026-10-19
  11. LabJack · LJM Software Installer - Linux ARM Family, ARM64 section · retrieved 2026-10-19
  12. LabJack · FAQ International LabJack Distributors, dated August 26, 2022 · retrieved 2026-10-19
  13. LabJackSupport (YouTube) · YouTube metadata + transcript, per exemplar_videos.md L1 · retrieved 2026-10-19
  14. LabJackSupport (YouTube) · YouTube metadata + transcript, per exemplar_videos.md L2 (parts 1 and 2) · retrieved 2026-10-19