Data Streamer is a two-way data transfer add-in for Excel that streams live data from a micro-controller into Excel, and sends data from Excel back to the micro-controller. It opens up the emerging world of IoT to the classroom, and helps educators meet NGSS and ISTE requirements for data science.
In addition to streaming live data from connected devices, Microsoft Data Streamer can record live data to be played back later for more detailed analysis.
After you have successfully enabled Data-Streamer on your PC, you should see a new Data Streamer tab on the ribbon:
Stream Data for Visualization
To visualize data in the worksheet, you'll need to choose a source for your data. There are two options for a data source: a connected micro-controller device, or a data file.
Option A: Connect a Device
To stream live data from a device select Connect a Device to choose a micro-controller (Arduino, Adafruit Circuit Playground, etc.).
After you select Connect a Device, a sub-ribbon will appear that allows you to select a device that’s currently plugged into to your computer.
If you don’t see any devices, or your device isn’t listed, make sure a compatible device is connected to your computer, and that any necessary drivers are installed. Your device will automatically appear after you’ve connected it.
Note: Your device may be listed as something generic like Serial Device. If you know your device is plugged in, and the only device you see listed is showing up as a generic USB or serial device, it might be the one you want.
Now it’s time to start streaming your data into Excel. On the Data Streamer tab, select the Start Data button to begin streaming data into the workbook. The data will stream into the Data In worksheet.
Option B: Import Data File (pre-recorded data)
To stream previously recorded data from a file, select Import Data File to open the file and play it back. When you select the button, a file browser will open.
Select the .csv file that you want to play back.
Note: Make sure you record using the same Excel workbook you currently have open, or you may encounter data errors.
Once the file is opened, select the Play Data button to stream your recorded data into the Excel workbook to visualize the data. The data will stream into the Data In worksheet.
Record Data (live data only)
If you'd like to record the live data coming from your device, select the Record Data button. Recording will begin immediately.
When you’re ready to stop, select Stop Recording. You'll then be prompted to save the recorded data to a .csv file:
To replay your data, disconnect from your device from Data Sources > Disconnect Device, and then select Import Data File. Then, follow the steps in Option B above.