Info: NI-VISA

[Sakthi27vel]

Hello,

Currently I am interfacing Programmable power supply (BK Precision 9205) to my test PC, in order to send SCPI commands to Power supply it requires NI-VISA drivers. can any one clarify that the NI-VISA is available at free of cost ? or it is licensed?

Thanks,

M.Sakthivel.

[santo_13]

Drivers are free to use, you can download them from the NI website.

[crossrulz · Accepted solution]

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@santo_13 wrote:

Drivers are free to use, you can download them from the NI website.

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More specifically, download them from here: NI-VISA Download 

[Sakthi27vel]

Thank you

[johnnythesailor]

I have the same question and am a little confused. I have read, that the driver is free. However here: https://www.ni.com/de-de/shop/product/ni-visa.html I can buy the driver. Now what is the case? Is it free, or do I need to buy it?

[crossrulz]

It has never needed to be bought before.  I am in the act of updating a test PC to make sure NI-VISA 2023Q4 does not need a license (it had 21 installed).

[crossrulz]

My test laptop does not show a license being required for VISA.  So I would still assume it is free to use.

I did also pose this question in a private board that will hopefully get the attention of some higher ups in NI.

[johnnythesailor]

Thank you very much for assisting! I also have installed it from your link, and there where no obvious mentions of the need of a payed license. Just want to make sure I'm not doing anything illegal 😄

[Iwa6]

NI-VISA is not free.
If you are not using it in conjunction with NI software or hardware, you will need to purchase a license.

(There is no serial code or activation when you purchase a license. You will only be issued with a proof of purchase.)

https://knowledge.ni.com/KnowledgeArticleDetails?id=kA00Z000000P7OLSA0&l=ja-JP

https://forums.ni.com/t5/Instrument-Control-GPIB-Serial/NI-VISA-licensing-policy/td-p/2382668

https://www.ni.com/ja-jp/shop/product/ni-visa.html

[johnnythesailor]

Thanks for the links. I feel like they should communicate that more clearly when installing. @crossrulz do you have any responses so far?