Missing VISA Open Test Panel in NI MAX

Updated Jul 27, 2023

Reported In

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Driver

  • NI-VISA
  • NI-Serial
  • NI-488.2

Operating System

  • Windows

Issue Details

When I select my COM port in Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX), the Open VISA Test Panel does not show up as an option. I expect the button to appear as shown in the image below: 

Solution

 

  • Expand My Systems >> Software in NI MAX. Make sure all relevant software drivers are installed.
    • NI-VISA - required
    • NI-Serial - for instruments using RS232, RS-422, or RS-485 serial communication
    • NI-488.2 - for instruments using GPIB communication
  • Check that the drivers installed are not the runtime versions of the driver. The runtime version of NI-VISA does not contain VISA Test Panels. 
Note: To enable VISA Test Panels that are installed with an executable installer, create a Batch Installer  that contains the full version of the NI-VISA driver. 
If you already have NI-VISA installed, refer to Modify NI Software in NI Package Manager to modify your NI-VISA installation and add the package. 
  • If you are still unable to see VISA Test Panels, uninstall and reinstall NI-VISA. Make sure NI-VISA Interactive Control is included in the installation.