Issue with NI Drivers on AlmaLinux 9

[ChiaraGri]

Hello all,

I am working with AlmaLinux release 9.5 (Teal Serval) and cannot read a HV power supply attached to the computer with a RS232 connector.

Every time I try to list my instrument in a python shell I get the following

Python 3.9.21 (main, Dec  5 2024, 00:00:00) 
[GCC 11.5.0 20240719 (Red Hat 11.5.0-2)] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> import pyvisa
>>> rm = pyvisa.ResourceManager()
libnipalu.so failed to initialize
Verify that nipalk.ko is built and loaded.
Aborted (core dumped)

I have followed this discussion and try to repeat some steps but I did not solve my issue.

Since this is a Lab computer, I am afraid that someone installed some drivers that are not compatible with the current system since before I had no issue in seeing the power supply.

What should I do?

I have tried to install ni-daqmx, ni-visa and run dkms autoinstall that downloaded quite some stuff but nothing changed.

I have read here to make sure I have NI-KAL and looks like I do, but I do not totally get the message I have here and how this can affect me:

 yum list installed *ni-kal*
Repository ni-software-2025 is listed more than once in the configuration
Installed Packages
ni-kal.noarch                                                           25.0.0.49218-0+f66                                                           @ni-software-2025

Could someone provide any feedback? Any help is appreciated!

[Craig_Petersen]

Greetings,

While I don't have any instruments attached to a serial port you may want to check if you have the serial module installed. I tried something similar with an external TNC (terminal node controller) and needed to install the serial or pyserial module to get things to work.

[Demetriusfreeman]

The NI driver isn't loading correctly with your current kernel. Try running modprobe nipalk and check dmesg | grep nipalk for errors. Also, run dkms status to confirm the modules are built for your kernel. Installing pyserial may help with RS232 communication.