VISA Control without NI-MAX - possible?

[reesl]

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying to install a program to control a VISA device on a computer that has very limited memory. With barely enough room for the software, installing MAX is impossible.

Right now it looks like my options are either installing NI MAX on a USB (which I have attempted and can't seem to figure out how to do) or find another way to communicate with my VISA device. Is NI MAX just needed to setup the device with that computer? Or does it perpetually need to be installed to communicate with it.

Thanks a ton,

Rees

[RavensFan · Accepted solution]

I assume you are building this into an executable?

When you say very little memory, that typically means RAM.  But MAX would not take up memory in RAM if you are not running it.  So are you actually taking about hard drive space?

You should be just fine if you just install the VISA run-time engine.  When you create the Installer, you would pick NI-VISA Runtime under Additional Installers.  I believe MAX would come along if you happen to also choose NI-VISA Configuration Support.  So if you don't pick that, then you should not get MAX.

Likewise if you had DAQmx devices.  NI-DAQmx Runtime gives you the minimal drivers you need.  NI-DAQmx Runtime with Configuration support also adds MAX.

[reesl]

Apologies I misspoke when I said memory, meant to say storage.

And after a little bit of tinkering it appears that you are correct, this works with just the VISA runtime, no DAQmx runtime necessary.

Thanks!