Keithley DAQ6510
The Keithley DAQ6510 is a 2-slot data acquisition and logging system with a 6½-digit DMM, up to 80 channels with Series 7700 switch modules, scanning at up to 800 channels/s, a 1 MS/s digitizing function and a touchscreen. It is used for multi-point temperature, voltage and resistance testing on validation benches.
Specifications
| Analog inputs | 80up to 80 two-pole channels across 2 Series 7700 module slots, depending on modules |
| Resolution | –6½-digit DMM |
| Max sample rate | 800 S/sscan rate in channels/s (7710 solid-state module); digitizing function samples one input at up to 1 MS/s |
| Input modes | differential |
| Interfaces | USB, LAN |
| List price | $3,060tek.com, Oct 2026 |
Vendor driver by OS
| Driver | SCPI |
| Windows | Yes |
| macOS | Unverified |
| Linux | Unverified |
Vendor software
| KickStart | WindowsPaid license (30-day free trial). Data Logger app for setup, logging and plotting; 64-bit Windows |
DMM, modules and scan speed
The DAQ6510 combines a 6½-digit DMM with two slots for Keithley’s Series 7700 plug-in modules, giving up to 80 channels with two 40-channel cards. Keithley quotes scanning at up to 800 channels/s, and the module sets the pace. The 7710 solid-state multiplexer is the fast option, while relay modules such as the 7700 and 7702 list a 3 ms switch time. The 7700, 7706, 7708 and 7710 include cold junction compensation for thermocouples, and the thermocouple measurement guide covers the CJC side of multi-point temperature work. The 7706 adds two analog outputs, 16 digital outputs and an event counter and totalizer, and the 7707 has 32 digital I/O lines. For transients, the digitizing function samples voltage or current at up to 1 MS/s. Tektronix lists the DAQ6510 at $3,060 at the time of writing.
Interfaces, SCPI and Python
LAN/LXI and USB-TMC are standard, and GPIB, RS-232 and TSP-Link come from field-installable KTTI accessory cards. Keithley documents both SCPI and TSP code for the DAQ6510. TSP is Keithley’s Lua-based scripting language for running test sequences on the instrument itself. From Python, you can send SCPI over a TCP socket or through a VISA library. Python data acquisition covers both. The front panel can also run a scan on its own and save readings to a USB memory stick.
KickStart
Keithley’s KickStart software includes a Data Logger app that supports the DAQ6510. KickStart runs on 64-bit Windows and needs a paid license after a 30-day free trial. DAQAtlas, which is in development, connects to the DAQ6510 like other SCPI instruments, over LAN through a raw socket (usually port 5025) or over USBTMC.
Questions
Can I control a DAQ6510 from Python?
Yes. The DAQ6510 accepts SCPI commands over LAN or USB-TMC, so Python can drive it through a VISA library or a TCP socket.
Does KickStart run on a Mac?
No. Keithley lists KickStart for 64-bit Windows. On a Mac, you can still control the DAQ6510 over LAN with SCPI.
How many channels does the DAQ6510 support?
Up to 80 with two 40-channel Series 7700 modules in its two slots.
Specifications and prices are taken from the vendor’s published pages at the time of writing and can change. Check the vendor before you buy. Sources: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6