pyspe2dat

Simple file format conversion tool for Magnettech machines

Software requirements

The minimum software requirement for pyspe2dat is a current version of:

• Python 3

Converting files

Put your recording files in spe2dat's subfolder and execute pyspe2dat.py - all .spe files will be converted to ASCII files with the file extension .dat. Furthermore, all recording parameters as well as the time of modification from the original binary file are preserved.

Start parameters

Use pyspe2dat's start parameters to adjust the ASCII file output:

• Parameter: --mscope n

Values:		 1.0, former MiniScopeControl model using unsigned integers for data storage
		 2.0, recent MiniScopeControl model using signed integers for data storage
Default:	 1.0

• Parameter: --pool n

Values:		 1.0-8.0, output 4096-512 data points by merging consecutive values
		-1.0, use the 'Steps' value set in the MiniScopeControl
Default:	-1.0

• Parameter: --rescale n

Values:		 1.0-x, rescale the spectra with a fixed divisor
		-1.0, rescale using the 'Gain' value set in the MiniScopeControl
Default:	-1.0

• Parameter: --shift n

Values:		 0.0-x, shift the spectra vertically adding a fixed offset value
Default:	-16384.0

FAQ

1. Can I combine several of the start parameters?

   • Yes. Please see below for more detailed examples.

2. How do I use the start parameters with Windows?

   • Create a shortuct to the pyspe2dat.py file and edit the Target field:

     "C:\Software\pyspe2dat\pyspe2dat.py" --pool 4.0

3. Why are my spectra segmented exhibiting alternating offset steps after conversion?

   • Probably you're using the recent version of MiniScopeControl, so you need to force pyspe2dat to accept the newer data file format (with singed integers):

     "C:\Software\pyspe2dat\pyspe2dat.py" --mscope 2.0 --shift 0.0

4. How do I use the start parameters with Linux?

   • Create an executable shell script with two lines of code:

     cd /home/user/software/pyspe2dat
     python3 ./pyspe2dat.py --mscope 1.0 --pool 1.0 --rescale 1.0