How do I set the default x-axis scale in DIAdem View?

[Peter!]

Hi everyone:

I look at large amounts of data (i.e. many different data files every day), and I am trying to load and view them quickly and efficiently. Currently, when I have data sets loaded in the "Structure" tab, and I click and drag a numeric channel over to the 2-D plot, DIAdam automatically scales the x-axis from 0 to 60, when the numeric channels can be anywhere from 50 000 to 100 000 entries long. I now use the roller on my mouse to zoom out for five minutes before seeing the entire data set. My question is is there a way to re-set the default x-axis scaling so I do not have to zoom out each time I plot a numeric channel?

[Otmar]

Hello Peter!,

The DIAdem VIEW windows will always auto-scale to the full range of the values on the X-axis when you drag data into a new window.

You have several options on how to quickly get to the range of data you wish to see.

1. Right click on the LEFT edge of the data you wish to zoom into, HOLD the mouse right mouse button and DRAG the mouse to the right side of the section you wish to zoom into. DIAdem will automatically show the section you have selected in a zoomed view in that same window
   
   
   Result:
   
   
   
2. Alternatively, you can double click on the VIEW window and check the "Manual X-Scaling" box and then enter the exact values you wish to zoom into
   
   
   
   
3. Also, you could use the Band Cursor from the toolbar, move and resize the Band in the VIEW window and then use the "Scroll in Cursor Range" icon to zoom into the area of the curve you are interested in.
   
   

These are just a few ways you should be able to accomplish what you have described in your post.

Let us know if you have additional questions ...

      Otmar

[Peter!]

Ottmar:

I believe the problem is that DIAdem does not always auto-scale to the full range with a new numeric channel.

For example, I start with a blank View window, then drag in the channel "Speed." I wind up with the correct full range. This is good because zooming in is very easy. However, if I delete Speed and drag in a different channel, "Load," the scale is 0 to 60. The number of values in the numeric channel is 255601.

I can see two ways to address this. 1) Change the default so that a new numeric channel in the plot always auto-scales to the full range. 2) Change the default so that a new numeric channel in the plot always scales to some manualy input value (e.g. 0 to 10 000).

Also, how do you generate those nice-looking plots in the like you did to post of the forums?

I know this sounds like kind of an insignificant step to take, but shaving off 10 seconds of time to zoom out adds up when I have 50+ numeric channels to individually look at! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Otmar]

Hello Peter!

DIAdem usually auto-scales the X-axis correctly when data is dragged into a VIEW window. There are a few parameters that influence the behavior of a VIEW window:

1. Do you load a template that has some predetermined x-range already set?
2. Do you drag a numeric channel or a Waveform into the window? Please check the X-axis label in VIEW (highlighted below) to see if you are plotting against and X-channel or the data index.
3. Is the zoom function in the window activated? Please check the toolbar in your window, I have highlighted the function in the screen shot below

It might be helpful if I could take a look at your data file, If you can share that, please send it to my email at:  otmar DOT foehner AT ni DOT com

I use a tool called SnagIt to take screenshots and annotate them with the circles, ovals and other comments. It's very easy to use and relatively cheap (http://www.techsmith.com/snagit.html).

      Otmar

[Brad_Turpin · Accepted solution]

Hi Peter,

It sounds to me like the data channels you load have incorrect X minimum and X maximum properties.  Is this a DAT file or a TDMS file or what?  Try right-clicking on one of the loaded data channels and select the context menu "Update Characteristic Values>>All Channels", then try dragging a new curve to a new graph in VIEW-- does DIAdem autoscale the X axis correctly now?

Brad Turpin

DIAdem Product Support Engineer

National Instruments