Importing a TDMS file

[knapkerd]

I recently recorded data that I would like to play back in Signal Express.  I made the files using the TDMS Write.  The data is an array of waveforms and I gave the group the naem "Signals".  I am using Labview 8.5 and Signal Express 2.5.  When I tried to import these data files (using Import->TDMS file), I got an error that said the name of my file already exists.  However, in the folder I have the files I want to load (wave.tdms and wave.tdms.index) and several other files, all of which have different names.  I double click on the wave.tdms file when I get this error (I also tried opening the .tdms.index file, which didnt work).

Am I importing this file incorrectly?  Also, I thought that maybe my group name of "Signals" maybe conflicting with some built in Signal Express data, but then I tried another file with the group name "RPM" and got the same error.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

--Robert

[knapkerd]

After retrying, I realize that it says import a Signal Express TDMS File.  I am guessing now that my header is incorrect.  In this case, is there any way to change the header information so that Signal Express can read the file?

Thanks.

--Robert

[Phil_J1]

Hi Robert,

You're absolutely right. The reason that you cannot import your log file directly is because SignalExpress logs contain certain properties that are missing from your log file. A converter was written however that works on "most" TDMS log files written using LabVIEW. Here is a link to an article which contains instructions, and at the bottom contains a zip file of the converter.

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/3CEAF51888A117EC862573980061D585

I hope this works for your file!

Phil

[knapkerd]

Thanks for the reply.

I tried to use the update installer, but after running the new option is still not available.  I am using SE 2.5 and the website is for 2.0 so maybe it does not work correctly anymore.  Do you know anything about this?

Thanks.

--Robert

[Phil_J1]

Although the webpage says 2.0, I think that's only because it hasn't been updated to say 2.0+. I just tried installing it with SignalExpress 2.5, and I do see the option. Did you install SignalExpress to a non-default location? Although that should also work, I'm curious if that is an issue.

Just to be clear, all I did was: unzip the zip file to my desktop. I then opened the folder and find the .msi file. I double-clicked the .msi and hit the "Next" button on the dialog a number of times. After that, I had the option available in SignalExpress.

Let me know if I can help in determining why you don't see the option.

Phil

[knapkerd]

I followed those steps, but still no extra option.  One question, should the "Feature Description" section be blank?  It is blank when I try to install.

Would a Japanese typeset Windows XP username possibly cause this problem?  I have had an issue with this and the Sound and Virbration Installation and I was wondering if it could be something similar.

Although, after installation it still says "NI LabVIEW SignalExpress TDMS Conversion Utility has been successfully installed"

Thanks for your help 

--Robert

[Phil_J1]

Hi Robert,

I don't believe that having a japanese typeset should be an issue here because the installer does not install to any folder containing your username (at least by default).

In regards to the installer dialog which contains the description being empty, that's ok. I'll make sure that something appears there if we update the installer, but it being empty is simply an oversight on our part. This should not affect the installation itself.

To get more information, could you search for the file "niTDMSLVConvert_ENG.lbw" and tell me what its location is on your computer? This is one of the files which gets installed, and that may tell me why the menu entry doesn't appear in SignalExpress.

Thank you for your patience in resolving this issue.

Phil

[knapkerd]

The file was found in E: Program Files\National Instruments\MAX\Assistants

Is this the correct location?

--Robert

Edit: apparently a colon and then capital P makes an type of smily face, so I added a space in between

Message Edited by knapkerd on 08-26-2008 09:35 AM

[Phil_J1]

Hi Robert,

Assuming that SignalExpress is installed to your E Drive, the rest of the path appears correct. I assume that you have a folder named "SignalExpress" in that path you posted. Just to be on the safe side, can you check that you do have a SignalExpress folder in that "Assistants" folder?

Phil

[knapkerd]

I checked and there is a "SignalExpress" folder in the "Assistants" folder.

--Robert