Hello:

I have a file with the reflectance data for a SRS-99-020 type Labsphere Standard, provided by Perkin Elmer, and I would like to use it as reference for a %RC method in UVWinlab program. However, the program does not recognize text files and it requires fiels in *.SP format.

How can I convert my text file to SP format?

Thank you in advance,

Jose

Typically, UV Winlab requires text file formats with the .SIF extension. Can you ensure the .SIF format is not required by the Winlab system?

Thank you for the answer, MikeF

.SP format is that of the original %RC files of the default reference materials included in the UV Winlab program (BaSO4, Spectralon).

When you select the option 'Select-Import' for choosing a reference file for %RC correction, a Browse dialog is displayed and you can select the spectrum to import. Files with .TXT extension are not recognized while those with .SP one are listed and can be selected and imported.

Any idea about how to convert them?

Jose

Hello again:

Probably, UVWinlab also accepts .ASC (ascii) files but I bon't know the structure of this type of file for UVWinLab...

Could anyone tell me what is the structure/fields of the .ASC files ...?

Thanks,

Jose

I know Winlab can accept .sif files with the following format to read in:

[System Description]

Description=Default Sample Information File

MaxNoOfSamples=250

[Constant parameters]

BatchID=

VolumeUnits=Vol,mL,0.001,,

WeightUnits=Wt,ug,1e-006,,

TEST CODE=

[User Defined List]

NumberOfUserDefined=5

UserDefined1=TEST CODE

UserDefined2=Client Name

UserDefined3=LIMS CODE

UserDefined4=TS/TP/SP

UserDefined5=AQ

[Variable Parameter List]

NumberOfParameters=7

Parameter1=SampleNo

Parameter2=AutosamplerLocation

Parameter3=SampleID

Parameter4=UserDefField2

Parameter5=UserDefField3

Parameter6=UserDefField4

Parameter7=UserDefField5

[Variable Parameter Data]

NumberOfDataValues=

Data1=1,1,sample1,,,TS/TP/SP,

Data2=2,2,sample2,,,TS/TP/SP,

Data3=3,3,sample3,,,TS/TP/SP,

Data4=4,4,sample4,,,TS/TP/SP,

Data5=5,5,sample5,,,TS/TP/SP,

Sorry... to be clear, this file format is for a typical ICP instrument. Your instrument format may be different.

Dear MikeF

I really appreciate your effort in finding a solution.

I think the .SIF file seems to be a 'batch process' file for enumerating the samples (or sample data) to be sequentially measured in an instrument. This is similar to a 'Task' file generated by UVWinlab, I think...

However, .SP or .ASC files are data files (this is, they contain numerical data of transmitance or reflectance of a particular sample, tabulated in two-column format [wavelength, reflectance], and with a header with details about configuration of the instrument and comments about the sample).

Thank you again,

Jose

Hello Jose,

Are the .SP or .ASC files readable through a simple program like Notepad?

If yes, you might consider using a program like PerkinElmer's LimsLink, which can read the data file, and reformat it into the native format required for the next stage in your process. LimsLink can also take any results file and post it to any database, or generate a report to any destination (file folder, printer, instrument, etc).

Does this help?

Mike

Dear Mike

Thank you again!

.ASC files are ASCII files (plain text) and so, readabale by Notepad. We could artificially create an .ASC file from our data but some of the fields are not clear for us. And .SP files are binary fles with a native structure defined by PerkinElmer.

Buyng a new program like LimsLink could be interesting but we cannot use it as immediate solution. Moreover, we should afford the cost of a new program.

Thanks again, Mike... We will keep finding a solution.

I have found a solution (thanks to the Perkin Elmer representative in Spain).

An older version of the UVWinlab does include a (sub)program called 'Arithmetic'. There is an option inside named 'Build Spectra'. This option allows pasting the raw data, e.g. from Notepad, or to load a table of values, and create a spectrum .SP file.

Thank you again, Mike!

Best regads,

Jose