Calculating the Total Duration of Data Blocks in LabChart

LabChart often records data in a series of blocks, especially when data is imported from external sources or when sections are deleted. To determine the total combined duration of all remaining data blocks, you can use a custom macro or export the data as a single, combined binary file. This article details both methods.

Compatibility

Both methods have been verified to work with LabChart 7 (example file) and LabChart 8 (example file) for Windows. Due to software differences, the exact steps and available features may vary. The macro method is beneficial for analyzing gaps in data, while the export method provides a clean, continuous data set.

Method 1: Using a LabChart Macro

This method is helpful if you want to preserve the block structure and see where data has been removed.

  1. Download the macro, found HERE

  2. Import the macro into the file containing your data (Macro > Manage > Import > [Downloaded File from previous step).

  3. Run the Macro (Macro > [Macro Name]).

The macro will output the total time for all blocks into the Data Pad, providing a precise measurement of the total recording time. If you need to change the macro, use the Macro > Manage > [Select the macro of interest] > Edit.

Method 2: Exporting and Combining Data into a Single File

This method is useful if you want a clean, single-block file and are not interested in the gaps between blocks.

  1. Export the data:

  • Go to File > Export.

  • Choose to save the file as a LabChart Binary File (.adibin).

  • In the export dialog, ensure that the Combined option is selected. This critical step merges all data blocks into a single file, removing the individual block markers.

  1. Open the new file:

  • Open the exported binary file in LabChart. You will notice that the individual blocks are no longer present.

  1. Adjust the display settings:

  • In Setup > Display Settings, change the view from Start of Block to Start of File. This ensures that the time display is referenced from the beginning of the combined recording.

  1. View the total duration:

  • You can now click and hold on the data trace to see the total duration of the combined file.

  • Alternatively, to get the value into your Data Pad and select a column header and select Block Information and then Block Duration.

  • Since the file now contains only a single block, the Data Pad will show the total duration of the entire recording.

 

For further technical assistance with this or any other issue, please contact ADInstruments Technical Support by clicking HERE.