Convert data from weird to regular data

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around converting a data file containing unusual characters into a standard numeric format using Matlab. Participants explore potential reasons for the file's format issues and suggest methods for conversion.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the file may not be in UTF-8 format and recommends using Notepad++ to resave it.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in obtaining readable numbers from Notepad++ and asks for alternative solutions.
  • Some participants note the lack of details about the file, making it challenging to provide specific advice.
  • A participant identifies the files as being in uudecode format and questions the familiarity of others with this format.
  • Another participant asserts that the file is likely a binary file encoded in Uuencoding, implying it is not a plain text file and may not be readable without decoding.
  • There is a suggestion that after decoding, the file might turn into an ASCII text file, which could then be easier to read.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the file and the appropriate methods for conversion. There is no consensus on a definitive solution, and multiple competing ideas are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for more information about the file to provide accurate assistance. The discussion highlights the potential complexity of the file format and the challenges in converting it.

Nate Duong
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Dear Group,

I have a 30_sec_data.txt with weird characters in it and data.txt with nice numeric in it,

Any one have any ideal to help me convert data from weird to regular data using Matlab.

Thank you,

Best regard,
 
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The file is probably not in UTF-8 format. Can you open it with Notepad++ and resave it?
 
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Borg said:
The file is probably not in UTF-8 format. Can you open it with Notepad++ and resave it?
Dear Borg,
I already tried with it but I can not get any number on the notepad++. Do you have any other ideals?

Thank you so much?
 
Without more details on the file, it's hard to say.

Nate Duong said:
Do you have any other ideals?
A small note. I've seen you type this wrong a lot. The word is "ideas", not "ideals". :smile:
 
Borg said:
Without more details on the file, it's hard to say.A small note. I've seen you type this wrong a lot. The word is "ideas", not "ideals". :smile:
sorry, English is my second language !
 
Nate Duong said:
sorry, English is my second language !
I understand. Just thought that you would want to know.
 
Borg said:
I understand. Just thought that you would want to know.
Thank you so much... :)
 
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Borg said:
I understand. Just thought that you would want to know.

I found the files which I sent out, are uudecode format, but I've never heard about this format...

Have you ever heard about this format?
 
It seems that you have a binary file - Uuencoding. I don't know where you got it but it isn't a plain text file that you can read. It seems that you have a program file that happens to have a .txt name. There isn't anything there that you will be able to read.
 
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Borg said:
It seems that you have a binary file - Uuencoding. I don't know where you got it but it isn't a plain text file that you can read. It seems that you have a program file that happens to have a .txt name. There isn't anything there that you will be able to read.
After decoding it, it might turn out to be just an ASCII text file. Then it should be easy to read. The wikipedia page you reference can help to decode it.
 
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