Stack-to-Ascii Data Converter

Updated:  July 16, 2001                  

I wrote this simple utility program using Visual Basic for my own use to decode the Stack data files. This program will decode a Stack data file, converting the byte reversed 16 bit integers into numbers that can be read by programs such as Excel or Access. 

The following Stack-to-Ascii Windows program is a self extracting zip file. After you click on the link, simply choose the download option that runs the program from its present location, and then accept the options that are offered during the installation process.

To use the program, simply go to Start, Programs, and choose the Stack to Ascii Converter program. When the program opens, begin at the top of the window and work your way down, line by line. The converted files will be placed in the same directory as the original Stack data.

Version 1.1 of the program will convert any or all of the Stack data files. To select more than one file, simply left click the mouse on the desired files while holding down the CTRL key on the keyboard.

The program and setup files are a total of about 1.6 MB (the actual executable is only 17 KB, and the rest of this huge file is the Visual Basic runtime module). Using a 56k modem connection, this will take about 7 or 8 minutes to download. It is a self-extracting zip file.

There is no warranty of any sort, either express or implied, and any usage will be at your own risk. The program is easy to use and I am not aware of any problems. 

Click here to download Windows version 1.1 of the Stack to Ascii data converter

Here is a link to a web page that describes the Stack def file so that you can analyze and scale your data properly:

Stack def file secrets

If you are a Visual Basic programmer and would like to modify this simple utility to suit your own needs, then click here to download the VB6 source code.

Richard Shelquist
Longmont, Colorado