User manual

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CHAPTER 13 – Converting WinLTP ADsweep Files
13.1 Convert WinLTP ASCII ADsweep Files to Axon Binary Files
(*.abf)
In WinLTP 1.10, the ability convert WinLTP ADsweep files to Molecular Devices Axon Binary File (ABF)
files was added. The Axon Binary File format originated and is used by Molecular Device’s pClamp
programs, and by many analysis programs including Molecular Devices ClampFit, Synaptosoft’s
MiniAnalysis, Axograph Scientific’s AxographX, Bill Heitler’s DataView and Christoph Schmidt-Hieber’s
StimFit32 (which can also directly analyze WinLTP’s ASCII ADsweep files).
Note however, that WinLTP’s ability to convert WinLTP ADsweep files to Axon Binary Files is only
available in WinLTP’s Advanced Version or during the Demotrial Period.
WinLTP can convert many WinLTP ADsweep files to:
1) Many single-sweep gap-free *.ABF files
2) Many single-sweep episodic *.ABF files
3) One multi-sweep episodic *.ABF file
Both the gap-free and episodic ABF files are in the binary integer file format, not floating point.
The version of these ABF files is the ‘lowest common denominator’, Version 1 (used by Molecular
Device’s pClamp 8 and 9) so as to be accessed by the largest number of analysis programs. WinLTP
does not convert to ABF Version 2 files (used by pClamp 10). However, pClamp 10 can convert Version
1 ABF files to Version 2.
Also, it is important to realize that the stimulation information in the header of WinLTP ADsweep files
is not transferred into the ABF files. In other words, the converted ABF files contain no stimulation
information. This is because of substantial differences in the stimulation capabilities of WinLTP and
pClamp. However, this should usually not be too much of a problem when cursors are used to select
sections of the sweep for analysis.
Conversion to ABF files can either be performed in the Online/Acquisition program either in the Demotrial
Period or with a Temporary or Permanent Licence Key File to change it to the Advanced Mode, or in the
Reanalysis program with a Permanent Licence Key File.
To convert WinLTP ADsweep files to one or more ABF files you first have to choose 1) Many single-
sweep gap-free *.ABF files, 2) Many single-sweep episodic *.ABF files, or 3) One mlti-sweep episodic
*.ABF file. To do so click on the menu item (Fig 13.1.1A):
SweepFile -> Set ABF File Type and Conversion Period
to call up the Set ABF File Type and Conversion Period dialog box (Fig. 13.1.1B). You can covert many
WinLTP ADsweep files 1) to many gap-free ABF files, with one single-sweep gap-free ABF file or each
single-sweep ADSweep file, 2) to many episodic ABF files, with one single-sweep episodic ABF file or
each single-sweep ADSweep file, or 3) one multi-sweep episodic ABF file. You can also set the