dScope measurements proposed post format change RFC

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifier Measurements' started by atomicbob, Jul 26, 2019.

?

What is your preferred format

  1. screenshots (present method)

    5 vote(s)
    16.7%
  2. pdf attachments

    16 vote(s)
    53.3%
  3. pdf converted to png

    7 vote(s)
    23.3%
  4. immaterial - I can grok any of the formats

    17 vote(s)
    56.7%
  5. inconsequential - I don't understand any of it

    1 vote(s)
    3.3%
  6. ambivalent - wish there was a tutorial to enhance understanding of measurements

    7 vote(s)
    23.3%
  7. prejudiced - measurements are the work of the devil

    1 vote(s)
    3.3%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    RFC: request for comments

    Two choices are allowed, preferably one in the first three selections and one in the second four.

    Those of you who have followed my technical measurements posts are likely aware of time and effort involved acquiring and posting data as described in this post .

    For quite some time I have been programming scripts, determining common limit parameters and designing automation to reduce the 4 to 6 hours per configuration data acquisition and to simplify the tedious, time consuming posting process. Prism Sound has a nice system for measurement automation running tests with a consolidated report output. However, the output is HTML. Not useful for BB forums as forums must necessarily disallow HTML posting for security reasons.

    Conversion to pdf format is possible, with a combination of unix sed scripts I created to clean up output colors and an image processing application to resize graphs such that a single pdf report will fit withing the 1 MB file size restriction typical of BB forums. Posting of pdf files requires the viewer to have pdf display capability.

    It is also possible to run an additional stage of processing to separate the pdf into fixed size pngs and post those as a collection without additional captioning. Some additional time is required in the posting process.

    A comparison of the three presentation approaches with screenshots being the current found on the forums:
    20190720 dScope measurement suite per device configuration comparison.png

    Current screenshot format example for THD+N, THD, nth-HD, etc.:
    20190720 T4 Mullard CV4024 A04 THD+N  THD  nth-HD FFT 30R 4XF.png

    The same data presented in pdf format:
    found as an attachment at the end of this thread.


    The same data presented in pdf output converted to png format:
    ECP Audio T4 Mullard CV4024 30R Amp Std Tests-4.png ECP Audio T4 Mullard CV4024 30R Amp Std Tests-5.png

    Let me know thoughts on the changes. Obviously I lean towards the solution allowing me to spend less time measuring / posting and more time listening (among other things.)
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jul 26, 2019
  2. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    Lazy, so I enjoy not having to apply my brain too hard to understand anything different from your current formats; but also greedy, so I want more of the measurements you provide. So therefore #4. But whatever you decide, please keep it up, Bob!
     
  3. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    PDF makes for slightly more work on consumer end than screenshots, but the way I see it it's a great deal more convenient for you, leaving more time for even MOAR measurements or more enjoyable things. Go with PDF, old pal.

    PDF as PNG is similarly convenient as screenshots, but it's a whole whopping 4MB larger, and needs an extra post besides!
     
  4. haywood

    haywood Friend

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    I voted pdf & immaterial.

    One big advantage of pdf aside from saving atomicbob’s valuable time is that the text (and sometimes graphics but not applicable in the test file) is rendered when you view the file which means it’ll look good on any device, plus you can download it and have an easy reference should you want it. Screenshots are more convenient to read on the forum as they’re inline and can be quoted (which isn’t inconsequential) but they capture the resolution of the device they’re taken on and that seldom is ideal for every device.

    Of course the measurements are the most important thing so I’m happy with whatever format you end up with.
     
  5. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    How about a hybrid format for the graphs. A few select graphics posted as pngs with captions and the complete pdf attached to the same post. This would require me to make only one manual screenshot measurement and a few manual steps in the post. Possibly a very good compromise while still reducing production time considerably.

    Example for ECP Audio T4:

    T4 Mullard CV4024 A04 THD+N THD nth-HD FFT 30R LoZ setting
    20190720 T4 Mullard CV4024 A04 THD+N  THD  nth-HD FFT 30R 4XF.png

    T4 Mullard CV4024 50 + 7000 Hz 30R LoZ setting - Left Channel
    FFT_2_L1T13_1_A.png

    T4 Mullard CV4024 Gain Linearity 30R LoZ setting - Left Channel
    G2_L1T3_1_A.png

    T4 Mullard CV4024 THD+N vs Frequency 30R LoZ setting - Left Channel
    G2_L1T5_1_A.png

    T4 Mullard CV4024 Square Wave 10mS/div 30R LoZ setting - Left Channel
    20190720 SigGen T4 Mullard CV4024 20 Hz square 2000mVpp 10mS div 5MHz filter 30R.png

    Complete 30R load LoZ setting CV4024 tube report pdf attached.
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2019
  6. allegro

    allegro Friend

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    @atomicbob I appreciate your work and am for whatever saves you time, which is I believe the pdf attachment. The hybrid format is OK too many might appreciate a few inline graphs if not too labour intensive for you. Everyone should have pdf display capability by now.
     
  7. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    Vote your preference if you haven't yet ... and look at the hybrid approach in post 5 above. Put a like on post 5 if that is your preference.
     
  8. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    An important observation. Storage and bandwidth on servers cost SBAF real money. Being mindful of both is important to help keep costs down.
     
  9. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    Well I was actually just taking the piss there, but in hindsight with the traffic your measurements are bound to generate that 4MB might actually start adding up in the long term.

    That's what I get for trying to be funny, but at least it raised a valid point?
     
  10. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    I vote for your bullet point commentary/summary and PDF attachment. If someone wants to look at the graphs, they can go the tiny extra step of downloading the PDF. The format is ubiquitous. If they can't figure out how to view it, the graphs would be meaningless gibberish to them anyway.

    If you need space somewhere to upload more than 1MB I can figure something out on my website to let you upload there as and just link to it. I pay for more than the site could ever need in terms of traffic anyway.
     
  11. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    As of today it would appear the hybrid format might satisfy the majority while consuming approximately the same storage space as the screenshot format. A tutorial on reading the dScope graphs looks as if it would be useful.
     
  12. mitochondrium

    mitochondrium Friend

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    Havn‘t voted Just wanted to say that however you atomicbob choose to transmit your measurements and wisdom to us the less well endowed ( with measurement equipment and the know-how to use it) it will be alright
    Thanks for your effort and Happy Listening
     

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