DOWNLOADING DATA

There are four basic ways of downloading Datastream data. Which one you pick depends on what you want to be able to do with the data.

Capture to Save File:

This method of downloading saves files in a form readable by Datastream. Use this method of downloading if you expect to use your data only for other Datastream programs.
  • Select CAPTURE TO SAVE FILE in the FILE menu.
  • In the new window, enter the name your save file will be called ( Use the form a:\filename.dst to save to floppy drive A) and click OK.
  • Perform your search, pressing Enter to scroll through your data.
  • When all the data has been displayed or you wish to discontinue saving, click STOP CAPTURE TO SAVE FILE in the FILE menu.
Capture to Plain Text:

This method of downloading saves data in plain ascii text format, readable by most text editors or word processors. Use this method if you are downloading company reports or simple tabular data.
  • Select CAPTURE TO PLAIN TEXT in the FILE menu.
  • In the new window, enter the name your save file will be called ( Use the form a:\filename.txt to save to floppy drive A) and click OK.
  • Perform your search, pressing Enter to scroll through your data.
  • When all the data has been displayed or you wish to discontinue saving, click STOP CAPTURE TO PLAIN TEXT in the FILE menu.
Convert Data Channel/Fundline:

This method of downloading saves data in a form readable by most spreadsheet and database programs. Use this method of downloading if you intend to download large amounts of data or wish to be able to manipulate data using programs such as Microsoft Excel, Harvard Graphics, Lotus 123, STATA, etc.

There are two primary Datachannel programs which can be used to download data for use in spreadsheets: 900A and 900B. These programs are accessible by choosing the DOWNLOAD option as your Type of Request and then choosing the correct Type of Data. These programs retrieve the same data as programs described previously in this handbook. The difference is that these three programs will return the same data, not in tabular form, but as single lines of data separated only by commas. To download in this manner:
  • Select CONVERT DATA CHANNEL/FUNDLINE in the FILE menu.
  • In the new window, choose to save data as the filetype CSV and enter the name your save file will be called using the form a:\filename.csv to save to floppy drive A. Click OK.
  • Perform your search. Enter the parameters for your search into program 900A or 900B. Press Enter to execute your search and continue pressing Enter to scroll through your data.
  • When all the data has been displayed or you wish to discontinue saving, click STOP DATA CHANNEL/FUNDLINE in the FILE menu.

If you have a situation which seems to require further assistance, please ask at the SSRC reference desk.