FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Operating System

  1. Can I use DiscoveryMat software without administrator rights on my Windows computer?
  2. Can I use DiscoveryMat software with Mac OS?

DiscoveryMat Software

  1. Why is the loading time of data in DiscoveryMat so long?
  2. How to match test-alloys against library-alloys in DiscoveryMat?
  3. Where can I load the Library database for DiscoveryMat?

Operating System

Can I use DiscoveryMat software without administrator rights on my Windows computer?

If you do not have administrator rights on your Windows computer, the easiest way is to use the launcher installation mode.

  • Download the DiscoveryMat launcher.
  • Decompress with your prefered software.
  • Finally double click on DiscoveryMat_2.1.9-SNAPSHOT.exe. You can find it in your decompressed folder. Another possibility, but as a last resort, is to click on run64.cmd in the same folder.
  • If you do not have any software on your computer to decompress a .zip file, you can for example use the 7-Zip software.


    Can I use DiscoveryMat software with Mac OS?

    The DiscoveryMat software works already with Windows and Linux including Raspberry Pi arm64. Under Mac it could work too, modulo some small adaptation, in particular at the level of the Yoctopuce voltmeter. The development team does not have a Mac, as such no procedure could be set up and tested.

    DiscoveryMat Software

    Why is the loading time of data in DiscoveryMat so long?

    Indeed, if you use data in .xls Excel format, the loading time can be annoying if you have a big data base. We recommend you to load library data either in .xml or - even better - in .bin format. The reaction time is then super short. Try those other formats!

  • The .bin is a custom format which can be used only by DiscoveryMat. The size of file is very small and loading is very responsive.
  • The .xml has almost the same quality, if a little slower, but has the advantage to be editable with your prefered text editor!
  • We recommend you to use the .xml format, for its versality. So when you insert a new alloy in the library, it is certainely a good idea to use the .xml format. This format is a good compromise between heavy and slow .xls format and light and quick .bin format, as .xml remains user-editable !


    How to match test-alloys against library-alloys in DiscoveryMat?

    Be careful, you must load the library, select all (or partial) item; next load Test, select all (or partial) item. Now you are ready to use the match button. Obviously, you can match only a part of test. In this case don't select all items, but only a subset of objects of interest! The same comment is relevant for alloys in Library database.

    You can use the mouse and the usual windows shortcut (SHIFT MAJ or CTRL MAJ) to make a fine selection for items of interest, this very quickly!

    If matching does not run successfully, that means you have a problem of selection, either in library or in Test.

    Tip: You can select all items of a workspace very simply: Just use the "arrow" button in the GUI (Graphic User Interface). Inversely you can deselect all items with the "crossed-over foot" button.


    Where can I load the Library database for DiscoveryMat?

    During the installation process (setup download), we ask you to choose the folder where to deploy the initial database required to use DiscoveryMat. If you leave the default directory, in Windows you can find the data base here :

    C:\Users\Public\DiscoveryMat\data
    The name of this path can vary slightly depending on the Operating System (OS).