Convert Prelis output to Amos-compatible input

Purpose of the program

This program reads a data system (*.dsf) file created by Prelis 2 and converts it to an Amos-compatible data file of covariances and means.

Program requirements

Amos 4 must be installed.

How to install the program

Download the file PrelisToAmos.exe and save it in any directory.

How to run the program

Execute the program PrelisToAmos.exe.

Things to look out for

The format of Prelis dsf files is not documented. The dsf file format was inferred by inspecting some files generated by the version of Prelis that comes with Lisrel 8.30. If the format of dsf files changes in the future, this program will give incorrect results.

The 2nd order moment matrix created by Prelis is always labeled as a covariance matrix in the Amos-compatible file that this program generates. For example, if Prelis creates a matrix of correlations (as when you use OU MA=PM) this program creates an Amos-compatible file in which the correlations are labeled as covariances. Similarly, if Prelis creates an augmented moment matrix, the augmented moment matrix is labeled as a covariance matrix in the Amos-compatible file. When you do not specify a 2nd order moment matrix on Prelis's OU line, Prelis creates a dsf file that contains "garbage" as far as I can tell. This program will then convert the dsf file to an Amos-compatible file that also contains "garbage".