What's the easiest way to convert .sdl to .sde or .csv?

[Nick_Radov]

That's not going to work unfortunately, the file is encoded in a proprietary binary format.

Some Suunto log files are just XML inside Zip. You can try changing the file extension to .zip and then uncompress it.

 

[hancockks]

If you can find a 2.x installer, I'd be happy to convert your file for you on an existing windows VM I have.

Update: I found a 2.3 installer.

 

[jengineer61]

I am running Suunto DM 1.6!! still woks on Windows 11. Drop me a line and I can xfer the SDL to CVS

Now if I can only find the previous version which used an LBK format

 

[rofe]

I ended up installing a Windows 11 VM, downloaded SDM 1.6 from a link I found on this forum (thanks for that!), but to my frustration, it wouldn’t accept my .sdl file, only .lbk files on import. Then I went on to download and install Diving Log 6 which seems to accept .sdl files on import but says my file is corrupt. I’m giving up…

 

[rofe]

@jengineer61 does your SDM 1.6 really import .sdl files? If so, I’ll gladly send you my file (where to?)

 

[rofe]

@hancockks thanks a lot for your offer, I’ll get back to you if the above doesn’t work.

 

[rofe]

Some Suunto log files are just XML inside Zip. You can try changing the file extension to .zip and then uncompress it.

I already tried that, unfortunately it didn't work.

 

[hancockks]

I already tried that, unfortunately it didn't work.

I DM'd you.

 

[VikingDives]

According to our AI overlords (ChatGPT):

Conversion options​

A.​

1. Grab the last installer (Suunto once hosted SDM_1_6_5.exe; mirrors still exist—see the ScubaBoard thread).Reddit
2. Install → File ▸ Open ➜ select your .sdl.
3. File ▸ Export ▸ CSV and choose “All dives” or a date range.
4. The program writes four CSVs (diveprof.csv, divelog.csv, sample.csv, gas.csv) in the same folder.

Pros: one-click, retains every field the UI shows.
Cons: Windows-only; the installer may need Run as Administrator on Windows 11.

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B.​

Works on Windows, macOS, Linux.

1. Install Subsurface ≥ 6.0 from subsurface-divelog.org.
2. Import ▸ Import logbook ➜ Suunto DM 1.x/2.x (*.sdl). (The option is hidden unless libdivecomputer finds Suunto support.)Subsurface Divelog
3. Verify your dives show correctly, then File ▸ Export ▸ CSV.
   Subsurface merges all info into a single CSV with one row per dive; profile samples are not included—use its XML export if you need second-by-second data.

Pros: free & OSS; runs everywhere.
Cons: occasionally fails on very early Cobra/Stinger logs—try Option A first if Import is greyed out.

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C.​

If you prefer code (and full control over what goes into the CSV):


bash <snipped as it's unreadable here>

python code <snipped as it's unreadable here>

I'm happy to send you these if you DM me. . .

---

3 Tips & quirks​

• Air pressure and SAC: SDM never stored calculated SAC; you have to derive it ((start-end)/bottom-time) after export.
• Multiple gases: SDM 1.x wrote a separate gas.csv; Subsurface merges switches into its XML.
• Corrupt files: If SDM refuses to open an old .sdl, install SDM 2.7, let it upgrade the file (creates .bak), then return to step A.divinglog.com
• macOS/Linux without VM: Wine actually runs SDM 1.6 fine—set Windows XP compatibility and copy mfc42.dll if prompted.

---

What would you like to do next?​

• One-off export → Option A or B is quickest.
• Recurring / automated (e.g., batch-converting students’ logs) → go with the Python route and I’ll flesh out the script for your exact column layout.

Let me know your OS and whether you need the second-by-second profile in the CSV, and I’ll tailor the workflow—or write the full Python utility—so you can just run it and get your dives in Excel immediately.

• YMMV; please don’t let a chatbot do your neurosurgery.
• Advice rendered “as-is.” Batteries, common sense, and licensed professionals not included.
• Consult your physician, lawyer, and dive buddy before attempting anything you read here.
• ChatGPT wrote part of this—great for dad jokes, terrible for brain surgery.
• Use at your own risk; no warranty expressed, implied, or conjured by motivational poster.
• If this email plans to cut you open, close it immediately and call a real surgeon.
• AI may excel at trivia night; scalpels are another matter entirely.
• Results may vary by altitude, gas mix, and caffeine level.
• Not a substitute for professional advice—unless your profession is “collect obscure disclaimers.”
• Remember: trust verifiable facts for life-or-death stuff, not a large language model’s best guess.

 

[jengineer61]

@jengineer61 does your SDM 1.6 really import .sdl files? If so, I’ll gladly send you my file (where to?)

DM1.6 dive logs are in SDL format and the info from Viking is correct, you will get 4 CSV files back,

My email is lostdiver61 at yahoo dot com