How to cast a data type?

Question

The file format I'm working with (NITF) stores the record count as ASCII to represent a 3-digit number between 000-999.  Is there a way to transform that value to the corresponding integer so I can use it to repeat the record structure?

Answer 1

This is actually a hidden feature: simply create a string element (name without spaces!) for the number, then use its name as Repeat/max count. The string is treated as a decimal number.