Systems and methods in which data compression techniques are utilized to fill a predetermined channel capacity are shown. According to one configuration, event data points within test data are selected for communication via the data communication channel and a data decimator is utilized to identify other data points within the test data to fill or substantially fill the predetermined channel capacity. The foregoing data decimator may employ one or more variables for selecting data for communication, wherein one or more of the variables are preferably adjusted in decimator iterations to selectan optimum or otherwise desirable subset of data for communication. Data decimators may additionally or alternatively implement a suitable 'growth' function to select the particular data for communication and/or the amount of data communicated.