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MEL User Guide: Event Logging & Notes Collection

MEL is a versatile data collection app that combines fast-paced event logging with detailed note-taking capabilities. Perfect for researchers, naturalists, and anyone who needs to record structured observations in the field.

Getting Started

Quick Start

1. Create a Collection - Tap "New Collection" on the home screen
2. Add Note - Use "Add Note" for detailed observation and optionally start a "Log Events Session"
3. Export Data - Share your collection in JSON, Markdown, or Text format

First Steps

• Collections are containers for your data - think of them as projects or studies
• Notes allow detailed observations with descriptions and timestamps
• Log Events Session capture rapid events (A, B, C) with precise timestamps
• Timeline View shows all your activities chronologically

Screens and Features

Selection of screenshots of the app in dark mode:

Home Screen

The main hub for accessing all app features.

• New Collection - Create a new collection for your data
• List Collections - View all your saved collections
• App Settings - Customize app preferences and user information

Collection Details

View and manage your collection data with a unified timeline of notes with or without sessions.

• Edit Collection - Update the collection title and description of a collection
• Add Note - Create a new note with or without logging fast-paced events
• List of Notes - All notes with title in chronological order descending
• Delete Note - Remove individual notes
• Delete Collection - Remove this collection with all its notes
• Share Collection - Export in JSON, Markdown, or Text format

Note Creation

Add detailed observations to your collection.

• Title - Give your note a descriptive title
• Description - Add detailed observations and context
• Location - Optional GPS coordinates (when enabled)
• Timestamp - Automatically captured when note is created
• Start Logging Events - Initiated logging fast-paced events

Event Logging Session

Record precise timestamps for up to three different events.

• Event Buttons - Tap A, B, or C to log events with timestamps
• Auto-save - Data is automatically saved every 5 seconds
• Stop Recording - End the session and return to collection details

App Settings

Customize app preferences and user information.

• Username - Set your name for exported files
• Display Mode - Choose System, Dark, or Light theme
• Record Location - Enable/disable GPS tracking for sessions and notes
• Data Management - Delete all collections if needed

Export Options

MEL supports multiple export formats to fit your workflow:

• JSON - Machine-readable format for data analysis
• Markdown - Perfect for documentation and note-taking apps like Obsidian
• Text - Simple format for sharing and printing

Usage Tips

• Collections - Organize related sessions and notes together
• Notes - Use for detailed observations that complement your event data
• Log Events Sessions - Keep event logging sessions under 5 minutes for best results
• Timeline - The unified view helps you understand the sequence of observations and activities
• Export - Choose format based on how you'll use the data (analysis, documentation, sharing)

Support

For additional help or to report issues, contact us at Contact Muuuh.