ReceiverLogs Help

Use this help system to install ReceiverLogs, build a Dataset from supported receiver logs, explore detections, add study metadata, or recover from a problem. Start with the route that matches what you want to accomplish.

Recommended path for new users

ReceiverLogs is a local application for reviewing acoustic receiver logs, choosing which files contribute to a Dataset, exploring detections over time, and adding station, animal, and device metadata.

Step	What to do	What you will accomplish
1	Install, launch, or update ReceiverLogs	When a beta is available, download the matching Windows or macOS installer, review the first-launch terms, and confirm that its evaluation is active.
2	Learn how a ReceiverLogs project works	Understand how File Manager, Data Explorer, and Metadata Composer fit together.
3	Build your first Dataset	Use your own project folder and supported Fathom CSV files to create a Dataset.
4	Explore detections	Choose a time range, compare detection groupings, and inspect charts, maps, and diagnostics.
5	Choose a metadata task	Add or repair station, animal, and device context when your work needs it.

Choose an application view

View	Use it for	Open the guide
File Manager	Open or switch projects, scan receiver logs, choose Dataset membership, apply changes, or repair the Dataset.	File Manager: projects, files, and the Dataset
Metadata Composer	Create, import, review, or repair station, animal, and device metadata.	Metadata Composer overview and model
Data Explorer	Explore detections over time, compare groupings, inspect maps, or review receiver diagnostics.	Data Explorer: explore detections

Find help for a task

Task	Procedure
Install, launch, or replace an expired build	Install, launch, and update ReceiverLogs
Start a new project and build its first Dataset	Build your first Dataset
Add receiver-log files	Add receiver-log files to an existing Dataset
Remove a missing file and its records	Remove a missing file and its Dataset records
Repair a damaged Dataset	Repair a Dataset that cannot open normally
Explore detections in a shorter period	Explore detections
View map context	View station and detection context on the map
Inspect receiver diagnostics	Inspect receiver diagnostics
Create, import, discover, or repair metadata	Choose a metadata task

Understand ReceiverLogs

Concept	Read
How the three application views fit together	How a ReceiverLogs project works
Project folder, saved file list, Membership review, and current Dataset	Project and Dataset mental model
Selected and displayed time ranges	Data Explorer mental model
Stations, animals, devices, periods, positions, and attachments	Metadata Composer basic mental model
Entered values, interpreted values, and validation	Entered and interpreted values

Reference

Use Receiver-log compatibility and errors to check supported Fathom CSV inputs, understand loader errors, and interpret timestamps and record counts.

Troubleshooting

Choose the problem you see:

Problem	Start with
An installer link is missing, the installer version is wrong, or the installed build has expired	Installation and evaluation troubleshooting
No project is open, files are missing, a file failed inspection, or Update Dataset is blocked	File Manager troubleshooting
Data Explorer is empty, needs repair, shows capped results, or a query fails	Data Explorer troubleshooting
Metadata grouping is incomplete, a relationship does not resolve, or save/import fails	Metadata Composer troubleshooting
A receiver-log file is skipped or rejected	Loader errors