Timestamped Field Notes FAQ

Frequently asked questions for the Timestamped Field Notes App

Can it display and/or export seconds?
Can I still use the keyboard when I don't have quick text button for what I need to say?
Is it available on iPad?
Is there a limit on the number of quick text buttons?
Does the application require a network connection?

Can it display and/or export seconds?

Yes, one of the first settings that was added to Timestamped Field Notes was the ability to export seconds. The fact is, I think most people would prefer it to be the default behavior (and I might change it to be one day.) Until then please visit the iOS Settings.app (grey cog) and enable the seconds behavior needed in the "Timestamped Field Notes" application section of settings.

Can I still use the keyboard when I don't have quick text button for what I need to say?

Notes that cannot be entered by quick text button can be entered by the keyboard, or when available Apple iOS's voice to text, and are time-stamped and stored like all other notes. The goal of the application is to reduce the interaction with the device, but not to constrain it.

Is it available on iPad?

The Timestamped Field Notes App is available on iPad and iPhone (including iPod Touch.)

Once complete an event can be exported in chronological order (via e-mail or cut-n-paste to another iOS application.)</p>

Is there a limit on the number of quick text buttons?

Configure as few or as many "quick text buttons" as you like (and even have the application <b>suggest</b> words/phrases by analysing all existing notes for often repeated text.) The application supports multiple pages of buttons, can arrange buttons into colored groups, and allows you to organize your more common words/phrases first.

That said, there is a practical implication of too many button where "fighting a device keyboard" is replaced with paging through multiple pages of buttons. Unless you are performing the same observations many times, and hence would learn to get used to button placement, you are advised to limit yourself to a few plages only. On an iPad, especially, that is a lot of buttons.

Does the application require a network connection?

A network is not required for taking field notes, since many of the best observation places are outside of network coverage (and the device is also available for iPod.) All all notes are stored in an offline database. Upon return to a location with WiFi or mobile network you can e-mail or copy-n-paste the notes to share them with another record keeping system.

Visit the main page for the Timestamped Field Notes App.