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1.3.1  Using the ArArCALC.log File

The ArArCALC.log file is the most crucial file while running ArArCALC. In this log file ArArCALC saves all required information with respect to the user-defined Projects, Irradiation Parameters and Calculation Preferences. For this reason, you should make sure to Backup this log file on a regular basis. A backup also needs to be made before re-installing or upgrading ArArCALC. In this way you will not have to re-enter all projects, irradiations and preferences when a newer version of ArArCALC is being copied on top of your current installation.

The Master ArArCALC.log File

The ArArCALC.log file contains all parameters needed to perform the age calculations that are not already stored in the tables of the age calculation file itself. These parameters range from decay constants to data file locations, irradiation definitions, input filter settings, project definitions, and much more. All these parameters can be viewed and edited via easy-to-use dialogboxes (see also: Managing Irradiations and Projects). When you are going to make changes to the ArArCALC.log file, you always will be warned (see message below) that you're about to change the preferences in the master log file.

Note   It is advisable that the Master ArArCALC.log file is managed by one person only (for example, the lab manager or PI) and to password-protect it by providing a password in the preferences (see also: Preferences). This way there always exists one comprehensive and accurate log file that can be attached to any new age calculation file and that can be re-attached when the log information stored in any age calculation file is out of date, incorrect or missing crucial data.

Log File Information Attached to *.AGE Files

Since Version 2.4 the Master ArArCALC.log file gets automatically attached to each age calculation file. This happens when creating a new age calculation file, or when you open an age calculation file generated with an older version of ArArCALC. You can also manually re-attach the ArArCALC.log file, if so required (see also: Attach Latest Master Log File).

However, when an age calculation file is already open (and active) in ArArCALC and you want to edit the projects list, irradiation parameters or preferences, the message shown below will appear. This message informs you that your edits will be saved in the age calculation file (and not in the master log file). If you want to edit the Master ArArCALC.log file, you have to close the open age calculation file first.

This setup has important advantages. For example, it allows you to apply specific age calculation preferences on a sample-by-sample basis. It also allows you to send around your age calculation files to colleagues and students, with your user preferences, your irradiation parameters, your formatting and your data selections. This guarantees that the receiving party will see the age calculations exactly as you performed them, when they open your files in ArArCALC. With all your settings now saved in the age calculation files, you also can provide them to publishers to be stored in their electronic archives, as data supplements, or you can store them in the EarthRef.org Digital Archive for long-term online archival.