Numerous times I want to validate the control logic of a heatpump or similar.

Sometimes I may want to override the actual sensor value, other times I want to simulate it, and other times I'll want to pass it through but monitor it in real time.

And ideally the device will support multiple (say up to10) sensors.

Now yes, I'm an embedded software guy and I could build this. But I'm primarily software, and am too slow and impatient with hardware generally. i.e. I know what I want. I'll get there in the end. But if I'd had any sense, I would have got a professional to do it for me.

Anyway, if there's any off the shelf devices/PCBs that can do this, I'd love to know.

Thanks

 

If you're okay with a bit of assembly but not building from scratch, you can use an ESP32 or a Raspberry Pi Pico + Analog Switches + DACs. Use analog switches (e.g., ADG733) to switch between real sensors and DAC (simulated value). You have to write the script in MicroPython or Arduino.

 

Really appreciate your reply. And please forgive my cynical response.

In short, I can say been there, got the T shirt.

The longer reply is this: There are 1000s of guys out there who will say, just do this, just do that, it's "easy!"

But if you turn around and say ok, quote me to build a working/tested PCB - suddenly there are very few, and the price becomes significant (i.e. not easy!)

Conceptually it's easy. I agree. All the building blocks are there. But the fact you can't get someone to build it for a price that reflects "easy" implies it's not easy, and/or it's a pain in the arse!

I have dozens of projects in the air. Spending what's left of my valuable and diminishing free time on something easy (not easy) is what I'm trying to avoid!

And to be fair, the Use Case strikes me as something that any refrigeration engineer/hacker would benefit from - i.e. doesn't it exist already?