Looking for a free way to test code in a online simulator

Community General Discussion
1

Hello, I'm working on a project with a RIFD reader (RFID-RC522) and electromagnets. I need a way to test the circuit and code online. I tried tinkercad and wokwi but couldn't find a RFID reader. I used fritzing to design the circuit but the free version can't simulate. I need a free online simulation tool does anyone have suggestions?

2

I am not sure how an online simulator is going to allow you to read an RFID reader

3

I don't know any simulation tool that will support a RFID-RC522 module. wokwi is extensible but that's probably not an easy undertaking to create such a module. (there are some initial attempts like rc522_test - Wokwi ESP32, STM32, Arduino Simulator or rfid522 test 3 - Wokwi ESP32, STM32, Arduino Simulator ...)

What's preventing you from testing with the actual hardware ?

4

Why do you need an online simulator when you have the equipment?

To simulate a simulation, make a simulation that waits for the correct input and supplies the correct output. What is the system expecting? What supplies the expected input? How is the input delivered?

I drive fake cars with LEDs and servos...

5

Hi @qazsefvhuk

It sounds like, as mentioned before, you get out the two bits of hardware and experiment with one of the RFID libraries to make sure of your comms.

Leave the electromagnets as another part of the project.

Is this part connected with this?

Thanks.. Tom.. :smiley: :+1: :coffee: :australia:

6

This:

bears repeating. If you must, meet the simulator more than halfway any way you can.

I fake parts sometimes even if they are provided… sometimes a slide fader is easier to throw on in there than whatever sesnor, for example.

The logic of a sketch can be held separate from the inputs it receives and the actions it takes. This is the essence of the IPO model.

Furthermore, the logic that needs to deal with one piece of hardware can be held separate to a great extent from code that handles others. Common programming practice recommends doing.

A step further is that a simulation properly programmed can have leftover resources in good enough supply to stand up test functionality - a traffic light simulator might run happily alongside a simulation of cars arriving at the intersection along a little road made out of neopixels. Here, obvsly, all code must be non-blocking.

Passes for fun in my life. :expressionless:

a7