Skip to content

Simulating Sensors with the Virtual Sensor Data Collector**

The Virtual Sensor Data Collector is a powerful tool that enables you to send pre-prepared sensor data into your Machinechat JEDI instance. This is perfect for:

  • Prototyping: Design dashboards and rules before you have physical sensors.
  • Testing: Experiment with different data patterns and scenarios.
  • Demonstrations: Showcase JEDI's capabilities without relying on external hardware.

How It Works**

Note

For more in-depth instructions on configuring the Virtual Sensor Data Collector visit Virtual Sensor Data Collector

  1. Prepare Your CSV Data: Create a CSV file where each row represents sensor readings. Follow the required format (explained below).
  2. Configure the Collector: Set up a Virtual Sensor Data Collector in JEDI, importing your CSV file and specifying how frequently to send data.
  3. JEDI Simulates Real Sensors: JEDI reads and sends data from your CSV in a loop, as if it were receiving updates from real devices.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. CSV File Creation:

    • Header Row: Define metric names and data types. Example: 
      n:temperature;ty:number,n:humidity;ty:bool,n:light_level;ty:string
      • n:<metric_name>: The name of the metric to be sent.
      • ty:<data_type>: Specifies the data type:
        • number
        • bool (values should be "TRUE" or "FALSE")
        • string
    • Data Rows: Each subsequent row represents one set of simulated sensor readings. Example: 
      25.5, TRUE, medium
24.8, FALSE, low
26.1, TRUE, high

  2. Configuring the Collector:

    • Navigate to Settings -> Data Collectors in JEDI.
    • Click the "ADD COLLECTOR" button and select "Virtual Sensor".
    • Fill in the fields:
      • Collector Name: A unique name
      • Virtual Sensor Device ID: Represents your simulated device in JEDI.
      • Send Data Every (seconds): How often JEDI sends a row from the CSV.
      • Import CSV File: Browse for your CSV file.

  3. Start Simulating! Enable the Virtual Sensor, and your data will start flowing into JEDI.

Build Dashboards, Rules, and More!

Once your Virtual Sensor Data Collector is running, the simulated data is indistinguishable from real sensor data within JEDI. You can:

  • Visualize in Dashboards: Create charts and widgets to track your simulated data in real-time.
  • Set Up Rules and Alerts: Respond to specific conditions based on the simulated values.

Download Sample CSV: sample-data.csv