after flashing the image:

Testing Your ArPI System with the Simulator¶

The ArPI simulator allows you to test your home security system without physical sensors. This is perfect for:

Initial setup: Test your system configuration before installing real sensors
Troubleshooting: Verify if issues are hardware or software related
Learning: Understand how the system works before committing to hardware
Demonstrations: Show the system functionality

What You'll Need

Prerequisites¶

Before using the simulator, you need a working ArPI system image. For detailed instructions, see: Software installation guide

Once your device is set up and you can connect via SSH, see: Connect with SSH

Once connected via SSH, enable the simulator mode:

Add or modify the simulator setting:

# Find and change or add this line:
USE_SIMULATOR=true

Save and exit (Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter)
Restart the ArPI service:
```
sudo systemctl restart argus_monitor
```
Verify the service is running:
```
sudo systemctl status argus_monitor
```
You should see "active (running)" in green.

Open your web browser and navigate to: http://arpi.local
Register your device and log in. For details, see:
- Registering Your Device
- Logging In
To add and configure sensors, see:
- Sensors
- Areas
- Zones

In your SSH terminal, start the simulator:

cd /home/argus/server
./src/simulator.py

You'll see a text-based interface with:
- Left panel: 15 channel buttons (CH01-CH15) + POWER
- Right panel: Keypad and 3 RFID cards
- Bottom panel: System outputs (relays, indicators, siren)