Jason,
Several people have mentioned both that an interface would likely be duplicating the functionality of Templates and that they would still want to use a text editor. What if instead of thinking of a drag-and-drop that builds some of the
connections for you, we instead think about how to improve the text editor/ IDF editor approach through smarter grouping and visualization of what that text file contains?
For me it would be most useful to simply be able to see all the relevant objects in one spot, grouped by their place in the HVAC system rather than by object type. This mapping also needs to be able to run whether or not I have a valid
system or one with errors – if the map produced doesn’t make any sense, I’ll be able to find and correct the error, and I’ll also be able to see ‘orphaned’ objects that are there unintentionally or due to naming errors. As it is now, the svg file often won’t
be produced at all if there are node connection or other errors.
Phase 1 could simply do the mapping/grouping of an existing .idf file, and you do the editing in a text editor/IDF Editor. Phase 2 could add the option to edit in place, and phase 3 could add improved features like editing node names in
linked objects simultaneously, and error checking for known missing objects. Overall, though, the approach would be a tool to aid design rather than a tool to create designs – it would still be the responsibility of the user to use it to create a valid system.
I’ve been building it in my head all morning, I have some ideas on specific implementation so feel free to reach out if you want to discuss. My coding abilities are limited but I’d be happy to contribute to this as a hobby project as you
suggested.
Neal
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