If you don't mind sharing the chip name and the way you are using it, drop me a mail and I can try to help you. My user name at gmail.

Regarding charging the client. I usually give an estimate prior to the work. If I see the estimate won't be enough I usually tell them that something isn't as expected and that I'll need manufacturer's support. If they are ok with this we keep going.

Sent :) Thank you very much for the offer to try to help.

Please try visiting the EEVBlog IRC, there are many friendly people that might be of help. #eevblog at AfterNET

Have you successfully configured the ADC on this chip model before? I've been through the ADC docs for the PIC32MX/MZ many times and they're quite dense. It would be very easy to miss some required configuration bits.

In my experience, it's never a problem with the hardware itself, but you never know. I spent 3 weeks last summer debugging a problem with the MRF24WG0MA, and was almost convinced the chip was defective, until I realized that Harmony configured a few things incorrectly (the interrupt polarity being one of them). But yeah, for a show stopper issue that I'm not making any progress with, I would just get in contact with the manufacturer.

I don't think it's a problem with the hardware either, I'm just acknowledging it's physically possible.

No, I've never even worked with a microchip at all before. I do front-end web development normally. I am actively combing through the ADC section repeatedly, yes, to no avail so far.

I know how you feel. Dealing with hardware issues can be _extremely_ frustrating. It's very easy to dig yourself in a hole wherein you stop thinking clearly. In this situation, if you haven't completely given up on it yet, maybe take a day or two off and work on something else? I find that helps. Otherwise I would contact the manufacturer or post to their forums.

Feel free to email me if you want a second pair of eyes. sean at [myusername].com

Thanks! I already posted on upwork and took up one other person's offer in this thread. If neither pan out, I'll ask you next :)

* ADC enable register? * Reference level set? * Giving it ample time for a signal to settle? * Are you testing with a known input source? I would test first with a variable PSU and verify with a voltmeter externally to eliminate a possible second confusion.

Just do it. It seems thats all what you Can do except hiring another guy to identify your problem in this special field.

If it's possible, it is indeed possible.