Pin Modes
Configure pins as input or output from the dashboard.
Accessing Pin Modes
To configure pin modes from the dashboard:
- Go to Devices in the sidebar
- Click on your device to open its control panel
- Find the pin you want to configure
- Click the mode selector dropdown next to the pin
Available Modes
For controlling things
Pin can drive current to connected components. Use for LEDs, relays, motors, and anything you want to turn on/off.
When set to OUTPUT, the toggle switch becomes active in the dashboard
For reading things
Pin reads voltage level (HIGH/LOW). Use for buttons, sensors with external pull-up/down resistors.
When set to INPUT, the dashboard shows the current reading (HIGH or LOW)
For buttons (recommended)
Input mode with internal pull-up resistor. The pin reads HIGH when open, LOW when connected to ground. Perfect for buttons without external resistors.
Simplest setup for buttons - just connect button between pin and GND
Which Mode to Use
| What You're Connecting | Mode | Dashboard Control |
|---|---|---|
| LED | OUTPUT | Toggle switch to turn on/off |
| Relay Module | OUTPUT | Toggle switch to activate |
| Push Button | INPUT_PULLUP | Shows pressed/released state |
| PIR Motion Sensor | INPUT | Shows motion detected/clear |
| Door/Window Sensor | INPUT_PULLUP | Shows open/closed state |
| Buzzer | OUTPUT | Toggle to sound on/off |
Dashboard Behavior
How the dashboard displays pins based on their mode:
OUTPUT Mode
- Shows a toggle switch
- Click to turn pin HIGH or LOW
- Current state displayed next to toggle
INPUT / INPUT_PULLUP
- Shows current reading (HIGH/LOW)
- Updates automatically every few seconds
- No toggle switch (read-only)
Important Notes
Mode changes don't persist
Pin modes set from the dashboard reset when the device restarts. For permanent configuration, set modes in your device firmware.
Set initial modes in firmware
For the best experience, configure default pin modes in your device sketch. The dashboard can then adjust modes as needed during runtime.
Some pins have restrictions
Not all pins can be used for all modes. Check your board's documentation for pin capabilities and boot behavior.
Button Wiring Guide
How to wire buttons for each input mode:
INPUT_PULLUP (Easiest)
Connect button between the GPIO pin and GND. No resistor needed!
- Dashboard shows HIGH when button is not pressed
- Dashboard shows LOW when button is pressed
INPUT (With external resistor)
Requires a 10K pull-down resistor between the pin and GND.
- Dashboard shows LOW when button is not pressed
- Dashboard shows HIGH when button is pressed