Input Modes
FOLLOW, TOGGLE and BLOCK, and which one to use for each kind of sensor
Input Modes: FOLLOW, TOGGLE, BLOCK
Each input runs in one of three modes. The mode sets what the input does to the relay channels you assigned to it, while its tile is armed.
These are the modes for the digital inputs. The screen buttons have their own separate setting, toggle or momentary. See Button Modes for those.
FOLLOW
The outputs are ON while the input is active, and OFF when it is not.
The relay tracks the sensor. This is the mode for anything that reports a condition: a proximity sensor, a pressure switch, a float switch.
On screen: OUTPUT ON WHILE INPUT ACTIVE
Example: a proximity sensor on a ground-following wheel reports "too low". In FOLLOW mode it switches the raise channel for as long as it reads too low.
TOGGLE
Each activation of the input flips the outputs on or off.
The relay latches. A press turns it on, the next press turns it off. This is the mode for a switch the operator works themselves, such as a panel switch for work lights or a beacon.
On screen: INPUT PULSE FLIPS OUTPUT ON/OFF
Example: a switch on a cab panel wired to IN5, TOGGLE, controlling CH3. One press for lights on, one press for lights off, and the panel switch works alongside the screen buttons.
BLOCK
The outputs are forced OFF while the input is active.
BLOCK stops the automation from driving a channel. It is the mode for an end switch, a limit switch, or a cut-out that should stop an automatic movement.
On screen: FORCES OUTPUTS OFF - AUTO ONLY
BLOCK only blocks automation. The operator can still switch that channel by hand from the screen or an armrest button, with a BLOCK input active. If a movement has to be stopped even under manual control, that is a job for a mechanical end stop, not for this setting.
BLOCK inputs also react faster than the other modes, on purpose. See Timing Settings.
Choosing a Mode
| What you wired | Mode |
|---|---|
| Proximity sensor reporting a position | FOLLOW |
| Pressure switch or float switch | FOLLOW |
| Panel switch the operator presses | TOGGLE |
| End switch or limit switch | BLOCK |
| Overload or cut-out for an automatic function | BLOCK |
Per-Input Settings
Mode is one of eight settings on each input's DI SETUP page.
| Setting | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | FOLLOW, TOGGLE or BLOCK | FOLLOW |
| Outputs | Which relay channels this input controls, any combination of CH1-CH8 | none |
| Invert | Whether a powered input reads as active or inactive, so you can use NC or NO sensors | off |
| Debounce | Contact-bounce filter | 50 ms |
| On delay | How long the input must stay active before anything moves | 0 |
| Off delay | How long it must stay inactive before releasing | 0 |
| Min on | Shortest time a relay is held once driven | 0.2 s |
| Max on | Ceiling on continuous ON time | NO LIMIT |
The five timing values have a page of their own: Timing Settings.
Notes
- An input with no outputs selected does nothing. Selecting the channels is a separate step from picking the mode.
- Several inputs can drive the same channel, and the channel is on while any of them is asking for it. A BLOCK input on that channel holds it off against the other rules.
- Switching that same channel by hand is not blocked by any of this, but it does disarm the tile that was running it. See Arming and Manual Override.
- Mode is stored per preset, like every other automation setting.