Events vs Binary Sensors
Which to choose and what are the main differences?
In boneIO Black you have two types of inputs to choose from: Events and Binary Sensors. The choice depends on what device you're connecting.
Events - for buttons
Events are the best choice for wall switches. They allow detection of different click types:
| Click Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Single | Single click |
| Double | Double click |
| Triple | Triple click |
| Long | Long press |
| Sequences | Combinations (e.g., double → long) |
Example: One button can turn on the main light (single), bedside lamp (double), and turn off all lights (long).
Events have a minimal delay for single clicks. The controller waits a short time (~220ms) to check if another click will follow (double/triple). If you need immediate response, use a binary sensor.
Binary Sensors - for sensors
Binary sensors are the best choice for devices with two states:
| Device | States |
|---|---|
| Motion sensor | Motion detected / No motion |
| Reed switch | Open / Closed |
| Flood sensor | Dry / Wet |
| Smoke detector | OK / Alarm |
Advantages of binary sensors:
- ✅ Immediate response (no delay)
- ✅ Actions on press (pressed) and release (released)
- ✅ Different device classes (motion, door, window, smoke, etc.)
Which to choose?
| Device | Input Type |
|---|---|
| Wall switch | Event |
| Doorbell | Event or Binary Sensor |
| Motion sensor | Binary Sensor |
| Reed switch (door/window) | Binary Sensor |
| Flood sensor | Binary Sensor |
| Smoke detector | Binary Sensor |
Input limitations
Some inputs on boneIO Black cannot be active at controller startup. We do not recommend connecting reed switches or motion sensors to them, as they may be active during startup.
| Inputs with limitations |
|---|
| IN_01, IN_02 |
| IN_09, IN_10 |
| IN_19, IN_20, IN_21 |
For reed switches and motion sensors, use the remaining inputs (IN_03 to IN_08, IN_11 to IN_18, IN_22+).