How are inputs defined?

Why should you name your inputs?

Naming your inputs makes working with the controller much easier. It's simpler to remember "Bedroom Button Up" or "Garden Light Switch" than "IN_01" or "IN_17", right?

Binary Sensors Explained

Your physical inputs (like wall switches) are configured in the binary_sensor: section of your YAML file. You can link any input to control any output (either a cover or a relay).

Example 1: Controlling a Cover

Here's how to configure two inputs (IN_01 and IN_02) to control a single cover (cover_01) using momentary switches. This is ideal for up/down control.

binary_sensor:
  # Button to Open Cover 1
  - platform: gpio
    name: 'Living Room Cover Up'
    id: in_01
    pin:
      pcf8574: pcf_inputs_1to14
      number: 0
    on_press:
      then:
        - cover.open: cover_01
    on_release:
      then:
        - cover.stop: cover_01

  # Button to Close Cover 1
  - platform: gpio
    name: 'Living Room Cover Down'
    id: in_02
    pin:
      pcf8574: pcf_inputs_1to14
      number: 1
    on_press:
      then:
        - cover.close: cover_01
    on_release:
      then:
        - cover.stop: cover_01

Key Parameters:

• name: Set a friendly name for the switch, e.g., 'Bedroom Blind Up'.
• on_press / on_release: These actions control the cover. on_press starts the movement, and on_release stops it.

Example 2: Controlling a Relay (Light)

Here's how to configure an input (IN_17) to toggle a relay (light_17) with a single press of a momentary switch.

binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    name: 'Garden Light Switch'
    id: in_17
    pin:
      pcf8574: pcf_inputs_15to32 # Or the correct PCF for this input range
      number: 2 # Corresponds to IN_17
    on_press:
      then:
        - light.toggle: light_17

Key Parameters:

• name: Set a friendly name for the switch, e.g., 'Garage Light Switch'.
• on_press: The light.toggle action will turn the light on if it's off, and off if it's on.