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Controls

Control cards are interactive widgets that allow users to send commands to connected devices through a channel. These cards facilitate direct control of IoT devices from the dashboard.

There are two main types of Control Cards:

  1. Switch Cards - Used for boolean values (ON/OFF).
  2. Slider Cards - Used for numeric values (e.g. adjusting voltage or temperature).

Switch Card​

A Switch Card sends boolean values (true or false, equivalent to ON and OFF) to a connected client through a channel. It is useful for controlling devices like lights, motors, or sensors.

Create a Switch Card​

To create a Switch Card, follow these steps:

  1. Enable Edit Mode on the dashboard.
  2. Click on "Add Widget" and select "Switch" from the list.
  3. A Create Switch dialog box will appear, as shown below.

Create Switch Dialog

Configure the Switch Card​

The Create Switch dialog box contains the following settings:

  • Channel (Required) - Select the channel that the switch will communicate through.
  • Client (Required) - Choose the connected device that will receive the switch command.
  • Value Name (Required) - Enter the name of the value being controlled (e.g., airflow or voltage).
  • Unit - Must be set to Boolean (true or false values).
  • Advanced Settings
    • Title - A custom name for the switch card on the dashboard.

Once the required fields are filled in, click Create to add the switch to the dashboard.

Use a Switch Card​

Once created, the switch card appears on the dashboard with the configured title and value name.

  • The default state of the switch is OFF (false).
  • Clicking on the toggle button will change its state to ON (true), sending a message to the client.

Switch Card OFF

Edit the Switch Card​

To edit a Switch Card, click the pencil icon in the top-right corner of the widget. This will open the Update Switch dialog.

Editable Fields​

  • Channel - Change the assigned communication channel.
  • Client - Select a different connected device.
  • Value Name - Modify the controlled value.
  • Title - Update the displayed title.

Edit Switch Dialog

After making the necessary changes, click Update to save them.

Using the Switch Card (ON State)​

After editing, the switch can be toggled to the ON (true) state, sending a command to the connected device.

Switch Card ON

Conclusion​

Switch Cards are essential for IoT control, allowing users to interact with devices directly from the dashboard. They offer an intuitive interface for toggling boolean values and sending real-time commands.

Key benefits of Switch Cards include:

  • Simple ON/OFF functionality for boolean-based control.
  • Real-time interaction with connected IoT devices.
  • Customizable settings for channels, clients, and value names.

Slider Control​

A Slider Card sends numeric values to a connected client through a channel. It allows for adjustable input, making it useful for controlling settings like temperature, voltage, or airflow.

Create a Slider Card​

To create a Slider Card, follow these steps:

  1. Enable Edit Mode on the dashboard.
  2. Click on "Add Widget" and select "Slider" from the list.
  3. A Create Slider dialog box will appear.

Create Slider Dialog

Configure the Slider Card​

The Create Slider dialog contains the following settings:

  • Channel (Required) - Select the channel that the slider will communicate through.
  • Client (Required) - Choose the connected device that will receive the numeric value.
  • Value Name (Required) - Enter the name of the value being controlled (e.g., airflow, voltage).
  • Unit - Choose the appropriate unit (e.g., volts, percentage, degrees).
  • Advanced Settings
    • Title - A custom name for the slider card.
    • Minimum Value - The lowest value that can be selected.
    • Maximum Value - The highest value that can be selected.
    • Steps - The increment between selectable values.

After filling in the required fields, click Create to add the slider to the dashboard.

Use the Slider Card​

Once created, the slider card appears on the dashboard with the configured title and value name.

  • The default value of the slider is at the minimum value.
  • Dragging the slider handle changes the value, which is then sent to the client.

Slider Card

Edit the Slider Card​

To edit a Slider Card, click the Pencil Icon in the top-right corner of the widget. This will open the Update Slider dialog.

Editable Slider Fields​

  • Channel - Change the assigned communication channel.
  • Client - Select a different connected device.
  • Value Name - Modify the value being controlled.
  • Title - Update the displayed title.
  • Minimum & Maximum Values - Adjust the slider range.
  • Steps - Define the increment between values.

Edit Slider Dialog

After making the necessary changes, click Update to save them.

Using the Slider with Updated Steps​

After editing, the slider values can be adjusted in defined steps (e.g., increments of 10).

Slider with Steps

Slider Conclusion​

Control Cards offer a user-friendly way to interact with IoT devices directly from the dashboard.

Key features of Control Cards include:

  • Switch Cards for simple ON/OFF control.
  • Slider Cards for precise numeric adjustments.
  • Customizable settings for flexibility in device control.

With Control Cards, managing IoT devices becomes intuitive and efficient.