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Connecting and Configuring Digital Inputs for FarmWatch Pro

1. General Information

The FarmWatch Pro control unit supports up to 8 digital inputs, designed to work with various types of sensors and external devices.

Macro photo of the FarmWatch Pro control unit's circuit board showing the IN1-IN8 digital input terminals, INT PWR/EXT PWR switches, and PNP/NPN mode switches for each input channel.

Each input can operate in one of two power modes:

  • INT PWR (Internal Power) – the device is powered by the FarmWatch Pro control unit or by its own power source
  • EXT PWR (External Power) – the device requires an external power supply, typically 24 V DC.

1.1 Operating Mode Configuration

Before connecting the device, determine how it will be powered and configure the input accordingly.

The mode is selected using a switch (slider) located next to the respective input.

There are two settings available:

  • INT PWR – for devices powered by the control panel or equipped with their own 12V DC power source.
  • EXT PWR – for devices requiring an external 24 V DC power supply.
Circuit board close-up with a red box highlighting the INT PWR / EXT PWR power mode switch next to input 8, used to select how the sensor input is powered.

NOTE

Incorrect switch settings or improper wiring may cause the device to malfunction and, in extreme cases, may result in damage to the device. Always review the sensor manufacturer’s documentation before connecting the device.

1.2 Connecting INT PWR Devices

For devices operating in INT PWR mode, make the following connections:

  1. Connect the GND wire to the GND terminal.
  2. Connect the power cord to the power terminal located on the left side of the connector.
  3. Connect the signal cable to the appropriate IN1–IN8 input.
Wiring diagram overlay on the circuit board showing an INT PWR sensor connected with a yellow Signal wire to IN1 and GND/12V wires to the terminal block.

1.3 Connecting EXT PWR Devices

For devices that require an external power supply, do the following:

  1. Connect the signal cable to the appropriate IN1–IN8 input.
  2. Connect an external 24 V DC power source to the dedicated power connector.
Wiring diagram overlay showing an EXT PWR sensor connected with a Signal wire to IN1, plus a separate external power supply wired to the GND and 12V terminals.

1.4 Types of Input Signals

FarmWatch Pro is compatible with devices that use the two most popular digital output standards.

Circuit board close-up with a red box highlighting the row of PNP/NPN mode switches for inputs 1-8, used to match the sensor's output signal type.

PNP (positive output)

Once the sensor is activated, a positive supply voltage (usually +24 V DC) appears at the output.

NPN (open-collector output)

When the sensor is activated, the output is shorted to ground (GND / 0 V).

Check the device manufacturer’s technical documentation for information on the sensor’s output type.

Updated on 2026-07-23
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