Choosing a Dry Contact, Counter or Interrupt Input Device
Compare IoT hardware for South African projects.
Do I need event detection, pulse counting, interrupt input or multiple dry-contact channels?
Choose among 9 input-monitoring products by defining the signal and channel requirement first. CPL03 models state three pulse-counting channels and three interrupt-detection channels. LHT65N-DC and LHT65S-DC state open/close uplink, pulse counting and a three-wire VCC, GND and INT connection. These are input roles, not analogue or RS485 functions.
Start with the input signal and channel count
Who is this guide for?
Use this guide when equipment provides an event, pulse or interrupt that must be reported over LoRaWAN. Establish the signal, electrical connection and number of channels before comparing power or price.
Multiple pulse and interrupt channels
CPL03-LB and CPL03-LS each state three pulse-counting channels and three interrupt-detection channels. Their stated power arrangements differ: CPL03-LB lists an 8,500 mAh battery, while CPL03-LS lists a solar panel plus a 3,000 mAh Li-ion battery.
Open/close and pulse input
LHT65N-DC and LHT65S-DC state open/close uplink, pulse counting and a three-wire VCC, GND and INT connection. Confirm that this stated connection matches the source equipment; the description alone does not establish every electrical input characteristic.
Keep interface roles separate
An event or pulse input is not automatically an analogue measurement input or an RS485/Modbus interface. If the source uses analogue voltage, current or serial data, investigate the corresponding product group and require an explicit matching interface.
Decision table
| Input requirement | Product to investigate | Stated input arrangement | Confirm next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three pulse-counting and three interrupt channels | CPL03-LB | Six stated channel roles with 8,500 mAh battery | Electrical input, wiring, channel use and LoRaWAN |
| Same multi-channel role with solar power | CPL03-LS | Three pulse and three interrupt channels; solar plus 3,000 mAh battery | Solar installation, wiring and channel use |
| Open/close uplink or pulse counting | LHT65N-DC | Three-wire VCC, GND and INT connection | Electrical compatibility, wiring and event behaviour |
| Alternative exact DC SKU | LHT65S-DC | Same stated open/close, pulse and three-wire roles | Exact SKU details and project connection |
| Analogue or serial source | Use the matching analogue or RS485 product group | Different signal/interface role | Explicit support for the source signal |
Common questions
When should I investigate CPL03?
Investigate CPL03 when the project needs its stated three pulse-counting and three interrupt-detection channels. Confirm the electrical input and exact battery or solar model.
What is stated for LHT65N-DC and LHT65S-DC?
They state open/close uplink, pulse counting and a three-wire VCC, GND and INT connection. Confirm the connection against the source equipment before choosing.
Can I use an RS485 device for a dry-contact event?
Do not assume so. RS485 is a serial interface. Use a product only when its exact details explicitly state both the required source interface and event-input role.
What must I confirm before ordering?
Provide the source signal, electrical details, number of channels, required event or counting behaviour, LoRaWAN deployment, power arrangement and exact SKU.
What should I compare?
- Define whether the source produces an open/close event, pulses to count, or an interrupt event before choosing hardware.
- Choose CPL03 when the stated requirement for three pulse-counting and three interrupt-detection channels fits the project.
- Choose an LHT65-DC variant when its stated open/close uplink, pulse-counting role and three-wire VCC, GND and INT connection fit the source.
- Do not substitute an analogue-input or RS485/Modbus product unless its exact details also state the required event or contact input.
- Confirm electrical compatibility, channel count, wiring, LoRaWAN, power and the exact SKU before ordering.
How do the options differ?
CPL03-LB and CPL03-LS state three pulse-counting channels and three interrupt-detection channels, with battery and solar power arrangements respectively. LHT65N-DC and LHT65S-DC state open/close uplink and pulse counting through a three-wire VCC, GND and INT connection. Analogue inputs and RS485 or Modbus interfaces serve different signal roles unless an exact product explicitly combines them.
A practical decision path
- Identify the source signal as open/close, pulse or interrupt, and record how many independent channels are required.
- Choose between the stated CPL03 multi-channel arrangement and the stated LHT65-DC three-wire arrangement without inferring unsupported interfaces.
- Confirm the electrical levels, wiring and whether the selected input can be connected safely to the source equipment.
- Compare the exact LoRaWAN and power arrangement, then provide the signal, channel count and SKU when requesting a quote.
Compare products
View up to 9 products for this guide.
| Compare | CPL03-LB | CPL03-LB2 | CPL03-LS | CPL03-KS-GE | CPL03-KS-1T | CPL03-KN-GE | CPL03-KN-1T | LHT65N-DC | LHT65S-DC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary function | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt | Dry Contact, Counting & Interrupt |
| Connectivity | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LTE CAT 1 | LTE CAT 1 | LTE CAT 1 | LTE CAT 1 | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN |
| Power | 8500 mAh battery | 19000 mAh battery | a solar panel and 3000 mAh Li-ion battery | a solar panel and 3000 mAh Li-ion battery | a solar panel and 3000 mAh Li-ion battery | 1000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery | 1000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery | Not stated | Not stated |
| Price | R 1 330,32 | R 1 494,47 | R 1 500,80 | R 1 826,76 | R 2 464,60 | R 1 686,06 | R 2 323,90 | R 938,00 | R 1 023,36 |
What should I do next?
Move from this decision guide to the most relevant application, family, comparison or enquiry path.