# Need USB PC input device

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/need-usb-pc-input-device/55426>\
**Category:** Industrial\
**Created:** [19 December 2021 10:28 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/need-usb-pc-input-device/55426 "2021-12-19T10:28:21Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![deanm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7993a0/32.png) [@deanm](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/deanm)\
**Post date:** [19 December 2021 10:28 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/need-usb-pc-input-device/55426/1 "2021-12-19T10:28:21Z")

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Looking for something that i can plug into server USB for dry contact input so NodeRed can control. I know that a RPi can be used, but I'm looking for something more robust 24/7

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**Author:** ![Steve-Mcl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/steve-mcl/32/4826_2.png) [@Steve-Mcl](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Steve-Mcl)\
**Post date:** [19 December 2021 13:46 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/need-usb-pc-input-device/55426/2 "2021-12-19T13:46:32Z")

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Does it have to be USB? An ethernet based relay would be better IMO.

Something with modbus/tcp interface is directly communicable from node-red.

> [@deanm](#):
>
> but I'm looking for something more robust 24/7

If you want 24/7 and robust, you might want to consider a small PLC with built in IO. Something like the RS-PRO Mini PLC : [Controlling lighting using RS Pro Logic / Genie NX | njh](https://www.aelius.com/njh/posts/0001)

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**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/1X/d073cd938eafa2e558d7c2cd59003b3ef4963033.png) [@system](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [17 February 2022 13:47 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/need-usb-pc-input-device/55426/3 "2022-02-17T13:47:27Z")

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