# Inputs

# Inputs

Add an input for each source this device reads data from.

- [Live streams](https://phloem.ai/docs/inputs/streams/): Cameras, microphones, vehicles, robots, CAN buses
- [Files & recordings](https://phloem.ai/docs/inputs/files/): Replay a log, a bag, or a folder of drops
- [Send your own data](https://phloem.ai/docs/inputs/push/): Your program posts readings to this device

## Add one

1. **Add input**, then pick a **Type**.
2. Fill in its fields. For a device or URL, **Test connection** first; it
   records nothing.
3. **Add & start**.
4. Name the channels: [Name channels and units](https://phloem.ai/docs/inputs/channels/).

Channels appear on **Live** as data arrives. Later edits apply straight away.

## Reading an input's row

| Status | Means |
|---|---|
| `running` | started, data arriving |
| `ready` | checked, ready to start |
| `configured` | set up, not checked yet |
| `needs setup` | a setting is wrong, or the check failed |
| `degraded` | it was running and stopped on its own |

| On the row | Shows |
|---|---|
| Counts | `12,480 samples · fresh · ~200 S/s total` — or `waiting for first data…`, `stopped producing`, `finished`, or the error |
| Cloud | *Up to date with the cloud*, *Uploading · … queued*, or why not. Click it to see what reached the cloud |
| **Start** · **Retry** | start a stopped input · re-check a failing one |

`finished` means a recording played to its end. **Start** plays it again.
`stopped producing` means a running input went quiet. **Retry** re-checks it.

## Inputs Phloem finds for you

**Detected** lists hardware on this device. **Look for hardware** scans again.
**Set up** creates the input but leaves it stopped, so press **Start**.

**Sending to this device** lists programs already pushing data here. **Enable**
accepts one.