IOCAN

# CAN Object Input

## Overview

A **CAN Object Input** is a single named **CAN object** decoded by a

[CAN Preset](../Working-with-the-CAN-Bus.md#can-presets) for a supported device (a

dash, ECU, shifter, keypad, paddle…).

It is a **technical input created by the preset** — you do **not** add or configure

one by hand. When you add a CAN Preset it creates these inputs automatically (one

per object it exposes) and fills in their value from the incoming CAN traffic. Your

only job is to **use** the input: reference it by its alias wherever you need that

value (in maps, drivers, other IO).

If instead you need to decode a signal from a raw frame yourself, use a

[CAN Bus Input](CAN-Bus-Input.md).

## Prerequisites

- A **defined CAN bus** for the channel the device is on — see

  [Working with the CAN Bus](../Working-with-the-CAN-Bus.md).

- A **CAN Preset** added for the device — adding it creates the object inputs.

## How it's created

1. Add the device's **CAN Preset** on the relevant CAN bus.

2. The preset automatically creates a CAN Object Input for each object it exposes.

3. Reference the input you need by its alias from your maps/drivers/other IO.

There is nothing to create or wire manually, and the decoding cannot be changed —

the preset owns it.

## Settings reference

> Schema: `config/CanObjectInputData.proto`.

A CAN Object Input has **no user-configurable settings** — the preset provides its

value and its alias (which you may rename).

## Example — using a shifter position object

1. Add the shifter/paddle device's **CAN Preset** on its CAN bus.

2. The preset creates an input such as `Gear Position` automatically.

3. Reference `Gear Position` from your shift logic — no further configuration.

## Troubleshooting

- **The object input doesn't exist:** confirm the **CAN Preset** that provides it

  is added and on the correct CAN bus.

- **Reads nothing:** check the CAN bus baud rate and that the device is powered and

  transmitting.

- **Value looks wrong:** the decoding is owned by the preset — verify you selected

  the correct preset/variant for your device.

## Related

- [CAN Bus Input](CAN-Bus-Input.md) — decode a signal from a raw frame by hand.

- [CAN Object Output](../outputs/CAN-Object-Output.md) — a named object the preset

  sends.

- [Working with the CAN Bus](../Working-with-the-CAN-Bus.md)