> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ask.simplehw.eu/kb/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ask.simplehw.eu/kb/simple-api-6-generation/modes/api-6-mode-independent-information-and-events_15237121/heartbeats.md).

# Heartbeats

Along with uplink messages (events) triggered irregularly (such as sensor-triggered events), you can also receive periodical events that are triggered by time only. We call some of these events **Heartbeats.**

## **Introduction**

Heartbeats are **mode-independent events triggered by time**. There are **3 heartbeats** defined in API 6, Heartbeat 1, Heartbeat 2, and Heartbeat 3. **Heartbeats 1 and 2** are identical yet individual and you can fine-tune their behavior and appended data with a lot of settings. **Heartbeat 3** is used for regular messages with MAC addresses and to control the Stupid modes and its settings are limited compared to HB 1 and 2.

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