PoE Control Expander with Serial, IR, Relay & Digital I/O
KanexPro CR-EXPAND1 PoE control expander: RS-232/RS-485, IR, two relays and digital I/O over one Ethernet cable, with a web GUI and open TCP/UDP API.
Every control system hits a wall when the device it needs to manage is across the room — or across the building — from the processor. The KanexPro CR-EXPAND1 puts serial, IR, relay, and digital I/O wherever you need them, powered and connected by a single Ethernet cable. Mount it behind a display, above a projector, or in a remote closet — one PoE drop gives you RS-232/RS-485 for device control, IR output for legacy equipment, two relays for screens and lighting, and a digital I/O port for sensors or contact closures. Unlike competitors that sell separate boxes for serial, IR, and relay expansion, the CR-EXPAND1 combines all four port types in one compact device. A built-in web server provides browser-based configuration without special software, and open API commands over TCP/UDP mean it works with any IP-based control system. Dual power input (DC 12-24V or PoE) keeps deployment flexible.
- 1x RS-232/RS-485 bidirectional serial port for device control
- 1x IR output port with 20KHz-60KHz carrier for legacy devices
- 2x low-voltage relays for screens, lighting, access control, and curtains
- 1x digital I/O port for sensor or dry contact monitoring
- 1x 100M Ethernet with TCP/UDP communication and PoE power input
- Built-in web server for browser-based configuration
- Built-in API commands for integration with any IP-based control system
- Dual power supply: DC 12-24V or PoE
- Front panel status LEDs: Power, TX, RX, I/O, IR, Relay 1, Relay 2
Specifications| Serial | 1× RS-232/RS-485 (5-pin Phoenix, mode-switching) |
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| Baud Rate | 2400–115200 |
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| IR Output | 1× (20KHz–60KHz, 5V blaster) |
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| Relay | 2× normally open (30VDC 1A / 125VAC 0.3A) |
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| Digital I/O | 1× (input: 24VDC 50mA; output: 5VDC 100mA) |
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| Ethernet | 100M RJ45, PoE |
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| Power | DC 12–24V/1A or PoE — 0.96W |
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| ESD | ±8kV air / ±4kV contact (IEC 61000-4-2) |
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| Dimensions | 3.74" × 2.68" × 0.67" (95 × 68 × 17 mm) |
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| Weight | 0.40 lbs (180g) |
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| Housing | Metal enclosure, black |
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| Operating Temp | 32°F – 104°F (0°C – 40°C) |
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| Storage Temp | -4°F – 140°F (-20°C – 60°C) |
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| Humidity | 20%–80% RH (non-condensing) |
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| Package Contents | 1× Expander, 1× 5-pin Phoenix, 1× 4-pin Phoenix, 1× 3-pin Phoenix, 1× 2-pin Phoenix, 2× Mounting Ear, 4× Screw, 1× Manua |
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Questions
- What serial protocols does the CR-EXPAND1 support?
- RS-232 (full duplex) and RS-485 (half duplex) on one bidirectional 5-pin Phoenix port; you pick the mode on the web GUI or with an API command. Baud rates run from 2400 to 115200.
- Can the IR and serial port be used simultaneously?
- Yes. IR output and RS-232/RS-485 serial port are independent.
- Does it require a KanexPro controller?
- No. Works with any IP-based control system via TCP/UDP. Also has built-in web server for standalone use.
- How many units can I deploy?
- No fixed limit. Each has its own IP address and can be managed independently.
- Can it be powered without PoE?
- Yes. Use a DC 12–24V/1A supply on the 2-pin Phoenix DC IN connector. It draws under 1W.
- How to mount?
- It is 95 × 68 × 17 mm and comes with two mounting ears and screws, so it fits behind a display, above a projector, on a wall or in a closet, near the device it controls.
- Unit not responding — what to check?
- Check that the POWER LED is green and the Ethernet link is up, then that your PC or controller is on the same subnet. The default address is 192.168.0.101 (255.255.255.0).
- How do I reset it to KanexPro defaults?
- Hold the RESET button on the rear panel for 5 seconds, or use Factory Reset on the web GUI's System page (resets to KanexPro defaults). The unit reboots to its defaults, including the IP address 192.168.0.101.
- Annual licensing fee?
- No. There are no licences, subscriptions or recurring fees; the web GUI and the API are built in.
- Why not run serial cable to rack?
- Long serial runs need their own cable back to the rack and are limited in distance. CR-EXPAND1 puts the serial, IR and relay ports at the device and reaches them over the network you already have.