Compact AV Control Processor with 6-Port Serial, Relay & Dual Gigabit PoE
KanexPro CR-HOST6S compact AV control processor with 6 serial ports, dual Gigabit PoE, relay, IR, and web GUI for programmable room automation and AV…
Integrators managing multi-device AV rooms need a control processor that handles the full signal chain — without proprietary programming or per-seat licensing. The KanexPro CR-HOST6S delivers six bidirectional serial ports — five RS-232 and one RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 — letting you control matrices, projectors, DSPs, motorized screens, and third-party devices from a single compact unit. Dual Gigabit Ethernet with PoE keeps deployment clean, while open protocol support (TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, WebSocket) means the CR-HOST6S works with your existing infrastructure — not against it. Purpose-built for conference rooms, classrooms, houses of worship, and multi-zone commercial spaces, the CR-HOST6S runs on an ARM Cortex-A55 processor with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. A built-in web server provides browser-based configuration and real-time port monitoring — no special software required. Dual Gigabit Ethernet enables network segmentation between AV control and corporate LAN, two relay outputs drive screens and lighting, and onboard IR learning captures remote codes on-site. Where competing processors offer one or two serial ports and charge extra for expansion, the CR-HOST6S ships with six — enough to wire an entire room on day one.
- ARM Cortex-A55, Quad-core 1.8GHz, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 32GB eMMC, Android 11
- 6× bidirectional serial ports — COM 1–5: RS-232; COM 6: RS-232/RS-422/RS-485
- 2× IR outputs with IR learning (20KHz–60KHz)
- 2× isolated low-voltage relay outputs
- 2× digital I/O inputs for sensors and dry contacts
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000M) with PoE
- Built-in web server with password protection and online firmware upgrade
- Built-in RTC real-time clock with power-off retention
- DC 24V/1A or PoE — 6.5W consumption
- USB-C debug port, TF card expansion (reserved), factory reset
Specifications| Specification | Value |
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| Processor | ARM Cortex-A55, Quad-core, 1.8GHz |
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| OS | Android 11 |
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| Memory | 4GB DDR4 RAM, 32GB eMMC |
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| Serial (COM 1–5) | 5× RS-232 bidirectional (3-pin Phoenix) |
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| Serial (COM 6) | 1× RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 bidirectional (5-pin Phoenix) |
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| IR Output | 2× (2-pin Phoenix), IR learning supported |
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| Relay | 2× isolated low-voltage (2-pin Phoenix) |
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| Digital I/O | 2× input (3-pin Phoenix) |
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| Ethernet | 2× Gigabit (10/100/1000M) RJ45 |
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| Power | DC 24V/1A or PoE — 6.5W |
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| Other Ports | USB-C (debug), TF card (reserved), RESET |
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| Dimensions | 5.71" × 5.31" × 1.73" (145 × 135 × 44 mm) |
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| Weight | 1.57 lbs (710g) |
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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× Host, 2× 2-pin Phoenix, 6× 3-pin Phoenix, 1× 4-pin Phoenix, 1× 5-pin Phoenix, 2× IR Blaster Cable, 2× Mounting Ear, 4 |
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Questions
- Does the CR-HOST6S require proprietary programming software?
- No. Configuration is done through the built-in web server accessible from any browser. Open protocol support (TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, WebSocket) allows integration with third-party systems without special tools.
- What serial protocols are supported?
- COM 1-5 support RS-232 only. COM 6 supports RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422 with extended pinout. All ports configurable 2400-115200bps.
- How does it integrate with KanexPro matrices and switchers?
- Connect via RS-232 serial or TCP/IP over Ethernet. The CR-HOST6S can send control commands to any KanexPro matrix or switcher that supports serial or IP control.
- Can I use it with KanexPro touch panels and keypads?
- Yes. The CR-HOST6S is designed as the central processor in the KanexPro Controls ecosystem. It pairs with CR-TOUCH4A panels, CR-KEY8U/E keypads, and CR-EXPAND1 port expanders over Ethernet.
- Can it be rack mounted?
- The CR-HOST6S has a small form factor designed for shelf, wall, or behind-display mounting. Its compact size allows placement anywhere with a network connection.
- What power options are available?
- DC 24V/1A via barrel jack or PoE (802.3af) via either Gigabit Ethernet port. Power consumption is 6.5W.
- How do I factory reset the unit?
- Press and hold the RESET button on the front panel. This restores all settings to factory defaults including network configuration and serial port parameters.
- The web GUI is not accessible — what should I check?
- Verify the Ethernet cable is connected to the LAN/PoE port and the link LED is active. Check that you're on the same subnet. Try accessing via the SUB LAN port as an alternative.
- Is there an annual licensing fee?
- No. The CR-HOST6S has no recurring software fees, no per-room licensing, and no required certifications. You buy the hardware, you own the capability.
- Can it control non-KanexPro devices?
- Yes. The serial ports use industry-standard RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 protocols compatible with virtually all professional AV equipment — projectors, DSPs, displays, screens, and more.