Reference

1U AV Control System with 8 Serial, 8 Relay, 8 IR/Serial & 8 Digital I/O

Rack-mount room controller with up to 16 serial connections and open protocol support

CR-HOST8RUPC 813982021341
Upcoming1U AV Control System with 8 Serial, 8 Relay, 8 IR/Serial & 8 Digital I/O – KanexPro CR-HOST8R
New from KanexPro
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Overview

When a single room runs a dozen devices — matrices, projectors, DSPs, motorized screens, lighting rigs, and stage equipment — integrators need a control processor with the I/O density to handle it all from one rack unit. The KanexPro CR-HOST8R delivers eight serial ports, eight configurable IR/serial outputs, eight relay channels, and eight digital inputs in a standard 1U chassis. The first four COM ports support RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422 with hardware flow control, and every IR output can be reconfigured as a unidirectional RS-232 port — giving integrators up to 16 serial connections from a single device without expansion modules.

Purpose-built for auditoriums, large boardrooms, houses of worship, and campus-wide deployments, the CR-HOST8R runs on an Android 9.0 platform with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor. Gigabit Ethernet with TCP/UDP/HTTPS/WebSocket provides IP-based control and monitoring, while onboard IR learning captures remote codes from 20KHz to 60KHz. No proprietary programming tools or annual software licenses are required — configuration runs through open protocols and standard interfaces. Powered by AC 110–220V, the CR-HOST8R mounts in any standard 19-inch rack. Where the compact CR-HOST6S serves single rooms, the CR-HOST8R scales to venues where one controller needs to drive everything on stage and in the house.

Key features
  • ARM Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.8GHz, 2GB DDR4 RAM, 8GB eMMC, Android 9
  • 8× bidirectional serial — COM 1–4: RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 + HW flow; COM 5–8: RS-232
  • 8× IR outputs configurable as one-way RS-232 — up to 16 serial connections total
  • 8× isolated relay outputs (30VDC 2A / 125VAC 1A)
  • 8× digital I/O inputs for sensors
  • Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000M) with TCP/UDP/HTTP/WebSocket
  • AC 110–220V 50/60Hz power supply (220V/10A AC cord included)
  • IR learning (20KHz–60KHz), web server, password protection
  • Built-in sync clock, factory reset
  • Standard 1U rack mount: 440mm × 200mm × 44mm, 2.1kg
SpecificationValue
ProcessorARM Cortex-A53, Quad-core, 1.8GHz
OSAndroid 9
Memory2GB DDR4 RAM, 8GB eMMC
Serial (COM 1–4)4× RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 + HW flow (9-pin Phoenix)
Serial (COM 5–8)4× RS-232 (3-pin Phoenix)
IR/Serial Output8× IR or one-way RS-232 (2× 8-pin Phoenix)
Relay8× isolated (30VDC 2A / 125VAC 1A)
Digital I/O8× input (2× 5-pin Phoenix)
Ethernet1× Gigabit (10/100/1000M) RJ45
PowerAC 110–220V 50/60Hz — 55W
Other PortsUSB-A (reserved), USB-B (computer), H-NET (reserved), IR Learning, RESET
Dimensions17.32" × 7.87" × 1.73" (440 × 200 × 44 mm) — 1U rack
Weight4.63 lbs (2.1 kg)
HousingMetal enclosure + aluminum front, black
InstallationStandard 19" rack or flat mount
Operating Temp32°F – 104°F (0°C – 40°C)
Humidity10%–90% RH (non-condensing)
Package Contents1× Host, 4× 3-pin Phoenix, 1× 4-pin Phoenix, 2× 5-pin Phoenix, 4× 8-pin Phoenix, 4× 9-pin Phoenix, 2× Mounting Ears, 6× Screws, 1× 220V/10A AC Cord, 1× Manual
1U AV Control System with 8 Serial, 8 Relay, 8 IR/Serial & 8 Digital I/O panel drawing
1U AV Control System with 8 Serial, 8 Relay, 8 IR/Serial & 8 Digital I/O system diagram
1U AV Control System with 8 Serial, 8 Relay, 8 IR/Serial & 8 Digital I/O applications
How many serial connections can the CR-HOST8R provide?
Up to 16. Eight dedicated RS232 COM ports plus eight IR outputs reconfigurable as RS232.
Which serial protocols are supported?
COM 1-4: RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 with HW flow. COM 5-8: RS-232 only. All baud rates configurable.
Can IR outputs be used as serial?
Yes. Each of 8 IR outputs individually reconfigurable as unidirectional RS232.
Works with KanexPro panels/keypads?
Yes. CR-TOUCH4A, CR-KEY8U/E, CR-EXPAND1 over Gigabit Ethernet.
Rack size?
Standard 1U (19-inch rack). Rack ears included.
Power requirements?
100-240V AC 50/60Hz, IEC inlet. No external adapter.
How is it configured?
Android 9.0 interface + open protocols (TCP/UDP/HTTP/WebSocket).
Serial device not responding?
Check baud rate, protocol, TXD/RXD wiring. Monitor front panel TX/RX LEDs.
Annual licensing fee?
No recurring fees, no per-room licensing, no certifications required.
What installations is it for?
Auditoriums, large boardrooms, houses of worship, campus deployments, convention centers.
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