Installation Guide: Hardware Setup

Overview

This guide covers the physical installation of KanexPro Controls products — processors, expanders, keypads, and touch panels. Complete hardware installation before network configuration or programming.

Control Processors

CR-HOST6S — Compact Processor

1. Mount on an AV rack shelf, under-table surface, or in an AV closet. Allow at least 5cm clearance on all sides for ventilation.
2. Connect RS-232 DB9 cables from the serial ports to each controlled device. Label each cable with the device name and port number.
3. Connect IR emitter cables (3.5mm mono) to IR output ports. Route emitter leads to the IR receiver window of each controlled device.
4. Wire relay outputs to the controlled load (projector screen, lighting relay, etc.) using appropriate gauge wire for the relay current rating.
5. Connect Ethernet to the network switch for management and control traffic.
6. Connect keypads or touch panels to the PoE output ports if not using a separate PoE switch.
7. Connect the included power supply and power on.

CR-HOST8R — 1U Rack Processor

1. Rack-mount in a standard 19-inch AV rack (1U). Secure with rack screws on both sides.
2. Connect RS-232 and IR/Serial combo port cables to all controlled devices. All 8 combo ports are individually configurable as RS-232 or IR in the web GUI.
3. Wire 8 relay outputs to controlled loads. Use terminal block connectors (included).
4. Wire digital I/O ports to contact closure inputs (sensors, buttons) or logic-level outputs as required.
5. Connect Ethernet to the network switch.
6. Connect the included power supply.

Expanders

CR-EXPAND1 / CR-3XCONTROL (PoE)

1. Mount near the devices being controlled (projector alcove, display wall, AV closet).
2. Connect a PoE Ethernet cable from the switch to the device. PoE provides both power and network connectivity via a single cable.
3. Connect RS-232, IR, relay, and digital I/O cables to local controlled devices.
4. Configure the device IP in the processor script to link it as an I/O node.

CR-EXPAND4 (Rack/Surface)

1. Rack-mount (1U) or surface-mount using included brackets.
2. Connect 4 RS-232 cables to locally controlled devices.
3. Connect Ethernet and the included power supply.

Keypads

1. Run a single CAT5e/CAT6 Ethernet cable to the wall box at the desired keypad location before drywalling.
2. Mount the keypad bracket into a US standard 1-gang (CR-KEY8U) or 2-gang (CR-KEY10R) wall box.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable to the keypad’s RJ45 port. PoE from the switch powers the keypad.
4. Snap the keypad face into the bracket.
5. Insert custom button label inserts (CR-KEY8U, CR-KEY10R).

Touch Panels (CR-TOUCH4A / CR-TOUCH6R)

Both touch panels are designed for an 86×86mm wall box — the standard single-gang size used in the UK, Europe, China, and most international markets.

Installation in an 86×86mm Wall Box (UK / International)

1. Run a CAT5e/CAT6 Ethernet cable to the wall box location before drywalling. Terminate with an RJ45 connector.
2. Fit an 86×86mm back box (minimum 35mm depth recommended) into the wall at the desired location.
3. Feed the Ethernet cable through the back box.
4. Connect the Ethernet cable to the panel’s RJ45 port. PoE+ from the switch powers the panel — no separate power cable is required.
5. Mount the panel bracket to the back box using the included screws.
6. Snap or slide the panel face onto the bracket.
7. Power on — the panel boots to the control interface after approximately 30 seconds.

Installation in a US Standard Wall Box

US single-gang electrical boxes (approx. 70×100mm device opening) are a different size from the 86×86mm panels. To install a KanexPro touch panel in a US wall box, an 86mm-to-US single-gang adapter plate is required.

1. Purchase an 86mm-to-US decora adapter plate (available from AV accessory suppliers). This plate mounts into a standard US 1-gang electrical box and provides an 86×86mm opening for the panel.
2. Run a CAT5e/CAT6 Ethernet cable to the US wall box location. Terminate with an RJ45 connector.
3. Install the US wall box into the wall (old-work or new-work box as appropriate for the wall type).
4. Attach the 86mm adapter plate to the US wall box using the box’s mounting screws.
5. Feed the Ethernet cable through the adapter plate opening.
6. Connect the Ethernet cable to the panel’s RJ45 port.
7. Mount the panel bracket to the adapter plate using the included screws.
8. Snap or slide the panel face onto the bracket.
9. Power on — the panel boots after approximately 30 seconds.

Note: Confirm the adapter plate depth is compatible with your US wall box depth before purchase. Minimum recommended cavity depth behind the panel is 35mm.

For CR-TOUCH6R: RS-232/RS-485 Local Connection

If using the CR-TOUCH6R’s onboard RS-232/RS-485 port, route the serial cable through the wall box alongside the Ethernet cable before closing the wall. Connect to the local device after mounting.

Cable Summary

• RS-232: DB9 cable (straight-through for most AV devices; null modem if TX/RX must be crossed)
• IR: 3.5mm mono IR emitter cable
• Relay: 18–22 AWG wire, terminal block connection
• Network: CAT5e minimum, CAT6 recommended; standard RJ45

Related Articles

• Network Setup: IP Control & PoE
• Product Guide: Touch Panels
• Features & Configuration: RS-232, IR & Relay Control
• Troubleshooting: Device Not Responding
• Getting Started: Controls System Overview