SPX4 - 4-Port sensorProbeX+ Standard Unit

The AKCP SPX4 sensorProbeX+ is the starting point for a flexible, enterprise-grade environmental monitoring system. In a 1U rackmount footprint, it provides four intelligent RJ-45 sensor ports compatible with the full range of AKCP sensors — temperature, humidity, airflow, water leak, cabinet thermal maps, RFID swing handle locks, and more.

At its core, the SPX4 is built around AKCP's MCU module: the master controller that handles all network communication, SNMP traps, email alerts, and web-based configuration. No special software is required — configure and monitor via any standard web browser.

The EXP port on the SPX4 serves double duty: it connects AKCP EXP expansion units up to 1,000 feet (300 m) away, and simultaneously functions as an RS485 Modbus port for integration with building management systems, generators, and third-party industrial devices. The BEB port adds short-range expansion within the rack (up to 33 feet / 10 m, max 4 units daisy-chained).

The SPX4 supports up to 150 sensors (including virtual sensors and expansion units), and includes 10 virtual sensors out of the box with support for up to 80 total. A built-in audible buzzer sounds local alerts; SNMP traps and email notifications keep remote teams informed.

Expansion Architecture

Every SPX+ includes two built-in expansion technologies that let your monitoring system grow with your needs.

BEB (Basic Expansion Bus) — Short-Range Expansion

Ideal for expanding within the same rack or to a neighboring cabinet. Up to 4 BEB units can be daisy-chained from the base unit, with a maximum total chain length of 33 feet (10 m). BEB units are the most cost-effective way to add sensor ports or dry contacts nearby.

EXP — Long-Range Expansion

Using RS485 over standard CAT5 cable, EXP units can be placed up to 1,000 feet (300 m) away from the base SPX+. This makes EXP ideal for monitoring remote equipment panels, distant enclosures, or distributed equipment — running a single cable instead of many twisted pairs back to a central location.

What's In The Box

• 1x AKCP SPX4 sensorProbeX+ base unit (1U, rack-mount ears included)
• 4x Intelligent RJ-45 sensor ports (on the unit)
• 1x 10/100 Ethernet port
• 1x EXP / Modbus RS485 port
• 1x BEB (Basic Expansion Bus) port
• 1x External 5.5V 3A power adapter (100V–240V input, 0.22A)
• 10x Virtual sensor licenses

Factory-Configured Add-On Modules 

The SPX4 supports a range of add-on modules that expand its capabilities — sensor ports, dry contacts, cellular connectivity, backup power, relay outputs, analog inputs, and more. All modules must be specified at the time of ordering and factory-installed; they cannot be added to an existing unit after purchase. Available module combinations are constrained by the 1U form factor of the base unit. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements and configure the right combination before placing an order. 

• Sensor4 — Adds 4 additional intelligent sensor ports (up to 12 total with 2 modules)
• Dry10 / Dry20 — Adds 10 or 20 dry contact I/Os; configurable as I/O, isolated input (internal 5V), or isolated input (external 5–30V)
• 4G Cellular Data Modem — Primary or backup communication via cell network; enables SMS alerts without a wired connection; optional GPS add-on for location tracking
• Mini UPS — Internal battery backup using 4x AA rechargeable batteries (not included); provides ~1.5 hours of runtime (30 min with cellular modem active); ensures alerts continue during power outages
• 4x Mini Relays — Switch low-current devices directly or drive larger relays; ideal for building automation and industrial control
• 4x Analog Inputs — Connect third-party 0–5VDC or 4–20mA sensors not available from AKCP
• 2x Mini Relays + 2x Analog Inputs — Combination module
• AC Voltage Detection — Monitor 10x or 20x AC circuits for presence/absence of voltage (5–30VAC @ 44mA); does not measure voltage level
  
• Dual DC Power Supply — Internal 12–24VDC or 48–60VDC supply with dual redundant inputs; 48–60VDC version ideal for telecom DC environments
• PoE Option — Power over Ethernet; can serve as redundant power input alongside DC jack

No Special Software Required

The SPX4 is configured and monitored entirely through a standard web browser — no software installation needed. Access the secure web interface from anywhere on your intranet or over the internet by entering the unit's IP address. Two access levels are available: Administrator and View Only.

Centralized Management with Quicklime Managing multiple SPX+ units? 

Quicklime is AKCP's full-featured data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platform, available from Grid Connect. It brings real-time monitoring, thermal risk analysis, capacity planning, 3D data center visualization, and AI-driven analytics into a single browser-based interface. What Quicklime adds over the built-in web interface: 

What Quicklime adds over the built-in web interface: 

• Unified dashboard for all your AKCP devices — firmware updates and remote configuration from one place
• Real-time 2D/3D digital twin with live PUE, ΔT/ΔP, humidity, power, and security status updated continuously
• Thermal risk mapping — catches rack hotspots before they cause damage, aligned to ASHRAE recommendations
• Capacity planning — identify available rack space, power headroom, and stranded capacity before committing to new deployments
• sensorCFD (free add-on) — feeds live sensor data into a CFD airflow simulation; AI engine diagnoses inefficiencies and recommends corrective actions
• Capacity AI — define rack space, cooling, and weight requirements; AI suggests matching racks
• Video AI — build video-analytic sensors using natural language (e.g., PPE compliance, unauthorized access) and review footage against sensor events
• SNMP virtual sensors — monitor third-party PDUs, UPS systems, and other SNMP devices alongside AKCP sensors
• Kubernetes-based architecture — on-premise or cloud, with synchronous replication across distributed nodes 

Built to Last

AKCP, founded in 1981, is the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of networked environmental monitoring equipment, with over 130,000 installations worldwide.

• MTBF of 10,950,000 hours — fewer than 4 RMA replacements per year across ~5,000 deployed SPX+ units
• Runs on just 1 Watt of power — no fans, no special cooling required
• Aluminum enclosure (not plastic) — built for demanding environments
• Rated to operate reliably at 70°C (158°F)— tested in environmental chambers
• Every unit is burn-in tested for 96 hours at the factory before shipment
• AKCP writes all its own firmware — no dependency on third-party open-source stacks; bugs can be fixed quickly