SPX8 - sensorProbeX+ (SPX+) Standard Configuration

The AKCP SPX8 sensorProbeX+ is a 1U rackmount environmental monitoring controller with eight intelligent RJ-45 sensor ports. It is the standard configuration for data center, server room, and remote site monitoring — providing enough sensor capacity to cover an entire cabinet row or small data hall from a single unit, without requiring separate expansion hardware.

Connect any combination of AKCP intelligent sensors across all eight ports: temperature and humidity probes, water and leak detection cables, airflow sensors, cabinet thermal map arrays, door switches, RFID swing handle locks, and more. Sensors auto-identify on plug-in — no per-sensor configuration required.

The EXP port on the SPX8 serves a dual function: it connects AKCP EXP expansion units up to 1,000 feet (300 m) away over standard CAT5 cable, and simultaneously acts as an RS485 Modbus gateway. This makes the SPX8 a cost-effective choice for sites that also need to pull data from generators, PDUs, HVAC controllers, or other Modbus-capable equipment into the same monitoring platform — without adding separate hardware for that integration.

The BEB port handles short-range expansion within or adjacent to the rack, supporting up to 4 BEB units daisy-chained up to 33 feet (10 m) total. BEB units can add sensor ports, dry contact inputs, relay outputs, and more, all managed through the base SPX8.

All network communication, SNMP traps, email alerts, and configuration run through the onboard MCU. The unit is managed entirely through a standard web browser — no software installation needed. Two access levels are supported: Administrator and View Only.

The SPX8 ships with 1U rack ears included and supports 0U toolless rack mounting, wall mount (optional brackets), or DIN rail (optional brackets). Add-on modules — dry contacts, cellular backup, analog inputs, relay outputs, and more — are factory-configured at time of ordering. Contact Grid Connect to specify your configuration before placing an order.

Expansion Architecture

BEB (Basic Expansion Bus) — Short-Range Expansion

Up to 4 BEB units can be daisy-chained from the base SPX8, with a maximum total chain length of 33 feet (10 m). Ideal for adding sensor ports, dry contacts, or relay outputs within the same rack or adjacent cabinet without running additional network cable.

EXP — Long-Range Expansion

EXP units connect via RS485 over standard CAT5 cable and can be placed up to 1,000 feet (300 m) away from the base SPX8. Use EXP to monitor equipment in remote panels, distant enclosures, or across a building — one cable run replaces many individual twisted pairs back to a central location.

What's In The Box

• 1x AKCP SPX8 sensorProbeX+ unit (1U rack ears included)

• 8x 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) — power supply included

• 10x Virtual sensor licenses

Factory-Configured Add-On Modules

The SPX8 supports a range of add-on modules that expand its capabilities. All modules must be specified at the time of ordering and factory-installed — they cannot be added to an existing unit after purchase. Available combinations are constrained by the 1U form factor of the base unit. Contact Grid Connect to configure your unit before placing an order.

• 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; optional GPS for location tracking

• Mini UPS — Internal battery backup using 4x AA rechargeable batteries (not included); ~1.5 hours runtime (30 min with cellular modem active)

• 4x Mini Relays — Switch low-current devices or drive larger relays; for building automation and industrial control

• 4x Analog Inputs — Connect third-party 0–5VDC or 4–20mA sensors

• 2x Mini Relays + 2x Analog Inputs — Combination module

• AC Voltage Detection — Monitor 10x or 20x AC circuits for presence/absence of voltage (5–30VAC); 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 input alongside DC jack

No Special Software Required

The SPX8 is configured and monitored entirely through a standard web browser — no software installation needed. Enter the unit's IP address from anywhere on your network to access the secure web interface. Two access levels are available: Administrator and View Only.

Centralized Management with Quicklime

Managing multiple SPX8 or other SPX+ units across your facility? Quicklime is AKCP's full-featured data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platform, available from Grid Connect. It consolidates all your AKCP devices into a single browser-based dashboard with real-time 3D visualization, thermal risk mapping, capacity planning, and AI-driven analytics.

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

• 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

• sensorCFD (free add-on) — live CFD airflow simulation with AI diagnosis and corrective recommendations

• Capacity AI — AI-matched rack suggestions based on space, cooling, and weight requirements

• Video AI — build video-analytic sensors using natural language; 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

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 — built for demanding environments

• Rated to operate reliably at 70°C (158°F) — tested in environmental chambers

• Every unit burn-in tested for 96 hours at the factory before shipment

• AKCP writes all its own firmware — full control over bug fixes and feature updates