sensorProbeX+ SPX8: Professional environmental monitoring for data centres and server rooms
AKCP sensorProbeX+ SPX8
In today's IT infrastructures, environmental monitoring plays a crucial role for operational security and failure protection. The AKCP SPX8 from the sensorProbeX+ series was specially developed for these demands. With eight intelligent sensor ports and extensive expansion options, it offers administrators and IT managers a powerful tool for monitoring server rooms, data centers, and critical infrastructures.
The sensorProbeX+ SPX8 combines state-of-the-art technology for data center environmental monitoring with outstanding flexibility and reliability. It is suitable not only for monitoring temperature, humidity, or airflow but can be adapted to almost any individual requirement through modular expansions. This makes it a future-proof investment that meets the increasing demands of professional IT environments.
Compared to base models, the SPX8 is characterized by its versatility. Thanks to SNMP monitoring, the device can be seamlessly integrated into network management systems like Nagios, PRTG, or WhatsUp Gold. Support of modern communication protocols such as MQTT and HTTPS guarantees secure and flexible connectivity, also within IoT integrations. Thus, the SPX8 is ideal for remote IT monitoring as well as for distributed locations.
With its consistent modular architecture, the SPX8 opens new possibilities for scalable server room monitoring concepts. Whether small server rooms, large data centers, or industrial environments—the SPX8 grows with the requirements and offers maximum operational reliability with minimal energy consumption.
Standard Configuration of the SPX8
The sensorProbeX+ SPX8 is delivered in standard version with the following features:
- 8x intelligent sensor ports
- 1x EXP / Modbus / RS485 interface
- 1x BEB port (Basic Expansion Bus)
- 1U rack mounting brackets for flexible integration
- Optional: DIN rail mounting (model SPX8-D)
Even in this base version, the system is ideal for precise data center environmental monitoring. Specialized configurations can also be implemented upon request to meet the highest demands.
Comprehensive Compatibility with AKCP Sensors
The SPX8 supports a wide range of AKCP sensors, including:
- Temperature sensors for precise climate monitoring
- Combined temperature and humidity sensors
- Airflow sensors for server rooms
- Smoke detectors for early fire detection
- AC voltage sensors and DC relay modules for power and energy monitoring
In addition, the SPX8 is fully compatible with Thermal Map sensors that provide detailed temperature distribution data inside server cabinets, and the RFID swing handle lock for advanced physical access protection.
Network Integration and Communication
A key feature of the AKCP SPX8 is support for modern network standards:
- SNMP v1/v2/v3 – standardized integration into network management systems
- HTTPS – secure web interface for administrators
- MQTT/MQTTS – real-time IoT integration
- Rsyslog – centralized logging
Particularly noteworthy is the ability for secure remote monitoring via VPN and encrypted email communication. This makes the SPX8 suitable for distributed enterprise locations with the highest security requirements.
Robustness and Reliability
The SPX8 was specifically designed for uninterrupted continuous operation. Important technical features include:
- Operating temperature range from 0°C to 70°C (industrial version: -25°C to 70°C)
- Humidity up to 80% (non-condensing)
- MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of 10,950,000 hours
- Robust aluminum housing with fanless design
- Energy efficiency with only 1 watt power consumption
Optional Modules and Extensions
The modular monitoring solution of the SPX8 can be supplemented with numerous modules:
Sensor Expansions
- sensor4 modules – 4 additional sensor ports
- Thermal Map sensors – detailed rack monitoring
- RFID swing handle locks – physical access protection
Input/Output and Control Modules
- 10x and 20x dry contact modules – flexible integration of external systems
- 4x mini relays – control of external devices
- Combination modules (relays and analog inputs)
- Valve controller module
Communication and Power Modules
- 4G cellular data modem – mobile connectivity
- GPS module – timestamp and location determination
- Internal mini UPS – battery backup for fail-safety
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) – standard power supply
This flexibility makes the SPX8 the perfect solution for a wide variety of applications from power supply monitoring to integration into industrial production environments.
Scalability and Expansion
The SPX8 supports both BEB (Basic Expansion Bus) and RS485 expansion interfaces. While BEB is ideal for short-term expansions within the same server cabinet, RS485 allows connection of remote modules over distances up to 300 meters. Thus, widely distributed sensor structures can be efficiently integrated.
Application Areas
The possible application scenarios for the SPX8 are diverse:
- Server room monitoring with environmental sensors
- Data center environmental monitoring for failure protection
- Industrial environments with demanding environmental parameters
- Telecommunications facilities with redundant power supply
- Remote locations with cellular connectivity
Future-Proof Monitoring Solution
The AKCP SPX8 is more than a classic monitoring device. It is a modular monitoring solution that grows with the requirements of the respective company. Its combination of robustness, immense flexibility, and comprehensive sensor compatibility makes it a central component of professional IT and infrastructure monitoring.
Summary
Which sensors can be connected to the SPX8?
The SPX8 supports a wide range of AKCP sensors, including temperature, humidity, airflow, smoke, and power sensors, as well as Thermal Map sensors and RFID Swing Handle Locks.
Can the SPX8 be powered via PoE?
Yes, the SPX8 supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), providing maximum flexibility in installation.
Can the system be integrated into existing monitoring solutions?
Thanks to SNMP monitoring, integration into popular systems like Nagios, PRTG, or WhatsUp Gold is straightforward. Additionally, it supports HTTPS, MQTT, and VPN.
AKCP sensorProbeX+ SPX8
SPX8 (Technical data AKCP manufacturer specifications)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 427 mm (W) x 44 mm (H), slim design |
| Expansion ports | EXP port for connection to EXP remote units BEB port for connection of max. 2x SPX+ BEB remote units |
| Mounting | Horizontal 1U mounting DIN rail mounting |
| Power supply | External power adapter 5.5 V / 3 A Input voltage/current: 100–240V AC, 0.22 A Options: – Power over Ethernet (PoE) – Dual 12–24 VDC internal power supply – Dual 40–60 VDC internal power supply |
| Status indicators | LED for power supply LED for network connection LED for sensor status and threshold alarms Internal buzzer for alarms |
| Components | Highly integrated, energy-efficient SMT technology for long-term reliability |
| Operating environment | Temperature: 0 °C to 70 °C (Industrial option: -25 °C to +70 °C) Humidity: 20 % to 80 % (non-condensing) |
| MTBF | 10,950,000 hours (based on field experience with sensorProbe+) |
| Base unit | 8x ports for intelligent sensors 1x EXP / Modbus / RS485 interface 1x BEB port 1U rack mounting including brackets |
| Max. number of sensors | Maximum 150 online sensors (including expansion modules and virtual sensors) |
| SPX+ expansion modules | – 8x sensor port modules for AKCP sensors or cabinet door locks – 4x mini relays for controlling larger relays – 4x 0–5VDC / 4–20mA inputs for third-party sensors – 2x 0–5VDC / 4–20mA inputs + 2x mini relays – Valve control module |
| Optional | – Internal mini UPS: 4x AA batteries – Internal 40–60 VDC power supply – 4G cellular modem with external antenna – Power over Ethernet (PoE) – Internal DC power supply |
| Max. users | 500 users (standard: 100 users) |
| Supported protocols | Rsyslog MQTT / MQTTS SNMP v1/v2 IPv6* RADIUS* TACACS* HTTPS Encrypted email |
| Licensing | – VPN: Connection to AKCPro Server via Ethernet or cellular network – Virtual sensor pack: 5 sensors per pack, max. 80 – Each SPX+ includes 10 free virtual sensors – Modbus/PMS: Up to 4 Modbus devices with 15 sensors each – Access control: Up to 500 users – IPv6 support – RADIUS: User authentication – TACACS: Authentication via RADIUS |
| Important notes | – Max. 60 Modbus RS485 sensors (including virtual sensors + Modbus devices) – Max. 60 Modbus TCP/IP sensors (including virtual sensors + Modbus devices) * Some features require additional licenses |