ATEN 4-PORT Serial Expansion BOX FOR VK2100 - VK224

ATEN VK224 4-Port Serial Expansion Box for VK2100

Overview

The ATEN VK224 is a 4-port serial expansion box designed to extend the RS-232 and RS-485 control port capacity of the VK2100 ATEN control system. If your AV or building-automation project requires more serial device connections than the VK2100 controller provides natively, the VK224 adds that capacity without replacing the host unit. An onboard 8-segment DIP switch sets the Expander ID, allowing multiple expansion boxes to coexist on the same controller without address conflicts. A semi-recessed reset pushbutton and a USB Type-A service port round out the front panel. Firmware is field-upgradeable — current release v4.2.413 (2026-05-18).

Compatibility

The VK224 is built specifically for the ATEN VK2100 control system platform. It is not a standalone device and cannot be used with third-party controllers or other ATEN product lines. RS-232 and RS-485 serial wiring follows a defined pinout: RS-232 uses Pin 2 (RX), Pin 3 (TX), Pin 5 (GND), Pin 7 (RTS), and Pin 8 (CTS); RS-485 uses Pin 3 (D+), Pin 4 (D−), Pin 5 (GND — strongly recommended for long runs — and Pin 4 TX−). Verify which serial mode each connected device requires before wiring; the two modes are not interchangeable at the connector level.

Installation Notes

The VK224 supports both recessed and rack-mount installation. ATEN notes that rack-mount products may express physical dimensions in L×W×H order rather than the conventional W×D×H — confirm orientation from the physical chassis before cutting a panel opening for recessed installs. For RS-485 long-distance runs, grounding Pin 5 on both ends is strongly recommended by the manufacturer to maintain signal integrity. Operating humidity limit is 0–80% RH, non-condensing; avoid installations in unventilated enclosures subject to condensation. Set the Expander ID switch before mounting — the semi-recessed reset button is accessible post-install but the DIP switch is easier to configure on the bench. Firmware upgrades are delivered via the USB Type-A port using the downloadable VK control software update package.