ATEN VK258 8-Port Digital I/O Expansion Box
Overview
The ATEN VK258 is an 8-port digital I/O expansion box designed to extend the relay and sensor capacity of ATEN VK-series control systems. When a single VK controller exhausts its onboard I/O — common in AV-over-IP installs, conference rooms, or building automation tie-ins where you need to trigger lighting, screens, door locks, or environmental sensors — the VK258 adds a discrete expansion node without rearchitecting the control backbone. The unit provides a 12 VDC, 300 mA output, so connected devices draw regulated power directly from the expansion box rather than relying on external supplies. The 8-segment DIP switch sets the expander ID, letting you daisy-chain or address multiple VK258 units on the same control run.
Compatibility
The VK258 is purpose-built for the ATEN VK control system family. It integrates with ATEN's control system controllers and expanders in the VK series — including the VK2100 and related VK-platform controllers that support external I/O expansion. Confirm your VK controller's firmware supports the VK258 expansion protocol before deploying; firmware v4.2.413 (released 2026-05-18) is the current baseline for the VK258 itself.
Installation Notes
The VK258 supports both recessed and rack-mount installations — useful when the unit needs to disappear into a rack alongside AV gear or sit flush in a custom millwork enclosure. The semi-recessed reset pushbutton is intentionally recessed to prevent accidental resets during cable management. The USB Type-A port is firmware upgrade only — it does not pass data or power to downstream devices. Operate within 0–80% RH non-condensing; avoid environments with condensation or standing moisture. Set the 8-segment expander ID switch before installing in a multi-unit run to avoid address conflicts on the control system cabling.
