Product Overview

The Kramer SL-280 is a 32-port rack-mount master room controller the Kramer Control brain providing 8 bidirectional RS-232, 8 IR outputs, 8 GPI/O, and 8 relay ports for comprehensive AV and building system control in commercial, education, and government spaces. IT managers and AV integrators deploy the SL-280 as the central intelligence of a Kramer Control-based room automation system, managing displays, projectors, scalers, amplifiers, shading, lighting, and access control from a single 1U appliance. Its 1GHz processor and scalable I/O architecture support everything from a single conference room to multi-room campus deployments, with expansion possible via Ethernet-connected Kramer control gateways. The SL-280 is programmed and managed through Kramer Control’s browser-based, no-code interface.

Product Description

The SL-280 operates as a Kramer Control space controller, running room logic locally while communicating with Kramer Control’s cloud or on-premises management platform for remote monitoring, programming updates, and system health visibility. Eight bidirectional RS-232 ports on 3-pin terminal blocks allow two-way serial communication with displays, processors, and AV devices supporting serial control protocols. Eight IR emitter outputs and a built-in IR receiver for command learning provide IR control of displays, projectors, and consumer AV devices. Eight GPI/O ports support sensors, door locks, occupancy detectors, and lighting control interfaces, configurable per port as digital input, digital output, or analog input. Eight relay ports on 2-pin terminal blocks handle contact-closure devices such as projection screens, motorized shading, blinds, and door locks. A single Ethernet port provides network connectivity for Kramer Control communication and IP-based device control. The micro-USB port supports firmware upgrades and direct API command transmission for commissioning and diagnostics. LED indicators on each port provide at-a-glance status for all I/O connections during installation and troubleshooting. The standard 1U 19-inch form factor with included rack ears installs cleanly in central AV equipment rooms alongside matrix switchers, audio processors, and network equipment.

Key Features

• 8 Bidirectional RS-232 Ports 3-pin terminal block connections for two-way serial control of displays, processors, and AV devices.
• 8 IR Emitter Outputs + 1 IR Receiver Controls IR devices throughout the space; built-in IR receiver learns commands from existing remotes.
• 8 GPI/O Ports Configurable per port as digital input, digital output, or analog input for sensors, occupancy, lighting, and access control.
• 8 Relay Ports Contact-closure control for projection screens, motorized shading, blinds, and door locks via 2-pin terminal blocks.
• 1GHz Processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB Flash Handles complex room control logic across multiple devices and automation scenarios.
• Kramer Control Compatible Serves as the Kramer Control brain for browser-based, no-code room programming and cloud/on-premises management.
• Expandable via Ethernet Gateways Additional I/O ports added by connecting Kramer Ethernet control gateways to the same network.
• Standard 1U Rack-Mount 19-inch form factor with included rack ears for AV equipment room installation.
• LED Port Indicators Visual status for every I/O port and system function for quick diagnostics during setup and operation.

Typical Applications

• Corporate conference room and boardroom AV control systems
• University and campus multi-room classroom automation
• Government and municipal meeting chamber AV control
• House of worship AV and building system control
• Multi-purpose room and training room automation
• Commercial meeting space AV and environment control

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What control platform does the SL-280 require?

The SL-280 is programmed and managed via Kramer Control, a cloud-based or on-premises AV control platform. It cannot be programmed standalone a Kramer Control license is required for room configuration and operation.

Can the SL-280 control non-Kramer devices?

Yes. The SL-280 controls any RS-232, IR, GPI/O, or relay-compatible device regardless of brand, including displays, projectors, audio amplifiers, lighting controllers, screen motors, and door lock systems.

Can I add more I/O ports beyond the built-in 32?

Yes. Multiple Kramer Ethernet control gateways can be connected to the same network as the SL-280 to add additional RS-232, IR, GPI/O, and relay ports for larger rooms or multi-device installations.

Is the SL-280 suitable for multi-room deployments?

Yes. A single SL-280 manages one space, and multiple SL-280 units across a facility are all managed centrally through Kramer Control. Kramer Network can monitor all units from a single dashboard.

What is the form factor and rack requirements?

The SL-280 is a standard 1U 19-inch rack-mount unit. Rack ears are included. It installs in standard AV equipment racks alongside switchers, audio processors, and network gear.

What warranty and support is available?

Kramer products include standard manufacturer warranty coverage. Contact Creation Networks at https:// for current warranty terms, support options, and Kramer Control licensing assistance.