Crestron MC4-R – 4-Series Control System for Crestron Home OS

Product Overview

The Crestron MC4-R is a compact 4-Series control processor running Crestron Home OS, engineered for residential automation deployments. It serves as the central controller for lighting, shading, climate, AV, and security in single-home or multi-zone installations. PoE-powered via a single CAT cable, it installs cleanly in structured wiring enclosures, DIN rail kits, or surface mount locations without requiring a dedicated power outlet.

Product Description

The MC4-R connects to the home network via Gigabit Ethernet and supports infiNET EX 2-way wireless for up to 50 ft range communication with keypads, sensors, and remotes. Cresnet server mode enables wired peripheral distribution with 2.5 W available power. The processor includes RS-232, four IR outputs, two relay outputs, and two Versiport I/O ports for flexible integration with AV equipment, motorized devices, and sensors. BACnet/IP is supported for light commercial applications. USB 2.0 Type-A accepts up to 1 TB mass storage for media or programming assets.

Key Features

• 4-Series multicore processor running Crestron Home OS for residential automation
• PoE-powered (IEEE 802.3at Type 1 / 802.3af Class 0, 12.95 W max); 7 W typical
• Cresnet server mode with 2.5 W available power for wired peripherals
• infiNET EX 2-way 2.4 GHz wireless (IEEE 802.15.4), 50 ft range
• 1x RS-232 (115.2k baud), 4x IR outputs (1.2 MHz), 2x relays, 2x Versiports
• 2 GB SDRAM, 8 GB Flash, microSD expansion up to 32 GB
• BACnet/IP (up to 500 BACnet objects)
• Certifications: Intertek Listed (US & Canada), IC, FCC Part 15 Class B

Typical Applications

• Central control processor for a Crestron Home OS whole-home automation system
• Multi-zone lighting, shade, and climate control hub
• Wiring closet PoE-powered controller in a structured wiring enclosure
• Residential AV system controller integrated with infiNET EX wireless keypads
• DIN rail mounted automation processor in a Crestron CAEN or third-party enclosure

Technical Specifications

• Model: MC4-R
• Weight: 1.0 lb (454 g)
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.07 in. x 10.15 in. x 5.11 in. (27 mm x 258 mm x 130 mm)
• Power: PoE IEEE 802.3at Type 1 / 802.3af Class 0 (12.95 W max); 7 W typical; 24 BTU/hr
• Memory: 2 GB SDRAM; 8 GB Flash; microSD up to 32 GB (4 GB included)
• Ethernet: 100/1000 Mbps; TCP/IP, UDP/IP, CIP, DHCP, SSL, TLS, SSH, SFTP, FIPS 140-2, IPv4/IPv6, HTTPS, SMTP
• Wireless: infiNET EX 2-way 2.4 GHz 802.15.4, 50 ft range
• Cresnet: Server mode; 2.5 W available
• Serial/IR/I/O: 1x RS-232 (115.2k baud); 4x IR outputs (1.2 MHz max); 2x relays (1A, 30 VAC/VDC); 2x Versiports (digital I/O / 0-10VDC analog)
• USB: USB 2.0 Type-A host (up to 1 TB)
• BACnet: BACnet/IP (up to 500 objects)
• Operating Temperature: 41 to 113°F (5 to 45°C)
• Certifications: Intertek Listed (US & Canada), IC, FCC Part 15 Class B

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the MC4-R be programmed using Crestron SIMPL or only Crestron Home dealer tools?
A: The MC4-R runs Crestron Home OS and is programmed using Crestron Home dealer tools. It does not support open SIMPL or 4-Series commercial programming. For commercial programmability, the MC4 (without the R suffix) or CP4 are appropriate.

Q: How many devices can the MC4-R control via infiNET EX wireless?
A: The MC4-R can communicate with infiNET EX devices within a 50 ft range. The maximum number of infiNET EX devices is determined by the Crestron Home OS system capacity, not by the wireless protocol itself.

Q: Is the MC4-R suitable for large estate installations?
A: The MC4-R is appropriate for medium-sized residential systems. Large estate installations with extensive I/O requirements, multiple Cresnet networks, or commercial-scale control should consider the CP4-R or CP4 processor.