This article is your one-stop guide to understanding how signal strength is communicated, displayed, and updated in your COBRA system. Whether you're troubleshooting or just curious about what the signal numbers mean, we’ll explain what the system is doing behind the scenes — including how it uses mesh networking, when it updates signal values, and how to interpret what you see.
What Signal Strength Means
COBRA measures signal strength in decibels (dB). A value of 0 dB is the strongest possible signal, while more negative numbers represent weaker connections. You’ll typically see values between -6 dB (very strong) and -90 dB (very weak).
It's important to know: In many cases, these signal readings are not live. The system only updates signal values under specific conditions to keep the wireless network efficient and reliable.
What You See on the Screen (and Why)
When you view signal strength on your COBRA remote or control panel, you're seeing the most recent valid signal sent from the module. It does not continuously refresh unless specific conditions are met:
- Even numbers mean the module received signal directly from the remote (line-of-sight).
- Odd numbers indicate the module received signal via mesh — relayed through another module.
The system does not store both values. It simply displays the best signal value received within the most recent reporting cycle.
When and Why Signal Strength Updates
COBRA modules internally refresh their signal strength value every 5 seconds in TEST mode. However, to prevent network congestion, they only report signal to the remote under the following conditions:
- Signal drops below –75 dB: When signal strength weakens beyond –75 dB, the module begins reporting its signal value to the remote every 5 seconds. Reporting stops once the signal improves to stronger than –75 dB (e.g., –50 dB). This applies only when the module is in TEST mode.
- In TEST mode without acknowledgment: If the remote hasn't acknowledged the latest test results, the module sends updated reports every 5 seconds. Any internal change (e.g., battery level, continuity status, voltage mode, fire time, or channel) also triggers a test result message, which includes the strongest signal seen in the past 5 seconds.
- Remote and module channel match: If the remote is tuned to the same channel as the module, the module reports its signal value approximately every 5 seconds — even if signal is strong and no other changes are present.
- Manual refresh events: Signal reports are triggered by specific actions such as power cycling the module, switching between TEST and ARM, or pressing and holding the TEST button to re-poll module data.
Understanding Signal Quality Levels
- Green (Good): Better than –75 dB
- Red (Poor): –75 dB or weaker
These visual categories help you quickly assess performance without having to interpret the raw dB values.
Why Doesn’t the Signal Always Update?
To maintain a stable and responsive wireless network, COBRA limits how often modules transmit signal updates. In systems with many modules, this prevents unnecessary traffic that could interfere with show performance.
If your signal value isn’t changing, that’s often expected — it means none of the update conditions have been met, and the last valid signal is still considered accurate.
Tips to Maximize Signal Visibility
- Switch channels on your remote to match a specific module’s channel to view more frequent updates.
- Press and hold TEST to force a re-poll and retrieve the latest signal data.
- Use odd/even signal numbers to determine whether the module is communicating via mesh or direct line-of-sight.
Still Have Questions?
If your modules aren’t showing expected values or you need help interpreting results, reach out to COBRA Support. We’re happy to help you understand your system in more depth.
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