18R2 LiPo Kit Product Correction Installation Guide

This guide is for customers who previously installed the old 18R2 LiPo upgrade kit and are now replacing it with the new product correction kit. This process removes the old components and installs the new LiPo recharge board and battery to ensure reliable operation.

If you have not reviewed the correction notice, please read it first: 18R2 LiPo Upgrade — Critical Issue Notice .

Important Notes About Your Board

The image below shows the future board design with printed labels. Boards shipped before this revision do not have these labels. Use this image to identify connectors during installation.

Connector Reference Table

Use this table as a quick reference for identifying the correct connector locations:

Before You Begin

• Power off the 18R2 and disconnect any external power or charger.
• Work on a clean, static-safe surface.
• Tools required: #1 Phillips screwdriver.
• Be mindful of wiring during disassembly and reassembly to avoid pinching or damaging harnesses.

Safety Note: Do not insert AA batteries while connecting or disconnecting the LiPo battery. Ensure the device is completely powered off to prevent accidental shorts or damage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the 18R2.

2. Remove the four screws from the back of the enclosure.

   
3. Separate the back enclosure and disconnect internal harnesses:
   1. Disconnect the USB harness from the mainboard.
   2. If equipped, disconnect SMPTE and Deadman harnesses.
   3. Disconnect the red/black power harness connected to the legacy LiPo board at CN3.
   4. Remove the keyswitch shunt located next to the harness removed above.
   5. Set the back half of the remote aside once all harnesses are disconnected.

4. Disconnect and remove the old LiPo battery. Dispose of it safely according to local guidelines.

   
5. Disconnect the black/white AA battery harness from the old LiPo board.
6. Disconnect the key switch harness from the old LiPo board.
7. Remove the old LiPo recharge board by unscrewing the three mounting screws.

8. Install the new LiPo recharge board using the three original screws.

   The charge LEDs should face away from the USB port.

   

9. Reconnect the AA battery harness to the connector labeled “3x AA Cells”.

   

10. Reconnect the charge port harness to CN6 (“Charger”).

    

11. Install the new LiPo battery and connect it to CN4 (“Battery”).

    

12. Reconnect the key switch harness to CN1 (“Key Switch”).

    
13. Reconnect the USB port to the connector labeled “USB” on the mainboard.
14. Connect the new red/black harness:
    1. CN3 on the new recharge board → Mainboard BATT port.
    2. 

15. Reconnect the old red/black harness:

    1. CN2 on the new recharge board → Mainboard SW1 port.
    2. If equipped with SMPTE, connect to Switch port.
    

16. Final Pre-Power Checklist

    • CN1: Key Switch connected
    • CN2: Old red/black harness to SW1 port
    • CN3: New red/black harness to BATT port
    • CN4: LiPo battery connected
    • CN6: Charger port connected
    • AA battery harness connected to “3x AA Cells”
    • Wires clear of screw holes and not pinched
17. Reassemble the enclosure and carefully route wires.
18. Secure the back cover using the four screws removed earlier.

Installation is now complete. After replacing the LiPo kit, the 18R2’s power level reporting may appear inaccurate until a future firmware update (6.1.x or higher). For example:

• The display may drop quickly from P9 to P7.
• It will then remain at lower levels for a longer period before fully depleting.

This is only a reporting issue and does not affect actual performance or run time of the 18R2.

Understanding Charging Behavior

The Rev B kit uses two LED indicators for charging status:

• Green LED Solid: Charging in progress (up to 10 hours). Turns off when fully charged.
• Red LED On: Charging fault — may indicate voltage issue, board fault, or being left on charger for more than 12 hours.

If the red LED is due to extended charging, unplug and reconnect the charger to clear the fault.

If the red LED stays on, contact COBRA Support.

Need Help?

If you have questions or run into issues, contact COBRA Support and reference the 18R2 LiPo Upgrade — Critical Issue Notice.