Power On & Startup Sequence

To power on the module, insert the key and rotate to either the TEST or the ARM positions.

When the key is in the TEST position, the module will never arm or fire because of both hardware and software protection. We recommend TEST mode when checking continuity from the module locally.

When the key is in the ARM position, the module will arm and fire from the 18R2 to which it is synced. We only recommend arming the module when you are ready to fire your show.

When the 18M powers on, the system displays the firmware version followed by a system self-test and finally the main display. The main display shows the system address, bank & channel, signal strength, and battery levels. For details on the 18M startup sequence, see the Startup-Sequence Reference Guide.

18M Startup Sequence

Firmware Version

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The 18R2 displays the firmware version of the device first, such as “5.0.2.” All devices synced together must use the same firmware version.

To learn more about firmware versions and how to upgrade your system, please see Firmware Figured Out

Module Address

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The module’s unique address. When first syncing an 18M to the controller, the module is automatically assigned a unique address, such as “A01” and “A02.” The 18R2 stores this address permanently for that module until it is synced to a different controller whereby the new 18R2 assigns a new address.

For more information on device addresses, see What is an address?

Voltage Mode

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The firing module will display the voltage mode as 9.0, 12.0, 14.8, 18, or 24V. To change the voltage mode, press TEST and CH+ or TEST and CH- to move the voltage up or down.

For more information on the voltage mode, see What is voltage mode?
Note: Voltage mode will not display in firmware 3.0.1 or earlier.

1P Battery LifeX0ML2haKv6q4234ZFpW45e9Tj5AvXcu3_g.png

The firing module shows the battery life range as 1P0, indicating no battery up to 1P9, indicating a fully charged battery. The battery compartment is located on the back of the module. The battery powers the system including, the RF module, LEDs and 7-segment displays and does not draw power from firing the cues.

For more information on the 18M battery life, see What is the battery life of the 18M?

Note: The 18R2 displays “Lo” if the controller battery level is P3 or lower. The 18R2 displays “Lo Bat 1P0 C00 A00” when the firing module battery is low. The firing module displays “1Lo” or “2Lo.”

2P Battery Life3yXMyVYxsbsYYLq_86b72jTiuqMTfLUSGQ.png

The firing module displays the battery life range as 2P0, indicating no battery up to 2P9, which means a fully charged battery. The battery compartment is located on the back of the controller and module. 2P batteries are only used to fire cues.

For more information on the 18M battery life, see What is the battery life of the 18M?

Note: The 18R2 displays “Lo” if the controller battery level is P3 or lower. The 18R2 displays “Lo Bat 1P0 C00 A00” when the firing module battery is low. The firing module displays “1Lo” or “2Lo.”

Self-testws3JWLS2RBJo0lrlStZoGWExzLjguEyk8Q.png

“tSt” displays as the firing module performs the following tests:
Cue responsiveness – Tests the responsiveness from each cue, ensuring each firing MOSFET turns on and off. If any cue is unresponsive, the system will display Er1 or Er2.

LED function – With the key in the TEST position only, the red and green LEDs will flash briefly.

Shorted/stuck button – During the self-test, if any button is pressed a false-positive to the shorted/stuck button test will occur, and error code Er3 will display.

For more information on 18M self-test error codes and how to resolve, see the Error Code Reference Guide.

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We can be reached by phone at 518-741-4300 or email help@cobrafiringsystems.com
Emergency Shoot Site Support
COBRA offers a 24-hour support system for on-site emergencies. If you are on a shoot site and encounter a show-stopping issue, please reach out to us via phone at 929-930-6868.