Important Notice: 5.0 BETA Firmware
You have selected 5.0 BETA firmware. BETA firmware is a pre-release version that includes new features and improvements, while rare, BETA firmware could contain bugs or usability issues. Please consider the following information before proceeding:
What is BETA Firmware?
- Early Access: BETA firmware allows early access to new features that are not yet available in Stable Releases.
- Testing and Feedback: It is intended for users who are willing to provide feedback and help identify any bugs or issues.
- Potential Risks: There may be minor bugs, feature limitations, or performance issues.
Important Considerations
- Are you comfortable troubleshooting and reporting any issues?
- Do you understand the steps required to revert to a Stable Release if needed?
- Do you have time to update your firmware more frequently, knowing that some updates may require a wireless reprogrammer?
Recommended Action
If you are not familiar with BETA testing, we recommend selecting the Stable Release version instead for the highest level of stability and support. For more details on our firmware release process, please review our complete guide here. If you have questions or need further assistance, please reach out to our support team.
18R2 + 18M with 18S Slats
- $719.99
Regular Price: $749.99
This starter kit supports manually fired, fully automated, and pyromusical shows.
Learn how to create and fire an automated show to music (pyromusical) using COBRA Show Creator and COBRA SMPTE.
In addition to the above types of shows, the 18R2 also offers additional features:
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Firing Memory - The remote tells you which cues have been fired and have not been fired on every channel. Unfired cues display as green, fired cues as red, the last cue fired will blink red.
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Rapid Single or Multiple Button Manual Fire - Fire one or more cues as fast as your fingers can press with instant firing reponse including pressing multiple buttons at the same time. The 18R2 response speed is valuable for SPFX applications where you need 0 delays and rapid firing succession between cues.
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Scripted Firing - The 18R2 adds support for automated shows. Simply press a button and sit back to watch your show fire automatically. Design automated shows using Microsoft Excel, COBRA Show Creator, or Finale Fireworks. Shows can be simple backyard shows, or world-class award-winning pyromusicals.
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Audio Box Integration - Play your audio in perfect sync with the COBRA Audio Box, a stand-alone wireless audio player you can connect directly into a sound system.
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SMPTE Support - The 18R2 support SMPTE time code for syncronized pyromusicals. COBRA offers standard integration for 3rd party audio feeds, and also direct integration with COBRA Show Creator using the embedded SMPTE player.
LiPo Battery Upgrade - Enhance your 18R2's performance with our 18R2 LiPo Upgrade Kit, offering prolonged battery life and reliable power for extended shows.
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Designed for User Simplicity - While the 18R2 has more features, none of the advanced features get in the way of basic operation. You can learn the unit in minutes, and take advantage of our world class support.
For professional use, the 18R2 creates new opportunities for small to mid-sized display companies by allowing them to easily, reliably, and affordably shoot pyromusicals with minimal operator training. The 18R2 is our most popular remote with thousands of units in the field being used daily by individuals and professionals worldwide.
For more information on the 18R2, please watch the detailed demonstration video below. We have provided links to specific video sections if you would like to jump right in.
The 18M is a compact and rugged 18-cue firing module that functions universally with the 18R and 18R2 Controller and is perfect for both indoor and harsh outdoor environments. Each cue is capable of firing up to 10 series-wired e-matches, or 4 parallel-wired e-matches or Talon brand igniter clips per cue.
Each firing module can be set to one of 100 unique channels (200 unique channels on firmware 6.0.0 or higher) by simply pressing the + and - buttons on the module. Then, using the 18R or 18R2 Controller channel controls, you can fire any modules on the same channel. You can fire unlimited modules at the exact same time by setting them to the same channel.
This version comes with a pre-installed Slat Connector, a 1M (3 ft.) DB25 Light Duty Slat Cable, and your choice of a series or parallel 18S Quickplug Slat. You can also select traditional on-board cue slats for an added price. For more information on slats, please watch our Slats video.
Multi-Channel
The COBRA 18R2 uses simple controls to allow up to 100 unique channels (200 on firmware 6.0.0 or higher) to fire from a single remote. Simply change the channel on the remote to fire modules set to the same channel. With 100 channels (200 on firmware 6.0.0 or higher) and 18 cues per module, you can fire up to 3,600 unique cues. You can also set as many modules as you want to the same channel to fire multiple positions at the same time. This allows for an easy way to create mirrored fronts or effects.
Bi-Directional
Different from uni-directional wireless firing systems, all COBRA systems utilize bi-directional transceivers. This means that each firing module will transmit critical information such as cue continuity, signal strength, battery life, and arm-state back to the hand-held remote. This gives you confidence that the modules are in range, armed, and still showing good continuity for each of the desired cues right up to the moment you start your show.
Rapid Fire Speed
Different from other wireless firing systems, the 18R2 has no limit on how fast you can manually fire cues. This is accomplished by an innovating grid-firing technique where COBRA transmits multiple layers of firing commands that overlap onto each other. This ensures that in the rare event a wireless command is not received, the redundant layers act as backup to ensure every cue is fired as expected.
In addition, you don't need to wait for visual fire confirmation since the COBRA 18M will always provide enough current to fire the cue regardless of how long you hold the button on the hand-held remote.
Firing Memory
The 18R2 has a 4MB internal flash chip for storing script, continuity and firing history. This allows the remote to tell you good, bad and expected continuity based on uploaded scripts. In addition, when firing your show the remote tells you which cues have been fired and which cues remain to be fired in real-time.
Multi-Cue / Mod Firing
For manual firing, the 18R2 allows you to fire multiple cues at the same time by simply pressing multiple buttons on the hand-held remote. For example, press cues 1 and 2 at the same time.
In addition, using the USB port for script uploads, you can fire unlimited cues / channels at the same time. For example, if you have 6 positions, where each position has an 18M on a different channel, you can fire each module independently or at the same time.
Module Addresses
The 18R2 assigns unique address (A01, A02, A03...) to each COBRA 18M when synced. This unique address is used to test continuity and signal strength across modules set to the same channel directly from the 18R2. Module addresses are also used to communicate module-specific alerts back to the 18R2. Example alerts include low-battery and key in the TEST vs. ARM position
Creating Scripts
The 18R2 is outfitted with a USB port for the uploading of up to 100 pre-defined scripts. You can create scripts in seconds using using Microsoft Excel, or you can create powerful pyromusicals using our integration with Finale Fireworks Pro.
Scripts can include everything from mulitple mini-scripts (e.g. quick chases) to complete 15, 30+ minute pyromusicals. You can also create "step scripts" which require the user to manually press the STEP button to jump to the next event.
Microsoft Excel - The following script format is easily created using Microsoft Excel. You can define one or more scripts in a single file to be executed at any time by any number of trigger channel and trigger button combinations. Using the return channel parameter, you can easily return to a single channel used for starting your scripts for efficient semi-auto firing. You can also watch the online video tutorial to learn how easy it is. You can download the script template to begin creating scripts today
Cobra Show Creator - Available on PC only, COBRA Show Creator is our own scripting software. You can easily script simple shows, or load a music file to fire events at defined points in music.
Finale Fireworks - The 18R2 is also integrated to Finale Fireworks, a drag-and-drop visual choreography software for designing firework shows. With Finale, you can watch your show before fired. It also allows for easy integration and timing of music into your shows.
Semi-Auto Firing
The 18R2 offers the unique ability to manually fire cues while an automatic script is running. For example, while executing a pyromusical you may want a handful of manual reserve shots to fill any unanticipated black sky. Using the 18R2, you can manually fire any cues whether defined in the scipt or not, at any time during the show without disrupting the current firing script.
Technology
At COBRA, we believe safety and reliability are the most important features of any firing system. With that in mind, every COBRA system incorporates the below collection of technological and usability based features. This ensures safe and reliable functionality every time you use the system.
IEEE® Unique Network MAC Addresses - Every COBRA remote contains a fully unique network MAC address. This address is programmed onto the unit at the time of production and contains 16 x 0-F base-16 values. For example, 00.1C.2C.00.00.C0.00.01.
By syncing a firing module to a remote, the remote's network MAC address is saved and remembered on the firing module, even after power-on and power-off. Once saved, the firing module will ONLY respond to the remote containing this unique MAC address. This prevents any other remotes from firing your system. In addition, any time a firing module is synced to a different remote, the previous MAC address is overwritten, thereby ensuring the firing module only responds to the last remote to which it was synced.2.4GHz tranceiver modules - The Cobra 18R2 uses a 2.4GHz transceiver module manufactured by Synapse, a US company that both develops and manufactures its SNAP line of IEEE 802.15.4 radio modules and transceiver ICs.
The same transceiver and software development platform is used successfully not only by COBRA, but also in a variety of safety-critical industrial wireless applications, including medical monitoring systems and airport lighting controls.Redundant, solid-state, self-testing MOSFETs - The COBRA 18M uses redundant solid-state firing FETs on both the high and low side of each firing cue. This ensures that no power is supplied to the cue unless the firing module is both armed, in fire mode and is actively firing a cue. The redundant FETs provide protection against unintentional electro-static discharge (ESD) and serve to automatically test for damaged or shorted FETs upon system start-up. If detected, the system will automatically disable itself and will not operate.
NFPA compliant user-design - The COBRA system adheres to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) chapter 9.2 requirements including a key-operated switch, multiple actions to arm and fire, and minimum current requirements when performing continuity tests.
Contains FCC, CE and IC certified RF Module - The 18R2 contains the Synpase 802.15.4 2.4GHz RF transceiver modules and is affixed with the CE mark and the FCC mark: "FCC ID: U9O-SM220" per Part 15 regulations.
Wireless Confidence
While using a wireless firing system, the last thing you should be worried about is reliability. At COBRA, we have taken many steps to ensure that when your firing commands leave the remote, they reliably reach your modules.
Long Range - Although COBRA advertises a 1,500+ ft. (500+ m) range, the Synapse Sm-220 used by COBRA is advertised over 15,000+ ft. (4,500+ m). This is a manufacturer's spec and is based on the RF Module having the possibility of receiving a command. For pyrotechnics, we depend on guaranteed firing and not possibilities. Therefore, we don't advertise this range although the system can transmit this far. In extreme range tests, we successfully fired cues from over 1.7 mi. (2.7 km) in over-water conditions.
MESH - Firmware versions 5.0 and later will contain our MESH technology. MESH, a signal miracle worker, allows all devices to participate in signal communications. Think of every firing module acting as a repeater, relaying all communications to all devices within range in real-time. This feature allows you to repeat communications over hills and around buildings, and produce a worry-free signal environment. The MESH network functions automatically for all devices. No user action is required, simply operate on version 5.0 and you will leverage this shared network.
Firing Redundancy - When pressing any fire button on the remote including individual 1-18 fire, STEP fire, or AUTO-FIRE, the 18R2 will send out 12 redundant firing command pulses. This ensures that if one command is missed, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc... will be received. If your signal strength readings are beyond the recommended -70 value, the system will fire, however it is recommended that you hold the firing button down until you see visual confirmation. This is because the remote sends about 40 redundant firing commands a second when held.
Expandable Power Options
Not interested in the 9V replaceable batteries? Upgrade your 18M to support an internal rechargeable LiPo battery pack with optional 12-24V DC input. To learn more about our 18M Power Options, please reference our 18M LiPo Recharge and Ext. Power User Guide.
60% More Battery Life - Fits perfectly in the existing battery compartment, the battery pack lasts 60% longer than the existing 9V batteries. This is accomplished with 900mAh vs. the traditional 550mAh of a 9V battery.
Easy to Charge - A charge port and charge indicator exists on the top of the module for simple charging. If you own armored cases, a new face plate supports charging while the 18M is still in the armored case. Use our single charger or charge up to 5 modules at once with our 5-module charger option.
External 12-24V DC Input - Optional rugged external binding posts support external 12 and 24V DC input. For permanent installations, we offer a custom 110/220V A/C to 24V D/C converter. Use the internal LiPo battery pack together with the A/C input to act as a real-time power backup.
Increased Amperage - The existing replaceable 9V batteries produce a peak current of 3 Amps. Using the LiPo battery pack, this increases to 6 Amps. Using the external power input, we can produce up to 9 Amps of peak current. This will support firing up to 8 and 12 e-match / talons respectively, in addition to also supporting the firing of high current devices such as confetti cannons, flame projectors, and cryo jets.
Cold Weather Performance - Fire extreme cold shows with confidence with improved cold weather performance down to -20F / -29C.
Dual Protection Circuits for LiPo Safety - COBRA incorporates dual overcharge, undercharge, and over voltage protection circuits. The first protection circuit is built into the 18M adapter board installed with the upgrade. The second protection circuit is built into the battery itself. This means if one of the protection circuits fails, the other acts as a backup. While we don't expect any failures, feel confident that we have designed both the battery and charge circuitry with the highest level of safety and protection in mind.
Night Friendly
The 18R2 provides bright backlit silicon keypads for easy night viewing. In addition, wide-buttons make you feel confident you won't accidentally press the wrong buttons or multiple buttons at the same time. Once pressed, a red LED displays on the remotes 18-cue LED grid, confirming the cue has fired.
Construction
The 18R2 and 18M is enclosed in 2.5mm thick high-strength ABS plastic. The clear design minimizes entry of air, moisture and dust into the electronic housing by eliminating the need for cut-outs and micro-gaps in the enclosure. Polyurethane-coated fire-retardant silicon keypads have custom walls that push up against the top-enclosure to further protect against moisture and dust.
18R2
Physical Construction | |
Dimensions | 8.35” x 5.33” x 1.64” (21.2cm x 13.53cm x 4.16cm) |
Keypad | Backlit fire-retardant silicone |
Enclosure Material | Impact resistant and fire-retardant ABS |
Power | 3 x AA - 7+ hours active operation LiPo Battery - 20 hours active operation (Optional Upgrade) |
Radio | |
Antenna | +5 dBm 8.5" Unidirectional Rubber Duck Antenna |
Radio Compliance | FCC CE, IC certified (ID: U90-SM220) |
Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
Range | 500m (1,650 ft) direct line of sight range w/ built-in link quality detection |
Range with MESH Technology (5.0.0 or higher firmware) | +450m (1,500 ft) per device (up to a total of 10 hops per device) |
Encryption | IEEE Mac Address / Encrypted Data |
Cues / Firing | |
Number of Channels | 200 (firmware version 6.0 or higher) 100 (firmware version 5.1 or lower) For more information on firmware versions, see Understanding Firmware Versions. |
Firing Accuracy | 1/100th second |
Max # of Unique Cues | 3,600 (firmware version 6.0 or higher) 1,800 (firmware version 5.1 or lower) For more information on firmware versions, see Understanding Firmware Versions. |
Manual Firing Speed | Unlimited |
Optional Accessories | |
18R2 LiPo Upgrade Kit | |
2.5 Watt Booster | |
Dish Antenna | |
18R / 18R2 Armored Carrying Case | |
COBRA Deadman Control |
18M with 18S Slats
Physical Construction | ||
Dimensions | 8.24” x 6.47” x 1.64” (20.92cm x 16.43cm x 4.16cm) | |
Keypad | Backlit fire-retardant silicone | |
Enclosure Material | Impact resistant and fire-retardant ABS | Power |
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Radio | ||
Antenna | +5 dBm 8.5" Omnidirectional Rubber Duck Antenna | |
Radio Compliance | FCC CE, IC certified (ID: U90-SM220) | |
Frequency | 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum | |
Range | 500m (1,650 ft) direct line of sight range w/ built-in link quality detection | |
Range with MESH Technology (5.0.0 or higher firmware) | +450m (1,500 ft) per device (up to a total of 10 hops per device) | |
Encryption | IEEE Mac Address / Encrypted Data | |
Cues / Firing | ||
Number of Channels | 200 (firmware version 6.0 or higher) 100 (firmware version 5.1 or lower) | |
Number of Cues | 18 | |
Firing Accuracy | 1/100th second | |
Max # of Unique Cues | 18 | |
Onboard Connectors | Mini Speaker Terminals | |
Slats supported | 18S Mini Series & 18S Mini Parallel 18S Series & 18S Parallel 18S Quickplug Series & 18S Quickplug Parallel |
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Optional Accessories | ||
Armored Case for 18M | ||
18M LiPo Recharge / External Power Upgrade Kit | ||
Slat Connector for 18M |
The 18M has two different power options including 9V replaceable batteries and an internal 14.8V rechargeable LiPo battery pack with external 12-24V power input. You can view the maximum amount of e-match or talons you can fire based on your specific power source below. To learn more about our 18M Power Options, please reference our 18M LiPo Recharge and Ext. Power User Guide.
Max Firing - Talon Igniter ClipsEnergizer 9V | 14.8V LiPo | External 12-24V | |
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Talons in Parallel | 2 | 4 | 5 |
Energizer 9V | 14.8V LiPo | External 12-24V* | |
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Parallel | 8 | 9 | 16 |
Series | 5 | 9 | 12 |
*Assumes minimum 10A peak burst current
Your purchase will include the below:
- 18R2 Firing Remote
- 18M Firing Module
- Pre-installed Slat Connector
- 18S Quickplug Series or 18S Quickplug Parallel Slat (option to select different slat when adding to cart)
- 1M (3 ft.) DB25 Light Duty Slat Cable (option to select longer cable when adding to cart)
- 2 x Antenna
- Set of 2 18R2 Keys
- Set of 2 18M Keys
- Black Neck Lanyard
- USB to Micro USB OTG Cable Harness
- Module Bottom Foam Boot
- Laminated Quickguide
COBRA18 - Repairing a Severely Damaged Module
A demonstration of the COBRA modular design and how a severely damaged module can be repaired in about 10 minutes with only a screwdriver and without having to purchase a new system.