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.



Wireless Reprogrammer - $99.99

$99.99

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The 'Add to Cart' button is disabled because you have MJG Initiators in your cart. They require their own shipping due to hazmat regulations. To purchase other items, either complete the MJG Initiators order first or remove them from your cart. Learn more.

The 'Add to Cart' button is disabled because you have non-MJG Initiator items in your cart. MJG Initiators require their own shipping due to hazmat regulations. To purchase them, either complete your current order first or remove the other items from your cart. Learn more.
The 'Add to Cart' button is disabled because you have MJG Initiators in your cart. They require their own shipping due to hazmat regulations. To purchase other items, either complete the MJG Initiators order first or remove them from your cart. Learn more.

The COBRA Wireless Reprogrammer is a USB device used in conjunction with COBRA Reprogramming Software to upgrade or downgrade the firmware on all COBRA equipment. This is not a USB drive, but rather a unique transceiver bridge device required for firmware updates.

In addition to the COBRA Wireless Reprogrammer, your purchase will include a COBRA USB Flash Drive.

The COBRA Reprogramming Software is a step-by-step Windows PC application used for upgrading firmware on the COBRA modules, remotes, and the Audio Box. Once you have purchased the COBRA Wireless Reprogrammer, the software is available for free download using the provided links.

The reprogramming process requires only a few clicks and can be completed in minutes by anyone, regardless of knowledge or previous programming experience.

If you are comfortable using our legacy Portal software and would like to continue to use it, no problem! You can find the Portal software and legacy firmware files on our Portal Hub.

 

Download COBRA Reprogramming Software


COBRA Reprogramming Software
FAQ / Troubleshooting
What's Included

COBRA Reprogramming Software is a step-by-step PC-based software application for upgrading or downgrading COBRA equipment firmware. Instead of using complicated third party software to upgrade your equipment, We have designed a custom application to ensure customers have access to an easy, specifically designed software to use to be able to upgrade firmware.

Step-by-Step Wizard UI

COBRA Reprogramming Software includes a built in wizard that walks the user through the complete firmware update procedure. Each step of the way contains specific instructions on how to prepare the equipment and continue the reprogramming process.

User Friendly

This COBRA reprogramming software is user friendly and all functions are clearly labeled throughout the step-by-step process.

Recovery Feature

The COBRA Reprogramming software includes a recovery feature for devices that are not responding. Using this feature you can quickly bring devices back to life.

Embedded Help Videos

Embedded help videos are included throughout the process to explain specific tasks such as placing your device into program mode.

Automatic Updates

Upon opening, COBRA Reprogramming software will automatically check for any software or firmware updates and install/download them. This will ensure you always have access to the latest version of the software, as well as the most update equipment firmware.

What do I need to upgrade the firmware on my equipment?

To upgrade the firmware on your devices, you will need a Windows PC, COBRA wireless reprogrammer, and a USB flash drive. We recommend using the COBRA certified USB drive; however, if you decide to use a different USB drive, we recommend a 2.0, low GB version such as the Sandisk Cruzer 2.0; 8 GB or 16 GB.    

How can I upgrade my systems to the latest software?

COBRA provides two options for upgrading software.

Option 1: Ship your systems to COBRA headquarters. Once received, COBRA will perform the software upgrade for free. You are only required to pay for shipping both ways.

Option 2:

To perform an upgrade or downgrade of your firmware yourself, you need to purchase the Wireless Reprogrammer and download the COBRA Reprogramming Software. The reprogrammer and reprogramming software will allow you to update your devices from your home or office PC. The wireless reprogrammer will work for all firmware versions going forward and can be used to both upgrade and downgrade the firmware on any device.

How can I tell what firmware version my system is running?

When you turn on any COBRA product (18R2 Controller, 18M, 36M, 72M, & Audio Box), the first number displayed is the software version. For example, 2.1.1, 3.0.3, 5.0.2, etc... The higher the number, the more recent the software. The Audio Box, unfortunately, does not display the firmware on start-up. If your Audio Box is syncing successfully to your 18R2 Controller, then the Audio Box is on a compatible version.

Does all of my equipment need to have the same firmware version?

Firmware versions must be the same across equipment. There are a few cases where we have introduced bug fixes to released versions for specific equipment. In these cases, the firmware version can be different and still compatible. Please see the below chart for exact compatibility.

18R
18R2 Controller
18M
36M/72M
 Audio Box
5.0.2/5.0.3

5.0.2/5.0.5
compatible with
 5.0.2

5.0.2/5.0.3

 5.0.2
5.0.0 5.0.0
compatible with
 5.0.0

5.0.0

 5.0.0
4.0.0 4.0.0
compatible with
 4.0.0 N/A 4.0.0
3.0.3 3.0.3
compatible with
 3.0.3 N/A 3.0.3
3.0.2 3.0.2
compatible with
 3.0.2 N/A 3.0.2
3.0.0 3.0.0
compatible with
 3.0.1 N/A 3.0.1

2.1.0/2.1.1

2.1.0/2.1.1
compatible with

2.1.0/2.1.1

 N/A N/A
1.4.7
 N/A
compatible with

2.1.0/2.1.1

 N/A N/A

What is the difference between hardware versions A and B?

As the COBRA systems evolve over time, we may introduce a new hardware version of a specific device. For example, in June of 2015, the 18M was changed from hardware version A to hardware version B. In some cases, older hardware versions may not support specific features. For example, in our 5.0 firmware release, the 18M does not support 1/100th of a second timing. Instead, the firmware rounds the event to the nearest 1/10th. Unfortunately, it's not possible to easily upgrade older hardware versions to newer hardware versions.

Can I operate my system if some units are running version A and some units are running version B?

Yes! All systems are still universally compatible even though some are running A and some are running B. This is simply the hardware within the units and does not affect overall functionality.

Do I need to upgrade my firmware?

We do not require you to upgrade your firmware as new releases become available. However, if you would like to take advantage of the new COBRA features available in a higher firmware version, you will need to update your firmware.

What is BETA firmware, and am I at risk for using it?

During development, COBRA offers BETA firmware containing the newest features and support for new product development, including new hardware and improvements to our COBRA Control Panel. This firmware has been rigorously tested internally for stability and safety but still can be at risk for bugs. Any bugs found are made transparent upon discovery and often fixed in subsequent firmware releases. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have specific needs or concerns and we can help explain any potential risk.

How often does COBRA release new firmware versions?

COBRA is continually striving to improve our products, and as we add feature enhancements to each device, we release new firmware versions to support the newly added functionality. We typically have a new firmware release every 12-18 months.

Can I downgrade my firmware?

Yes, you can downgrade firmware using our Wireless Reprogrammer and COBRA Reprogramming Software.

Can I still use the legacy 'Portal' software?

Yes, if you are familiar with this program, you can continue to use it. See Portal for software and legacy firmware downloads.

Your purchase will include the below: