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.
18M LiPo Recharge / External Power Upgrade Kit
- $119.99
Not interested in the 9V replaceable batteries? Upgrade your 18M to support an internal rechargeable LiPo battery pack with 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 faceplate 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 - 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.
The 18M has two different power options including 9V replaceable batteries and a 14.8V rechargeable LiPo battery pack with the option for external 12-24V power input. You can view the maximum amount of e-match or talons you can fire based on your specific configuration below. To learn more about our 18M Power Options, please reference our 18M LiPo Recharge and Ext. Power User Guide.
Series ( e-match only) | Parallel (e-match or talons) | |
9V | 10 | 4 |
14.8V LiPo | 10 | 8 |
12V External | 8 | 12 |
18.5V External | 14 | 12 |
24V External | 20 | 12 |
Your purchase will include the below:
- Replacement Enclosure for your 18M. This new front and back enclosure includes support for charging port and external power posts.
- Pluggable PC Board that adds support for charging port and external power posts.
- 14.8V LiPo Battery
- Set of 2 Keys
18M LiPo Recharge and External Power User Guide
A detailed guide to the hardware and functionality of our LiPo and Rechargeable 18Ms.
- Hardware Overview
- Additional Features
- Internal LIPO Battery and Charge Port / Charger Options
18M LiPo Recharge and External Power Installation & Calibration Guide
A detailed guide to proper installation and calibration of the 18M LiPo Recharge and External Power Upgrade Kit.
18M LiPo Recharge and External Power Upgrade Kit Installation Video
A thorough installation video for the 18M LiPo Recharge and External Power Upgrade Kit.