Boxx Cobalt TX-VL-11 User manual
User guide
Cobalt
TX-VL-11 TX-VL-14
TX-AB-11 TX-AB-14
RX-OB-11 RX-OB-14
Version 2.11
Contents
Introduction and features
- Features of the Cobalt system
Specifications
Before using the Cobalt system
-Safety instructions
Using the Cobalt system
-Transmitter
-Receiver
-Systems status indicator
FAQs
Warranty
-How to use your warranty
-What is not covered by the warranty
Introduction and features
Welcome to the world of digital microwave technology with the Cobalt system.
This guide will help you make the most of this revolutionary technology that is so simple to
set-up and operate.
Cobalt has been designed for:
• ENG live-to-air roaming camera link
• Multi-camera production
• Digital replacement for analogue video assist
• Reality TV and portable field monitoring
• Sporting arena and events filming
• Monitor and record fixed point or body worn surveillance cameras
Features of the Cobalt microwave system
•Simple to set-up and operate
Simply plug in video, audio and power cables.
•Licence exempt
Operates in the WI-FI band.
•QOS - No break-up, noise or interference
Cobalt uses a unique bi-directional transmission system where each packet of data
is acknowledged by the receiver. This function means that any lost data can be
requested and resent, resulting in and extremely robust link.
The Cobalt far exceeds any analogue microwave system with superior video and
audio quality. Its unique diversity antenna receiving system reduces interference
and break-up in very poor muilti-pathing environments.
•Diversity antenna receiving system
Cobalt integrates a unique diversity antenna system that minimises dead spots and
dramatically increases picture stability.
•Secure transmission with point-to-point 128 bit encryption
Traditional analogue UHF and 2.4Ghz transmission can be easily tapped into and
recorded by unauthorised receivers, risking piracy. The unit provides secure
transmission at all times with pre-shared key encryption.
•Six simultaneous channels
Up to 6 individual channels can operate in the same vicinity without any
interference.
•MPEG-2 compression
The Cobalt system uses MPEG-2 technology to ensure full SD quality delivering full
frame rate (720x480 NTSC 720x576 PAL, 50/60 interlaced fields).
•Two channels of digital audio
The Cobalt system has 2 channels of broadcast quality audio that can be used for
stereo audio feeds live to air, camera feeds or a combination of audio and
timecode.
•Operates without interference to or from Wi-Fi a.b.g, cordless or mobile telephones
and household appliances
The Cobalt automatically scans the entire licence exempt frequency band and
selects a clear channel each time you set-up.
•SDI and composite video (component video on certain units)
Specifications
Video
Video MPEG-2 SD resolution at full frame rate
720x480i NTSC. 720x576i PAL
SDI ,composite and component video
Audio Stereo (L + R)
Standard NTSC/PAL auto select
Latency 465 ms
FR Information
Frequency 5GHz 802.11a Wi-Fi / 2.4GHz 802.11g Wi-Fi
Range 2500 feet (750 metres) clear line of sight
Normal indoor range with walls 150 feet (50 metres)
Security Pre-shared key encrypted 128bit
Channel select Automatic / Manual via RS232 interface
Up to 6 simultaneous usable channels
Other
Unit weight TX-VL-02YRB 600 grams
TX-AB-02YRB 600 grams
RX-OB-02YRB 1.1 kg
Dimensions TX-VL-02YRB 221mm x 65mm x 60mm
TX-AB-02YRB 180mm x 55mm x 95mm
RX-OB-01YRB 214mm x 68mm x 110mm
Power 8-36V DC 400mA
Temperature range -5 to 45 C – operating
Humidity 5 to 85% typical
Before using the Cobalt system
Before using the Cobalt system for the first time, please check the following to ensure the
unit hasn’t been damaged during shipping.
1. Visually inspect outer casing, plugs and cables to ensure there is no damage.
2. Slowly rotate the unit to ensure all components are in place and nothing is loose
inside the casing.
If you require assistance or are concerned about the working condition of
2874.
Safety instructions
The system complies with Part 15, of the FCC Rules, which declares;
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
The Cobalt system has been engineered to ensure a safe working environment for the
operator at all times. With safety in mind, we have tested and will continue retesting the
Cobalt system to ensure we provide the safest system on the market.
Follow these safety precautions when using the Cobalt system:
•Do NOT power on the units without antennas connected to both antenna ports.
•Keep all ventilation holes clear and unblocked. Ensure that proper ventilation is
provided at all times when in use.
•Use anti-static packing materials when transporting the unit. Standard packing
materials may damage the units if used.
•Do NOT insert objects of any kind into the ventilation holes as this may result in
damage to the unit
•Do NOT use when wet and provide adequate cover when using in the rain.
•Do NOT use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners on the unit. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
•Do NOT disassemble this product. If service or repair is required, contact our
Using the system
The Cobalt system has been designed so that it is as compact and light as possible for
the operator to use. The casing of the Cobalt system is durable and constructed to last,
but care should be taken to avoid damaging the sensitive circuit board inside. Do not
attempt to open or service the unit yourself.
The internal circuit and antennas are highly tuned and tampering with them will damage
the unit. Use anti-static packing materials when transporting the unit. Standard packing
materials may damage the units.
The correct choice of antennas and placement of these antennas is the key to a reliable
system. Keeping as much as possible in ‘line of sight’ between the cameraman and the
receiver will also increase your range. (see antenna manual)
The Cobalt system’s unique transmission system is specifically designed to transmit
broadcast quality video through walls and floors from a moving camera. However, all
microwave transmission systems will have their range dramatically reduced when
attempting to transmit through objects such as concrete, steel, glass, water and the
human body. These obstacles will decrease the range but not the reliability of the link.
Tr
a
Fo
r
1. P
l
2.
S
Not
e
thr
e
Ple
a
Do
n
3.
U
ca
m
If u
s
Do
flas
h
Co
m
Co
m
SDI
If y
o
we
r
Thi
s
If u
s
SDI
4.
S
CB
L
CB
L
CB
L
CB
L
The
the
into
If u
s
hea
d
dep
e
a
nsmit
t
r
antenna
c
l
ace the tra
n
S
crew the an
e
: One of th
e
e
ading the a
n
a
se ensure t
h
n
ot force th
e
U
sing a BNC
m
era to the t
r
s
ing compo
s
not use te
s
h
ing on the
m
posite -
m
ponent -
-
o
ur camera
a
r
ecommend
s
increases t
s
ing a DSR-
5
will deliver
S
elect what
a
L
105 – 5pin
X
L
104 – 3.5m
m
L
110 – 2 x 3
p
L
106 – 2 x R
C
Mini 5pin X
L
black butto
n
camera au
d
s
ing the hea
d
phone vol
u
e
nding on
w
t
er set
u
c
hoice, ple
a
n
smitter on
t
tennas on u
e
most com
m
n
tennas wit
h
h
ey are on
c
e
threads.
cable, conn
e
r
ansmitter.
s
ite, you mu
s
s
t out as thi
link.
Black
Yellow Red
Blue
a
nd transmi
t
using this o
he picture q
5
00
/
570, us
the best pic
t
a
udio cable
y
X
LR. Digibe
t
m
headpho
n
p
in XLR
C
A for DSR
5
L
R will plug
n
facing do
w
d
io output.
dphone out
p
u
me to 80%.
w
hat audio y
o
u
p
a
se see the
t
he back of
t
sing adapto
r
m
on proble
m
h
the anten
n
c
orrectly.
e
ct the vide
o
s
t use vide
o
s may caus
e
Blue.
t
ter have co
ver compos
i
uality.
e our 26wa
y
t
ure quality
.
y
ou are goin
t
a, IMX, XD
C
n
e output
5
00/570
into the tra
n
w
n. The oth
e
p
ut of the c
a
Select cha
n
o
u want to
s
Boxx.TV a
n
t
he camera.
r
s if needed
.
m
s is cross
n
as ports.
o
out of the
o
out.
e
video
mponent vi
d
i
te.
y
cable CBL
6
.
g to use.
C
AM or HD
n
smitter, wi
t
e
r end will p
l
a
mera, turn
n
nel 1,2 or
a
s
end.
n
tenna ma
.
d
eo,
6
01.
t
h
l
ug
the
a
mix
nual.
Not
e
If
m
15d
buil
t
For
5.
C
tra
n
tra
n
6.
L
7.
O
up
t
freq
We
You
freq
(No
t
The
indi
c
rec
e
e
: The input
m
aking your
o
B of attenu
a
t
into the ca
more infor
m
C
lip the cam
e
n
smitter. Thi
n
smitter.
L
eave the c
a
O
n the trans
m
t
o unlock it
a
uency rang
e
recommend
will need di
uency band
t
e: 2.4Ghz
h
LED will tu
r
c
ates that t
h
e
iver.
to the tran
s
o
wn cables,
a
tion. Cable
s
ble itself wh
m
ation conta
c
e
ra battery
o
s will power
a
mera turne
d
m
itter, pull
t
a
nd turn th
e
e
.
5GHz for
m
fferent ante
.
h
as been ph
a
r
n RED and
t
h
e transmitt
e
s
mitter is se
t
you may n
e
s
supplied b
y
ere needed.
c
t Boxx.tv
o
n the back
both the ca
d
off.
t
he lockin
g
e
unit on to
t
m
ost environ
m
nnas to wor
k
a
sed out in
n
t
hen flash R
E
e
r is searchi
t
to -10dB.
e
ed to suppl
y
y
Boxx have
of the
mera and
g
toggle sw
t
he desired
m
ents.
k
in each
n
ewer versi
o
E
D. This
ng for its p
a
y
this
itch
o
ns.)
a
ired
Receiver set up
For antenna choice, please see the Boxx antenna manual.
1. Supply the receiver with 9-36v DC from a
battery or power supply via the 4 pin XLR.
Pin 4 is positive. Pin 1 is negative.
2. Plug in the video BNC.
Composite - Black
SDI - Blue
Component - Yellow Red Blue.
3. Use 3pin XLR cables for audio left and right.
There are 2 trim pots on the back of the receiver that
will adjust the audio output. These are factory set
to a level of +4dB.
In most situations these should not be changed.
4. Use the locking toggle switch to turn the unit to
the desired frequency range. Pull the lever out to
unlock it. Centre is off. If the unit is not labelled, it will
only work in 5GHz.
We recommend 5GHz for most environments. You will
need different antennas to work in each frequency
band. (Note: 2.4Ghz has been phased out in newer
versions.)
Once on, the LED indicator will turn RED and then flash
RED. The units are now searching for each other.
Once the units are locked, both the transmitter and
receiver will have a very quick GREEN blink. This
indicates that the system is working but no video is
being received by the transmitter.
When using more than one system in close proximity,
ensure the distance between the receivers exceeds 15
feet (5 metres), as the receivers could interfere with
one another.
Testing system and Systems status indicator
1. Turn the camera on. The LED will flash GREEN.
The faster the flashing GREEN LED the higher the
quality of the link. There are 3 steps (Slow/Mid/Fast)
See table on next page.
The Cobalt system has an unique function that allows
the cameraman to know the status of the link when
shooting by using this cable attach to the viewfinder.
2. Attach to the CBL115 viewfinder LED cable to the
view finder using the Velcro strap. The other end plugs
into the 12way connector on the side of the
transmitter.
3. If you are not getting a high data rate, try moving
the receiver antennas to a more suitable location to
increase ‘line of site’.
The viewfinder LED is RED but displays the same data
rate as the GREEN LED on the transmitter and receiver.
(Red is used as it is more visible in daylight).
The same viewfinder LED that is used on the
transmitter, can be used on the receiver to indicate
data rate, just plug it into the 12pin connector.
The table below shows the LED indicators on the Cobalt.
If the LED is flashing slowly, do not attempt to
go live-to-air as the link is not guaranteed
LED
Status
RED
Initialising - wait 3 seconds.
RED flash
Signal survey /searching
(this can take up to 60 sec in heavy RF traffic).
GREEN flashing
Fast GREEN blink
Viewfinder cable
RED flashing on
Viewfinder cable
Fast RED blink
Transmitting – flash speed indicates data rate
slow (4 MB) / mid (8 MB)/ fast (14 MB).
Transmitter and receiver locked and ok although
no video signal detected at transmitter.
Transmitting – flash speed indicates data rate
slow (4 MB) / mid (8 MB)/ fast (14 MB).
Transmitter and receiver locked and ok although
no video signal detected at transmitter.
FAQs
Q. What do I do if the picture starts to break-up?
A. Turn both the receiver and the transmitter off and on again. This will reset
the units and allow it to select a different channel to use.
Q. What do I do if I only need to use one antenna when using the system?
A. Always use an antenna on both antenna ports on the transmitter and receiver. Using
only one antenna, you will damage the unit and void warranty.
Q. What if the LED indicators flash RED on the transmitter or receiver?
A. Make sure that the TX and RX are on matching frequency bands (both 2.4GHz or 5Ghz).
Check that you are supplying 8 – 18 volts DC to the unit. Reduce the distance and turn the
units off and on again. It can take up to 1 min for the TX and RX to lock.
Note the viewfinder data rate indicator flashes red to display the data rate.
Q. What if the LED indicator is blinking GREEN but I am not sending any video or
audio?
A. If the LED indicator has a quick GREEN blink, the Cobalt systems is transmitting
information and is working correctly. The GREEN blinking indicates there is no video at the
TX side. Check cable connections between the transmitter and the camera, and the
monitor and the receiver.
Composite - Black
SDI - Blue
Component - Yellow Red Blue.
Q. What if I am using the system within recommended distance guidelines and it
is not working properly?
A. Always maintain a clear line of sight between the transmitter and receiver wherever
possible as microwave transmission doesn’t work well through walls or structures. For best
results mount the receiver as high as possible internally or externally with a clear line of
sight to the cameraman. Solid walls like brick, concrete, steel and insulated walls
dramatically reduce the range of the system.
The use of antenna splitters and high gain antennas can increase your coverage. If you
or call +44(0)845 643 2874.
Q. Can I configure the Cobalt so it can be viewed on multiple receivers at once?
A. No. The Cobalt system will only work with a single paired transmitter and receiver at
one time. You can however use up to 6 distinct sets of transmitters and receivers in the
+44(0)845 643 2874 for more info.
Q. Does the Cobalt system interfere with WiFi 802.11 A, B or G?
A. No. The system automatically scans the frequency spectrum and avoids any channels
occupied by other networks. When using more than one system in a small vicinity ensure
the distance between the receivers exceeds 15 feet (5 metres), as the receivers could
interfere with one another.
Q. Will the Cobalt system work with High Definition cameras?
A. Yes. Use a down convertor to convert High Definition and HDSDI signal into a SDSDI,
component or composite video. Your broadcast facilities supplier will be able to provide
specific models to suit your camera.
Q. How do I ensure audio and visual are synchronised when using a separate
audio source?
A. Due to the systems error-correcting technology you will experience 465ms of delay. To
correct this, simply delay your audio source at the same time as the video output.
We recommend the BEHRINGER SHARK DSP110.
www.behringer.com/DSP110/index.cfm?lang=ENG
This delay unit will allow you to sync your audio feed with the pictures being transmitted
by the system, is inexpensive and user friendly.
Q. What do I do if the unit becomes wet during use?
A. Disconnect power supply immediately. Dry the unit with a cloth to remove excess water
and leave to dry completely for 24 hours before attempting to re-use.
Q. Can I transport the system easily?
A. Yes. Always use non-static packing materials on the transmitter and receiver. Standard
packing materials may generate high levels of static electricity and may damage the
system’s circuitry. Boxx.TV supplies hard cases built to transport safely. They are
call on +44(0)845 643 2874 for further information and pricing of this product.
Warranty
The system is sold with a limited warranty of 12 months (Warranty term) by Boxx.TV Ltd
(Manufacturer). Specific advice, repairs and replacement options are available to the
original purchaser in the event the Cobalt system fails to conform to this warranty.
The Manufacturer shall not be responsible for product damages caused by natural
disasters, fire, static discharge, misuse, abuse, neglect, improper handling, unauthorised
repair, alteration or accident.
The Manufacturer shall not be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages,
even if informed of the possibility thereof in advance. You must inform your place of
purchase within 28 days of detecting a defect in material or workmanship not conforming
to the specifications (see Specifications section of this guide) of the Cobalt system.
During the Warranty term, the Manufacturer will, at its discretion and without extra
charge, as your exclusive remedy, repair or replace the products that do not comply with
this warranty; or failing this, will reimburse the purchase price of the system. This amount
will be based on length of ownership and may be reduced in accordance with general
accounting principles.
How to use your warranty
You must present receipt of purchase or any other proof of purchase bearing the date of
purchase and the product serial number. The Manufacturer reserves the right to refuse
free-of-charge warranty service if the requested documentation cannot be presented or if
the information is incomplete or incompatible with the Reseller’s records. Repair, at the
Manufacturer’s option, includes replacement of boards or parts with new or functionally
equivalent reconditioned parts or boards. The Manufacturer does not warrant the
installation, maintenance or service of the system, parts or accessories.
What is not covered by the warranty?
The warranty is not valid in the following instances;
• the system has been powered without two antennas connected.
• defects due to damage, from misuse, tampering, neglect or lack of care and in
case of alterations or repair carried out by unauthorised persons.
• defects or damage caused by misuse, connection to incompatible sources, accident
or neglect.
• defect or damage was caused by improper or unauthorised testing, operation,
maintenance, installation, adjustment or any alteration or modification of any kind.
• the unit has been disassembled or repaired by persons other than the
Manufacturer
• defect or damage has been caused by moisture, liquid or food spills.
• all casing and other externally exposed parts that have been scratched or
damaged due to normal customer wear and tear.
• periodic maintenance and replacement of parts due to normal wear and tear.
• the system has been packed and transported using standard packing materials.
The Manufacturer recommends non-static materials such as non-static bubble wrap
is used at all times.
Out of warranty repairs
If you request the Manufacturer repair the product at any time after the Warranty term, or
where the warranty does not apply due to the nature of the defect, the Manufacturer may
at its discretion carry out such repairs. This will be subject to you paying the Manufacturer
fees for such repairs that will be agreed prior to commencement of repairs. The
Manufacturer may also refer you to an authorised third party to carry out repairs.
The above is correct at time of printing July 2008
This manual suits for next models
5
Table of contents
