Look Solutions Cobra 3.1 User manual

1
Operating manual
aLook Solutions product
cobra
3.1

2
Set of Equipment supplied
Original operating manual, version 2/2018
– 1 Cobra 3.1 fog generator incl. Duct Adaptor/Protection against contact
– 1 Tank lid with Quick Connector
– 1 mains cable 2 m with Powercon True plug
– 1 Operating manual
Please check whether all the products you ordered are supplied.

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Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Security instructions 5
3. Description of the parts 6
4. Fluid 8
4.1 General Notes 8
4.2 Changing the fluid container 8
5. Operating the Cobra 3.1 8
5.1 Selecting the location 8
5.2 Putting into operation 9
5.3 Putting into operation 9
5.4 Operation 10
5.4.1 Adjusting the Pump performance curve/characteristic 12
5.4.2 Manual operation 13
5.4.3 Operating via analogue 14
5.4.4 Operating via DMX 15
5.4.5 Operating via Ethernet 17
5.4.5.1 Artnet 17
5.4.5.2 sACN 18
5.4.5.3 IP-Configuration 19
5.4.6 Using the internal Timer 20
5.4.7 More adjustments 21
5.4.7.1 Settings 2 21
— Pump Adjustment 21
— Screensaver 21
— Brightness 22
— Standby 22
5.4.7.2 Settings 3 22
— Operating hours counter 22
— Machine Info 23
— Factory Reset 23
5.5 Wiring of the connectors 24
6. Cleaning, Care and Maintenance 24
7. Troubleshooting 25
8. Specifications 26
9. Warranty conditions 27

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1. Introduction
The Cobra 3.1 is a powerful fog generator, that sets new Standards concerning noise
and handling.
With its novel nozzle, that can be unscrewed and cleaned as needed, the machine is
very silent - the noise level at full output is 82.5 dBA (in comparison: the Viper 2.6 with
2600 Watt generates 100.5 dBA at full output.)
The use of two pumps ensures a very constant fog output at any pump level.
The Touchscreen makes the handling of the Cobra 3.1 easy and intuitive. Beside the
analogue and DMX 512 control, the machine can also be operated via Ethernet (Artnet
and sACN).
The machine is equipped with the following RDM-features:
— Status: Ready, Re-heating, Error messages (E-1, E-2 etc)
— DMX-Patch
— Temperature: Heating element, PCB
— Adjusting the Personality
— General Informations about the machine
Furthermore, the Cobra 3.1 has an internal working hours counter, that saves heating
and fogging durations.
A Firmware update can be made by the customer.
The machine is supplied with a duct adaptor that also functions as a protection
against contact.
Please read the manual carefully before starting the device to ensure a correct
operation!

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2. Safety instructions
A fog machine is not a toy!
• Very hot steam escapes from the nozzle. Danger of getting burnt.
• Occasionally very hot droplets of fluid may escape when in operation. Thus never
aim at persons directly and keep a minimum distance of 3 m to the nozzle.
• Never touch the nozzle when in operation. Danger of getting burnt.
• The location for the machine must be non-flammable, non-combustible and not
sensitive to heat. It has to be twice as big as the machine.
• Keep a minimum distance of 60 cm to all flammable, combustible objects and objects
sensitive to heat.
• Glycol is alcohol and burns with a slightly bluish, almost invisible flame. Never point
the fog at strong sources of ignition like fire or pyrotechnic effects.
• Never open the machine and leave the machine unattended when connected to a
power supply.
• It is only allowed to fly/hang the machine by using the original hanging set.
• The visibility has to be more than 2 m in rooms where people walk around.
• Do not swallow the fog fluid. Keep it away from children. In case of eye contact,
rinse with a lot of water. Consult a doctor should you have accidentally swallowed
some fluid.
• Spilled fluid or splashed fluid droplets can cause slip hazard. Mop up the fluid and
dispose of it according to regulations.
• Fog may activate smoke detectors.
Artificially-made fog can be produced in many different ways. The method used here
to produce fog, with a device which works according to the vaporizer principle, is the
most harmless one.
No case has so far been reported in which a sound human being has been harmed be-
cause of using our device to produce artificial fog. However, this can only be guaranteed
if the professional fog generators are used accordingly, i.e. at the correct vaporization
temperatures as well as with the correctly mixed fog fluid.
We, however, recommend: People with health problems or problems of the re-
spiratory tract or with an inclination for allergies should avoid any contact with
artificially-made fog.

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3. Description of the parts
11
13
12
14
Tank lid
1
3
2
3
1: · Fog nozzle
2: · Duct Adaptor/
Protection against contact
3: · Air vents
Front view
· Coupling
· Collar
· Tank lid
· Check valve
11:
12:
13:
14:

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Rear view
3. Description of the parts
4: · Touchscreen/Control Panel
5: · Ethernet-Connector RJ45/Ethercon
6: · DMX512 in/out 5pin-XLR
7: · Analogue in 3pin-XLR
8: · Power in/out for Powercon True plug
7 86
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4. Fluid
5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
4.2 Changing the fluid bottle
– Disconnect the fluid tube from the lid by pressing the lever on the collar [12] and
removing the coupling [11].
– Remove the bottle from the tank housing of the Cobra 3.1
– Unscrew the lid [13] of the empty bottle and screw it onto the new container.
– Place the full can into the tank housing.
– Push the coupling [11] into the collar [12] until you hear a click. The collar is now
locked firmly.
4.1 General Notes
The Cobra 3.1 has been designed to be used with Look fog fluids.
The following Look fog fluids are available:
Quick-Fog thick, quick disappearing fog fluid
Regular-Fog thick, long lasting fog fluid
Slow-Fog thick, extremely long lasting fog fluid
If fluids have been used other than Look fog fluids we can‘t grant warranty on parts
that have been in contact with the fluid.
PLEASE NOTE: The vaporizer of our machines does not have to be cleaned! Cleaners,
available on the market, can damage the vaporizer! We cannot grant warranty in this
case.
5.1 Selecting the location
The location in which the Cobra 3.1 is to be operated must
– be dry,
– be free from dusty or polluted air,
– be free from vibrations,
– be a non-flammable place or surface,
– be well-ventilated with fog-free air keeping the ambient operating temperature
between 5° C and 45° C and the relative air humidity below 80%.

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
5.2 Putting into operation
Connect the fluid container and - if needed - the corresponding cable for operating
via analogue, DMX or Ethernet.
Connect the supplied PowerCon mains cable to the plug [8] and twist the Powercon
True plug until it is locked.
Now connect the Cobra 3.1 to the mains supply. Make sure the correct voltage is
selected (230V/50 Hz). The main screen will appear on the display.
The machine needs approx. 15 minutes to heat up. The heating is indicated by the
READY-STATUS. Once the machine is heated up, the START-button changes from red
to green.
Fig. 1: Machine not ready Fig. 2: Machine ready
5.3 Switching the device off
At manual operation, disconnect the mains plug or switch the machine to Standby.
You can get into the Standby-Mode via Settings 2 —> Standby (—> see chapter 5.4.7.1).
The heating element will be switched off, the display turns black. A dot appears in
the right lower corner.
If you press BACK, you will get back to Settings or the main screen without saving
the values.
If the Cobra 3.1 stops receiving any data/information via DMX, Artnet or sACN, it
switches into the Standby-Mode after 10 seconds.
The heating element will be switched off, the display turns black. A dot appears in
the right lower corner.

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
5.4 Operating
The Cobra 3.1 can be controlled manually, analogue, via DMX or Ethernet.
The following control hierarchy is valid:
1. Manual operation - will be overwritten with all other controls
2. Operation via analogue
3. Operation via DMX
4. Operation via Ethernet, overwrites everything else
The chosen/active function will be highlighted at the Touchscreen in cyan.
In the printed black and white Operating manual, the active function appears
darker than the other panels.
All control choices as well as more adjustments will be described on the following
pages.

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
After starting the Cobra 3.1, the display shows the main screen (Fig. 3). It shows the
following panels:
First line from left to right:
– Button ANALOG: shows the adjusted mode and the voltage. —> See chapter 5.4.3
– Button DMX: shows whether DMX is active and the adjusted DMX-address.
—> See chapter 5.4.4
– Button ETH: shows the selected Ethernet protocol and whether the machine is con-
trolled via Ethernet. —> See chapter 5.4.5
Second line shows
– whether the machine has reached the operating temperature or how far the heating
process has progressed. The display increases from 0 to 100%.
– which performance curve/-characteristic (= MODE) has been selected. By pressing
MODE, the display changes into the MODE-display. Here you can choose between
four different performance curves. —> See chapter 5.4.1
Third line: Actual value of fog/output (pump). The value can be changed from 0% to
100% by pressing the Plus- or Minus button. Pressing the button in the middle (FOG),
a keyboard appears where the new value can be typed in.
Fourth line:
– SETTINGS: changes into the adjusting menu.
– START: During the heating up phase the start button is red. As soon as the fogging
process can be started, the button turns green.
Fig. 3 Main screen

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
1. IMPULSE – The pump produces fog with the adjusted value without being down-
regulated. If the shutdown temperature has been reached (if the heating element
is getting too cold), the pump will be switched off and the fogging process stops.
2. EXTENDED – This Mode also starts with the adjusted pump value. If the temperature
of the heating element is getting lower, the pump will be slowly down-regulated.
Thus, the fogging duration can be extended without a drastic decrease of the output.
If the shutdown temperature has been reached (if the heating element is getting
too cold), the pump will be switched off and the fogging process stops.
3. FLOOD – And also this Mode starts with the adjusted pump value. If the temperature
of the heating element is getting lower, the pump will be slowly down-regulated
until the fog output changes to continuous output. This means, the machine starts
with high output and regulates down to continuous output. The pump will not be
switched off and the fog output won‘t stop.
4. CONTINUOUS – In this Mode, the pump can only be set to 30% as maximum to
ensure a steady continuous output.
NOTE: Of course continuous output can be adjusted also in the IMPULSE- or EXTEN-
DED-Mode. The Cobra 3.1 can produce continuous fog on pump levels up to approx.
30%. Therefore adjust the pump at the main screen with the Plus- or Minus-buttons
to max. 30%.
Select the favoured Mode by pressing the respective button and save it with MODE
SAVE. The selected Mode will be shown at the main screen. If you press BACK, you will
get back to the main screen without saving the selection.
5.4.1 Selection of the performance curve/characteristic
Depending on the use of the Cobra 3.1
and the desired effect, it can be helpful
to change the performance curve and
therefore the kind of fogging process.
Pressing MODE at the main screen opens
the MODE screen.
Here, the performance curve can be
selected. Four different characteristics
are provided.
The machine is delivered with the
Extended-Mode selected.
Fig. 4 Mode screen - Extended Mode

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
5.4.2 Manual Operation
The manual operation is very simple.
The fogging process can be started and stopped by pressing the START-button.
The amount of the output can be adjusted by pressing the Plus- and Minus-button
before or while the machine is producing fog.
To open a keyboard where the value can be typed in, press the button in the middle
(FOG).
Please note that the selected performance curve/characteristic also effects the amount
of the fog output. Thus - although 100% has been adjusted - the output will eventually
be lower. —> See chapter 5.4.1
Fig. 5 Manual Mode
The following fogging durations are possible in the IMPULSE- and EXTENDED-MODE
(measured with Look Regular-Fog, if Look Quick-Fog or Look Slow-Fog is used, the times
can be slightly different):
Pump adjustment Fogging time in Seconds
IMPULSE-MODE EXTENDED-MODE
100 % 22 s 55 s
90 % 40 s 76 s
80 % 55 s 95 s
70 % 89 s 128 s
60 % 112 s 176 s
50 % 167 s 347 s
40 % 378 s more than 10 min/
30 % Continuous output Continuous output

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
5.4.3 Operating via Analogue
Fig. 5 Analogue Mode active
Input voltage between 0 and 10 V.
If the voltage is higher than 1 V, the
machine will be controlled via analogue,
provided that neither DMX nor Ethernet
signal is present.
Fig. 6 Select Analog Mode - Direct Fig. 7 Select Analog Mode - Latched
Connect your cable or radio remote to the “analogue in“ at the Cobra 3.1.
The ANALOG-Button at the main screen shows the voltage and the selected Mode
(DIRECT or LATCHED). Also the colour of the button (cyan) shows that the analogue
mode is now active.
To adjust the analogue Mode, press ANALOG on the main screen (Fig. 1, Line 1) or
choose SETTINGS and on the following screen ANALOG. The SELECT ANALOG MODE-
screen (Fig. 6/7) appears.
It is advisable to set the pump (FOG) to 100% to ensure the full output will be used.
If the value is adjusted at e. g. 65%, the connected remote/desk regulates the output
between 0 and 65% as maximum value.
Please note that the selected performance curve/characteristic also effects the amount
of the fog output. Thus - although 100% has been adjusted - the output will eventually
be lower. —> See chapter 5.4.1

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
5.4.4 Operating via DMX
Press DMX (Fig. 8, line 1) on the main screen or choose SETTINGS –> DMX. The
Keyboard-screen (Fig. 9 ) appears. The DMX-address can be typed in.
Save the adjustments by pressing DMX ADDRESS SAVE. If you press BACK, you will
get back to the main screen without saving the adjustments.
Fig. 8 DMX-Mode active Fig. 9 Keyboard-screen
Choose one of two possible Modes:
1. DIRECT for e.g. Look XLR-Remote or any other 0 - 10V remote:
The connected XLR-Remote regulates the fog output between 0 and the adjusted
FOG-value.
– When using the XLR-Remote, the fogging process can be started by pressing the
on/off-Button on the XLR-Remote.
– When using the Radio Remote, the start button on the transmitter has to be pressed
and held during the fogging process.
LATCHED:
Switching on and off via short impulse with e. g. push-button or Radio Remote. The
FOG value has to be adjusted at the machine.
– When using the Radio Remote, the button at the transmitter has to be pressed and
released. A second impulse stops the fogging process.
Save the adjustments by pressing ANALOG SAVE. If you press BACK, you will get back
to the main screen without saving the adjustments.
Please note: If the machine has been started in the LATCHED-mode, it must be
stopped in the same mode. Switching into a different mode is actually not possible.

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
Fig. 10 Personality „Value“ Fig. 11 Personality „Value + Mode“
The machine can - depending on the choosen Personality - be controlled via one or
two DMX-channels. (Adjustments via SETTINGS —> PERSONALITY).
– If Personality VALUE is choosen, the Cobra 3.1 can only be controlled via one DMX-
channel. This controls the pump value (= fog output).
– If Personality VALUE+MODE has been choosen, the machine can be controlled via
two following DMX-channels. The first channel regulates the pump, the second one
selects the pump mode. —> See chapter 5.4.1.
The second channel is divided into four ranges:
Mode DMX-Value
Impulse 195 - 255
Extended 130 - 194
Flood 65 - 129
Continuous 0 - 64
The fog output can now be adjusted from 0 - 100% via the DMX-desk.
If you also want to change the Mode (Impulse, Extended, Flood, Continuous) at the
desk, the Personality has to be changed to Value + Mode (see below).

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
5.4.5 Operating via Ethernet
Press ETH at the main screen (Fig. 1, line 1) or select SETTINGS –> PROTOCOL. Screen
(Fig. 12/13) appears.
5.4.5.1 Artnet
Select ARTNET. The button will change its colour to cyan, showing that Artnet is
activated.
Fig. 12 Screen with activated ARTNET-Button Fig. 13 Screen for configuring ARTNET
You can adjust the Net, Subnet and the Universe.
– Therefore press MODIFY (Fig. 12). The screen shown on the right (Fig. 13) appears.
Corresponding to the standards for DMX and ARTNET, a Universe consists of 512
DMX-channels. A Subnet contains 16 Universes and a Net 16 Subnets. There are 128 Nets.
– Select NET,SUBNET or UNIVERSE (Fig. 13, line 1), to change the respective value.
Press CE and type in the new value.
– Pressing ARTNET CONFIG SAVE saves the values, BACK switches back to the previous
screen (Fig. 12) without saving the value.
– Press PROTOCOL SAVE (Fig. 12) to save the ARTNET adjustments.
If you press BACK, you will get back to Settings or the main screen without saving
the values.

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
5.4.5.2 sACN
Fig. 14 Screen with activated sACN-Button Fig. 15 Screen for configuring sACN
Press sACN (Fig. 14). The button changes its colour to cyan, showing its active mode.
You can adjust the Universe.
– Press MODIFY (Fig. 14). The screen on the right appears (Fig. 15).
Corresponding to the standards for DMX and sACN a Universe consists of 512 DMX-
channels. In sACN there are Universes between 1 and 63999.
– Press CE (Fig. 15) and type in the value for the selected Universe.
– sACN UNIVERSE SAVE saves the value, BACK switches back to the previous screen
(Fig. 14) without saving the value.
– Now press PROTOCOL SAVE (Fig. 14) to save your sACN adjustments.
If you press BACK, you will get back to Settings or the main screen without saving
the value.
Make sure that the Cobra 3.1 has a valid network address and a correct subnet mask.
You can check and change this by pressing SETTINGS –> IP-CONFIG (see chapter 5.4.6).

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
Fig. 16 IP-Configuration screen,
STATIC active
Fig. 17 Screen to adjust the IP-address and
Subnet mask
5.4.5.3 IP-Configuration
To adjust the IP-address and the Subnet mask for your network, press SETTINGS at
the main screen and in the following Settings 1-screen IP-CONFIG.
First select whether you want to use a static network address or a dynamic one (DHCP)
by pressing STATIC or DHCP (Fig. 16).
If you select DHCP,
the Cobra 3.1 gets an IP-address and a subnet mask from a DHCP-Server or Router
in your network.
If you select STATIC,
you can type in the IP-address and the subnet mask in the following screen (Fig. 17).
Ask your network administrator if necessary.
– Press CE and type in the address. Save the address with IP ADDRESS SAVE respectively
SUBNET MASK SAVE, press BACK to get to the previous screen without saving the
values.
For networks, where the IP-address and the subnet mask shall be used with the
ARTNET-standard, press STATIC and then ARTNET (both Fig. 16).
The IP-address will then be generated from the invariable MAC-address of the Cobra
3.1 and an OEM-Code. The subnet mask will be automatically set to 255.0.0.0.

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5. Operating the Cobra 3.1
5.4.5.4 Using the internal Timer
Fig. 18 Screen Settings 1 Fig. 19 Screen Timer-Mode
To change into the Timer-Mode, press TIMER at the main screen or press SETTINGS
—> TIMER (Fig. 18).
– On the following Timer Mode-screen (Fig. 19), the pump value (FOG = output) can
be adjusted between 0 and 100%.
Please note that the selected performance curve/characteristic also effects the amount
of the fog output. Thus - although 100% has been adjusted - the output will eventually
be lower. —> See chapter 5.4.1
– For the ON TIME (= fogging time), values between 1 - 99 Seconds and for the OFF
TIME (= wait time) values between 0.1 - 99.9 Minutes can be adjusted.
– The Timer can be started manually as well as via Remote. To select the starting Mode,
press TRIGGER. Depending on the Mode that has been choosen, the screen shows
MAN or REM.
– Furthermore it is possible to program a single timer cycle. Press ONE PULSE to ac-
tivate or deactivate this Mode. The machine will then produce fog once with the
programmed duration.
– If you want the Timer to start automatically directly after the working temperature
has been reached, activate AUTO START. This is also useful if you will disconnect the
power from the mains during timer operation, and you want the timer to continue
when the power is reconnected.
To activate the Timer, press ON. Save the values with TIMER SAVE.
To activate or deactivate the Timer manually, press ACTIVE respectively NOT ACTIVE
on the main screen.