Nielsen-Kellerman COX-BOX PLUS SYSTEM Operating instructions

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The Most Relied-Upon
Pocket Weather Instruments
in the World
Making Work & Play
Easier & Safer
COX-BOXTM PLUS
SYSTEM
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Thank you for purchasing this NK CoxBox. PLEASE take a moment to review these instructions
before installiation & use. Your CoxBox system should provide you with years of trouble-free service,
but we are always here to help if a problem arises. To order parts or accessories or obtain technical
support, please call 02 6553 2473 You may also e-mail questions to our support representatives at
[email protected] or visit NK online at www.nk.com.au

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If any of these functions do not work properly, review each step of the installation, checking all
distances and alignments. Also review the “Troubleshooting” section for help pinpointing the problem.
If you still are having problems, please contact our Repair Department on 02 6553 2473 or write
to [email protected]
?
Additional Information
Never attempt to repair the Cox-Box unit yourself. The units are specially sealed to make them
watertight. Breaking this seal often causes very expensive damage and will void the warranty. The
only accessory that we will repair is the microphone. We do encourage and will support experienced
individuals to repair and maintain wiring harnesses and speakers.
RECALL/EXIT
START/STOP
STORE SPLIT/CLEAR
MICROPHONE
CONNECTOR AUDIO/ CHARGING
CONNECTOR
TIMING/SPLIT
RECALL
STROKE COUNT
STROKE RATE
ON/OFF KNOB
AUTOMATIC
BACKLIGHT
BATTERY LIFE
INDICATOR
PROTECTIVE
RUBBER
BUMPER

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RECHARGEABLE
REMOVABLE
BATTERY
PROTECTIVE
RUBBER
BUMPER
BATTERY
ALIGNMENT
FEATURES
BATTERY
LOCK
BATTERY
ALIGNMENT
FEATURES
Want to take the CoxBox Virtual Tour?
Visit www.nkrowing.com.au

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OPERATION
TURN ON
TWIST
Turn on amplifier and display. Increase amplifier volume.
Timer and stroke count will turn on in “STOP”. Stroke
Rate will operate.
TURN OFF
TWIST, ‘CLICK’ Turn off amplifier and display.
Decrease amplifier volume.
READY
PRESS Ready timer and stroke count.
START
ROW!
Row to start timer and stroke count.
AUTOMATIC STROKE
MEMORY
Timer, stroke rate and stroke count will keep running
until stopped.
Timer will run to 59:59.99 then roll back to 0.
Count will run to 999 then roll back to 0.
Stroke rate will be stored in memory automatically every
10 seconds for approximately 60 minutes.
STORE/SPLIT
PRESS
Store split and rate manually.
Time will freeze so you can read split.
Timer continues internally and display resumes running
after 5 seconds.
STOP/RESTART TIMER
PRESS
Stop and restart time and stroke count at any time. Stop
time will be recorded as a split.
RECALL MEMORY
PRESS
MANUAL MEMORY REVIEW
PRESS OR
-or-
AUTO MEMORY PLAYBACK
PRESS
Enter memory recall.
(Timer must be stopped.)
Manually step forward or backward through memory.
Time and rate will display for each 10-second interval .
Time, rate and cumulative stroke count will display for
each manually stored split. Stroke rate information is
an instantaneous snapshot, not averaged.
“Playback” memory automatically. Timer will run and
stored rate will display at each 10-second interval. Rate
and cumulative stroke count will display at each
manually stored split. Stroke rate information is an
instantaneous snapshot, not averaged.
EXIT/RECALL
HOLD
Exit recall.
CLEAR/ZERO
HOLD
Hold to clear memory and zero timers.
Timer must be stopped.
Must hold until “CLEAr” disappears and display shows“0’s.”

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BATTERY USE AND CHARGING
BATTERY LIFE Each bar represents 20% of battery life.
Should run minimum of 4 hours per full charge.
CHARGING
Use any standard Cox Box wall or car charger. A fully
drained battery requires 9.5 hours of charging to reach
full capacity.
FULL CHARGE
Display will show charge percentage and read “Full”
when complete.
Charge management logic protects from overcharging.
However, avoid leaving on charge for more than 7 days to
preserve life of your battery.
REPLACE BATTERY
TWIST
TWIST, ‘CLICK’
Be sure to line up “double bump” end of battery with
double grooves when inserting new battery.
Twist locking ring to “CLICK” to ensure it is locked
in place.
WARNING!
Battery does not float.
If battery pins or contacts become wet, dry thoroughly
before use.
STORAGE
Charged batteries will hold their charge for 12 months.
Keep one on hand to ensure uninterrupted Coxing!
(Avoid storing batteries where temperature will exceed
140º F/60º C such as a car in hot sunlight.
ERROR MESSAGES
Battery voltage temperature or charging time has
exceed normal limits during charge. Continued
charging can be dangerous.
ACTION:
Ensure charging environment is not above 100º F/30º
C. If error persists, replace battery pack. Return failed
pack to NK.
SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT Control Unit, Bumper, Battery Pack: 1 lb., 3.9oz. Battery Pack: 3.8oz.
SIZE 4x4 in (fits in all existing cup brackets)
BOUYANCY Control unit with battery installed floats. Control unit alone floats. Battery does not float.
SEALING Waterproof (IP67)
MEMORY Automatic memory: stroke rate every 10 seconds, up to 60 minutes. Manual memory: time, stroke rate, stroke
count. Each manual point stored will decrease the auto memory capacity by 50 seconds.
BATTERY CAPACITY Minimum continuous talk time: 1 hour. Standby: 25 hours. Typical use: 4 hours (typical defined as 1/2 volume and
talking 1/2 of the time). 10w hr. lithium battery.
BATTERY LIFE EXPECTANCY Battery pack can be expected to last 300 full charge/discharge cycles. The expected cycles increases greatly for
partial charge/discharge.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The Cox Box conforms with Council Directive 2004/108/EC (December 15, 2004) on Electromagnetic
Compatibility and is CE-marked accordingly. It is also RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances)
compliant and marked in accordance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
Directive. Please do not dispose of the Cox Box or battery pack in your household trash. Return to
NK, an NK dealer, or a designated recycling center for proper recycling and disposal.

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Care of Your Microphone
Your microphone is shipped attached to a headband and ready for use. The microphone is fully waterproof, and
may be fully immersed, but it will not float on its own. Unless it is attached to a Cox-Box, the microphone will sink.
Microphones should be treated with care.
• Do not attempt to bend the aluminum boom or twist the mouthpiece.
• Do not drop the microphone.
• Do not yank or pull on the microphone cable when disconnecting from the Cox-Box.
• Do not carry the Cox-Box by the microphone.
CARING FOR YOUR COX-BOX SYSTEM
Nielsen-Kellerman equipment is designed, built and tested to withstand the rigors of everyday use, but it is not
invincible and it can be damaged.The following information is intended to help you maintain your equipment and
prevent unnecessary repairs.
Charging
• Place the unit on charge whenever it is not in use,.
• If the low battery sign comes on, be sure to charge the unit for at least 9 hours.
• Under normal conditions, a fully charged battery should last at least 4 hours. If your unit is not providing this much
operational time, it may be time to return it to NK to have new batteries installed. We expect our batteries to need
replacement after three years of normal full-season use.
• Have the batteries exceeded their lifespan? A Cox-Box Battery is expected to provide 3 years of normal use (daily
practices for approximately six to nine months of the year).
NOTE: NK NO LONGER REPAIRS CHARGERS!
If you wish to repair a charger plug, you may obtain pins and instructions from NK. However, for most
people, the most cost- and time-effective approach is simply replacement.
!

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No Stroke Rate or Intermittent/Incorrect Reading
Is there a problem with the unit?
When there is no reading or there are irregular readings, the problem usually lies
with the sensor, not the unit itself.To test the unit:
• Turn the unit on; clear the memory and place in ready mode.
• Using a bent paperclip (unfolded into a“U” shape) repeatedly poke into the two
exterior holes of the CB plug (“A” & “D” sockets of the P5).
• The stroke rate should update every other poke. If this happens, the Cox-Box
is functioning properly and the problem exists with the rate sensor in the
wiring harness. Order a replacement rate sensor and install it according to the
directions supplied.
• If the rate does not update during this test, check the sockets to confirm that
they are the same height within the plug and have not been pushed into the
plug. If the sockets have become recessed, gently use a pair of needle-nose
pliers to work the socket out to the same level as the other sockets.
• Use the Socket Maintenance Kit (NK Part No.0242) to clean any imbedded dirt or debris from the sockets and
inject a small amount of Nyogel into the sockets to prevent corrosion and ensure good electrical contact.
• If the stroke updates, but the timer does not reset, clear the display..
Is the wiring intact?
Check the wiring for pin alignment and cuts or nicks. Check the sensor and seat magnet placement for proper
positioning and security.
E
CB
E
C
C
C
C
C
C
B
B
B
DA
No Audio/Intermittent Audio/Static
Is the wiring clean of cuts or nicks?
• Cuts or nicks in the wiring are the most frequent causes of audio problems. Be sure that all of the connectors
(pins, sockets, plugs, receptacles) are not damaged and are positioned properly.
Is the microphone working properly?
• The microphone may be the cause of failure.Test the system with a microphone you know is good. Note: A
damaged microphone often causes static.
Are the connectors (pins, sockets, plugs, receptacles) properly positioned?
• See installation.
Are the speakers working properly?
• Be sure all of the speakers are plugged in properly and are in working order (replace one at a time with a
known good speaker to test). If you are getting a loud squealing noise, try pointing the speakers away from the
coxswain to minimize feedback.

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Tips to Help You Get the Most From Your Cox-Box
· Make sure that the CoxBox is carried by the handle, and NEVER by the microphone. After use, detach the microphone, and do not store the unit with the
mic attached.
· Keep your CoxBox clean by rinsing it off after use, ESPECIALLY if you row in salt water.
· Store your CoxBox in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in severe heat or cold (such as the dashboard of a car or an unheated boathouse in the winter)
which can greatly shorten the life of the rechargeable battery pack.
CHARGING
· Recharging: Recharge a regularly-used CoxBox whenever possible to ensure that it will have enough power for the next practice. A fully drained CoxBox
battery pack requires 10 hours on charge to attain maximum capacity. At the end of the season, charge the unit for 10 hours, disconnect the microphone
and charger, and store in a cool dry place until ready to use next season.
· Memory Effect: It is not necessary to try to discharge the CoxBox batteries fully between charging - there is virtually no memory effect in modern lithium
batteries.
·BATTERY LIFE
The life of your battery depends upon many things: the age of the battery pack, the volume and talkativeness of the coxswain, and the extent of charge.
Here are some performance guidelines that should help you plan your CoxBox use.
· A fully charged battery will power a CoxBox with NO audio (volume turned all the way down) for 25 hours.
· With the volume turned all the way up, the battery can supply power for 60 minutes of continuous talk.
· Therefore, with an average volume setting and a coxswain talking less than half the time, a fully-charged CoxBox will provide at least four hours of power,
and usually more.
· Having the Coxswain turn the volume down as low as possible will help prolong the battery life.
· If your CoxBox unit is more than three years old, the battery performance will decrease. Simply replace the battery. If you're not sure how old your unit is,
give the Service Department at NK a call and they can research your unit's serial number to tell you when it was last serviced.
Visit www.nk.com.au for more maintenance and troubleshooting tips, or contact NK
email support on inf[email protected]
Cox-Box Maintenance
If you row, cox or coach a coxed boat, you know the CoxBox is an important part of every practice or race. Though designed to perform in conditions that
would destroy most electronics in minutes, there are a few things you can do to help your CoxBox last longer and perform better. For every waterproof
electronic product, the connections are the potential trouble spots. NK sells a complete Cox-Box Maintenance Kit with everything needed to make it easy to
maintain the connections on your equipment. Follow these steps to keep your Cox-Box, Cox-Vox, Microphones & Wiring static-free and reliable for years.
Cox-Box Panel Connectors - MONTHLY WASH the Cox-Box panel with warm water and mild soap. RINSE well. DRY thoroughly
ROTATE DRILL BIT
inside metal sockets of
rubber P5 connector
to dislodge dirt and
corrosion and lift debris
out of sockets.
APPLY
ELECTRICAL
CONTACT GREASE
from syringe inside
metal sockets. Avoid
over filling sockets or
getting into rubber.
USE FOAM SWAB to
apply SILICONE from
small plastic tub to...
OUTSIDE OF P5
until a visible film of
SILICONE covers
surface. (Keep foam
swab in provided bag
for future use.)
ROTATE DRILL BIT
inside metal sockets of
rubber P2 connectors
to dislodge dirt and
corrosion and lift debris
out of sockets.
APPLY ELECTRICAL
CONTACT GREASE
from syringe inside P2
metal sockets. Avoid
over filling sockets or
getting onto rubber.
USE FOAM SWAB
to apply SILICONE to
outside of P2 connectors.
Reconnect all P2/R2
connectors firmly.
Speaker/Harness Connectors - TWICE A YEAR (End of Season)

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New from Nielsen-Kellerman: the Coxswain’s Kit. Everything
the prepared coxswain needs for practice. Kit Includes: Custom
Pack with pouch and external CoxBox holder, one adjustable
wrench, one 7/16” wrench, one 10mm wrench, athletic tape,
electrical tape, Blister Medic first aid kit, 2 Carabineers, a tube of
waterproof sun block and lip balm. NK PART 4050
With the growing use of licence free, 2-way radios, NK have made
available a special connector that allows a 2-way radio system to be
used through an existing NK Cox-Box or Cox-Vox system. The radio
to microphone ‘T’ piece connector fits on the BNC microphone
input of the amp unit. One end connects to a 2-way radio, the
other is used to connect the existing microphone.The coach (with
another 2-way radio) can then communicate to the crew discreetly.
With multi-channels available, it is possible for the coach to speak
to a number of crews at once or by switching channels, to just one crew individually.
Charge your Cox-Box from any car or truck cigarette lighter. Great when traveling to
regattas! CAR CHARGER – NK PART 0234 –
SILICONE GREASE – NK PART 0241 –Silicone is the proper grease for lubricating
all rubber plugs and receptacles in your Cox-Box system.This grease will ensure that
the plugs will connect and disconnect easily and will not swell or crack. Note: please
do NOT use petroleum jelly or other lubricants that may cause the rubber to wear
prematurely.
SOCKET MAINTENANCE KIT – NK PART 0242 –
NK developed this kit to make it easy for you to care for the
metal connectors inside your Cox-Box P5 connector as well
as the P2 connectors on the NK speakers. The kit includes a
specially sized drill bit for cleaning corrosion and dirt from
inside the sockets, as well as a syringe loaded with Nyogel
for injecting into the sockets. Regular use of these tools will
ensure long life and reliable performance of the connectors. One kit will allow you to maintain numerous Cox-
Boxes for at least a season.

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LAY OUT THE PARTS OF YOUR SYSTEM
Uncoil the wiring harness and lay it out in the shell. If you are installing your COX BOX in a sectional
shell, the harness should be equipped with a plug/receptacle pair which should be within a foot of
the sectional bulkheads.
NSTALL THE STROKE SENSOR (CoxBox system only)
1. Refer to FIGS 1a, 1b. Note the position of the sensor – it should be close to the center of the
seat travel and it MUST be perpendicular to the length of the shell.
It is not necessary for the sensor and magnets to be centered between the rails as shown
in Figure 1a.They may be positioned off center as shown in Fig 1b. It is essential however
that the magnet passes directly over the sensor.
INSTALLING YOUR SYSTEM
Check that you received everything required. If you purchased a complete CoxBox system you should
have received the following items:
Carrying bag .......................................................................................................(1)
CoxBox (or Cox Vox) control unit ...............................................................(1)
microphone.........................................................................................................(1)
charger..................................................................................................................(1)
speakers............................................................................... (as ordered 2 or 3)
mounting cup ....................................................................................................(1)
harness, with sensor installed.......................................................................(1)
This manual.........................................................................................................(1)
hardware pack with magnet ........................................................................(1)
NOTE: The double-sided “VHB” tape provided for mounting is epoxy based and requires 12 hours of cure
time. Do not get this tape wet while curing for best results.