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Rowing & Sports Performance Monitoring Support
Cox-Box Operating & Maintenance Instructions (Printable PDF)
Need Help?
Our NK Knowledge Center is available 24-7, and has answers to many common questions, along with tips and tricks for using NK products.
For email assistance with the installation or operation of your NK product, write techsupport@nkhome.com.
For help with an apparent malfunction, or to arrange or inquire about a repair, write repairs@nkhome.com.
Or call 800.784.4221 (610.447.1555 outside of the USA), Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. |
COX-BOX OPERATION
On/Off
To use your Cox-Box, simply place the unit in the cup bracket and plug it into the wiring harness. Be sure to align the plug and receptacle properly! There is an arrow molded into the rubber for help visually aligning the parts. The P5 is often damaged because of frequent improper alignment.
The large knob turns the unit on and off, and controls the volume. Twist the knob clockwise to turn the Cox-Box on. Find an appropriate volume so that everyone in the crew can hear the coxswain. Adjusting the speakers slightly may help with this. Keep the volume as low as possible to prolong the battery life.
Pausing/Stopping Timer
If you do not want the timer to run, flip the toggle switch up to “HOLD”—this freezes the time display—the rate meter and counter will continue to operate. When ready for the timer to begin or resume, set the toggle switch back to “RUN.” Putting the unit in hold is useful to start and stop the timer (for example, just prior to or immediately following a race) or to pause the time (in between pieces or while turning). The timer will not start unless the Cox-Box is in Ready Mode.
While the timer is running, the unit will store stroke rates in the memory. The data will not store if the unit is in “HOLD” mode.
Recalling the Memory
The Cox-Box unit will store stroke rates during a timed piece for up to 25 minutes and 40 seconds (81 points of memory—in increments of 10 seconds for the first minute [0, 10, 20…] then every 20 seconds thereafter).
Each time you push the toggle switch down, the unit will scroll through each of the stored data points. The increments will continue until the time at which the unit was stopped or 25:40 is reached.
If the Cox-Box unit is turned off and back on again—the memory is not lost. To clear memory, you must press the toggle switch down and hold it for at least ½ second.
| 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, ask your question in the Knowledge Center. Or, please contact our Repair Department at 610-447-1555 x211 or write to support@nkhome.com. |
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 and Storing Your Cox-Box
Place your unit on charge whenever not in use, but avoid leaving it on charge for more than two days continuously. At the end of the season, charge the unit for 12 hours, disconnect the microphone and charger, and store in a cool dry place until ready to use next season.
- If the battery light comes on, be sure to charge the unit for at least 12 hours.
- Do not continue to use a unit with the low battery warning light illuminated. Repeated use with the low battery light on may damage the batteries and unit.
- 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.
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 tighten the bayonet connector on the microphone to the panel jack on the Cox-Box. Just slip it into place.
- Do not carry the Cox-Box by the microphone.
Often, when a customer attempts to replace a microphone BNC, the replacement connector pin is of an incorrect diameter and damages the center conductor of the Cox-Box panel mount BNC.
| NOTE: The NK warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It DOES NOT cover damage caused by abuse, misuse, or attempts to repair the microphone on your own. |
REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND TIPS
Daily Maintenance
- If you row on salt water, rinse the Cox-Box off with fresh water and dry it after every use.
- Charge the unit whenever it is not in use, but do not leave the unit on charge indefinitely. The unit should not be charged for longer than 2 days straight.
- Slip the metal microphone bayonet on the Cox-Box panel jack without twisting to lock it. Do not tighten it fully.
- Inspect the toggle-switch seal for integrity. This is especially important if you row in salt water and wash your unit regularly.
Once a Month
This maintenance is easy to perform with a Cox-Box Maintenance Kit, available from NK for $20. All components of the kit can be found in a hardware store as well.
- Wash the Cox-Box display panel with warm water and mild soap. Rinse well and dry.
- Use the drill bit from the Cox-Box Maintenance kit to clean out the metal sockets inside the rubber plug on the unit. Rotate the bit inside the sockets to dislodge any dirt or debris.
- Check the inside of the rubber plug on the wiring harness for any dirt. Inspect the wires leading to the plug for any nicks or cuts. If these exist, contact NK about repairing them.
- Apply silicone grease to the outside of the rubber plug on the Cox-Box. This helps to minimize the damage done by repeatedly removing the unit from the boat. Try not to get silicone into the plug itself. If you are using the P5 Protective Jumper, unplug the jumper and grease the plug on the Cox-Box and the plug on the end of the Protective Jumper.
- Microphone BNC and Panel BNC Connector: You can greatly reduce microphone static with regular maintenance of these connectors. Use the provided small screwdriver to gently spread the contact fins in the center of the mic BNC. The Socket Maintenance kit includes instructions and photos of this step. Use the syringe to run a generous bead of Nyogel on the inside diameter of the BNC connector on the Cox-Box panel. This grease will transfer to the mic BNC when it is next connected.
- Inject a small amount of electrical contact grease (Nyogel) into the sockets on the rubber Cox-Box plug. Connect the unit to the harness. This will coat the pins with Nyogel and push some Nyogel deeper into the sockets, protecting them as well.
Microphone - MONTHLY or As Needed
WASH the Cox-Box panel with warm water and mild soap. RINSE well. DRY thoroughly.
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GENTLY SPREAD GROUND CONDUCTOR "FINS" of the microphone BNC away from the center white insulator using the small screwdriver. A slight gap between the fins and insulators should remain. Slip the BNC onto the greased Cox-Box panel BNC to transfer grease into the body of the microphone BNC. INSPECT cable for intact heat shrink and connection to BNC. Return to NK for repair if there is visible damage. |
REMEMBER! DO NOT lock the BNC ring when plugging in to the Cox-Box. DO NOT carry the Cox-Box by the microphone. DO NOT bend the microphone boom, twist the mouthpiece or twist or yank the cable. |
End of the Season
- Inspect the toggle switch seal. Perform this step before washing the unit.
- Wash the Cox-Box with fresh water and dry it carefully.
- Repeat the cleaning and lubricating steps under “Once a Month” maintenance.
- Fully charge the Cox-Box then unplug it and store it in a cool, dry place.
Inspecting the Toggle Switch
After several years of use, the gray rubber seal around the ON/OFF toggle switch may crack, tear, or otherwise lose its ability to properly seal the switch. If this happens, water may enter the unit, potentially doing permanent damage. Examine this seal regularly for any signs of splitting, tearing, or incomplete sealing around the toggle lever when it is moved to the two extremes. If such damage is noticed, the unit should be immediately returned to NK.
Battery Life
The life of your battery depends upon many things: the age of the battery pack, the volume and used by the coxswain and the extent of charge. Here are some performance guidelines that should help you plan your Cox-Box use.
- A fully charged battery will power a Cox-Box with NO audio (volume turned all the way down) for 16 hours.
- With the volume turned all the way up, the battery can supply power for 50 minutes of continuous talk.
- Therefore, with an average volume setting and a coxswain talking less than half the time, a fully charged Cox-Box will provide at least two to three hours of power, and usually more.
- Having the Coxswain turn the volume down as low as possible will help prolong the battery life.
- A fully drained Cox-Box battery requires 12 hours on charge to attain maximum capacity.
- It is not necessary to try to discharge the Cox-Box batteries fully between charging — there is virtually no memory effect in modern nickel cadmium batteries.
- If your Cox-Box unit is more than three years old, the battery performance will decrease. Simply return the unit to NK for a new battery replacement. If the unit has been serviced within the past five years, the age of the battery is usually indicated on the bottom of the can (month/year). If you would like to determine the age and/or repair history of a unit, please send an e-mail to support@nkhome.com.
Avoid overcharging your Cox-Box. NK chargers are current-limiting and help prevent battery damage from overcharging. However, leaving the unit plugged in for many days or weeks (past full charge) may still cause damage. Please be sure to unplug and store your units during your off season breaks.
COX-BOX DO'S |
DO put
the Cox-Box on charge whenever it is not
in use, but never for more than three consecutive
days.
DO charge
for at least 12 hours should the low
battery light come on.
DO wash
well with fresh water after exposure
to salt water.
DO occasionally
apply silicone to the OUTSIDE of the
rubber plug.
DO regularly
inspect the toggle switch for cracks
or damage.
DO occasionally
apply a thin layer of Nyogel to the TOP
of the rubber plug.
DO contact
NK in case of problems.
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| Any
attempt to
open the Cox-Box
will void the
warranty.
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| COX-BOX DON'TS
|
DON'T ignore
the
low
battery
warning
light. Repeated
or
extended
use
with
a
low
battery
will
damage the
battery.
DON'T pull
on
the
microphone
cable
or carry
the
Cox-Box
via
the microphone
cable.
DON'T leave
the
Cox-Box
anywhere
the
temperature might
exceed
120° F
(50° C).
DON'T fully
close
the
metal
connector
on the
microphone.
It
is
only
necessary
to
push
it
on
and
pull
it
off
the connector.
DON'T leave
the
Cox-Box
on
while
charging.
DON'T charge
the
Cox-Box
for
than
three consecutive
days.
DON'T attempt
to
open
the
Cox-Box.
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