Rowing & Sports Performance Monitoring Support

Troubleshooting/FAQs - Cox-Box

A Cox-Box system consists of four major components: the Cox-Box unit, the microphone, the wiring and the speakers. All of these components must function for your system to work properly. If you are having a problem with your system, the best diagnostic tool is to swap out each component, one at a time, with a working component. When the problem disappears, you know you have pinpointed the trouble area.

COX-BOX WILL NOT TAKE OR HOLD A CHARGE

—Is the Cox-Box being charged correctly?

Review the “Charging” section under Maintenance above and confirm that proper procedures are being observed when charging the Cox-Box.

—Is the correct charger being used?

Our chargers are rated 12VDC and 300mA and are sent to the user with a special plug attached. We recommend that all chargers be purchased from NK, and that you do not modify a charger purchased elsewhere for use with a Cox-Box.

—Is the charger working?

• Is the red LED illuminated when the charger is plugged in?
  
• Is the charger warm? A normal charger will be very warm after less than one hour’s operation. If the charger is not warm then it is not operating correctly. However, chargers can be warm, but not work properly.
• Does the unit charge with a different charger? If so, then the first charger is bad. If you suspect that your charger is not working correctly you can perform the following test:
  • Obtain a multimeter—almost any type will do. Turn the multimeter on and set it at
    20 VDC. After plugging the charger in (be VERY careful, the charger is ON!), place
    the positive lead from the multimeter on the plus pin, and the negative lead from
    the multimeter onto the ground pin. The multimeter should read between 13.5V -15V. Any deviation from this range indicates that the charger is not working. If you do not get
    any voltage reading on the multi-meter, the internal transformer is damaged the charger
    must be replaced.
• If the charger is not working correctly and you did get a voltage reading, it is probable that one of the pins has become disconnected or misaligned. Pins usually become misaligned due to debris in the plug—it is important to keep the plugs clean.
  

—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). If you know your unit’s batteries are older than three years, we recommend that the unit be returned to NK for new batteries and servicing. We can often check our records to determine the age of your unit’s batteries.

NO STROKE RATE OR INTERMITTENT/INCORRECT READING

—Is the switch in the HOLD position?

If the toggle switch is in the HOLD (top) position, the unit will not read. Place the switch in the RUN (middle) position.

—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 pair of tweezers or 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 (NK Part No. 0212) 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 with the toggle switch. If this does not solve the problem, your switch may be faulty.
  

—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.

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. It is the most delicate component of the CB system. 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.

— Is the audio signal balanced?

If you are familiar with how to use an ohmmeter, you can verify if the audio signal of the CB is balanced. Measure from the ground socket “A” to the audio socket “B”. It should read approximately 3.1 volts. Measure from the ground socket “A” to audio socket “C” it should read the same as “A” to “B”. If they are not balanced, return the unit to NK.