Rowing & Sports Performance Monitoring Support

Troubleshooting/FAQs - Cox-Vox

A Cox-Vox system consists of four major components: the Cox-Vox 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-VOX WILL NOT TAKE OR HOLD A CHARGE

—Is the Cox-Vox being charged correctly?

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

—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-Vox.

—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-Vox 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 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 Cox-Vox 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.