
What's New?
Check back often to stay informed of the latest COBRA updates. We will be updating this page with new information, such as website announcements, stock availability, trade show information, client shows and more!
18R2 and 18M Detailed Demonstration Released! - Apr. 16th
18R2 and 18M Detailed Demonstration Released!
Scott and Joel have been hard at work the last few weeks in our secret COBRA film studio producing the first video in a new series of detailed demonstration videos. This first video is a deep dive into both the 18R2 and 18M. The video is broken down into chapters and timestamped as well, so check it out!
Tech Specs on Core Equipment Have Been Updated! - Apr. 4th
Tech Specs on Core Equipment Have Been Updated!

We have updated our technical specifications tab for all core equipment. Please find a list of updated products below:
Drawings Have Been Added to all LiPo Chargers! - Mar. 7th
Drawings Have Been Added to All Lipo Chargers!

36M with Onboard Cues Now Available in Orange Case! - Mar. 2nd
36M with Onboard Cues Now Available in Orange Case!

Announcing COBRA Posters! - Feb. 27th
Announcing COBRA Posters!


Today we are announcing the start of a line of COBRA Posters. We currently have two different posters available, Thump Junkie & No Black Sky. Put them on your wall today!
Remote Holsters Now Available! - Feb. 20th
Remote Holsters Now Available!

Introducing Ten Module Chargers! - Feb. 7th
Introducing Ten Module Chargers!

Test Bulbs, Module Box, and Audio Box Buttons Added! - Feb. 7th
Test Bulbs, Module Box, and Audio Box Buttons Added!

We have added a few replacement items, as well as test bulbs! We included links to products added below:
Show Checklists / System Maintenance Section Added! - Feb. 7th
Show Checklists / System Maintenance Section Added!

We have added a new section containing a series of checklists, maintenance and pre-show procedures:
- Equipment Preparation Checklist
- Make sure all equipment is properly prepared and checked before a show.
- Pre-show Checklist
- Ensure that all equipment functionality is verified prior to shooting your show.
- 18R2 Scripted Dry Run Checklist
- Perform a dry run of a scripted show.
- Common Troubleshooting
- Common troubleshooting issues per device.
- Show Problem - Next Steps
- Provides instructions on the steps to take after any type of issue on your show. Issues can be caused by the operator, equipment, environment, or other factors.
- Equipment Annual Maintenance
- Best practices for annual maintenance of your COBRA equipment.
Tablet Recomendations added to Control Panel - Jan. 9th
Tablet Recomendations added to Control Panel

We are excited to announce that we have added a comprehensive list of tablet recommendations to our COBRA Control Panel product page. Be sure to check these out if you are in the market for a tablet and want some direction in choosing a device. For any other specific questions on tablets, please be sure to reach out to us at jrobinson@cobrafiringsystems.com.
Control Panel 2.0.4 BETA Update - Dec. 28th
Control Panel 2.0.4 BETA Update!

The COBRA 2.0.4 BETA release is a minor patch release for the COBRA firmware version 5.0.0 and 5.0.2.
- Added support for the Samsung View 18.4"
- Fixed incorrect address display issue for 36M
- Fixed crash report when loading on specific devices
Drawings have been added to all DB25 Cables - Dec. 14th
Drawings Have Been Added to All DB25 Cables

Introducing a New Talon Size: 6M (18ft) - Dec. 12th
Introducing a New Talon Size: 6M (19.5 ft)

COBRA Baseball Hat Now Available - Nov. 27th
COBRA Baseball Hat Now Available!

This is Betty, our office model. Betty looks fly in her COBRA hat. Be like Betty.
We are thrilled to announce that the COBRA Baseball Hat is now available for purchase! Boasting an adjustable velcro strap, pre-frayed brim, as well as a fabric back, this hat will be the envy of the shoot site.
18M Airburst Cue Strip Now Available - Oct. 31st
18M Airburst Cue Strip Now Available!

We are excited to announce that we have just released our RJ11 Airburst Cue Strip!
This cue strip is designed to allow your module to fire Airbursts. Airbursts typically come as a set of three effects, pre-wired into an RJ11 harness. Each kit includes one cue strip with two separate RJ11 female connectors.
You can install one or more cue strips per module. If you are using a Slat Connector, you will only be able to install these cue strips in the first and second bays. Installation is simple, only a screwdriver is required.
New Decals - Oct. 18th
New Decals!

We have been hard at work in the COBRA Art Lab creating a second series of our decals we know you have all come to love. You can find them along with COBRA apparel on our Stickers / COBRA Swag page.
The 36M has Landed - Oct. 10th
The 36M has Landed!

We have officially released the 36M firing module for sale and immediate shipment!
One of the benefits of the 36M is it's ability to use varying Pro-Adapt plates to support different connection methods. We will be offering a number of options in the coming months. For our initial rollout, we are focusing on the large armored case with on board speaker terminals, and a version that supports 2 x 18S slats or a single 36 cue slat. We plan to release this 36 cue slat soon. Other options will include a side exit SE-300 case, quick plug support, mini 6 cue slats including CAT-5 cable support, and more. Any 36M can use a different Pro-Adapt plate by simply removing the plate and plugging in another.
The 36M comes with a standard LiPo, external power and still supports 9V batteries in a pinch. In addition, we have added an LCD screen for displaying channel, address, battery levels, signal and more without having to rely on a boot up process.
We will be offering $50 off for the next week for each type of module with limited availability.
36M with 18S Slats - $549 USD
36M with Onboard Cues and Slat Support - $599 USD
More New Replacement Parts - Sept. 25th
More New Replacement Parts!

We have performed another round of adding new replacement parts for modules, remotes, and more. You can browse all parts on our new Replacement Parts category page. We plan to continue adding more parts in the weeks to come. We also have included a list of parts added below.
Armored Case
Audio Box
Module
Remote
Slat
New Replacement Parts - Sept. 7th
New Replacement Parts!

We are happy to announce we have added replacement parts for modules, remotes, and more to our site. You can browse all parts on our new Replacement Parts category page. We plan to continue adding more parts in the weeks to come. We also have included a list of parts offered below.
Armored Case
Audio Box
Booster
Module
Remote
Slat
Western Winter Blast 2018! - Feb. 26th
Western Winter Blast 2018!

During the weekend of February 16th, Joel will be shipping himself out to sunny Lake Havasu City in Arizona to attend the annual Western Winter Blast convention. He will arrive on Friday night to offer shoot site assistance and will spend Saturday and Sunday offering support and giving product demos at the trade show, and will again be on site during the evening to offer show support. Be sure to swing by the trade show booth if you are attending and say hello to COBRA's golden boy!
Western Winter Blast is an annual event held by the Western Pyrotechnic Association. Many consider it the PGI of the west, as every year, the convention includes seminars, trade shows, class C and pyrotechnic supply vending, open shooting for both class C & class B, as well as BBQ's afterglow parties and of course, several nights of professional pyromusicals and displays. This year, Spirit of 76 and NPA will be shooting shows using COBRA.
Joel arrived on Friday evening and spent his Saturday and Sunday manning the trade show booth. In the evening, Joel provided on site support for any clients shooting with COBRA.
We are happy to announce between Joel's assistance, and our clients knowledge and preparation, that all shows fired flawlessly. We wanted to share some background on these shows, as well as some amazing videos courtesy of Firecat8:
Shooter | Club | 18R2 | Audio Box | Control Panel | Modules | |
"Painting the Sky" WPA Educational Show | David Sholl | WPA - Western Pyrotechnic Association | 1 | No | Yes | 15 |
Salute to America | Dan Haines | Spirit of 76 | 1 | 1 | Yes | 85 |
Pyromusical by Vortex Fireworks Artist | Eric Farnsworth | SLAP -Salt Lake Area Pyros | 1 | 1 | Yes | 61 |
P.I.T. Show | Pyros in Training | 2 | No | No | 13 | 25 |





Upcoming Events for 2018 - Jan. 9th
Upcoming Events for 2018

With a new year comes new pyrotechnic events and trade shows. When we are able to attend, we like to use these events and shows as an opportunity to both offer assistance to customers, as well as spend time with them and learn more about how we can continue to expand in the direction customers want. We have put together a list of the events we plan on attending this year. As we add or remove events, we will continue to update this, so be sure to check for COBRA's attendance if you want to use these as an opportunity to have your equipment checked out or repaired, ask some questions, or just meet some of the crew!
Upcoming Events
Mid-Atlantic Firework Festival (MAFF) | April 21st 2018 | Charlotte Hall, MD |
Kellner's Demo Night | April 27th - April 28th 2018 | Wesley, PA |
Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention (PGI) | August 4th - August 10th | Mason City, IA |
National Fireworks Association Expo (NFA) | September 10th - 14th | Wichita, KS |
Pyromania | September 20th - September 22nd | Wright City, MO |
International Pyromusical Design and Choreography Course in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Nov. 29th
International Pyromusical Design and Choreography Course in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Safety is a fundamental factor in the handling of pyrotechnics, its correct use guarantees the care and protection of lives, but overall, the performance of professional level shows requires constant learning and training by professionals. The 3rd International Course of Design and Choreography of Pyromusicals is an event aimed at educating professional pyrotechnicians throughout Latin America.
The event was based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 15th and 16th 2017. Ernesto Norman of PyroSmart Mexico, Jorge Márquez of Lux Pirotecnia and Jorge Díaz de
The high-quality technology for the development of pyrotechnic events combined perfectly with the support of Finale Fireworks, a professional program for the creation of the best shows.



Pyromania 2017 - Oct. 18th
Pyromania 2017, Wright City, MO

Last week, we packed Joel Robinson into a large wheeled travel case and shipped him back home to the Midwest to attend Pyromania 2017 in Wright City, MO.
Joel arrived on Friday afternoon and spent all day Saturday at the shoot site assisting anyone who was shooting with COBRA. Joel provided support for nine 18R2s, six audioboxes and nearly 250 modules spread out across 8 different displays.
We are incredibly proud to say that between Joel's assistance, and our clients knowledge and preparation, that all shows fired flawlessly. We wanted to share some background on these shows, as well as some amazing videos courtesy of Firecat8:
Shooter | Club | 18R2 | Audio Box | Control Panel | Modules | |
National Anthem | Zane Northrip | MoPyro | 1 | 1 | Yes | 13 |
21 Gun Salute | Zane Northrip | MoPyro | 1 | 1 | Yes | 7 |
Kevin's 12" Memorial Shell | 1 | 3 | ||||
Pro Am Entry #2 | Brent Folley | 2 | 1 | Yes | 27 | |
Pro Am Entry #3 | Jeff Taylor | MoPyro | 1 | 1 | Yes | 29 |
Mass Launch - Red | 1 | |||||
Time Transcended | Brandon Schmidt | KCAP | 1 | 1 | Yes | 76 |
Zane Northrip | Large Pyromusical | MoPyro | 2 | 1 | Yes | 77 |





American Pyrotechnics Association Conference (APA) 2017 - Oct. 5th
Come see Scott at APA!

What a week for our fearless leader Scott Smith, he spent the week in sunny, beautiful San Diego at the yearly APA convention. He wanted to share some thoughts on this week:
"It was great to have great discussions with some existing and new customers. Great to see J&M Displays, Fireworks America, R.J. Santore, and many others! Nothing better than to talk to customers, gain feedback and discuss all of our new developments. First time at APA and will be coming back!"
Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) 2017 Convention - Sept. 15th
Pyrotechnics Guild International 2017, Fargo, ND

COBRA was proud to be a part of the PGI 2017 event in Fargo, ND. The brand new 5.0.2 firmware release was used exclusively, leveraging the new MESH technology to combat a difficult shoot site that contained both buildings and natural barriers. Highlights of the event included our eight trade show table booth, where we showed off some of our newer in development technologies, including higher and lower cue count modules, SMTPE time code input, single point command center control interface, and more...
In addition to showing off new technology, we provided field support for any show that was fired using COBRA, which was many of the larger public displays including:
Shooter | Club | 18R2 | Audio Box | Control Panel | Modules | |
Firestone | Miranda Pagoada | Spirit of '76 | 1 | 1 | Yes | 69 |
Dance the Night Away | Dan Haines | Spirit of '76 | 1 | 1 | Yes | 81 |
Vortex Fireworks | Chuck Johnson | Vortex Fireworks | 1 | 1 | Yes | 82 |
Northern Lighters Pyrotechnics | Ron Reitan | Northern Lighters Pyrotechnics | 3 | 1 | Yes | 159 |
COBRA was also used to fire a number of choreographed Class C pyromusicals:




For the 5th year in a row, COBRA was also used to fire all evening competitions. This year, the team was able to take advantage of our new MESH technology to support a more difficult shoot site containing varying distances and barriers between competition entries. Thanks to all of the support of Rick Olivieri, Tom Dimock and the rest of the PGI team!

National Fireworks Association (NFA) 2017 Expo - Sept. 12th
COBRA Roadtrip to NFA!

It was an exciting weekend for Joel and Jonah, as they were whisked away in a magical Buick to beautiful Erie PA to the yearly NFA convention! There, they talked to customers, repaired equipment, updated firmware, and provided show support for two shows, an 80's themed show put on by the stellar crew at OPAG and NEOPAG, as well as a unique fully scripted product demo put on by Spirit of '76.
I asked Jonah to share his thoughts on the experience:
"It was a great convention; the Bayfront Convention Center, located in beautiful Erie, PA, proved to be a most-accommodating venue for this year's NFA Expo. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to meet face-to-face with both existing and potential customers, as well as other members of the pyrotechnic industry. With a full table of Cobra gear on display at the Trade Show, we were able to provide full product demonstrations, answer questions, and gather feedback, which is vital to our company and our development of new products and features. We were also able to provide on-site technical support for the Ohio Pyrotechnic Arts Guild's public display at the Lake Erie Speedway, which used a total of 90 channels. On the whole, it was a great experience, and we look forward to attending next year's convention!"
El Volcan Spotlight! - Apr. 2nd 2018
El Volcan Spotlight!
We wanted to take a moment to highlight some incredible shows by one of our longstanding clients, El Volcan. El Volcan designs and puts on many shows across Mexico and Latin America. Their shows often feature large, elaborate set pieces, tightly timed ground effects, unique parabolic comets, and exquisite layering.
The first video is a short pyro musical set to, "Bohemian Rhapsody". This is a 360 video!
The second video contains a few excerpts from a show put on in Jocotepec Jalisco. Check out the set pieces!
The third video really showcases El Volcans beautiful comet work and layering.
Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship! - Mar. 29th 2018
Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship!
Red Bull Crashed Ice is a world tour of a winter extreme sporting event, ice cross downhill, which involves downhill skating in an urban environment on a track with steep turns and high vertical drops. It is similar to ski cross and snowboard cross, except with ice skates on an ice track.
This year Rick Simpson, of Aerial Fireworks, was given the opportunity to provide the pyrotechnics for the event.
Rick used 9 18Ms and an 18R2 to fire this event, which was split into 4 segments. There was a kick off, final four contestant introductions, finish line award presentation, and a 4 minute designed finale display. The 4 minute display was fully scripted, while the other events were step fired manually.
We reached out to Rick to share his thoughts on the event, this is what he had to say:
What an amazing event! Aerial Fireworks got the opportunity to provide the pyro and fireworks for the Red Bull Crashed Ice 2018 World Championships. I am so proud of our amazing crews and volunteers who made this possible with 3 days notice. We have the best in the business!Cobra has definitely become our system of choice, we have also recently added numerous 18R2, 36Ms, 18Ms, and audio boxes to give us 5 systems capable of shooting over 1000 cues. Thank you to Scott Smith and all the gang at Cobra. As a fireworks company shooting over 100 shows per year, we rely heavily on our firing systems and chose Cobra to replace our existing Pyrosure, Firelinx, FireOne and Pyromate systems for their reliability, durability, and simplicity. We have fired numerous shows in minus 39 degrees celsius (-36 F) and are pleased to report 100 % firing results.
El Volcan at the International Fair of Pyrotechnics! - Nov. 6th 2017
El Volcan at the International Fair of Pyrotechnics!
The National Pyrotechnic Festival, which takes place in Tultepec, Mexico, is an annual event to promote the country's tradition of production and use of fireworks. The main event, a parade of "toritos" or bull-shaped frames with fireworks on them, began in the mid 19th century. The modern national festival began in 1989 and includes various events including fireworks competitions, but the main event remains that of the toritos, with about 250 "running" along the streets of Tultepec in 2013. The National Pyrotechnic Festival lasts for seven days and attracts more than 100,000 visitors to the area.
There are three main events along with amusement rides, concerts, dancing, and regional food. These events are split between the town center of Tultepec and the fairgrounds in the San Antonio Xahuento neighborhood
The first of the main events is a contest of "castillos". Castillos are frames made of wood, reed and paper to which various fireworks are affixed. These fireworks are set off to make images and/or parts of the castillo structure move. The castillos created for this event measure between twenty five and thirty meters, requiring about fifteen days to build. When set off, they take between twenty and thirty minutes to go through all of their features
The second, oldest and most important event is the "pamplonada." Named after the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, these "little bulls" or "toritos" are also fireworks frames. These frames are made of wood, reed, and paper mache. They can measure anywhere from 20 inches to over 10 feet in height. The larger toritos are made by groups of thirty to forty people because of the cost and can have as many as 4,000 fireworks on them The toritos are giving names such as El Chico, Sagitario Toro Maya and Monster. In the 2013 event, over 250 of these toritos were registered to participate. The toritos are paraded on March 8, in honor of John of God, the patron saint of fireworks makers. The toritos proceeds over the various streets of Tultepec, setting off their fireworks for five to six hours until they arrive to the main plaza of the town.
The last of the major event is also a contest. This contest involves performances that combine fireworks and music. El Volcan, competes in this competition every year, and has won several times.
Selstar Wins First Place at British Fireworks Championship! - Nov. 1st 2017
Selstar Wins First Place at British Fireworks Championship!
The British Firework Championships is an annual competition held since 1997 in Plymouth, England, every August, where judges review fireworks displays from professional fireworks companies and select the best examples.The competition rules place restrictions on budget, duration and amount of product that can be used for each display. It is watched by more than 200,000 people.
This year, for the second time, the winner was Selstar Fireworks with a phenomenal show. Congrats Selstar!
Shooter | Compay | 18R2 | Control Panel | Modules | |
British Fireworks Championship Winner | Iain Keightley | Selstar Fireworks | 2 | Yes | 71 |
Spirit of '76 in the Sky at PGI - Nov. 1st 2017
Spirit of '76 in the Sky at PGI!
Founded in 1987 by John Bechtold, Spirit of ’76 fireworks is one of the premier fireworks wholesalers in the United States. With two warehouses located in Missouri and Pennsylvania, they ship effects as small as sparkers, and as large as 500 gram cakes, to all 48 contiguous states.
Not only does Spirit excel at pyrotechnic distribution, they also have an incredibly talented team of shooters that put on amazing shows. We were lucky enough to be at PGI this year to not only offer on-site assistance, but also sit back and enjoy the flawlessy fired show!
Shooter | Display Company | 18R2 | Audio Box | Control Panel | Modules | |
Dance the Night Away | Dan Haines | Spirit of '76 | 1 | 1 | Yes | 81 |
Firestone | Miranda Pagoada | Spirit of '76 | 1 | 1 | Yes | 69 |
MoPyro Wins First Place at Pyromania 2017 - Oct. 14th 2017
MoPyro Wins First Place at Pyromania 2017!
Pyromania is the biggest fireworks display in the Midwest. Occurring every fall, the display, or series of displays, sometimes as many as 10, take place over a 2 hour period. This is one of the few large pyrotechnic competitions in the US that allows professional effects, shells up to 12”, and gasoline fireballs. Attendance is usually over 5,000.
This winner of the 2017 Pro Am Competition was Jeff Taylor and his crew from MoPyro. Jeff and his crew wired up 493 cues over 20 modules, and the show fired flawlessly. Congrats Jeff!
Shooter | Club | 18R2 | Audio Box | Control Panel | Modules | Pro Am Entry #3 | Jeff Taylor | MoPyro | 1 | 1 | Yes | 29 |
Sirotechnics Wins First Place at British Musical Fireworks Championship - Sept. 30th 2017
Sirotechnics Wins First Place at British Musical Fireworks Championship!
Set in the beautiful Victoria Park, the British Musical Fireworks Championship is a firework competition spread across three nights, in which seven competitors battle it out to be crowned the ultimate winner.
Over three nights, they had seven competitors each firing a 16 -18 minute display. A panel of professional judges, who collectively have designed shows for high profile stars such as; Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner and Queen, will judge each display before announcing the winner on the final evening.
This year, seven previous winners went head to head to be crowned the ultimate 'Champion of Champions'. Sirotechnics Fireworks took the ultimate crown with their stunning display and creative lancework, including a zombie during a Michael Jackson song. Congrats Sirotechnics!
Shooter | Display Company | 18R2 | Audio Box | Control Panel | Modules | SMPTE | |
Champions of Champions | Simon Harding | Sirotechnics | 1 | 1 | Yes | 90 | Yes |