- Description
The 2nd Generation CUBA has been upgraded with a Lemo connector to work with devices such as Anvis, Oasys, etc.
The CUBA consists of a DC jack battery replacement, a ported cap and a positive terminal pad for CR123A battery backup. A voltage regulated cable with a right-angle DC plug and a right-angle USB plug is provided for use with the battery replacement module. Using a 5000 mAh battery pack you can run a COTI/E-COTI for as much as 8 hours. The adapter is made from an engineering grade photopolymer, with non-magnetic hardware. The cable is silicone sealed and secured with adhesive heat shrink and a braided abrasion resistant overwrap. The system should provide many years of service.
Remove the factory battery cap and replace it with the DC jack battery adapter and the ported cap. When properly seated, the O ring on the COTI will be completely covered. Route the cable to a USB battery pack so that the cable does not get pinched when the NVG is moved. The voltage regulator on the cable will accept 5-20 volts DC and limits the output to the COTI to 3.22-3.31 volts, above the low battery warning level. While the COTI/E-COTI has over-voltage protection, we do not advise using any other DC source or the use of anything other than a USB battery providing 5VDC nominal.
Most USB batteries will come on when the cable is plugged in, then the COTI may be switched on. Many USB packs will auto-shutdown after a short interval if the cable is plugged in and the COTI is not switched on as there is no current draw by the cable alone. Touching the power switch on the battery cap or unplugging/plugging the USB end of the cable will wake the battery up and permit the unit to power on. We suggest you plug the cable in when you are ready to use the COTI, then power it on and leave it on in a low brightness setting until you are actively using it, that will prevent the USB battery from going to sleep and require a reset. As even a small battery lasts all night, there is little need to turn the COTI off once you begin using it. If you want to power the COTI on/off during operations, select a USB battery pack that has a ‘constant on’ feature. We use the packs from Voltaic Systems. Packs that only have a ‘trickle charge’ mode rather than a true constant on will not power up the COTI.
In the event of a USB battery or cable failure, you can remove the battery replacement, insert the positive terminal pad in the cap and insert a standard CR123A battery. The pad is small and flat, so I just tape it to the helmet.
While the cap mates to the unit’s O-ring, and the regulator box is silicone sealed, note that the DC connector and USB batteries are not waterproof. If wet weather operations are anticipated, we suggest a plastic wrap over the battery and a bit of silicone grease on the outer barrel of the DC connector. The system IS NOT SUBMERSIBLE! It will withstand rain and snow, but not complete submersion.
The cap threads have been greased before packaging and each unit is tested before shipment. A small tube of silicone grease has been provided for use as needed. A Velcro patch has been included to place on the cable regulator box to assist in securing the cable to the helmet.