Benefits of Cobra Command Center

[Greenville Pyro]

So I've been looking at the Cobra Command Center. I would like to hear what the benefits are of the system from someone who uses one. Right now I am shooting with the 18r2 with a booster and an audiobox. I have no immediate plans to move to SIMPTE. Other than being able to watch the cakes light up on a screen as they fire, what benefits would I get by investing in this? Also, I have access to an Ipad, but it does not appear from the connectors that this is well supported. Maybe I'm missing something. Thank you in advance.

[displayfireworks1]

Great question. How many times a year are you shooting, how many modules do you have (type). Are you using all Consumer Fireworks , any Articles of Pyrotechnics, or 1.3 ? How long have you been using the Cobra system. Some of the other members that will answer this may want that additional information. This also assumes your displays are just friends and family.

[esgrillo]

I don't have command center but use control panel. Everyone can make their own decision on how important the extra battery life, seahorse box, connectivity, and SMTPE is but I would strongly suggest the control panel software and a cheap tablet. I only shoot one or 2 shows a year so all the features for the rest of the command center are really not worth the money.

I had old Dell Android tablet I bought the software for and have really liked it since I started using it. The biggest benefit IMO is the ability to check your set up on shoot day. The graphics allow you to see all kids of info for multiple mods at the same time and show exceptions as well. There is is a good video online from cobra showing all the details. During your shoot the visual display is somewhat helpful but when the script is really moving even the graphics for that are pretty much useless as each script line moves so quickly across the screen.

I also mounted my small tablet to the front of my 18R2 so it is very mobile.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwUyY0H7PqY

[Greenville Pyro]

Great question. How many times a year are you shooting, how many modules do you have (type). Are you using all Consumer Fireworks , any Articles of Pyrotechnics, or 1.3 ? How long have you been using the Cobra system. Some of the other members that will answer this may want that additional information. This also assumes your displays are just friends and family.

1 shoot a year. Sometimes I bust it out at a club meet with 1 module for demo days. 10 modules. No slats or sequencers yet. Consumer, AP and 1.3. Using it 3 years. Very comfortable with it

[MontanaMike]

I'm in about the same situation as you, Greenville - One shoot a year with 10 modules. Ours is all consumer though.

I built my own command-center-type setup. I just ordered a much cheaper Seahorse-knockoff case from Amazon, Velcro'd my tablet into the top lid, and connected the OTG cable. I put a bunch of weight underneath the foam, otherwise the case tries to tip over backward due to the weight of the tablet. It is not as slick a setup as Cobra's but it only cost me $69 for the case, vs. 800-something for the Cobra.

What you get with the Cobra is, everything is integrated -- you won't have wires to fiddle with. With my setup, I need to swap in new batteries for my 18R2 occasionally. With the Command Center, a Lipo battery and charger are included and they integrate with your tablet, so you can recharge the whole works without having to swap out cables.

Keep in mind the Command Center does not come with the 18R2 or a tablet, you have to buy those separately if you don't already have them. So it's not a cheap thing. But it's well thought-out for sure.

If I was doing a lot of shoots I 'd for sure want to get the command center but my home-brewed thing is perfect for what we need. I used it for the first time this year's show and loved it. The new Control Center interface is awesome.

[vegassalute]

Im glad you asked this question. My Cobra addition started almost 10 years ago, thanks to Dr. Dave (DS1). Today, I have lots of mods and toys, and its growing all the time, yet, Im still struggling to justify adding this particular component. Basically, Scott Smith could invent some random cool thing tomorrow, and I can assure you I'd buy a couple of them sight unseen. Having said that, Im still stumped when it comes to the Command Center. Ill enjoy the feedback from this post very much! Like I said, Im a Cobra addict, so a few posts with rationale that makes the least bit of sense, I'll will likely place an order for one tonight! Just need some help getting there. In my instance, I shoot 1.4, AOP, and 1.3 with my Cobra, generally on very open & spread out farm country and at club shoots. Cobra gives me exceptional space to fire some amazing art while capturing lots of X, Y, and Z axis real estate.