Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a quick video that goes through how to navigate and use the new CoxBox Core / GPS

NK has integrated a variety of changes to improve the user experience and ensure a more robust product in the field. Below are some of those features:

• A single-piece faceplate and large, easy to read display provide a more rugged and waterproof design.
• Waterproof interface.
• Buttons are precisely located and sealed from the elements, reducing the potential for water to enter the unit. The lower profile design takes up less volume.
• New cylindrical battery design provides 10+ hours of battery life with a more reliable, sustained charge.
• Wireless Stroke Rate - No more dealing with sensors or magnets.
• Monoblock™ connector port relocates microphone, speaker/charging and data ports away from the face of the unit, creating better readability and simplified serviceability
• Stablesocket™ design prevents rotation and bending of plug inserts, which protects pins and sockets from damage.

Note:NK recommends troubleshooting any boat harness issues by substituting known “good” equipment in place, one at a time, to determine the location of the failed equipment.

See the following document for details on testing the Harnesses and speakers:

Testing CoxBox Wiring in an 8 with a Multimeter   (Size: 2.3 MB)

Testing CoxBox Wiring in an 8 with a Multimeter

Please see this explanation and workaround

Adapting the Current CoxBox Cup Holder for the CoxBox Core/GPS Unit   (Size: 157.5 KB)

Here's how to quickly adapt your CoxBox Cup Holder to fit the CoxBox Core/GPS Unit

Yes. Older (even non-functioning) CoxBoxes can be traded in for $100 off a new CoxBox. This policy can be found here: Trade Up, Trade In

With the latest version of MAC, there is a dark mode now. LiNK hasn’t been updated to accommodate this yet. In the box, the text will be white on a white background and may “appear” like it isn’t there when it reality it is. If you click in the box, you may find that the SPC is really there when it looks like it isn’t. Getting off dark mode would help with this.

The battery is internal and not user replaceable. The battery life should be 2 to 3 times longer than the CoxBox 08 external battery. If the battery needs to be replaced, it would be sent back to NK for service.

Yes. You are able to purchase a CoxBox Core to GPS upgrade for the CoxBox Core to turn it into a CoxBox GPS for the difference in price. The customer is then emailed a file that is loaded onto the unit.

For saltwater environments, NK recommends to rinse with fresh water after each use. The connectors have been designed to point down slightly to help drainage of salt water and debris after use. NK still recommends monthly cleaning of the sockets and the use of Nyogel on the sockets to help reduce corrosion.

• Bigger Screen - Moving the connectors allow for a much bigger screen with access to more information.
• Bigger Keypad - This change also allowed for larger buttons, easier to manage when wearing gloves.
• Corrosion Prevention - When water and debris got into the connectors when on top, it would just sit there and create corrosion when not in use. The side connectors will allow for water and debris to drain after every use and help protect against corrosion. Although you still should rinse out salt water each time

Yes! Both units will float (even with the microphone attached) without any additional accessories.

With increased airport security, traveling with your CoxBox is trickier than ever. We recommend you check the CoxBox in with your luggage. Include product literature that explains what the CoxBox is. Brochures can be obtained from NK, or product literature can be printed from the website. Another option that may work when traveling overseas is to ship your units through UPS. If you do so, be very clear that these are used units, being imported temporarily. Put a low replacement value on them, but do note that you run the risk of the replacement value being used for customs. VAT (tax) is quite expensive and if they decide to hold the units in customs until you pay you could be without your CoxBox for the race.

Yes. Both units contain a Bluetooth Low Energy module that is used to communicate with outside applications and devices.

The CoxBox Core will show you stroke rate, total strokes and elapsed time. It is functionally equivalent to the previous versions of the CoxBox.

The CoxBox GPS will show the same measurements as the CoxBox Core, plus show you measurements based on the GPS inside the unit. Additionally, you will be able to see distance, speed / split, and distance per stroke.

The short answer is no. As long as you charge the unit until it is full, the battery will rebalance itself. For a more detailed answer, you can check out this graphical explanation

Do I need to rebalance the battery in the CoxBox Core/GPS?   (Size: 200.5 KB)

A graphical explanation on why charging until full will ensure the battery is balanced every time with the new CoxBox.

If your boat is already wired for a CoxBox, no additional accessories would be needed. If you are wiring a boat from scratch, you would need the following:

• Coxed 4: A harness (0290), M harness (0292), 2 speakers (0207)
• Coxed 8: A harness (0290), 2 M harnesses (0292), 3 speakers (0207) or
• Coxed 8: A harness (0290), 3 M harnesses (0292), 4 speakers (0207)

Please make sure you have a solid satellite signal lock before starting your row. The satellite icon will become filled-in when a satellite lock has been made. It is recommended to turn the unit on when outside and wait a few minutes for a satellite signal lock before rowing.

A charger and microphone are not included with a purchase of the CoxBox Core/GPS. If you do not have either of these items, you would need to purchase them separately in order to use the CoxBox.

• Is the CoxBox being charged correctly?
  • The battery should reach 100% FULL on the screen. Charging fully should not take longer than 10 hours.
• 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 CoxBox.The old style and new style CoxBox chargers are interchangeable.
• Is the charger working?
  
  • CoxBox charges without any errors displayed on the screen.
  • 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.
• Why am I getting a charging error?
  • First you need to determine whether this is in an issue with the battery or with the CoxBox itself by swapping components.
    If the error follows the CoxBox first try cleaning all of the sockets using the CoxBox maintenance kit. Try charging again to see if this resolved the issue. If the error persists contact NK and we will work with you to get your unit repaired. Techsupport@nkhome.com
    If the error follows the battery, please try re-balancing your battery. If the error persists contact our technical support team at Techsupport@nkhome.com
• Have the batteries exceeded their lifespan?
  • A CoxBox 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, the CoxBox Core/GPS will just ignore the rate sensor if connected. It is advisable to leave the rate sensor connector if you still plan to use previous versions of the CoxBox in that boat. If you are only using the CoxBox Core/GPS in the boat, the rate harness and sensor can be removed to have less wiring in the boat.

Date and time automatically sync when the unit connects to GPS satellites. Customers have the option to set the Time Zone and whether Daylight Savings time is on or off in order for the correct time to be displayed.

Yes, but the functions will be limited to updating the firmware. In order to Live Stream or upload data, you would need to have a CoxBox GPS.

(Only needed for CoxBox Battery Packs Pre-August 2014)

NK recommends rebalancing your Cox Box battery twice a year. If you have not done so recently, this is a good time to re-balance them prior to winter storage. This procedure is also recommended for Cox Box Minis and Blue Ocean Batteries.

Steps to Re-balance:

1. Run the unit until the battery dies. Generating audio while the unit is running will assist in draining the battery. Otherwise turn the units on and set them dark room so that the backlight is activated to cut down on time to drain the battery.
2. After battery is drained, WAIT 2 DAYS to allow any remaining charge to drain out of the battery.
3. After 2 days, recharge the batteries until they reach FULL. This will re-balance the cells in the battery and ensure they are ready to go for future use.

• 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 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?
  • f 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.

Never attempt to repair the CoxBox unit yourself. The units are specially sealed to make them watertight. Breaking this seal often causes very expensive damage and will void the warranty.

Nielsen-Kellerman has been around since 1978. Our roots are in the sport of rowing, and we have been building performance products for athletes of all levels since the beginning. Year after year, we have created newer and better products for our customers, including novice coxswains, Olympic athletes, college coaches, masters rowers, and everyone else in between. Some of our products including the SpeedCoach family, have crossover unto other paddle sports(outriggers, dragon boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards). We have worked closely with partners and customers within the paddling community to make the best product we can. We are always open to new ideas and ways to make the products a better tool for your training, fitness, and racing needs.