Lighting and control

Ayrton Cobra

Identify Cobra and its revision before preparing patch, control source and zoom behavior; preserve operating limits.

Ask GLMedia about renting Ayrton Cobra for your event. Availability and configuration are subject to confirmation.

Model and purpose

Manufacturer: Ayrton
Model: Ayrton Cobra
Model: Cobra 014170; distinct from Cobra²
Optics: Laser-phosphor source; motorized 0.6°–23° zoom
Power: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 480 W maximum
Control: DMX/RDM, CRMX, Art-Net and sACN

A moving head for narrow beams, gobos and prism effects, with CMY mixing, CTO and continuous rotation. Its effects require assessment of beam paths and exposure before enabling output. Source classification does not remove precautions for the emitted light.

Prepare your rental inquiry

Date, city, venue and setup, event and pickup schedule.
Intended use, area dimensions and equipment already supplied by the venue or production.
Desired effect, positions, throw, area and stage restrictions.
Control profile, mounting accessories and camera coordination where needed.

Specify equipment only or whether setup, programming, operation and strike are also needed. Scope is confirmed in the proposal.

You do not need a final equipment list: tell us the result you want and the part you need help with. Availability and scope are confirmed in the proposal.

Features and connections

5-pin XLR carries DMX and RJ45 carries network data; TRUE1 TOP In / Out carries power. Select signal source, universe and personality at the fixture as well as the console.

Beam, Spot and Special are Zoom Mode options. Zoom value and optical mode work together; a palette can project differently after changing these settings.

Filters, gobos, prisms and frost are available; a Profile framing-blade system is not included. Check each effect against Cobra documentation.

Prepare the system

Confirm Cobra, regional revision, firmware and DMX chart. Clear movement and release transport locks; qualified personnel must handle mounting and retention.
In Address, select source, universe and address; in Mode, match Basic, Standard or Extend to the console personality. User modes can reorder channels.
Record Illumination Limit, Beam Mode, Prism Mode, CTO Control and signal-loss behavior. Do not enable emission before paths, distances and exposure are assessed for the application.

Questions and troubleshooting

Does zoom differ from a palette or appear limited?

Separate zoom position from optical operating mode.

Compare Zoom Mode: Beam, Spot or Special. Then check Beam Mode and Prism Mode; they can change usable range or effect clipping.
Check that a palette or control channel is not sending another mode. Do not force motors or change safety limits to regain coverage.
Zoom Behavior may offer an option named Cobra 2 depending on firmware. It is a behavior setting, not proof that the fixture is Cobra² or shares every capability.

Does CTO fail to respond on the expected channel?

CTO Control determines where correction is controlled in applicable modes.

Match CTO Control to the personality: it can use the color wheel or a separate channel. Do not assume the same route across profiles.
Return wheel and mixing to a known reference while preserving intended limits. Match coarse and fine channels to the actual revision’s chart.
When fixtures differ, record firmware and settings before editing palettes. History includes synchronization changes; this does not establish an update as a tested solution.

Does it move on signal loss, or provide no DMX from network input?

Check signal and recovery functions separately.

No DMX Status can use Close, Hold or Auto. Sun Protection can tilt the head on signal loss; keep the path clear and do not mistake it for a positioning fault.
To forward WDMX or Art-Net/sACN through XLR, check DMX Output. A connector does not establish that conversion is enabled.
Hibernation can cause a reset sequence when DMX returns. Test recovery with controlled output and a clear area before use with an audience.

Quick reference

From Ba / Std / Ex chart columns; match fixture and revision.
V125 mode	Footprint	Last possible start
Basic	33 channels	480
Standard	35 channels	478
Extend	45 channels	468

Precautions

The manual specifies a minimum 25 m to the illuminated surface at narrowest beam and full power. This is not a safe viewing distance or permission for audience scanning.
Documentation distinguishes Class 1 laser and photobiological RG3. It warns against prolonged viewing closer than 58.3 m; exposure conditions require specific assessment by qualified personnel.
IP65 and ambient -20–45 °C, with protected connectors and mounting as instructed. Keep direct sunlight out of the lens even when off. Do not open or bypass protection.

Terms on this page

DMX: A data protocol controlling lighting functions; each model defines what its channels mean.
RDM: Management communication for querying or configuring compatible equipment over a compatible path.
Personality: A control mode defining the channels and functions used by a fixture.

Documentation and sources

Consulted: 2026-10-22. Ayrton documentation: manual V125, DMX chart V125 and datasheet V9. Proposed checks without physical GLMedia testing or validation of a specific installation.