Cobalt Sport — User Manual

Installation, operation and maintenance manual for the Cobalt Sport 960 × 960 mm LED cabinet.

01 Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Artixium Cobalt Sport. This die-cast aluminium outdoor LED cabinet is designed for stadium perimeters and sports venues. It combines very high brightness, low power consumption, fast heat dissipation and a high protection rating to withstand harsh weather and extreme temperatures.

This manual gathers the information you need to install, operate and maintain your Cobalt Sport perimeter safely: unpacking, assembly, electrical connections, NovaLCT configuration, daily operation, maintenance and troubleshooting. Read it carefully before use to ensure performance and avoid damage or injury.

02 Safety & handling

2.1 General safety precautions

• Installation, operation and maintenance must be carried out by qualified personnel only.

• Do not open any cover or modify the product in any way not described in this manual.

• Make sure all equipment is in good condition before use.

• Cordon off the work area or walkway whenever you install, service or move the product.

2.2 Electrical safety

• The product only accepts an AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz supply.

• The product must be earthed: high leakage currents require proper grounding.

• Never use damaged, defective or overheating cables or plugs.

• Power and signal cables cannot be repaired: replace them with new ones if damaged.

• Switch the power off when the screen is not in use and before any work.

2.3 Handling & transport

• Handle cabinets carefully: each cabinet weighs about 32 kg (35 kg/m²).

• Use the carrying handles and work in pairs.

• When hoisting, assemble from top to bottom and dismantle from bottom to top.

• Check that all external masks and hardware are properly locked.

2.4 Installation environment

• Operating range: −20 °C to +60 °C, humidity 10% to 95%.

• Do not run the screen at full power above 40 °C or below −20 °C.

• The Cobalt Sport is rated IP66 front and rear: it is designed for outdoor use.

• In windy conditions, add counterweights behind the cabinets (see chapter 05).

2.5 Maintenance & after-sales

• Regularly inspect cables, connectors and LED modules.

• Do not dismantle power supplies or receiving cards: high voltage hazard.

• Only replace faulty parts with Artixium-approved parts.

• For repairs, follow the Artixium RMA procedure. Unauthorised repairs may void the warranty.

03 Product overview

3.1 Product description

The Cobalt Sport is the stadium perimeter version of our Cobalt outdoor cabinet. It keeps the brightness, quality and durability of the Cobalt LED modules and adds carrying handles, side locks, a rotating central foot and a rubber bumper. It is designed to UEFA requirements and fits dedicated transport carts.

The 960 × 960 mm cabinet is available in P6.6, P8 and P10 pixel pitch, with front and rear maintenance.

3.2 Dimensions

Cabinet: 960 × 960 × 105 mm. Display area: 960 × 960 mm. Central foot footprint: 664 mm.

3.3 Key features

• UEFA design: built for stadium perimeters and compatible with dedicated transport carts.

• Impact protection: top rubber bumper and soft module masks (rubber masks available as an option).

• Protected cabling: power and data cables hidden in a covered, tool-less cable channel, with a built-in leakage protection switch in every cabinet.

• Dual maintenance: module access from front and rear, emergency passage design and a rotating central foot to adjust the viewing angle.

• Safety: IP66 front and rear and 5VB fire rating.

• High brightness: up to 6,000 nits and 3,840 Hz refresh for a clear image in daylight and on camera.

3.4 Main components

3.5 Intended uses

• LED perimeters for football, rugby and other sports stadiums

• Pitch-side sponsor and advertising display

• Indoor or outdoor sports venues

• Temporary or permanent ground installations

04 Unpacking & inspection

This chapter explains how to unpack your Cobalt Sport cabinets safely and check that every item is present and in good condition before installation.

4.1 Receiving the delivery

Cabinets are delivered in wooden crates, 6 cabinets per crate (approximate outer dimensions: 1073 × 763 × 1121 mm). Inspect the packaging before signing the delivery note.

• Look for any visible damage (impact, moisture, deformation).

• If damaged, note it clearly on the delivery note before accepting the goods.

• Inform Artixium or your distributor immediately of any problem.

4.2 Unpacking procedure

1. Place the crate upright on a flat, stable surface (never on its side or upside down).

2. Open the crate and remove the protective material.

3. Lift each cabinet out with two people, using the carrying handles.

4. Never lay the cabinet LED face down and never press on the modules.

4.3 Package contents

• Cobalt Sport LED cabinets

• Power and signal cables (depending on the ordered configuration)

• Maintenance tools (M8 Allen key, front maintenance tool)

• Edging strips

• Spare parts (if included in the order)

4.4 Visual inspection

• Check for dead pixels, scratches or damage on the LED surface.

• Check the aluminium frame, rotating foot and bumper for damage.

• Check connectors, side locks and power box covers.

• Make sure all modules are seated and locked.

4.5 What to do in case of a problem

05 Installation

The Cobalt Sport stands on the ground at pitch side on its rotating central foot. Cabinets lock side by side to form a continuous line.

5.1 Installation requirements

• Site dimensions match the drawings and all materials meet requirements.

• The ground or platform is perfectly flat and level.

• Power and signal distribution is prepared in advance.

• Installation is carried out by qualified personnel only.

5.2 Required tools

5.3 Assembly steps

Step 1: take out the cabinets and rotate the foot

Take the cabinets out of the flight cases. Rotate the support foot by 90° on the ground to its working position, then line up the cabinets side by side.

Step 2: lock the cabinets together

Quickly lock two cabinets together with the side locks. Repeat for each cabinet, then tighten with the M8 Allen key while keeping the whole surface level.

Step 3: check flatness

Check the screen is flat and that there are no gaps between cabinets. Adjust if needed: the surface must be flat and seamless, the top edge aligned and all side locks fully tightened.

Step 4: connect and fit the trims

Connect the power and signal cables according to the diagram supplied by Artixium (chapter 06), then fit the edging strips once the cabinets are secured.

06 Electrical connections

6.1 General electrical safety

• Only connect to an earthed AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz supply.

• The earth must be isolated from neutral and kept away from high-power equipment.

• Always work with the power off and follow local electrical regulations.

6.2 Power and signal connection

Once the cabinets are assembled, connect the power cables and signal network cables according to the connection diagram supplied by Artixium for your project, cabinet by cabinet, until every cable is connected. Each cabinet has a built-in leakage protection switch.

6.3 Power distribution cabinet (PDC)

The power distribution cabinet distributes power to the LED display. It monitors temperature, humidity, smoke and supply voltage in real time and can be controlled manually or remotely to check the running status and adjust settings.

6.4 Cable management

Route the cables through the cabinet’s covered cable channel. It closes without tools and protects the cabling while hiding it.

6.5 Power-on check

• Check every connection one last time before powering on.

• Power on gradually and check the power supply and receiving card indicators.

• If anything is abnormal (smell, smoke, flicker), cut the power immediately.

07 Commissioning & configuration

7.1 System overview

The Cobalt Sport uses NovaStar receiving cards controlled with NovaLCT software. It runs in synchronous mode: the control PC sends the image to the sending card, which passes it to the cabinets over network cable.

7.2 System requirements

• Branded PC: i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB disk, dedicated 4K graphics card, 23-inch monitor.

• Windows 10 or later.

• Internet connection required for online calibration.

7.3 Installing NovaLCT

1. Download NovaLCT from the NovaStar website download centre.

2. Temporarily disable the antivirus, unzip the package and run the .exe file.

3. Follow the wizard. If the firewall asks, choose “Allow”: the serial port driver is installed or updated automatically.

7.4 Configuring the screen with NovaLCT

Step 1: connect the PC to the sending card

Connect the PC to the sending card with a USB or network cable. When the connection is correct, NovaLCT detects the sending card automatically and shows the monitoring information.

Step 2: log in with advanced access

Choose Login > Synchronize Advanced Login, enter the password and click Login. The default password is given in the NovaStar documentation; remember to change it.

Step 3: load the Artixium configuration file

Open Settings > Screen Configuration, select the communication port then Local Restore, and load the configuration file (.scfg or .zip) supplied by Artixium.

Step 4: configure the sending card

In the Sending Card tab, check the display mode and choose the input source (automatic or manual), resolution, refresh rate and bit depth (8 bit recommended). Click Send, then Refresh to check.

Step 5: configure the screen connection

1. In the Screen Connection tab, set the number of screens to 1 if the sending card outputs feed the same screen.

2. Enter the number of receiving card columns and rows.

3. Select the output and set the load size of each receiving card.

4. Click the cards following the actual network cabling order (custom or quick routing).

Step 6: send and save the configuration

Send the configuration to the hardware, then click Save (Cure) once the image is correct to store it in the cards.

7.5 Final commissioning check

• The image is complete, correctly positioned and with no offset between cabinets.

• No flicker, dark areas or unlit modules.

• The configuration is saved in the cards and backed up on the PC.

08 Operation

8.1 Normal operating conditions

• Temperature: −20 °C to +60 °C; humidity: 10% to 95%.

• Let the screen rest for more than 2 hours a day.

• Power the screen on at least once a month for 2 hours. After more than 3 days off, preheat it by raising the brightness gradually.

8.2 Power-on procedure

1. Switch on the control PC and wait until it runs normally.

2. Then power on the LED display.

8.3 Good operating practice

• Avoid powering on the screen on a full-white, full-brightness image.

• Do not display full white at maximum brightness for more than 30 minutes.

• Change content every 2–3 hours to avoid ghosting from static images.

• If flicker, blackouts or distorted images occur, cut the power and contact a professional. Do not power it on repeatedly.

8.4 Power-off procedure

1. Switch off the LED display first.

2. Then close the control software and shut down the PC.

09 Maintenance

9.1 General maintenance principles

• Always cut the power before any work.

• Only use the supplied tools and Artixium-approved parts.

• Keep a maintenance log: date, operation and parts replaced.

9.2 Front maintenance

1. Using the front maintenance tool, turn the mechanical locks at the four corners of the module 90° anticlockwise.

2. Hold the module, release the safety buckle, then remove it.

9.3 Rear maintenance

1. Remove the screws connecting the back of the module to the cabinet frame, then turn the four corner locks 90° clockwise.

2. Grip the module handle, push it forward, rotate it 45° and pull it out diagonally towards the inside.

9.4 Module replacement

Step 1

Take the front maintenance tool matching the module’s pixel pitch.

Step 2

Insert the key into the maintenance holes and turn each of the four corner locks 90° to align the latch with the cabinet opening.

Step 3

Insert two keys into the holes at opposite corners and gently pull the module out to replace it.

9.5 Power supply replacement

From the front

Step 1

With the modules removed, the fixing plate on the front of the power box is visible.

Step 2

Unscrew the screws that secure the power box to the cabinet frame.

Step 3

Pull the power box out from the front of the cabinet to replace it.

From the rear

Steps 1 and 2

Open the latches and the rear cover of the power box, then remove the screws of the part to replace: HUB card or power supply unit (PSU).

9.6 Receiving card replacement

Steps 1 and 2

Open the latches and the rear cover of the power box, remove the screws of the faulty receiving card and replace it.

9.7 Cleaning

• Clean the surface with alcohol, a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. Never use a wet cloth.

• Cleaning every 1–2 months is recommended.

• Regularly check that power and signal connectors are tight.

9.8 Preventive maintenance schedule

9.9 Transport and storage

• Transport cabinets packed and upright, protected from wind, rain, sun and corrosive liquids. Do not stack more than three crates.

• Storage: −40 °C to +60 °C, 10% to 60% humidity, away from volatile, corrosive or flammable products.

• Before long-term storage, unplug and label the cables, store modules upright and protect connectors from moisture.

10 Troubleshooting

10.1 The screen does not light up

• Check the power and the power supply indicators.

• Check that the sending card green LED is flashing and the graphics card outputs a signal.

• Check the receiving card LED and its configuration file.

• Check the previous cabinet’s receiving card output or replace the signal cable.

10.2 Misaligned image, noise or flicker

• Check the video cable connection (DVI/HDMI).

• Check the receiving card configuration file.

• Check that the display frequency is set to 60 Hz.

10.3 Some modules in a cabinet stay dark

• Check whether the dark area matches one receiving card’s area, and check its LED and input network cable.

• Check that the module power connectors are not loose.

10.4 Incomplete or misplaced image

• Check that the cabling matches the loaded configuration file.

• Check the signal cables between cabinets; replace the receiving card if faulty.

• Check that the screen position and size in the software match the real screen.

10.5 Videos do not play

• Check that a suitable media player is installed on the PC.

• Check that the player supports the file format.

11 RMA & after-sales service

11.1 Reporting a problem

• Contact your Artixium representative (website, email or phone) with your contract number or warranty card.

• Give the serial number and a detailed description of the problem.

• Attach photos or videos if possible.

11.2 Return authorisation (RMA)

• No product may be returned without RMA approval.

• Include a fault description, a packing list (contract number, model, quantity) and the return shipping details.

• Pack the product properly: Artixium is not responsible for damage during return shipping.

11.3 On-site service

• Describe the service required.

• Give the site address and a local contact.

• Provide the information needed for visa applications if applicable.

11.4 Warranty conditions

12 Technical specifications

13 Compliance & warranty

13.1 Certifications

The Cobalt Sport complies with the applicable international standards: CE, ETL, CCC and EMC Class B.

13.2 Warranty coverage

• Standard warranty period defined by the contract.

• Covers manufacturing and component defects.

• Assumes installation and use in line with this manual.

13.3 Limitations

The warranty does not cover:

• Consumables (connectors, fibres, cables, etc.) unless agreed in writing.

• Improper handling, installation, dismantling or transport.

• Dismantling, repairs or modifications not authorised by Artixium.

• Accidental or physical damage, or damage caused by misuse.

• Force majeure (lightning, flood, fire, etc.).

• Storage or use outside specifications (voltage, climate, salt spray, etc.).

• Natural brightness loss over time or lack of maintenance.

• Altered serial numbers or warranty documents.