Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
The Cobra line of quality products includes:
CB Radios
Dash Cams
Operating Instructions
Important Information and
Introduction
Important Information
Federal Laws Governing the Use of Radar Detectors
It is not against federal law to receive radar transmissions with your Cobra radar/
laser detector. The Communications Act of 1924 guarantees your right to receive
radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene this Act, while illegal,
may be enforced by your local law enforcement ofcials until and unless
they are prohibited from doing so by federal court action.
Safe Driving
Motorists, as well as operators of emergency or service vehicles, are expected to
exercise all due caution while using this product, and to obey all applicable trafc
laws. Do not attempt to change settings of the unit while in motion.
Security of Your Vehicle
Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal your radar detector
in order to reduce the possibility of break-in and theft.
Customer Assistance
Radar Detectors
Customer Assistance
Marine VHF Radios
Power Inverters
Accessories
RADAR/LASER
For more information or to
order any of our products,
please visit our website:
www.cobra.com
®
RAD250_MANL.indd 1-1 1/8/16 11:26 AM
EnglishNothing Comes Close to a Cobra
PROTECTION
RAD250
Printed in the Philippines
Part No. 480-1065-P
Version B
©2015 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
A1
Introduction Introduction Customer Assistance
Assistance
Warranty
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Display and Product Features
Trademark AcknowledgementControls Indicators and Connections
Controls, Indicators and Connections
LaserEye
For detection of
laser signals.
12V DC
Power Jack
On-Off/Volume Control
Allows you to adjust the
volume of the alerts.
Dim Button
For adjusting the
display brightness.
FCC NOTICE This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules: Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Mute Button
For manual mute
or auto mute of
audio alerts.
Windshield
Bracket
Mount
Speaker
SEN Button
Adjust sensitivity to
City or Highway
modes to reduce
false alerts.
•
Easy-to-Read Display
Radar
Indicators
Laser
Indicator
VG-2
Indicator
•
Trademark Acknowledgement
Cobra®, DigiView®, EasySet®, Extra Sensory Detection®, IntelliMute®, IntelliMute® Pro, IntelliShield®,
LaserEye®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®, VG-2 Alert®, Xtreme Range Superheterodyne® and the
•
snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
NOTE: In This Manual
When steady,
the display will
X/KKaLV/S
be shown:
l
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Cobra Electronics Corporation™, 14 Band™, 15 Band™, AURA™, IntelliLink™, IntelliScope™, IntelliView™,
Revolution™ Series, SmartPower™, Super-Xtreme Range Superheterodyne™, S-XRS™, and Voice Alert™
are trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.
Opticom™ is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Instaclear® for Ford is a registered trademark of Ford Motor
Company, Inc. Electriclear® for GM is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation. LTI Laser™
and LTI 20-20™ are trademarks of Laser Technology, Inc. Kustom Laser™, Kustom Laser 340™ and
Level
1
Indicator
and Power
Indicator
Level
2 & 3
Indicator
Level
4 & 5
Indicator
City/Highway
Mode Indicator
When ashing,
the display will
be shown:
X/KKaLV/S
l
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Product Features
Congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice by purchasing a radar/laser
•
ProLaser II™ are trademarks of Kustom Signals, Inc. SpeedLaser™ is a trademark of Laser Atlanta. Bee
III™ and Pop™ are a trademarks of MPH Industries. Stalker™ LIDAR is a trademark of Applied Concepts,
Inc. Spectre I™ and Spectre IV™ are trademarks of Stealth Micro Systems Pty. Ltd. SpeedLaser™ is a
trademark of Laser Atlanta, LLC. Interceptor VG-2™ is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD. Tomar®
is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc.
detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the sophisticated features and
capabilities your new unit includes:
Detection And Separate Alerts For:
Radar signals (X, K and Ka bands,
with signal strength indicated),
laser and VG-2 signals.
LaserEye
For detection of laser signals.
Instant-On Ready
Detects radar guns with “instant-on” (very fast)
speed monitoring capabilities.
Tone Alerts
With adjustable volume.
Easy-to-Read Display
Easy viewing in any light.
City or Highway
Modes to reduce false alerts.
Dim
Press to cycle through different brightness
settings.
Manual Mute Or Auto Mute
A mute function of audio alerts.
Mounting
Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard.
Just What You Want to Hear: A suite of several
Cobra technologies help to further eliminate
unwanted and false alerts. These include:
Auto Mute Mode, and CAS Immunity.
Anti-Falsing Circuitry
Automatically reduces false alerts from
erroneous sources including blind spot systems
and trafc ow monitoring devices.
AVIS FCC Cet appareil est conforme à la partie 15 des règles de la FCC: Son
A2 A3 20
English
RAD250_MANL.indd 2-21 1/8/16 11:26 AM
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) Ce dispositif ne peut
causer des interférences nuisibles, et (2) Cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence
reçue, y compris les interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais fonctionnement.
This booklet describes the simple steps for mounting and setting up your detector.
It also provides helpful information about how radar and laser guns are used and
how you can interpret the alerts you receive.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Introduction
Contents
Introduction
Important Information ................................. A1
Controls, Indicators and Connections ..................... A2
Display ............................................. A3
Product Features .................................... A3
Your Detector
Installation ........................................... 2
Getting Started ....................................... 5
Settings ............................................. 6
Highway/City Mode .................................. 6
Muting an Alert ..................................... 7
Auto Mute Mode .................................... 7
Display Brightness .................................. 8
Tone Setting ....................................... 8
VG-2 Alert Settings .................................. 9
Radar Alert Settings ................................ 10
Detection ........................................... 11
Signals Detected ................................... 11
Audio Alerts ....................................... 11
Visual Display ..................................... 11
Instant-On Detection ................................ 13
Responding to Alerts ................................ 14
Understanding Radar and Laser ......................... 15
Understanding LIDAR .................................. 16
Customer Information
Maintenance ........................................ 16
Specications ...................................... 17
Limited 1-Year Warranty ............................... 18
Product Service & Optional Accessories .................. 19
Trademark Acknowledgement ............................20
1
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
English
Installation
Your Detector
Installation
Your Detector
Installation
Where to Mount Your Unit
•
You will get optimum performance from your detector if you Mount it at a point
approximately in the center of the vehicle, as low as possible on the front windshield
without obstructing the unit’s view of the road either to the front or rear. You can
also mount it directly on the dashboard.
Windshield Mounting
1. Attach the rubber cups
to the bracket.
Windshield Mounting Dashboard Mounting
The unit’s lens must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view
out the back window to allow maximum detection.
The LaserEye Should Have a Clear View
Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials and
objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include:
n Windshield wiper blades
n Mirrored sun screens
n Dark tinting at the top of the windshield
n Heated windshields currently available on some vehicles
(Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM). Consult your dealer
to see if you have this option.
2. Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean.
3. Push the bracket rmly onto
the windshield.
4. Attach the detector to
the bracket. Check that
the unit is parallel to the
road’s surface.
5. To adjust the angle if neces-
sary, gently push or pull
on the bracket to bend it.
DO NOT use the detector to
bend the bracket.
6. Plug the power cord
into the detector.
7. Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Getting Started
Your Detector
English
Installation
Your Detector
Dashboard Mounting
X/KKaLV/S
l
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1. Place the detector on the dashboard to nd a location
where the unit has a clear, level view of the road and is
parallel to the road’s surface. The angle CANNOT be
adjusted after mounting
2. Remove the paper backing
from one side of the hookand-loop fastener.
3. Attach the pad to the
dashboard at your chosen
location and remove the
other paper backing.
Getting Started
Power Indicator Screen
•
4
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4. Attach the detector to the
hook-and-loop fastener. You
can remove and
reattach the unit as often
as you like.
5. Plug the power cord into the
detector.
6. Plug the cigarette lighter
adapter on the power
cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter.
To Turn On The Unit And Adjust The Audio Volume
Rotate the On-Off/
Volume control
clockwise (away
from you).
Audible Tone Visual Display
Three beeps The LED in the lower left corner
NOTE
In some vehicles, power is supplied to the cigarette
lighter even while the ignition is Off. If this is the
case with your vehicle, you should turn Off or
unplug your detector when parking
for lengthy periods.
of the screen will light
to indicate that the power is On.
5
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
English
Settings
Settings
Your Detector
Your Detector
Settings
X/K Ka L V/S
l
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C
X/KKaLV/S
l
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When changing the Settings on your detector, please keep in mind:
n Each time the unit is turned On the factory settings of Highway and
Auto Mute-On will be set. They can be changed while the unit is in use
as described in the following sections.
Highway/City Mode
Setting your detector to City mode sensitivity delays all X band audio alerts at
lower signal strength levels. (A single beep will sound when the signal is rst
detected.) This will reduce false alerts while you are driving in, or near,
urban areas where there are many sources for conicting X band signals
such as microwave towers and automatic door openers.
To change settings, follow the procedure listed below, which indicates what you will
see and hear as you complete each step. The factory setting is Highway mode.
Highway Mode
SEN Button
Press and
release
City Mode
Manual Mute
•
Your detector allows you to quickly turn Off an audio Alert by momentarily pressing
the Mute button. If you press the Mute button a second time during
the Alert, the audio Alert will be turned back On.
Auto Mute will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts after four
seconds for as long as the signal is detected. The factory setting for Auto Mute
is On.
Mute Button
Press and
release
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To Change From Highway Mode To City Mode
Press and release
the SEN button.
Audible Tone Visual Display
One beep C LED Lights
To Change From City Mode To Highway Mode
Press and release
the SEN button
again.
Audible Tone Visual Display
Two beeps C LED Turns Off
To Turn Auto Mute Off
Press and release
the Mute button
while no alert
is occurring.
To Turn Auto Mute On
Press and release
the Mute button
again while no
alert is occurring.
Audible Tone Visual Display
One beep Audio Only
Audible Tone Visual Display
Two beeps Audio Only
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
English
Settings
Settings
Your Detector
Your Detector
Display Brightness
You can choose from three settings for
Brightness of the display. Repeatedly push
the Dim button to cycle through the settings.
The factory setting is Bright.
Dark
Dim Button
Bright
Press and
release
Dim Button
Dim
VG-2 Alert Settings
Police use radar detector detectors (RDDs) to spot users of radar detectors.
Your detector is able to identify signals from VG-2 RDDs and can provide alerts
when any of these or similar devices are in use near your vehicle.
Your detector is invisible to VG-2 RDDs. You can choose whether you want to
be alerted to VG-2 RDD signals. The factory setting for VG-2 alert is Off.
Dim Button
Press and hold
for four seconds
To Turn VG-2 Alerts On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold the
Dim button for
four seconds.
Audible Tone Visual Display
On = One beep V LED Flashes Once
Off = Two beeps V LED Flashes Twice
8 9
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Detection
Your Detector
English
Settings
Your Detector
Radar Alert Settings
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The detector allows you to choose whether it will show alerts on the X, K and Ka
Bands. The factory settings are: X, K, and Ka On.
Signals Detected
The tables on the following pages show you the types of Signals your detector will
detect, as well as the visual alerts it provides for each of them.
To Turn X Band On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold
both the Dim and
Mute buttons for
four seconds.
Audible Tone Visual Display
X On = Two beeps X/K LED Flashes Twice
X Off = One beep X/K LED Flashes Once
To Turn K Band On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold both
the Mute and SEN
buttons for
four seconds.
Audible Tone Visual Display
K On = Two beeps X/K LED Flashes Twice
K Off = One beep X/K LED Flashes Once
To Turn Ka Band On and Off
While no signal
is being detected,
press and hold
the Dim and SEN
buttons for
four seconds.
Audible Tone Visual Display
Ka On = Two beeps
Ka Off = One beep Ka LED Flashes Once
Ka LED Flashes Twice
Audio Alerts
A distinctly different Alert tone is used for each type of signal detected (including
separate tones for each laser signal). For X, K and Ka band radar signals, the tones
will repeat faster as you approach the signal source. The repeat rate of the tones
gives you useful information about the signal detected. (See responding to alerts
on page 14.)
Visual Display
An indication of the type of signal
detected and, for radar signals, the
signal strength will appear in the
Easy-to-Read Display. Radar signal
strength will be indicated by steady,
ashing, or a combination of steady
and ashing LEDs as shown in the
signal strength chart below.
Signal Strength Chart
Signal Strength = 1
(Weakest Signal)
X/K Ka L V/S
lll
l
Signal Strength = 4
X/KKaLV/S
l
lll
l
Signal Strength = 2
X/KKaLV/S
C
Signal Strength = 5 (Strongest Signal)
C
lll
l
X/KKaLV/S
lll
l
l
NOTE: In This Manual
When steady,
the display will
be shown:
When ashing,
the display will
be shown:
Signal Strength = 3
X/KKaLV/S
C
C
l
X/KKaLV/S
l
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X/KKaLV/S
l
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lll
C
10
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11
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
English
Detection
Detection
Your Detector
Your Detector
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Assistance
Warranty
Visual Display (continued)
Radar Signals and Visual Displays
Type of Signal Visual Display
X Band Radar X/K is Steady & lower LEDs show signal
K Band Radar K is Steady & lower LEDs show signal strength
Ka Band Radar Ka is Steady & lower LEDs show signal strength
C
K Signal Detected
Signal Strength = 3
X/K Ka L V/S
l
X Signal Detected
Signal Strength = 1
X/K Ka L V/S
lll
l
lll
strength
Ka Signal Detected
Signal Strength = 5
C
X/K Ka L V/S
lll
l
Laser Signals and Visual Displays
Type of Signal Visual Display
LTI 20-20* L is Steady
LTI Laser* L is Steady
Kustom Signals Laser 340* L is Steady
Kustom Signals Laser* L is Steady
Stalker LIDAR* L is Steady
Laser Atlanta SpeedLaser/Kustom Signals-ProLaser II* L is Steady
* Your detector provides 360° detection of these signals.
Laser Signal Detected
X/KKa L V/S
C
l
lll
VG-2 Visual Display
Type of Signal Visual Display
VG-2 RDD V is Steady
VG-2 RDD Detected
X/KKaLV
l
lll
C
Instant-On Detection
Your detector is designed to detect Instant-On speed monitoring signals, which
can suddenly appear at full strength.
C
NOTE
You should take appropriate action immediately
whenever an Instant-On alert is given.
12 13
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Understanding Radar and Laser
Your Detector
English
Detection
Your Detector
Responding to Alerts
Description
Tone repeats slowly at rst,
then speeds up rapidly.
Tone sounds one time only. Probably a false alarm,
Tone instantly begins
repeating rapidly.
Tone repeats slowly as you
approach a hill or bridge,
then speeds up sharply as
you reach it.
Tone repeats slowly for a
short period.
Any type of laser alert. Laser alerts are never
Interpretation
Probably police radar. FULL ALERT
but possibly pulsed radar
or VG-2 nearby.
Radar or VG-2 nearby has
been activated suddenly.
Probably police radar
beyond the hill or bridge.
Probably a false alarm. Exercise caution
false alarms.
Recommended
Response
Exercise caution
FULL ALERT
FULL ALERT
FULL ALERT
Understanding Radar and Laser
Radar Speed Monitoring Systems
Three band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment:
X band 10.525 GHz
K band 24.150 GHz
Ka band 33.400 – 36.00 GHz
Your detector detects signals in all three radar bands, plus Ku band (13.435
GHz), which is an approved frequency used in parts of Europe and Asia.
VG-2
VG-2 is a “detector detector” that works by detecting low-level signals emitted
by most radar detectors. Your detector does not emit signals that can be detected
by VG-2, but does detect VG-2 signals and will alert you when a device is in use
near your vehicle.
•
14
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15
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Specications
Your Detector
English
Your Detector
Understanding LIDAR &
Maintenance
LIDAR (Laser)
The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as laser is
actually LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging.
LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar signal, though
not as widely. Unlike radar, LIDAR must have a clear line of sight to its target
vehicle throughout the entire measurement interval. Obstructions such as sign
posts, utility poles, tree branches, etc., will prevent valid speed measurement.
Some common questions about LIDAR include:
n Does weather have any affect on LIDAR?
Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog or airborne dust particles will reduce the
effective range of LIDAR and can, if dense enough, prevent its operation.
n Can LIDAR operate through glass?
Yes. Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of glass.
However, the laser pulse also can be received through glass to trigger an
alarm by your detector.
n Can LIDAR operate while in motion?
No. Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot drive
the vehicle, aim and operate the gun all at the same time.
n Is it legal for police to use LIDAR?
Yes, LIDAR is allowed to be used in all 50 States by police. Your detector
detects LIDAR (laser).
Maintenance
Your detector is designed and built to give you years of trouble-free performance
without the need for service. No routine Maintenance is required.
If your unit does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these
troubleshooting steps:
n Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
n Make sure the socket of your vehicle’s cigarette lighter is clean and free
of corrosion.
n Make sure the power cord’s cigarette lighter adapter is rmly seated in
your cigarette lighter.
n Connect a USB device to the type A USB port on your power cord. If it does not provide
a charge/power to your phone/device then the internal fuse is likely blown. Contact
Cobra for support or spare parts.
Specications
Band and Frequencies
•
Band Frequencies
X Band 10.525 ± 0.050 GHz
K Band 24.125 ± 0.125 GHz
Ka Band 34.700 ± 1.300 GHz
Laser 910 ± 50 nm 100 PPS
VG-2 11.500 ± 0.250 GHz
WARNING Modications or parts substitutions not approved by
Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void your
authority to operate this equipment.
U.S. Patent Number: 6,078,279
•
16
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17
Your Detector
Warranty
Customer Information
Product Service & Support
and Optional Accessories
Limited 1-Year Warranty
•
Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that this product and the component parts
thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year
from the date of rst consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the rst
consumer purchaser. If the product is under warranty, it will be repaired or exchanged
depending on the model as determined at Cobra’s sole discretion. Such remedy shall
be your sole and exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty.
The procedure for obtaining service and support, and the applicability of this warranty,
will vary depending on the country or jurisdiction in which you purchased and utilize
the product. For the details on obtaining product service, support and warranty please
visit www.cobra.com/support
Provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.- Cobra will, without charge,
repair or replace, at its option, defective products, products or component parts upon
delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department, accompanied by proof of the date of
rst consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt. You must pay
any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service, but the
return charges, to an address in the U.S.A., will be at Cobra’s expense, if the product is
repaired or replaced under warranty.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
may vary from state to state and country to country.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply: 1) To any product damaged by
accident; 2) In the event of misuse, ordinary wear, failure tofollow directions, or
improper maintenance of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or
repairs; 3) If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed; 4) If the product
was purchased or is utilized in a jurisdiction not covered by the limited warranty.
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and tness for a
particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty. Cobra shall
not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages; including, without
limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation.
Some states and countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state
and country to country.
Product Service and Support
•
For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, PLEASE CONTACT
COBRA FIRST…do not return this product to the retail store. The contact information for
Cobra will vary depending on the country in which you purchased and utilize the product.
For the latest contact information, please go to www.cobra.com/support
For products purchased in the U.S.A. you may also call 1-773-889-3087.
For Products Purchased in the U.S.A., if your product should require factory service, please
go to www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions for returning your product to
the Cobra Factory Service Department for service.
Optional Accessories
•
You can nd quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra dealer,
or in the U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra at www.cobra.com
Windshield
Mounting Bracket
Includes suction cups
Item #545-159-N-001
Dual Port Power Adapter
Includes adjustable plug
(up to 90˚) and fuse
Item # CLP-2B
Straight 12V DC
Power Cord
Includes plug and fuse
Item #420-030-N-001
Hardwire Cord for Radar
Includes fuse
Item # RA-PSCB
Coiled 12V DC
Power Cord
Includes plug and fuse
Item # 420-026-N-001
Install Mount
Includes 3M Dual Lock
Item # 545-002
Straight Combination Radar
USB Cord
Includes plug and USB
Output
Item # PWR USB-01
18 19
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
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