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In this issue...
REDARC launches next generation Tow-Pro Elite V3 We are excited to release the next-generation of our award-winning electric trailer brake controller, the Tow-Pro Elite V3 (product code EBRH-ACCV3). This is the third generation of our Tow-Pro brake controller, with the original released in June 2014 and the acclaimed Tow-Pro Elite released in September 2015. The Tow-Pro Elite V3 continues to set the benchmark in trailer brake control technology which has seen it become Australia’s favourite and most trusted brake controller. A change to the shape, length, size and depth of the remote head allows a quicker and easier installation and greater compatibility with thicker and more curved dashboards, commonly found in modern European vehicles and trucks. The remote head requires only one hole to be drilled into the dash, delivering improved illumination and increased visibility. Software upgrades ensure compatibility with new vehicle technology and results in smoother braking for motorists towing heavy trailers and caravans. The Tow-Pro Elite V3 maintains the simple operation that it’s renowned for with industry leading selectable modes of braking, “Proportional” for highways and sealed roads and “User-controlled” for off-road driving. It features proportional braking technology built from a patented algorithm, while the dash mounted remote head has been independently tested to meet stringent ADR21 safety standards.
The Tow-Pro Elite V3 suits 12 and 24 volt vehicle electrical systems and electric and electric/hydraulic trailers, without the need for manual selection or extra components or wiring. In addition, Tow-Pro Elite V3 has been tested by AL-KO Engineers for compatibility with AL-KO ESC and DSC, and has been certified as approved for use on trailers fitted with these systems. REDARC Managing Director, Anthony Kittel said the catalyst for the update was feedback we received from our customers who install and use the product. “We are always striving for ultimate satisfaction for our customers and end‑users, whether it be through delivering new, cutting‑edge products or updating and improving existing products.” “We are always listening to what our customers say and looking to exceed their expectations.” “The new and updated remote head will benefit those who install the product by simplifying the installation process, ultimately saving them time.” For more information visit redarc.com.au/tow-pro-v3
RedVision now available for the aftermarket Recall of the Tow-Pro Elite V2 Celebrating 40 years of manufacturing New GPS Trailer Odometer by Hummingbird Thales Hawkei powered by REDARC Sights set on World Solar Challenge
Visit redarc.com.au for tech-tips and up-to-date info
Partnerships in business
Accurately measure the distance travelled by your trailer Traditionally, trailers are not manufactured with odometers which makes it difficult to accurately and conveniently maintain a log of distance travelled. This can make it difficult to schedule routine servicing and, as a result, potentially compromise the lifespan of your trailer. The new GPS Trailer Odometer (part number HMOD1000) from Hummingbird Electronics is a device that is permanently mounted to a trailer, such as a caravan or camper trailer, with the purpose of recording the distance travelled. The HMOD1000 comes supplied with an easy-to-read colour screen which notifies the user when a service interval has been reached. It incorporates customisable service intervals that allow the user or service agent to set a specified date for a reminder and/or set a distance travelled with adjustments between values of
100km, 500km, 1,000km and 10,000km. An internal buzzer can be set to provide an audible warning when a defined distance has been reached. There is also the added ability to display a trip A or B, enabling the user to record individual trips travelled.
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The HMOD1000 GPS Trailer Odometer is the perfect device for manufacturers, dealerships, rental businesses, service agents and end users who wish to accurately measure distance and improve the maintenance of their trailers.
Find out more at hmbe.com.au/gps-trailer-odometer
Defence update
REDARC power the Australian‑made Thales Hawkei We are pleased to announce that we have signed a contract with Thales Australia to provide a Dual Power System Solution (DPS) for Thales’s Hawkei Protected Vehicle. Thales’s Hawkei delivers class-leading protection, mobility and payload with unparalleled levels of blast and ballistic protection for a helicopter transportable vehicle. For the past 12 months REDARC has helped finalise a world class Dual Power Solution based on our proven off-the-shelf technology. The REDARC DPS is a DC Power Supply that provides constant, regulated power for all sensitive load requirements. It features a wide input voltage range of 9 to 32 volts and selectable voltage output for several loads such as critical control systems, radios, computer and communications. It also has in-built protection against spikes/surges and reverse polarity. REDARC’s Defence Account Manager, Mr Mike Hartas said, “It has been a pleasure for REDARC
to work with Thales in developing a reliable, rugged Dual Power System that will go on to support Australian troops on operations around the globe. Signing this contract with Thales is further proof that REDARC’s products are built tough and enable people to do things outside their comfort zone.” REDARC was selected from a global supply chain because of its world class products and ability to develop a specific version for Thales within the time required. It was REDARC’s Dual Power System that was found to be the most suitable and adaptable to meet the stringent requirements of Thales and the Australian Defence Force. Anthony Kittel believes that REDARC is uniquely positioned to support Defence requirements both now and into the future. “Over the past five years REDARC has established itself as a key SME in the Australian defence sector. REDARC have been recognised
for successfully delivering products to the Australian Defence Force because of our ability to meet the stringent standards and requirements of the Australian Defence Organisation.” Anthony said. REDARC offers a blend of commercial off-theshelf, modified off-the-shelf and customised, build-to-print electronic solutions that improve capability, safety, flexibility of a variety of Defence vehicles and applications. In 2018 REDARC won the Defence Teaming Centre’s Resilient and Adaptive Award, which is awarded to an SME that has a proven history and has shown a strong commitment to transformation, sustainability and innovation. You can read more about the Hawkei at thalesgroup.com You can find out more about REDARC’s defence capability at redarc.com.au/defence
“REDARC’s products are built tough and enable people to do things outside their comfort zone.” Mike Hartas Defence Account Manager, REDARC
Product updates
RedVision now available for the aftermarket with six water level sensors Our award-winning Total Vehicle Management System, RedVision, is now available to the aftermarket through our distribution channels. RedVision allows users to control multiple on-board devices, such as turning lights, inverters, water pumps and other loads such as televisions, electric steps and fridges on or off. It also provides the user with the ability to monitor water levels, temperature, energy (battery power) consumption and storage, with battery information available when used with one of our Manager battery management systems. Customers can now take full control of their device inputs, output channels and interface using our simple Configurator App. Alternatively, several default configurations can be loaded and subsequently adjusted as required. The Configurator App automatically saves a new configuration each time the user makes a change, making it easy to go back to the previous configuration in the event that a mistake is made. RedVision is able to evolve and adapt to the customer’s ever-changing needs, providing them with the ability to easily customise their vehicle’s electrical devices and accessories as they see fit.
Using the same Configurator App, installers can program functions for a particular model or range of vehicles or vans and simply load it over and over again or easily customise functions for a specific customer requirement. “Since its launch, we have received increased demand for an aftermarket version of the product and we’re really pleased we can now offer it to a wider market”, said National Sales and Marketing Manager, Ben Marsh.
RedVision which will ultimately benefit the end customer,” said Ben. RedVision comes equipped with an In-vehicle mounted display and Bring Your Own Device “BYOD” Smartphone iOS or Android app that features the control and monitoring of many functions in a camper, caravan, motorhome and now in vehicles, all in one place.
RedVision will now also carry the hardware and firmware required to monitor up to six water tanks. Previously, RedVision had the ability to monitor two water tanks, which is sufficient for smaller camper trailers and caravans, however the ability to update RedVision to monitor six water tanks has always been part of the product roadmap.
RedVision was launched earlier last year to much acclaim and, in May, was named a Good Design Award Winner for 2018 by Good Design Australia.
“That’s the beauty of having RedVision. It makes it easy to consistently make updates and configurations based on customer feedback and needs. Now larger caravan manufacturers will be able to carry
For more information visit redarc.com.au/redvision
Product safety information
Tow-Pro Elite V2 product safety recall To our valued installers REDARC Electronics has issued a product safety recall for certain serial numbers of the Tow-Pro Elite V2 (EBRH‑ACCV2) electric trailer brake controller purchased between 1st September 2018 and 21st January 2019. As a result of this recall, you may be contacted by a number of your customers regarding potential affected units. If you have a new unit in stock that is within the affected range, you can return the unit to your distributor for a free replacement to the next generation Tow‑Pro Elite EBRH-ACCV3. If an owner finds they have a unit that is affected, they are being advised to contact REDARC who will coordinate a free replacement of the main control unit. Subsequently, REDARC may contact you to organise for a customer to come to you in order to have the replacement
completed, we seek your assistance to carry out this work. The replacement entails the changeover of the main control unit only. REDARC will provide a sum of $50 inc GST for each unit that needs to be changed over, as well as provide the main control unit required for the replacement. In the instance of a customer contacting you regarding the recall you can: • Check the serial number as per our instructions on our website redarc. com.au/recall-notice. • If the unit is not within the serial number range, then there is no concern for your customer’s installation and they can continue using their Tow-Pro Elite V2. • If the unit is within the affected range, then you can organise with the customer to undertake the changeover at your earliest convenience.
Visit redarc.com.au | Email power@ redarc.com.au | Phone 08 8322 4848
• Full instructions on how to carry out the replacement can be found at redarc.com.au/recall-instructions Please note that as part of the recall process we do need to accurately track the serial numbers of the main control units affected against the replacement main control unit to report to the regulatory authority. Invoices cannot be paid until we can verify that we have received the affected main control unit back to our stores. We thank you for your valued support in this product safety recall and carrying out this work on behalf of REDARC. If you have any questions about these matters, please contact REDARC on 1800 REDARC (1800 733 272) or email service@redarc.com.au
Product updates
New Tow-Pro Wiring Kit for Ford Ranger/Everest models We’ve released the new TPWKIT-012 Tow-Pro wiring kit to suit Ford Ranger and Everest models fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). REDARC Tow-Pro Wiring Kits simplify the installation of the market-leading Tow-Pro electric trailer brake controller into vehicles. This newest product release increases the range of available vehicle specific wiring kits to twelve in total. This latest kit has been developed by REDARC to work seamlessly with genuine Ford onboard systems, including AEB and trailer detection
The kit is simple to install, reducing fitting time. It includes all hardware and detailed instructions to guide the installation and deliver a quality and reliable outcome every time, whilst protecting the integrity of the vehicle and avoiding the setting of fault codes or damage to sensitive electronics. There are kits specifically for: • TPWKIT-001 - Ford Ranger, Everest (non‑AEB) • TPWKIT-002 - Holden Colorado • TPWKIT-003 - Mitsubishi Triton • TPWKIT-004 - Toyota Hilux, Fortuner • TPWKIT-005 - Toyota Landcruiser 200 • TPWKIT-006 - Isuzu D-Max and MX-U • TPWKIT-007 - Toyota Kluger and Prado • TPWKIT-008 - Nissan Navara • TPWKIT-009 - Mitsubishi Pajero NX • TPWKIT-010 - VW Amarok • TPWKIT-011 - Universal model • TPWKIT-012 - Ford Ranger, Everest (all models)
The introduction of REDARC’s Tow‑Pro Elite V3 includes an upgrade to the data cable that connects the Remote Head to the Main Unit. The popular REDARC TPWKITs will, for a period of time, have both the CAT5 and new V3 cables included, as: • Tow-Pro (original) and Tow-ProV2 utilised a CAT5 cable with twin RJ45 connectors • Tow-Pro V3 utilises automotive grade 8 pin connectors. For TPWKITs already in the field that require a V3 cable, contact REDARC directly to organise delivery. REDARC will also be releasing a range of V3 cables in lengths from one metre to six metres, that will be available soon. For more information visit redarc.com.au/tow-pro-wiring-kits
New Tow-Pro Elite V3 Switch Insert for Mazda BT50 Our range of switch inserts provide the installer with an OE‑looking remote head mount whilst still maintaining ADR21 compliance when fitted correctly. The new REDARC TPSI-009 Tow-Pro Switch Insert Panel, available in May 2019, aids in the installation of REDARC’s Tow‑Pro Elite V3 remote head into Mazda BT-50 vehicles, replacing the switch blank in the front console. REDARC also offer Tow-Pro Switch Inserts in bulk packs of ten. They provide installers with a cost-effective method of creating an OE‑looking remote head for multiple installations.
We have switch inserts specifically for: • TPSI-001 - Universal • TPSI-002 - Suitable for Toyota, Mitsubishi Triton • TPSI-003 - Suitable for Holden Colorado • TPSI-005 - Suitable for Isuzu D-MAX SX • TPSI-006 - Suitable for Isuzu D-MAX LS/MU-X • TPSI-007 - Suitable for 70 Series Toyota • TPSI-009 - Suitable for Mazda BT50 For more information visit redarc.com.au/trailer-brakes
2019 REDARC catalogue Our 2019 Auto-electrical Components Catalogue is now available. With over 230 products it contains 90+ pages of informative product information including specifications, installation tips, troubleshooting guides, a glossary of technical terms and application guides. This edition includes our latest releases including our Total Vehicle Management System RedVision, SmartCharge range of AC Battery Chargers, Tow-Pro Elite V3 electric brake controller and related Switch Inserts and Wiring Kits. The catalogues will be available from your local distributor and REDARC Area Sales Managers will have copies on hand as they visit businesses around Australia. You can also contact REDARC directly on (08) 8322 4848 or download it from redarc.com.au
Business update
REDARC celebrates forty years of excellence in manufacturing It’s an exciting time for REDARC as we celebrate a very important milestone this year our fortieth anniversary. Over the decades, REDARC has grown from humble beginnings, starting with eight employees working in a tin shed in Adelaide’s southern suburbs to becoming a world-class, advanced electronics manufacturer, servicing both domestic and international markets and employing over two hundred people. For forty years we have been researching, designing, developing and manufacturing a range of electronic voltage converters and associated products, inverters, power supplies, battery chargers, brake controllers and trailer braking products. REDARC was founded in August of 1979 by electronics engineer, Robin (Bob) William Mackie in South Australia. Bob started the business by designing and manufacturing vehicle ignition systems and voltage converters. In fact, that is where the name came from; the spark developed in the first ignition system having a “red arc.” In 1997, Anthony and Michele Kittel along with Michele’s Father, Denis Brion purchased the business following the passing of its founder, Bob Mackie. “REDARC is not just a world-class manufacturing facility, it’s an agile and innovative problem solver. We give our customers the confidence to explore life away from the grid, and essentially providing no limitations to where one can go”, said Anthony. REDARC have been able to buck the trend against the offshoring of manufacturing in Australia through strategic business development planning, significant investment in our world-class manufacturing facility, and providing our staff with training and opportunities to further their education. Anthony stated that all of this would not have happened without the support from distributors, suppliers, trade and other industry customers backing Australian manufacturers.
“Our roots have stemmed from having long standing relationships with these groups. Our success today should be shared with those who have backed us from the very start.” “I’d like to thank our customers across Australia, our incredible team as well as our suppliers for the last forty years and we look forward to celebrating the next forty years together.” “We are committed to working with you all for the long haul,” said Anthony. With a range of activities planned in commemoration of our forty years, this is not only a celebration of what the business has achieved, but a celebration of our customers supporting Australian manufacturers. We’ll be covering these plans in the next newsletter so stay tuned. Learn more at redarc.com.au/40th-anniversary
Staff update
Introducing Richard Burley
Introducing Anjelica Dempster
Richard joins the team in the newly created role of Supply Chain Manager. Richard commenced work on the 14th January 2019 and comes to REDARC with more than 18 years’ experience working for advanced manufacturing supply chains across defence, radio communication, electronics and mining industries.
Anjelica joins REDARC as our new Sales Administration Assistant, involving scheduling customer orders and customer service.
He has 26 years of purchasing experience in the UK and Australia, and brings a passion for customer relationship development and team leadership to the role. “I look forward to supporting REDARC’s supply chain goals with a continuous improvement and solutions focus that delivers a mutual benefit to REDARC and our supply partners,” he said.
Anjelica spent eight years with Romeo’s Foodland and will leverage her experience as a Customer Service Manager. Just prior to starting at REDARC Anjelica worked for a plumbing firm in scheduling and administration. Anjelica commenced her employment on the 10th December 2018 and is enjoying her new workplace. “Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. It is such a wonderful workplace environment,” she said.
In the community
REDARC supporting TAFE SA for World Solar Challenge We are delighted to sign-on as the major sponsor of the TAFE SA Solar Car Team who are preparing to take their SAV (solararticulated vehicle) to the next three World Solar Challenges. The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide (approximately 3,000km) is held every two years. In 2017 the event attracted 42 entries from 19 countries. Project Manager, Greg Bassani, who is also TAFE SA Acting Director (Mining, Engineering, Transport, Building & Construction), said his team was thrilled with the continuing support of REDARC. “REDARC have been a generous sponsor over many years and so supportive, which enables us to be innovative in the design of our vehicle,” he said.
“In 2017, we set a precedent by entering our solar articulated vehicle into the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. In 2019, we expect to be adding the trailer to the prime mover to show the capability of fully solar-powered articulated vehicles for long distance freight haulage.” Mr Bassani said TAFE SA students gained valuable knowledge and skills through their involvement in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. “Our students learn teamwork and entrepreneurial skills and gain expertise in solar car design and operation and, importantly, they also see the potential applications for renewable energy technology across a wide range of industries, including transport,” he said.
Anthony Kittel, REDARC Electronics Managing Director (left) and Brett Mahoney, TAFE SA Executive Director Business Development (right)
The South Adelaide Football Club continues to be a leader in providing an opportunity for women and girls to play elite level football in the southern region of South Australia. REDARC is pleased to have played our part in the first season success of the senior women’s team as they took out the 2018 Premiership. Their newly-appointed Captain, Lauren Buchanan, recently published her reflections on the Panthers’
REDARC Electronics
journey so far, mentioning that the team are excited to kick off the year on their home ground at the newly-announced Flinders University Stadium. Regarding the upcoming season, Lauren said, “There’s no doubt that every team we face will be looking to bring their best against the reigning premiers, this is an exciting new challenge for our group to face this season.” “The support we received last season was overwhelming. We hope to have everyone behind us again this year,” Lauren said. You can read more about the Panthers at safc.com.au
power @ redarc.com.au
Australia Phone 08 8322 4848 Fax 08 8387 2889
23 Brodie Road (North) Lonsdale, South Australia Australia 5160
International Phone +61 8 8322 4848 Fax +61 8 8387 2889
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“We are delighted to build on this longstanding partnership with TAFE SA that began in 2013. Over many years TAFE SA has provided extensive training in electronic engineering for REDARC’s workforce,” he said. For more information visit worldsolarchallenge.org or read more about the TAFE SA Solar Car at tafesa.edu.au/solarcar
Left to right: Bob Schinckel (TAFE SA), Greg Bassani (TAFE SA), Anthony Kittel (REDARC), Brett Mahoney (TAFE SA), Tennille Reed (REDARC) and Mike Hartas (REDARC)
Panthers update REDARC is a long-term sponsor of the South Adelaide Football Club and last year we expanded our sponsorship to include the Premier Partnership of South Adelaide’s Female Football Program.
Anthony Kittel said, “Sponsoring the TAFE SA solar car race team is a great fit for REDARC. We have an extensive range of solar products with an established Australia-wide REDARC Solar Approved Installer Network and our qualified technical staff really enjoy working closely with the TAFE SA team.”