All charged up A milestone year for REDARC 2019 has been a huge year at REDARC, with numerous awards, new product launches and milestones accomplished. This could not have been achieved without the consistent and passionate efforts of the REDARC and Hummingbird teams and the continued support from all of our customers. Here are some of this year’s highlights...
2019 product launches Earlier this year saw the release of the next generation Tow-Pro Elite V3. We added new accessories for the Tow-Pro range including vehicle specific switch inserts, the Encapsulated Protection Device and Remote Head Wiring Kits. Now, we have released a Tow-Pro Elite Mounting Kit (EBMK-001). In April, we released RedVision to the aftermarket with six water level sensors (four more than previous). In July, the 30 amp Showroom Charger was another exciting addition to our AC charger range. Complementing our REDARC BCDC range were the new mounting brackets. Six variants were made available, improving the installation process. A new product catalogue was also published.
Celebrating forty years On Tuesday the 27th of August REDARC celebrated its 40th anniversary. Throughout 2019, we have commemorated our anniversary through a range of internal and external activities. We unveiled a special 40th anniversary logo, we published our REDARC coffee table book as our special gift to staff and, in thinking of our customers, we launched a retail giveaway and trade prize. We also released forty limited-edition red 40 amp BCDC Chargers and raised $40,000 for charity.
Gold in the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards Perhaps one of the most exciting awards for 2019 was our multiple award-winning efforts at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards.
REDARC was honoured to receive three awards including the Excellence in Manufacturing - Gold Award (Over $10 million annual turnover), Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (4WD) – Gold Award for the 50 amp BCDC In-vehicle Battery Charger and the Excellence in Export – Bronze Award. The biannual Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards recognise outstanding achievers in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry.
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In this issue... New Tow-Pro accessories Hummingbird’s new product release REDARC wins Emerging Exporter Award High commendation for Hummingbird REDARC raises $40,000 for charity
Visit redarc.com.au for tech-tips and up-to-date info
Hummingbird Hummingbird launched two innovative products for 2019, the Integrated Compact Ball Bank (HMBB0400) and the Integrated Compact Inclinometer (HMDS0400). Hummingbird were also highly commended for Excellence in Innovation at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards for the Silent Horn and Audio Alert System. Hummingbird also attended the Roads and Traffic Expo. This was an exciting opportunity to leverage our safety orientated products. The expo featured industry leaders and experts, showcasing new developments and innovation in traffic management, infrastructure, smart mobility, parking and safety.
Export
Trade shows
2019 was an exceptional year for REDARC in our export endeavours. In October we were delighted to accept the 2019 Business SA Emerging Exporter Award. Notably, REDARC have exported to over 35 countries.
REDARC travelled around the country to countless trade shows and industry expos including the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Expo, Brisbane Truck Show, numerous national 4x4 outdoors shows and more. Some of the key New Zealand shows included the Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Shows; Mystery Creek Field Days and the Auckland Fishing & Boating Expo. Even broader, we attended the Overland Expo West and SEMA shows in the US, in Germany we attended RETTMobil and Solutrans in France.
Defence We delivered the REDARC Thermal Enhancement Kit (RTSEK) to the Army earlier this year and, as a result, the Australian Army successfully engaged practice targets for the first time using new Precision Guided Munitions, SMArt155. Our defence team were announced as the winner of the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) Teaming Award 2019 for our collaborative approach to developing the RTSEK with fellow SMEs FormCut and IntelliParticle. In March we signed a contract to deliver a dual power solution for the Thales Hawkei Protected Vehicle. We also engaged in many high profile, national and international defence shows.
We look forward to a fruitful 2020. On behalf of REDARC we wish you, your staff and your families a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Anthony Kittel
WINNERS OF THE
Business updates
SEMA 2019 recap REDARC again exhibited at the 2019 SEMA Show, from the 5th to the 8th of November at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Export Manager, Craig Herriot mentioned, “It’s fantastic to see the brand awareness increase with our North American customers. This increase is a direct result of attending such events in the USA particularly the SEMA shows,”
The show drew 161,000 visitors and 2,400 exhibitors over the four-day event, offering attendees insights into the latest automotive trends and products.
“We have met hundreds of people that are interested in REDARC products, especially in our battery management systems” he said.
The REDARC stand displayed our core suite of products suited to the North American market.
INSTALLER PRIZE PACK In our previous newsletter we announced our Trade Giveaway to thank you for your support over the past 40 years. Winners received a prize pack valued at $2,000 that included REDARC product, marketing support, a customised REDARC polo shirt with their logo and more. Congratulations to our winners: • Alan Thope, Stuart Highway Auto Part and Repairs, NT • Brad Allen, Fountain Gate, VIC • Zachary Blanch, H&E Auto Electrics, QLD • Leonard Mann, Hackham AE, SA • David Paull, Genie Auto Electrics, WA
Leonard Mann receives his prize from Hugh Bila, Marketing Coordinator
A reminder to 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 Tow-Pro 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. • Full instructions on how to carry out the replacement can be found at redarc.com.au/recall-instructions
Christmas closure As the festive season rolls around for another year the team at REDARC would like to personally extend our gratitude for your continuous support throughout the year. As we head into this exciting time of the year, we would like to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas and a happy new year.
We will be closing from 12:30pm, Friday the 20th of December until 8am, on Monday the 13th of January. Should you require emergency technical support throughout the holiday season, please contact your local state representative. A REDARC representative will respond to your call as soon as possible.
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
REDARC emergency contacts SA/NT Steve Moore - 0488 403 444 WA Scott Montgomery - 0437 865 646 NSW/ACT Wayne Magennis - 0439 856 265 QLD Joel Maizey - 0437 962 513 VIC Tim Chivers - 0499 772 569 TAS Cameron Bleakley - 0438 831 928 NZ Greg Mitchell - 0421 192 6271 Hummingbird emergency contacts Mark Bruce - 0457 197 257
Partnerships in business
Hummingbird release Integrated Compact Ball Bank Hummingbird Electronics are excited to announce that we have released an Integrated Compact Ball Bank (HMBB0400). The device is used to measure roll, through the use of an integrated accelerometer. It requires no costly installation and is operated by simply plugging into a cigarette adapter or directly connecting to power and ground. It features a full colour screen allowing for easy interpretation of roll angle of up to 20 degrees. It is also multi-voltage and can work in 12 and 24 volt vehicles. No external sensor is required and roll measurements are updated every 100ms.
In‑built warning and alarm levels are configurable to a pre-determined angle, when the roll exceeds this angle the alarm will sound, and a visual warning will appear on the display. A sensitivity function allows the user to set how sensitive the device is. A higher value will cause the device to be very resistant to quick changes in acceleration like a rough road for example, whereas setting the sensitivity to a lower value will cause the device to be sensitive to changes in acceleration. For more information visit hmbe.com.au
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Export update
REDARC wins 2019 Emerging Exporter Award We were delighted to have been announced as the winner of the SA Emerging Exporter Award at this year’s annual Business SA Export Awards, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday the 18th of October 2019. The Emerging Exporter Award celebrates the outstanding export achievement of an enterprise in any industry sector which has been exporting goods or services for three years or less. Export Manager, Craig Herriot said, “We are continually strengthening our global reach through our dedicated export strategies and
I am pleased that REDARC products have been shipped to more than 35 countries.” We currently export to North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), UK and Europe, New Zealand, the Middle East, South Korea and South Africa. REDARC’s ability to administrate growth is underpinned by four decades of electronics manufacturing knowledge and experience. It is also secured in the $22m investment into our advanced manufacturing facility based in Lonsdale, which was finalised in November 2018, and has increased production capacity by 250%. For more information about the awards visit exportawards.gov.au Craig Herriot, REDARC Electronics and Wayne Chao, I Age Media
Source: Business SA
Defence update
REDARC attends national and international defence shows It has been a busy quarter with REDARC’s defence team attending various international and domestic defence shows. We exhibited in the United Kingdom, United States and Poland reaching new and exciting markets. In September, REDARC exhibited in the Defence and Security Equipment Internal (DSEI) held in London. The event included networking opportunities to share the company’s innovations in Land, Naval and Aerospace. The MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition in Poland was a highlight, being the most significant event of its kind in Central Europe with a focus on land and air domains. In October, REDARC presented in the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Conference, held in mid-October in Washington.
This event promoted Australian innovations in the United States defence industry. On local soil, we exhibited with Defence SA in Sydney at the PACIFIC 2019 International Maritime Exposition which showcased the companies naval and commercial maritime capabilities. Defence Account Anthony Kittel with the Honourable Steven Marshall, Premier of SA, Manager, Mike and Mike Hartas at Pacific 2019 Hartas said, “Having chain, naval defence industries and promoting REDARC positioned at capabilities and innovations among US international and domestic events, promotes defence industry”. various aspects of our products capabilities to industries such as the government and For more information visit national armed forces sector, security supply redarc.com.au/defence
Visit redarc.com.au | Email power@ redarc.com.au | Phone 08 8322 4848
Product updates
REDARC release new Tow-Pro Elite Mounting Bracket REDARC has added to its range of accessories for our award-winning Tow-Pro Elite brake controller, further improving the ease of installation, with the addition of the Tow-Pro Elite Mounting Kit (EBMK-001).
Encapsulated Protection Device
This bracket simplifies the installation of the brake controller main unit under the dash of a vehicle. It is designed to fasten the main unit with two M4 bolts either at right angles, in-line or diagonally across the main unit. It also features an M6 slot and nut/bolt allowing connection to the vehicle on a suitable M6 stud or M6 hole.
Another recent release is the Encapsulated Protection Device (EPDK-001).
For more information visit redarc.com.au/trailer-brakes
New Tow-Pro Switch Insert REDARC have also added an new Switch Insert to the range. The REDARC TPSI-008 Switch Insert is suitable for the Nissan Pathfinder R52 (2013-onwards), Navara NP300 (2015-onwards) and Mercedes-Benz X Class (2018-onwards), replacing the switch blank in the front console. Tow-Pro Switch Inserts provide an OEMlooking remote head mount whilst maintaining ADR21 compliance, when fitted correctly.
Part number
Vehicle
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-008
Suitable for Nissan Pathfinder R52, Navara NP300 and Mercedes-Benz X Class
TPSI-009
Suitable for Mazda BT50
Bulk packs can be ordered via part number TPSI-00X-B through your local distributor. For more information visit redarc.com.au/trailer-brakes
It has been designed to fit in the trailer stop lamp feed to support the installation of the Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controller on vehicles where ‘back-feed’ of 12 volts (during Tow‑Pro Manual Override) may interfere with the vehicle systems. When installed correctly, the Encapsulated Protection Device ensures correct trailer braking and stop lamp operation when the vehicle brakes or the Tow‑Pro Manual Override is used. It is suitable for general purpose use and is rated at 7 amps for both 12 and 24 volt applications. It is totally encapsulated, with sealed connections and will work in ambient temperatures up to 85°C. Part number
Description
EPDK-001
Encapsulated Protection Device
For more information visit redarc.com.au/trailer-brakes
BCDC Mounting Brackets Our range of vehicle-specific Mounting Brackets aid in engine-bay installations of our award-winning BCDC In-vehicle DC-DC Battery Chargers. There are six variants available to suit seven popular 4WD makes and models. The brackets allow installation into the front of the vehicle away from high-temperature areas, ensuring optimal performance due to the cooler airflow. The BCDC Mounting Brackets are constructed from durable 304 stainless steel and have been designed to fit existing mounting points in the vehicle and ship complete with instructions and fasteners to complete the installation process. For more information visit redarc.com.au/mounting-brackets
The six BCDC Mounting Brackets are: Part number Vehicle suitability BCDCMB-001 Toyota Landcruiser 200 (11/2008 onwards) BCDCMB-002 Toyota Landcruiser 70 (3/2007 onwards) BCDCMB-003 Toyota Landcruiser Prado 150 (10/2009 onwards) BCDCMB-004 Toyota Hilux (3/2005-9/2015) BCDCMB-005 Toyota Hilux (10/2015 onwards) BCDCMB-006 Isuzu D-MAX (6/2012 onwards) and Holden Colorado RG (6/2012 onwards)
BCDCMB-001
Business updates
REDARC’s highly commended health and wellbeing program REDARC were selected as a finalist in the 27th Annual National Safety Awards in the Best Health and Wellbeing Program category. As a result, we came away as Highly Commended in this category at the Sydney event on the 17th of October. Occupational Health Nurse, Michele Kittel said, “We’re thrilled to be recognised for our health and wellbeing program. Caring for our people is one of our highest priorities at REDARC.” Run by the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA) Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on evolving safe and sustainable workplaces across Australia, the National Safety Awards recognise outstanding
Work Health and Safety initiatives within the workplace. The Best Health and Wellbeing Program category focuses on workplace initiatives that have had a positive impact on employees through changes in workplace behaviour, performance, and processes. REDARC’s commitment is shown through initiatives such as regular onsite health screenings and check‑ups, ergonomics training, seminars and participation in health awareness events such as Movember and A Biggest Loser challenge.
High commendation for Hummingbird innovation Hummingbird Electronics is proud to have been awarded a High Commendation in the Excellence in Innovation category at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA), held on the 11th of October 2019. The HMA awards are an opportunity to acknowledge excellence in manufacturing throughout the Hunter Valley region. The awards showcased thirteen different categories including Excellence in Safety, Product Design, Manufacturing Processes and Environmental Excellence. Hummingbird’s Silent Horn and Audio Alert System were entered for the Award for Excellence in Innovation category,
which recognises an innovative product, that improves the safety of manufacturing processes, results in an increase in sales or contributes to the reduction of costs. The innovation category assesses if the product has made a difference, is useful and has a potential market. Hummingbird’s National Sales and Marketing Manager, Mark Bruce said, “We take great pride in achieving a high commendation in the Excellence in Innovation category. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication to innovation embraced by the team at Hummingbird.”
Benjamin Russell, Sudheena Muthirayil, Thomas Kuehn and Timothy Ellis
Shane Webcke, event MC, with Jacob Brackenridge and Michele Kittel REDARC
Thanh Bui... a stellar 25 years of service Thanh Bui joined REDARC Electronics as an Electronic Assembler in 1994. He is one of the original eight workers who were employed at the time when Anthony and his father in-law Denis Brion purchased the business in 1997. Thanh, who is now an SMT Operator, reached 25 years of service on the 11th of November, and becomes a Gold employee. Congratulations Thanh, and thanks for your many years of loyal service.
Thanh Bui with Anthony Kittel
In the community
REDARC raises $40,000 for charity Earlier this year REDARC committed to raising $40,000 in funds to be shared with the CFS Foundation, Junction Australia, Catherine House and the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS), in honour of our 40 years in Australian manufacturing. We can announce that, with your help, we achieved our goal and more! REDARC’s internal and external fundraising efforts have ranged from hosting a casual day, auctions, raffles, cash collections, coffee machine profits and staff participation in third-party fundraising challenges. When we include challenges such as Dry July, The Sunday Mail’s City to Bay Fun Run and Movember, we raised more than $47,000 for charity overall. Anthony said, “It has been encouraging to see staff rallying together to help raise funds for these organisations.”
Catherine House Our activity saw us finalise our $10,000 sponsorship of the Catherine House Gala Dinner. A fundraising event that raised an amazing $145,000. It’s fantastic to know that these funds allow Catherine House to achieve their core purpose of supporting women experiencing homelessness and ending their homelessness for good. Additionally, 16 participants joined Team REDARC at the 2019 Westpac City to Bay Fun Run on the 15th of September to support Catherine House, raising and additional $736.41. For more information visit catherinehouse.org.au
CFS Foundation In addition, to our regular donations to the CFS Foundation, we finalised the Adventure Prize raffle on the 29th of November, with the winner drawn on the 3rd of December. The lucky winner received $5,000 of prizes from REDARC, Lightforce, Hema Maps, ARB and the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. The raffle achieved another $5,000 for the Foundation. We have donated beyond our goal of $10,000 to the CFS this year, with proceeds providing financial assistance to CFS volunteer firefighters and their families who have suffered through death, injury, loss or damage of property while in the line of service. For more information visit cfsfoundation.org.au
Junction Australia Since 2011, REDARC has helped the Junction Australia community centre with ongoing financial support. The REDARC coffee machine has played a significant role in raising $10,000 in funds to support them. Collecting $1 per barista style coffee, the profits go toward charity. This year these funds have enabled the purchase of a giant Teepee for the playground, sponsored courses at the community centre and bought furnishings for the youth accommodation centre. The Junction Australia, Hackham Community Centre, south of Adelaide, was established in 2002 and provides programs, such as counselling, playgroups and foundational
courses for locals and their families, as well as creating a place for connection. Among other initiatives, Junction Australia also provides accommodation for homeless youth in the same southern community. For more information visit junctionaustralia.org.au
Royal Flying Doctor Service The most recent relationship is that with the Royal Flying Doctors Service. This year, staff had the opportunity to select a charity that they wish to support as part of our 40th celebration. From the many organisations that were put forward, they selected the Royal Flying Doctors. We have raised $10,000 for the RFDS. One fundraising activity included the launch of our eBay Mini Auctions on 25th of November. Over $2,000 worth of products from Pat Callinan, All 4 Adventure, Patriot Campers, 4WD Action and 4WD Touring Australia, were donated to the auctions which will be finalised on the 5th of December. These funds will go towards helping the RFDS to replace intensive care units, which can cost the organisation more than $7million a year. For more information visit flyingdoctor.org.au
See how we’re tracking! Details of our fundraising efforts can be found at redarc.com.au/40th-anniversary
World Solar Challenge Our sponsored World Solar Challenge teams, TAFE SA and Flinders Automotive Solar Team, FAST, completed the 3,000km journey from Darwin and arriving in Adelaide on the 18th of October. The World Solar Challenge is designed to push the limits of technological innovation, by travelling the outback in a vehicle powered only by the energy of the sun. Teams comprise of tertiary and secondary students from over thirty countries. FAST team placed eleventh in the Cruiser Class of thirteen, and commented, “Thank you to all our generous sponsors, university and page audience for their encouragement during our journey.” Team TAFE SA found that the car, SAV (Solar Articulated Vehicle) cruiser cab and eight‑metre trailer, were quite the crowdpleasers in Darwin.
REDARC Electronics
TAFE SA Team Manager, Mark Ready said, “We hope it [SAV and trailer] inspires people and helps them see what is possible. It’s an efficient design that people can identify with.” Despite the challenge of two major electrical issues throughout the race, and a strong gust of wind that detached the trailer from the mounting on its float, the team were happy with their experience. TAFE SA placed third of three teams in the Adventure Class.
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
ABN 77 136 785 092
PTY LTD
Anthony said, “REDARC is a passionate innovator that provides renewable energy systems for vehicles and has a core focus on developing the skills of young people in South Australia. Congratulations to both teams on their incredible efforts.” For more information visit worldsolarchallenge.org