All charged up 2020 in review Industry awards
While in February 2020, we celebrated our Australian manufacturing roots by partnering with the official Australian Made Campaign and adopting the iconic Australian Made logo, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) was just around the corner ready to disrupt global supply chains and the Australian manufacturing industry.
Among the challenges we were delighted to have been announced as the winner of both the Global Supply Chain Integration of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year at the annual Manufacturers’ Monthly Endeavour Awards in July.
Amazingly, REDARC is experiencing growth during this pandemic, despite confirmation that Australia is in recession. Due to International travel restrictions, Australians are starting to explore their own backyard and they’re purchasing or updating their recreational vehicles, caravans, and campers. With this trend the demand for REDARC’s products has been on the rise since June 2020.
New team members Our team grew this year including our latest appointments of a Sales Director and two new Regional Sales Managers to our North American sales team. These USA‑based roles will lead REDARC’s business development and customer relations activities across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Domestically, we recently appointed a new Area Sales Manager covering Victoria and Tasmania, and appointed a new General Manager – Commercial responsible for growing our Commercial business division. We welcomed two new reception staff and appointed two new Technical Support Officers. While we welcome new team members, we acknowledged a myriad of staff service awards reaching milestones from 5 to 15 years with REDARC and Hummingbird. This month we join four of our staff members in celebrating 10 years of service.
2020
In this issue...
The resurgence of Australian Made
Thankfully, we were prepared and put early contingency plans in place during the first few months of the pandemic, and we find that there is still much for us to reflect upon and celebrate this year.
SUMMER
REDARC was nominated and subsequently won in two categories. The BCDC In-vehicle Charger was nominated for Global Supply Chain Integration of the Year which recognises manufacturers for their unique products which allow them to successfully access the global supply chain. REDARC also won Manufacturer of the Year, the most prestigious award of the event, celebrating success in all facets of manufacturing.
2020 in review New Tow Pro Switch Inserts New BCDC Mounting Brackets BMS State of Charge Staff updates In the community Christmas closure dates
Visit redarc.com.au for tech-tips and up-to-date info
Product updates As well as extending our range of Tow Pro Switch Inserts and BCDC Mounting Brackets, we have released the next-generation Battery Master Isolation Switch (V2), fulfilling the requirement for a master isolation switch under new Australian Dangerous Goods Standard AS2809:2020. We look forward to 2021 which is set to be a bumper year for new product releases.
Thank you There are still challenges to face, but for now we are extremely grateful. I am proud of our staff who have demonstrated a resilient spirit and a can-do attitude, sticking together with many staff getting creative with the available resources and demonstrating excellent problem-solving skills as a team. We thank you for backing Australian family owned brands like REDARC and Hummingbird. We look forward to coming out the other side of this recession more resilient than before. On behalf of REDARC and Hummingbird we wish you and your staff a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Christmas closure REDARC will be closed from midday on Tuesday December 22nd, 2020 to Monday January 4th, 2021. For more on the Christmas closure and emergency contacts visit redarc.com.au/news/2020christmas-closure
Anthony Kittel
Staff updates
REDARC appoints new General Manager - Commercial We’re pleased to announce that Guy Nicholls will be joining REDARC Group. Based in Melbourne, he will be responsible for growing our Commercial business division which includes the Mining, Industrial and OEM Truck and Light Commercial channels. Guy’s broad experience spans technical, sales and marketing, and leadership roles such as Divisional Chief Executive of ASX listed GUD Holdings. His philosophy for business is simple: customers must be at the front of every decision, having the best team and never becoming complacent. Guy has spent the past five years contributing towards the health of the automotive industry
sitting on the Board of the Automotive Aftermarket Association and Automotive Repairers Council. He also invests his spare time mentoring apprentices and future industry leaders. REDARC Group Managing Director Anthony Kittel stated that, “Guy is an extremely talented individual whom is highly regarded in the Automotive Industry and we are incredibly delighted to have Guy join our team. Guy has extensive sales and management experience and will be a great asset to our business as we continue our growth plans domestically and internationally”.
When asked about joining REDARC he said “As a proud South Australian I’ve admired REDARC’s growth domestically and now internationally, I’ll be proud to help grow both great Australian brands REDARC and Hummingbird”. We wish Guy the very best in his new role.
New Area Sales Manager VIC/TAS REDARC is pleased to welcome Ian Madanis to the role of Area Sales Manager VIC/TAS. Based in Melbourne, Ian officially started with REDARC on the 16th of November. He will be replacing Cameron Bleakley who has come back to Adelaide to take on the role of Area Sales Manager SA/NT. Ian comes to REDARC as a qualified auto electrician, air-conditioning technician, and motor mechanic. With his most recent role at WURTH Australia, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge having been in the automotive industry for over 25 years. Ian
will be responsible for further promoting and growing the REDARC brand while maintaining current relationships and being supported by REDARC’s Technical Support team located in Adelaide. If you’re on the road in Victoria and Tasmania, keep an eye out for the REDARC Hilux that Ian will be driving around servicing the local customer base. “We are excited to welcome Ian to the REDARC team. With so much industry experience he will play a vital role in developing and maintaining customer
New US team members
We are excited to announce the appointment of these three new additions to our North American sales team. These USA‑based roles will lead REDARC’s business development and customer relations activities across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Jason, Erich and Ryan will liaise with new customers, strengthening existing customer relationships and working with distribution partners to provide ‘best in market’ product training and technical support. REDARC is globally renowned for its ‘Customer is King’ ethos and we’re delighted to welcome Jason, Erich and Ryan to bring this to life in North America. Their experience and firsthand knowledge of our targeted markets will further strengthen the close ties we have with our existing customers and help us develop new customer relationships to advance REDARC’s international success. We wish them all great success at REDARC.
relationships and promoting the business in the automotive electrical industry,” said Ben Marsh, General Manager After Market Sales – Australia and New Zealand, on Ian’s appointment. Ian is available via email at imadanis@redarc.com.au
Erich Ross
Regional Sales Manager – East Erich is based in South Carolina and will be overseeing REDARC’s business development activities in the Eastern USA and Canadian states and provinces. Erich comes to REDARC with a wealth of automotive aftermarket experience after eight years with one of North America’s leading distributers. Erich is contactable via email at eross@redarcelectronics.com
Jason Groom
Ryan Thurston
Based in California, Jason comes to REDARC from a successful career in the heavy truck and automotive aftermarket industries.
Ryan is based in Washington and will be managing REDARC’s business development activities in the Western USA and Canadian states and provinces.
North American Sales Director
Jason brings a combination of sales leadership experience, education, account management, and business development experience to lead the North American sales team. Jason is contactable via email at jgroom@redarcelectronics.com
Regional Sales Manager – West
Ryan’s previous experience working with a leading global supplier manufacturer of parts for the heavy truck industry provide him with strong technical knowledge. Ryan is contactable via email at rthurston@redarcelectronics.com
Product update
REDARC releases next-generation Battery Master Isolation Switch Since its launch in 2016, the proudly Australian-made BMIS (Battery Master Isolation Switch) has been trusted by OEMs like Kenworth to safely isolate vehicle batteries when required, and ensure a reliable performance, while the vehicle is operating.
standard is required to make road tank vehicles conform to the legislated standards.
During the development of the BMIS it underwent extensive independent testing and validation, including rugged field trials to ensure the unit could be fitted as OEM equipment. This is a prime example of collaboration and cooperation with an OEM to ensure a best product outcome.
Managing Director, Anthony Kittel explained that isolation switches are assessed as part of the full vehicle safety system under these standards, and this is why REDARC have ensured that the BMIS meets the criteria and enables the vehicles to operate safely in those conditions.
Now, with the recent release of the new Australian Dangerous Goods Standard AS2809:2020, REDARC is proud to release the next-generation BMIS (V2), fulfilling the requirement for a master isolation switch under that standard.
The BMIS (V2) is now available in Australia to comply with AS2809:2020 and in New Zealand where vehicles are required to meet the Dangerous Goods Tank Wagon requirements.
The new standard is referred to in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code), which sets out the requirements for transporting dangerous goods by road or rail. The Heavy Vehicle Industry Association affirms that compliance to the Australian
Owners and operators of road tank vehicles rely on manufacturers of the safety components like REDARC to assure compliance and reliable safety.
Two BMIS (V2) models are available: the 4PN (positive, negative isolation) part number BMIS4PNV2KIT and the 4PP (positive, positive isolation) part number BMIS4PPV2KIT. There are also supporting accessories in the BMIS-AP Adaptor plate and BMIS-CK connector kit.
Designed and tested to meet stringent industry standards, the BMIS reassuringly exceeds the requirements of large diesel engines in 12 and 24 volt systems and features an ISO26262‑rated, dual redundancy system to avoid false triggering that can cause unnecessary electric shutdowns. The BMIS is easy to install from new or as a retrofit. The BMIS-AP Adaptor Plate makes retrofit installation as simple as possible. For new installations, REDARC recommends the BMIS‑CK Connector Kit is used on vehicles where a factory harness is not available. Pair the BMS with REDARC’s Roll Over Sensor (ROS) part number ROS1224 for an enhanced safety solution. The ROS enables trucks to meet roll-over sensing requirements by signalling the isolation switch to disconnect power to the truck system in the event of a truck rollover while the BMIS is designed to safely isolate the vehicle batteries. Learn more about the Australian-made BMIS and ROS at redarc.com.au/heavyvehicle
Staff updates
REDARC welcomes Ashleigh Seymour and Bianca Orchard...
...as well as Lachlan Neimann and Joshua Lavery
We are pleased to welcome both Ashleigh and Bianca to the role of receptionist. Ashleigh started with us on the 14th of October and Bianca has been with REDARC since July 2018. Ashleigh comes to REDARC from her previous role as a sales consultant at Optus. Bianca has been with REDARC for two years, having previously spent her time as an assembler in our Production Department. Ashleigh and Bianca share the receptionist role, while using their
We are also pleased to welcome Lachlan and Joshua to our Technical Support Team as Customer Service Technicians. Lachlan started with REDARC on the 7th of September, having previously worked as an auto electrician in the public transport industry. Joshua started slightly earlier, in mid‑August, with experience working as an auto electrician in an underground copper mine in Carrapateena.
non-reception time in other departments. When she’s not on reception Ashleigh will be working in HR and Bianca splits her time between reception and continuing her assembly role in production. We wish them both all the best in their new role.
“I enjoy the fastpaced nature of the Tech Support role,” says Joshua. Lachlan agreed also enjoying the problem-solving nature of the role and getting to help customers. We wish them the best of luck in their careers at REDARC.
Service awards We’d like to congratulate these four staff members on 10 years’ service with REDARC... an amazing achievement! Nyree Lovett
Daniel Grace
Sudheena Muthirayil
Daniel Eldridge
Starting with REDARC on the 17th of November 2010, Nyree began as a quality administrator. In 2012 she moved into a HR role, and 2020 she became the Senior HR Business Partner & RTWC.
Daniel also began his career with REDARC on the 17th of November 2010. He came to us as a Casual Electronic Assembler and in the last 10 years has studied and is now working as a Test and Measurement Technician.
Sudheena joined the Hummingbird team on the 8th of November 2010 as an Electronics Technician, and has had several different roles. Since 2016, Sudheena has been working as an Electronic Hardware Design & PCB Layout Specialist.
Daniel began at REDARC on the 23rd of November 2010 as a Manufacturing Engineering Technician. He has had roles in the Quality and Engineering departments but returned to his Manufacturing Engineering Technician role in 2014.
Visit redarc.com.au | Email power@ redarc.com.au | Phone 08 8322 4848
Hummingbird product info
A spotlight on Hummingbird’s GPS Trailer Odometer Scott Heiman shared his thoughts on Hummingbird’s GPS Trailer Odometer (HMOD1000) in a recent edition of Caravan World. Almost everyone could tell you the last time their tow vehicle was serviced. They’re fanatical about it because if your tow vehicle breaks down on the road then you’re in a lot of trouble. What people don’t tend to think about is their caravan or camper. “If an object moves, or even does something simple like emit light or sound, then wear and tear is inevitable. Now think about your caravan’s tyres spinning at nearly 1000rpm when you’re sitting on 100km/h. Consider too that the wheel hub bearings and brake rotor are spinning at the same rate.” When you start to realise this, it becomes clear that caravans and camper trailers need to be regularly serviced and without that they can become dangerous for not only you but others on the road. It’s advised that a caravan or camper service should be done every 10,000km, but whether you’re constantly on
the move or only taking it out once or twice a year it can be difficult to know when you’ve covered this distance. “For most of us usage rates of our rigs vary month to month – and year to year – depending on how far we set our horizons.” Hummingbird Electronics have created a device to take the guesswork out of calculating how far your trailer has travelled. The aftermarket device designed to record the distance travelled by any kind of trailer. With customisable intervals of 100km, 500km, 1000km and 10,000km you’ll be alerted by a buzzer when you need a service. If buzzing isn’t your thing, the Odometer is paired with an easy read display that gives you all the information you need to know, including the number of kilometres travelled and spanner icon which shows up when you reach your designated interval. Intervals can also be set to date range rather than distance travelled. Another handy setting is the ability to record individual journeys rather than an overall distance.
Able to plug into a 12 or 24 volt cigarette lighter socket, the odometer display unit can easily be converted to a merit plug or be hardwired in. This display is then connected to the antennae which is designed to be mounted directly to your trailer’s roof. The GPS Trailer Odometer comes with a five metre cable to the antennae and a two metre cable to the power unit so there is plenty of flexibility to install it in the right place. Visit hmbe.com.au for more information
Product update
REDARC releases new Tow-Pro Switch Inserts REDARC is excited to announce the addition of three new Tow-Pro Switch Inserts to aid in the installation of our award-winning, Australianmade Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controller. The following switch inserts have been added to the range, making a total of 11 inserts to suit most popular 4WD makes and models, plus a range of universal inserts. Each switch insert has been engineered to be used with REDARC’s Tow-Pro Elite range of electric brake controllers. They ship complete with instructions to complete the installation process and give the remote knob controller a sleek, factory look. REDARC’s Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, said that the addition of these three new TowPro Switch Inserts is the next logical expansion of the range, “As cars evolve and new models are released REDARC is staying on the front foot, designing each new switch insert to mount the remote head securely in the dash while making sure your Tow-Pro Elite has a factory-finished look.” Designed and built in Australia, bearing the Australian-made logo, REDARC’s range of electronic trailer brake controllers set the benchmark for safe trailer braking. Like all REDARC products, the Tow‑Pro switch inserts and electronic brake controllers come with nation-wide support, including a two year, hassle-free warranty and after-sales service to answer any questions. Learn more at redarc.com.au/tow-proswitch-inserts
Part number
Application
TPSI-001
Universal model
TPSI-002
Suitable for Toyota Hilux, 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 (2013-) and Mercedes-Benz X Class (2018-)
TPSI-009
Suitable for Mazda BT50
TPSI-010
Universal Remote Head Kit
NEW
TPSI-011
Suitable for Toyota 2019+
NEW
TPSI-012
Remote Housing Replacement
NEW
Christmas closure emergency contacts. For urgent trade enquiries or technical support you can contact your local Area Sales Manager. SA/NT | Cameron Bleakley - 0438 831 928 VIC/TAS | Ian Madanis - 0418 156 036
NSW | Haydn Trenorden - 0483 000 057 QLD | Joel Maizey - 0437 962 513
WA | Gary Weir - 0428 908 650 NZ | Greg Mitchell - 021 192 6271
Tech tip
Ensure your BMS State of Charge is accurate
BMS1230S2 wiring to ensure SoC tracks accurately
Are you having trouble getting an accurate State of Charge (SoC) from your Battery Management System (BMS) or TVMS? If a BMS or TVMS battery current sensor is wired incorrectly it can result in an inaccurate indication of the battery SoC. The SoC displayed on the user interface remains high even while the battery voltage reduces, gives a low-battery alarm or even goes flat. Wiring the BMS to ensure accurate SoC tracking
BMS1230S3 wiring to ensure SoC tracks accurately
If this issue occurs it can be resolved by performing the following steps: 1 Check that the house battery negative(s) goes to the B NEG end of the sensor. 2 Check that the vehicle negative ground and ALL load negatives are connected at the other (GND) end of the sensor or a connected negative bus. 3 There must be no direct connection from house battery negative terminal(s) to chassis/ground. 4 There must be no load negatives connected direct to house battery negative terminal(s) or to the B NEG end of the sensor.
Product updates
New BCDC Mounting Brackets REDARC continues to increase the range of vehicle-specific mounting brackets to aid in the installation of our awardwinning, Australian made BCDC In-vehicle DC‑DC Chargers.
BCDCMB-009 Mitsubishi Triton MR Diesel and Pajero QE/QF (2019-on) A Mitsubishi Triton MR Diesel and Pajero bracket is now available, tailored for specific engine bay fitments to QE/QF model vehicles from 2019 onwards.
BCDCMB-010 Nissan Patrol Y61 GU Series 4-9 Diesel (01/2005-04/2016) A Nissan Patrol Y61 GU Series 4-9 bracket, designed specifically for diesel variants
manufactured between 01/2005 through to 04/2016, has also been added to the range. Both brackets are designed to be used with all REDARC BCDC variants and ship complete with instructions and fasteners to complete the installation process. These two new brackets bring the total range of BCDC Mounting Brackets to ten variants.
BCDCMB-009
Each bracket is tested in REDARC’s state-ofthe-art HALT and HASS testing equipment, exposing them to a lifetime of test conditions under extreme cold, heat, humidity and vibration. Learn more about BCDC Mounting Brackets at redarc.com.au/batterychargers/mounting-brackets BCDCMB-010
In the community
Interview with Christian Feldberg - PiratecFPV In our ongoing effort to support clubs and young people pursuing their dreams in the community, REDARC has recently sponsored Christian Feldberg (racing name Piratec), a 15-year-old, first person view, drone racing pilot. We spoke to Christian to learn more about FPV drone racing and some of the challenges of the 2020 racing season. When and how did you get into drone racing? “I got into drones when I was 11 years old and got my first proper racing drone at 12. Initially I didn’t want to get into drones at all, I wanted to race remote controlled planes. I’d heard that planes were a bit more difficult to fly, so I thought I’d start off with drones to give myself some experience and ended up falling in love with drone racing and haven’t looked back since.” Tell us a bit about drone racing and your setup “Unlike standard drones you might find in the store, these drones are custom built to go fast. Most racing drones easily get past 150km/h! Drone racing is usually a group of four to eight pilots, competing on a track
mainly comprised of gates – obstacles to fly through – and flags – obstacles to fly around. There are a few different styles of racing; fastest lap time, first to finish three laps, and most laps completed in a set amount of time. The most common race is first to finish three laps but often during competitions it will be a mixture of a few different types. Every part of the drone is crucial, and your setup is only as good as the slowest part. To boil it down, you have three main parts of the setup: the drone, the transmitter, and the FPV goggles. The transmitter is the controller that talks to the drone, giving it precise instructions with only milliseconds of delay. We have a small analogue camera mounted at the front of our drone, which sends a video feed to our goggles. This makes the insane speeds and cool acrobatic tricks that we do possible.” Why do you think your partnership with REDARC is so successful? “Thanks to REDARC I can be more confident knowing that they are helping to take care of spare parts. Being supported by them, I can push myself to true limits and train much more frequently because I’m not as worried about breaking my gear and not being able to replace it.
In the community
REDARC takes on Bathurst On the eve of Bathurst, REDARC was excited to sign a deal with Penrite, fitting in with the team’s latest campaign to support Australian made products. REDARC branding could be seen on the front of Anton De Pasquale’s Holden and it must have brought them some luck as he secured his best-ever finish with co-driver Brodie Kostecki when they crossed the line in ninth. Teammates David Reynolds and Will brown finished in 15th, a great effort by all. “REDARC is as Australian as Bathurst,” said Anthony Kittel, “Bathurst enthusiasts,
REDARC Electronics
whether on the mountain or on the couch, are REDARC customers. We are pleased to be partnered with Penrite Racing who are a proven winning team... we can’t wait to see what they deliver on Mount Panorama.” Speaking on the partnership, Penrite Racing CEO Barry Ryan said, “It’s fantastic to have another Australian-made company on board, especially for the biggest race of the year.” “REDARC are the benchmark in their industry, and we are excited to align with a company that has the same values as us.”
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
Working with a company that understands and appreciates the art of electronics is also awesome. I’m forever striving to make my drones faster, neater, more efficient, and more agile in the air and being able to represent a company that strives to get the best out of their products as well is a true pleasure for me. They are a great South Australian company, and I can’t be prouder to wear their logo. REDARC is providing me so many opportunities to excel in my sport and I can’t wait for what the future of our partnership holds.” How has COVID-19 affected your racing season and how have you overcome this? “COVID-19 has unfortunately meant that all major racing events have been cancelled, but my local club has been able to resume quicker than most. Though it is unfortunate to not have all of the big events that we had before COVID, it has given me a great excuse to become more prepared with gear and skills so that I can really do my best when restrictions ease.” Learn more about Christian and his drone racing at adelaidefpvracing.com.au or his Instagram page @piratecFPV