All charged up - REDARC Electronics
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
All charged up SPRING 2 017
A message from Anthony Kittel
In this issue...
Westpac tour brings new insights
for REDARC
Hummingbird opens new facility
at Williamtown
Barbara celebrates 30 years of service
Trusting your gut: a story from
Andre Gascoigne
REDARC a teaming partner for
In September this year, my wife Michele and I It’s sometimes hard to believe that 20 years LAND 400 - Phase 2
will be celebrating 20 years since purchasing ago we were just operating out of a tin shed
REDARC Electronics back in 1997. As I reflect in Lonsdale with only eight employees. Over RAM mounts available from REDARC
on what we as a team have achieved in the last the course of those years, we have moved to
two decades, I still sometimes can’t believe it. various premises, and now operate in a state-
Visit redarc.com.au for tech-tips
of-the-art manufacturing facility with 170 people and up-to-date info
REDARC Electronics (then called Labservice)
across two locations.
was founded in 1979 by Robin ‘Bob’ William
Mackie. After his premature passing, my wife We’re set for a tremendous change once
and I decided to purchase the business. again, with the factory expansion well
underway. Set for completion in 2018,
We mortgaged our house, sold our vehicle and
the expansion will allow us to move
borrowed some money so we could come up
into new markets and see real
with a 50% share alongside Michele’s father,
growth opportunities offshore.
Denis Brion. At the time, I was 32 years old, had
a young family and I left a good job as General The best decisions are those
Manager at ROH Wheels. I took a salary cut and that are based on taking risk
knew little about electronics, but I identified the backed by reliable information
potential in REDARC. In 2002, Denis retired, and thorough planning. We’ve
and Michele and I purchased Denis’ share of enjoyed many milestones,
the business. and gone through turbulent
economic times but, with
Not long after purchasing REDARC, I visited
your support and your belief in
a local auto electrician. I went to the counter,
REDARC, you’ve helped make it all
handed my business card to the receptionist
become possible.
and asked if I could speak to the owner. A guy
out the back yelled “tell him his products are As I reflect on my 20 years at REDARC,
****, his service is **** and we don’t need his I not only thank the fantastic team behind
business card! me that has made REDARC what it is today
but I thank you, our customers, that have stood
As you can imagine, we had a lot of work to do
by Australian manufacturing and supported
but it was my formative years that instilled what
Australian brands.
customer service is about and that’s where we
excel at REDARC. My one motto for REDARC Because of you, we are in the position we are
is “the customer is king” and it’s the teams’ today. I look forward to seeing what the next 20
unrelenting focus on innovation, their passion years hold for us together.
for learning and continuous development and
Sincerely,
working as a team that has created the iconic
REDARC brand. Anthony Kittel
and the team at REDARC
®
Partnerships in business
Westpac tour brings new insights REDARC a teaming
Anthony completed a tour of the Silicon
Valley, USA and China as part of being
“I hadn’t thought about brand for my industry partner for LAND 400
- Phase 2
in the same way, until I saw how a company
named Westpac’s “Top 20 Businesses of like Airbnb puts their message at the heart of
Tomorrow.”
everything they do.”
During their tour of the Silicon Valley,
Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, told
REDARC alongside the other 19 businesses,
gained insights into how top companies such the businesses that their survival through
as Uber, Airbnb, LinkedIn and Salesforce challenging early years came down to a We are proud to be named a teaming
achieved massive scale. relentless focus on customer service. partner for Rheinmetall and BAE Systems
In addition, their tour of Alibaba, China’s Australia who are both tendering for the
Anthony said, “Products change as
largest e-commerce retailer, provided insight LAND 400 - Phase 2 contract.
technology changes but the relationship with
into how they have been able to diversify for The cost of the LAND 400 program is
your customer endures.”
consumers and businesses worldwide.
between $14 and $20 billion, making it the
“Innovation and customer service form part of
“It’s been eye opening to see the scale of biggest in the Australian Army’s history.
opportunity, once you widen your vision to a REDARC’s core values. The tour provided a
global setting,” Anthony said, citing a visit to different perspective into how those two can Vehicles from each tenderer will be
Airbnb as a highlight. be better integrated.” extensively tested to assess their level
of protection and other capabilities. The
outcomes from these tests will be used by
defence to undertake a final evaluation of
each tenderer’s proposal.
Anthony said these announcements are
a great demonstration of how innovative
Australian companies can expand and adapt
their array of products into military vehicles.
“We know we can bring significant electronic
solutions that can improve vehicle safety,
productivity, flexibility and reliability”, he said.
2017 has seen REDARC invited to visit
major primes in Europe, with visits to
multiple organisations in Sweden, Germany
and the UK.
This initiative was undertaken by REDARC at
its own expense and has proven to be highly
beneficial. Since the visit REDARC has also
reciprocated by hosting the same primes at
its own facility.
In September REDARC exhibited at
the Defence and Security Equipment
International Exhibition in London as a
member of Team Defence Australia.
VASA factory tour and training day
In July, REDARC hosted VASA - Automotive The factory tour enabled VASA members to
Air Conditioning, Electrical and Cooling have an in-depth look into REDARC’s facility
Technicians of Australia - for an auto- and the manufacturing process required to
electrical themed training event. create each product.
The morning was attended by over 60 VASA Speaking of the visit, National Sales and
members. Marketing Manager, Ben Marsh said, “I
They are the only network in Australia would like to thank the VASA organisation
representing professional workshop and its members for taking the time to visit
technicians in the vehicle aftermarket. REDARC.”
The event consisted of training and a “It was a great opportunity to host an
factory tour and a chance to network during organisation which is comprised of many
morning tea. The training element covered trade customers who support and use
alternator output types, DC charging, trailer
REDARC products.”
brake controllers, voltage conversion and
battery management. For more on VASA visit vasa.org.au
Product updates Product info
Switch inserts Assistance just about anywhere you need it
going strong At REDARC, we take a customer is king
approach in everything we do, which is why
4X4, caravan, RV and boating applications
through to commercial trucking and mining
The release of the Tow-Pro Switch Inserts
we offer an exhaustive range of resources vehicle components.
is going strong, with many auto elecs and
right at your fingertips 24/7.
fitters saying they are loving the simplicity Just enquire with your local Area Sales
and ease of installation of fitting the Tow-Pro Our website has a resources section with Manager if you want a copy. Otherwise,
Elite remote head in the vehicle’s dashboard. calculators, FAQs, how to’s, tech tips, wiring the trade catalogue is also available as a
guides and product support. downloadable PDF and an interactive, digital
Three switch inserts are available; for the
catalogue on our website.
Toyota Hilux, the Mitsubishi Triton/Holden When you call tech support, this is the
Colorado and a universal model that fits first place they more than likely go when Of course, sometimes you may have a
other vehicle makes and models. answering your questions. We regularly really curly question and you may not find
update it too, so we encourage you to have the answer straight away. That’s why our
Business Development Manager - Light
a look. National Tech Support Team and Area Sales
Vehicles, Robert Chadwick said it was
Managers are there to help.
pleasing to see the positive uptake of the If you prefer something physical, our new
switch inserts. REDARC trade catalogue features our full Operating between 8:00am-5:30pm (AEST),
range of products and contains over 80 our Tech Support Team are backed with auto
“Obviously we want the end customer to
pages of product information, including electrical qualifications and over 50 years of
have the best user experience possible,
installation tips, specifications, wiring and combined experience.
but we created the switch inserts with the
troubleshooting guides, a glossary of
installers in mind”, he said. Contact them on 08 8322 4848 or shoot
technical terms and applications.
them an email at power@redarc.com.au
The switch inserts create
The entire product range is covered in
an OE-looking factory fit To get all the latest info visit redarc.com.au
an easy to read format, from
accessory whilst meeting
ADR21 compliance.
For more information,
visit redarc.com.au/tow-
pro-switch-inserts
Tow-Pro Elite mode
name change
One of the misunderstandings we have
come across is “what does “Automatic”
mean when describing one of the operating
modes in our Tow-Pro Elite electric brake
controller?”. Some customers think that
once the Tow-Pro Elite is set to automatic
mode, they no longer have to make future
adjustments. To avoid confusion, we have
changed the mode name to “Proportional.”
In Proportional mode - also known
as inertia sensing - the Tow-Pro Elite
senses vehicle deceleration and outputs
a proportional voltage to the trailer. How New product release
hard this brakes the trailer is determined by
factors a brake controller can’t measure; RAM Mounts available from REDARC
trailer weight, number of braked axles,
REDARC now stock a wide variety of RAM They are suited for just about
wiring losses, electric or electric/hydraulic
Mounts ideal for mounting mobile phones, every electronics
brakes and even grade of brake linings.
laptops, GPS units and just about any other device under the sun
Regardless of the mode, the knob must
electronic device for cars, trucks, boats and which complement
not be left on “0”, but must be set to a level an exhaustive variety of
that provides safe braking. even motorbikes.
bases.
For more information visit redarc.com.au/ RAM stands for Round-A-Mount, referring
to its patented ball-and-socket design that If there is a product that
electric-trailer-brake-controller needs to be mounted
make the RAM range so versatile and easy
in a vehicle, chances
to use. When it comes to mounting anything
are that REDARC
to a vehicle, flexibility is key and nothing has what you
comes close to the possibilities that RAM need.
Mounts can offer.
For more
The range of adjustments is infinite, and information visit
changing the direction or angle of a device is redarc.com.au/
usually as simple as loosening a single knob. ram-mounts
Proportional mode
Visit redarc.com.au | Email power@ redarc.com.au | Phone 08 8322 4848
Product info
Regulating the sun
Recent advancements in technology begins switching the panel on and off A PWM regulator will be operating further
have seen the use of solar energy for free (connecting and disconnecting it from the back on the volts scale, where multiplying
camping become so popular it is rare to see battery) to limit the power that is transferred battery voltage, say 12 volts, by the amps
a touring setup that does not have a solar to the battery, hence limiting the voltage from at that point will result in a lower amount of
system of some type. rising further. power being extracted from the panel.
This may include a portable solar panel MPPT regulators, on the other hand, can be As you can see, the maximum amperage
alongside the vehicle or a fixed panel on top likened to a voltage converter. The regulator point is where voltage is zero (also known
of the van or motorhome. actually simulates a load to the panel to as short circuit current) and, as the voltage
keep the panel at its best performing point, increases, the current gradually decreases.
Regardless of the setup, the performance
where the panel produces its most power
of solar panels varies greatly based on the This will happen to a voltage point just
in the current conditions. This point will
conditions they are operating in, such as the beyond the maximum power point where
continually change, based on the changes
temperature and intensity of the light falling the current decreases rapidly, falling to zero
in the conditions and the regulator will track
on them. at the panel’s maximum voltage point (also
this point. The MPPT regulator holds the
known as open circuit voltage).
Whatever the output from solar panels are, panel at this point on its input and converts
there is a vital link between the panels and the panel voltage to the correct voltage level The right regulator for the job
the battery that we are aiming to recharge. for the battery being charged on its output.
An MPPT regulator outperforms the PWM
This important component is the solar
MPPT IV and PV curves regulator in extracting more power from the
regulator. same panel.
Shown below is a graph that indicates
Why are solar regulators required? the output curve of a good quality PWM regulator technology is generally less
monocrystalline solar panel. expensive to manufacture and therefore a
A 12 volt DC solar panel can produce
lower cost product. An MPPT regulator is
voltages in the mid to high 20 volt range,
MPPT IV and PV curves the opposite.
particularly in ideal solar conditions.
If the solar system is small and there are
An unregulated solar panel could push 5A 100W
budget constraints, a good quality PWM
the battery voltage much higher than it is 4A 80W regulator can be an affordable option and
designed to be charged at and will cause
WATTS
Maximum
AMPS
power will still do a good job of safely charging
irreversible damage to the battery. 3A
point
60W
your battery.
The solar regulator must be able to control 2A 40W
However, with a large solar array and battery
the voltage from the panel effectively, no 1A 20W
bank to be supplied, MPPT is definitely a
matter the level of power being produced
better option.
by the panel. The correct size regulator 4V 8V 12V 16V 20V 24V 30V
needs to be selected for the expected power VOLTS For more information
output from the solar system. visit redarc.com.au/solar
In short, the role of the regulator is to control All solar panels will have output curves of
the voltage level being applied to the battery roughly the same shape, though the voltage
by the solar panel and recharge the battery and current vary depending
as the manufacturer intended. on efficiency, quality and the
operating conditions.
This regulation is
achieved by two The graph illustrates the
different methods, relationship between
depending on the voltage, current
type of technology and watts.
incorporated into
the product being
used. These two
different methods are
known as Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power
Power Point Tracking (MPPT). (watts) is
equal to
PWM vs MPPT the voltage
multiplied by
A PWM regulator simply connects the solar
current (amps).
panel directly to the battery, which in turn
brings the solar panel voltage to the same The maximum power point
level as the battery. The battery voltage will of the panel will be around the 18 volt
increase due to current flow from the panel, mark and will differ slightly with different
the amount of power the panel produces at types of panels. At this point, multiplying
the time will dictate the rate of this rise. that 18 volts by the current level will reap
the most amount of power. This is where an
When the battery voltage reaches the level
MPPT regulator will be regulating the panel.
which should not be exceeded, the regulator
Business update
30 years of service 20 years of ISO 9001
We congratulate Barbara Cromwell on 30 REDARC has been the longest. I just never REDARC is proud to announce that it has
years of service. had a reason to leave. been recognised for being ISO 9001 (Quality
Barbara started with REDARC on the 28th of When Anthony and Michele bought the Management Systems) certified by risk
August 1987. As one of the ‘original eight’, business 20 years ago, they put everything management experts SAI Global for the last
Barbara is an integral and trusted member of on the line. And look at REDARC now. 20 years.
the REDARC team. The ISO 9001 Quality Management System
I’m so proud of what has been achieved.”
As our finance administrator, she has certification is one of the main drivers for
always been committed to doing the right continual improvement at REDARC.
thing, and ensures REDARC upholds Operations Manager, Fabien Claudon said,
its stellar reputation when it comes to “We are extremely proud of this milestone.
finance. “Barbara is the kind of person Certification of ISO 9001 brings a process-
you’d want with you on the battle ground”, based approach and is essential to delivering
says Anthony. “She is loyal, trusting, will innovative and high-quality electronic
do whatever it takes and is truly a great solutions to our customers.”
ambassador for REDARC and everything we
stand for.” As one of REDARC’s six values, we are
committed to doing things right the first
“I’ve known Barbara for nearly half my life”, time - we see quality as key to delivering the
says Lex Clarke, another long-standing customer value for money. We make it the
staff member. “From running the day to day centrepiece of our work and interactions.
business in those early days, through to the
multitude of changes the company has gone
through, she’s always been there.”
Barbara commented, “I’ve been in the
workforce for 50 years. In all that time,
I’ve only worked for four companies - and
New Hummingbird facility at Williamtown
Staff update
REDARC welcomes
Shannon Axford to
the role of Customer
Service Technician.
Shannon started
with REDARC on the
24th of August and
brings over ten years’
experience in the
automotive electrical
Hummingbird Electronics have completed Hummingbird Electronics had been at its field.
their relocation to their new purpose-built previous premises in Port Stephens since His previous roles saw him as an auto
Innovation Centre located at the Williamtown its establishment in 2008. Hummingbird’s electrician at Morphett Vale Auto Electrical
Areospace Centre (WAC) outside Newcastle, National Sales and Marketing Manager, Mark and Ralph’s Auto Electrical in Port Augusta.
New South Wales. The occasion was Bruce, said the move represented exciting In his more recent role at Ralph’s he
marked with a grand opening on the 21st times for both REDARC and Hummingbird. specialised in electrical work on trucks and
of August, which had VIP Guest Scot mining equipment.
“This will allow Hummingbird to attract highly
MacDonald, Member of the Legislative
skilled personnel, new business development We wish him all the best in his new role.
Council and Parliament Secretary for
and engineering opportunities”, he said.
Planning, the Central Coast and the Hunter Contact our Customer Service Team on
open the milestone event. For more information, visit hmbe.com.au (08) 8322 4848 or email power@redarc.com.au
®
In the community
Trusting your gut
An inspiring story from
REDARC’s Andre Gascoigne
My story begins a short time before my 30th
birthday.
Nick Lee, founder of the Jodi Lee
Foundation, came and gave a presentation
on bowel cancer. Nick’s own story resonated
with me because my brother in law, who is
40 with three children, is in the final throes of
a losing battle with the disease.
At the end of the presentation our CEO I have since been informed that of the six
announced that they had purchased removed, two were ‘nasty ones’ and if left
everyone in the company a test kit and untreated would have likely turned.
offered a discounted rate if we wanted to
buy more kits for family or friends. I bought I can’t express my thanks to Nick, and
an extra couple for my sister and girlfriend. REDARC, strongly enough.
A few weeks later I received a phone call at Without their conscious efforts to spread
work from my GP’s office asking me to come the word (and the extremely fortuitous luck
and see him straight away. My heart sank I’ve had), I’d likely be in the same boat
and fear set in. When I arrived home, I found as my brother in law in a few years’ time.
a letter in the mailbox stating that my test Thank you.
had come back positive for blood – more For anyone who hasn’t done a screening
fear set in. test, please, please do one. It more than
To cut a long story short, both my GP likely saved my life.
and the specialist I went to advised that a To read the full story and find more
colonoscopy was required. They removed information on this disease visit
six polyps which were sent for biopsy. jodileefoundation.org.au ARB Off Road
Racing Series gets
2017 World Solar Challenge ramps up underway
The biennial World Solar In our last newsletter we reported the 2017
Challenge gets underway ARB Off Road Racing Series had kicked off
in October and REDARC in Griffith, to be followed by Mildura over the
is proud to be sponsoring ANZAC day long weekend in April.
the three South Australian
The race at Sea Lake continued next,
teams participating in the
between June 9 and 11. This saw Danny
event.
Brown and George Apted victorious in round
Rodrigo Marino, a graduate three, but only with a gut-wrenching 15
engineer at REDARC second lead ahead of New Zealand team of
and past participant of Raana Horan and Klem Christiansen.
the TAFE SA team said, Pristine weather and near perfect track
“Not only does the World conditions greeted the 99 starters at the
Solar Challenge promote fourth round of the series, the Waikerie Hotel
innovation, it is also ARB Riverland Enduro from July 21 to 23.
committed to continually working towards closely with our goals and practises within Round four saw Jack Rhodes and David
a sustainable society.” these sectors” he said. Pullino add another notch to their belts,
Anthony said the event encompasses Find out more about the World Solar writing their names in the record books and
sustainability and environmentally securing their four Waikerie victories in a row.
Challenge at worldsolarchallenge.org
responsible practises within an industry At Goondiwindi, Aaron James and Peter
which is closely aligned to REDARC’s Visit the Adelaide University Solar Racing Luckraft saw both racers take out first place,
values and internal policies. Team website at ausrt.com in what was a grueling course of 400km.
“REDARC is a passionate innovator that Well done to all the winners involved.
provides renewable energy systems for Visit the Flinders Automotive Solar Team
vehicles and a core focus on developing website at fastsolar.com.au The sixth and final round of the series is in
the skills of young people in South Millicent, from September 22 to 23.
Australia. The opportunity to sponsor Visit the TAFESA Solar Team website at You can see the highlights of the series at
multiple teams from South Australia aligns tafesa.com.au arboffroadracing.com.au
REDARC Electronics PTY
LTD Australia
ABN 77 136 785 092 Phone 08 8322 4848 ®
Fax 08 8387 2889
23 Brodie Road (North) International
Lonsdale, South Australia Phone +61 8 8322 4848
Australia 5160 Fax +61 8 8387 2889
You can also read
