Redarc just announced a new Brake controller

[Dummy SALAPA]

Redarc's answer to the Curt wireless controller.

https://www.redarcelectronics.com/u...QKkFQH_FITpAg0xPZVBfx2yDnsM9u28jaseA0s.XRYSkD

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[MT1]

That is interesting. It is dependent upon radio, assuming BT, which should be fine for the few feet of distance. But, it is not dependent upon Android/iOS + app, and then wanting to do something else with the phone.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That is interesting. It is dependent upon radio, assuming BT, which should be fine for the few feet of distance. But, it is not dependent upon Android/iOS + app, and then wanting to do something else with the phone.

Not bluetooth - thank goodness. BT is crap and I already have too much going on with my phone anyway.
They literally use WIRELESS via a USB receiver.

The factory-paired main unit and USB remote allow for seamless control out of the box with no additional setup or pairing complications.

The USB device will be paired to it wirelessly meaning it won't require pairing or be prone to the usual bluetooth issues and version complications.

 

[MT1]

Not bluetooth - thank goodness. BT is crap and I already have too much going on with my phone anyway.
They literally use WIRELESS via a USB receiver.

The factory-paired main unit and USB remote allow for seamless control out of the box with no additional setup or pairing complications.

The USB device will be paired to it wirelessly meaning it won't require pairing or be prone to the usual bluetooth issues and version complications.

Agree on no phone required, which is why it wins for me over the Curt device, but what will be the RF technology between the two devices? The advertisement only mentions the that two devices are paired at the factory. I assume BT, since that is cheap and easy, but, it maybe something else.

 

[Dummy SALAPA]

Aparrently it's been in Australia for a while. I guess the announcement was for USA. Here's the link to the Redarc Aussie site. https://www.redarcelectronics.com/au/tow-pro-link-w-adhesive-mount-remote-head. You can see more info and download manuals etc. 769 in Australian dollars that's about 498.00 in USD.

 

[Synctheship]

Not bluetooth - thank goodness. BT is crap and I already have too much going on with my phone anyway.
They literally use WIRELESS via a USB receiver.

The factory-paired main unit and USB remote allow for seamless control out of the box with no additional setup or pairing complications.

The USB device will be paired to it wirelessly meaning it won't require pairing or be prone to the usual bluetooth issues and version complications.

Where did you read that the remote is not bluetooth to the main unit? After reading the user manual and install instructions I haven't found any indication this is not bluetooth. Redarcs marketing videos and industry sema blog posts refer to the remote as bluetooth powered via USB A. If you buy the kit the remote come pre-paired else there is a pairing process. Maybe one of our Aussie friends can chime in since these have been on the market in AU/NZ for 6 months now.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Where did you read that the remote is not bluetooth to the main unit? After reading the user manual and install instructions I haven't found any indication this is not bluetooth. Redarcs marketing videos and industry sema blog posts refer to the remote as bluetooth powered via USB A. If you buy the kit the remote come pre-paired else there is a pairing process. Maybe one of our Aussie friends can chime in since these have been on the market in AU/NZ for 6 months now.

Simple logic and knowledge of other wireless methods. I can control the blinds in our sunroom, but the blinds aren't Bluetooth. Similar for my garage door. Phone talks to a gateway, gateway talks via wireless to the device. In this case, the gateway is a USB dongle in the phone. Why would they use BT for the controller yet have you plug in a gateway/adapter.
The pairing process is so simple, why complicate it with an adapter you have to tell your phone what to do with?
Could be wrong but if it's still BT it's a dumb expensive design to do what? Save a 10 second pairing?
Last thing I want is yet more BT crap sending out signals the phone is still going to see!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Agree on no phone required, which is why it wins for me over the Curt device, but what will be the RF technology between the two devices? The advertisement only mentions the that two devices are paired at the factory. I assume BT, since that is cheap and easy, but, it maybe something else.

I hope not BT. What a copout. It will still be seen by other devices and muddy up BT lists. And, it's not the best wireless technology by miles.
Last thing I want around me and my phone or truck is more Bluetooth. Why not use true wireless other than Bluetooth?
They say no pairing needed...it's a 10 second process!
On the other hand, I already have so many things paired on my phone last thing I want is another crappy Bluetooth device. So maybe it would be a win. But I prefer not using my phone for a brake controller and needing to have it handy in case I need to apply trailer brakes only. Do they furnish a button like Curt? If not, hard pass

 

[ShadowsPapa]

OK, at a computer with a real keyboard that my fingers work on and a screen I can SEE.

They mention pairing -
big deal, BT pairing is a piece of cake. For them to say "already paired" or "no need to pair" is, to me, suggesting that they believe BT pairing is difficult. It's not. It's fast, it's easy, seconds.

If it's already paired, that DOES suggest BT - however, there are so many other better wireless out there, why use BT and have something our tablet or phone BT is going to see and list?

I have a lot of wireless things in our home - Christmas lighting, blinds, garage door opener, and more - those things are wireless, but not Bluetooth (although some do require a gateway - is that what the Redarc dongle is?)

I don't want a brake controller where I have to have my phone handy, within reach at all times. So if I can't push a button to apply trailer brakes, they've lost me.
Curt allows you to use either your phone for that, or an optional button you can mount anywhere you please, press it and you apply only trailer brakes.
Will Redarc allow that? If not, they've lost me, and I'm a big fan of Redarc stuff.
I had a Redarc in one of my prior JTs and have a Redarc partially installed in my current JT - just need to find a place to put the control knob/button/dial. Otherwise, it's mounted under the dash and plugged in. Just need to find a place for the dial.

I've had issues with Bluetooth contention - where devices fight for control, and pairing one can knock out another or cause it to not function, so I'm wary of BT. I fought it as an IT person for government, and I still fuss with it today with a host of things we have around the house, our vehicles and my hearing aids and our TV and computers. It can be messy. So mention Bluetooth and I guess I get a "oh, no, not MORE of that junk" in me.

 

[Brad.Clarkston]

They have a USB remote with real buttons the phone is optional there's plenty of pictures of it down towards the bottom.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

They have a USB remote with real buttons the phone is optional there's plenty of pictures of it down towards the bottom.

I missed seeing the pics somehow. Thanks.

 

[Brad.Clarkston]

I'm with you on Bluetooth it was always a lowest fruit clutch for clueless people. Horrible compression, broadcast spam and no encryption/security it should always be the last ditch option.

Even USB is a crutch Apple designed the standard for clueless users that couldn't/wouldn't work with proper connectors.

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

"New SwayStop Plus delivers one-touch sway control. Simply press and release the button; the Tow-Pro Link then activates the trailer brakes until the sway incident is resolved, allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel."

I'm being pedantic, but how do you keep both hands on the wheel if you have to press a button?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

"New SwayStop Plus delivers one-touch sway control. Simply press and release the button; the Tow-Pro Link then activates the trailer brakes until the sway incident is resolved, allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel."

I'm being pedantic, but how do you keep both hands on the wheel if you have to press a button?

How does it know it's a sway incident and when sway is over?
The truck calculates that using the 4 wheel sensors, steering wheel angle and other data, but this just plugs in - how does it know?

Even USB is a crutch Apple designed the standard for clueless users that couldn't/wouldn't work with proper connectors.

I used to work with a guy who was a professor in computer science. He took some time off from teaching to work IT and programming at CCC where I worked. He used to say - the nice thing about computer standards is there's so many to choose from!
His class also once wrote a worm as a lesson in programming and it took down the college mainframe.

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

How does it know it's a sway incident and when sway is over?
The truck calculates that using the 4 wheel sensors, steering wheel angle and other data, but this just plugs in - how does it know?

"The class leading 6-axis sensor delivers precise motion sensing for unmatched control as well as providing instant calibration."

Apparently they are doing their own monitoring from their own sensor, so..."keep trying until it's not shaking anymore".

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