New REDARC Battery Monitor without an app

If you’ve spent any time setting up a touring rig lately, you’ll know there’s an app for just about everything.

Battery monitors, solar controllers, fridges, lighting systems, tyre pressure monitors… before long, your phone ends up looking like the dashboard of a small power station.

via GIPHY

Maybe I’m getting old, but I can’t be the only one who’s a little tired of needing to install yet another app to control yet another device.

Don’t get me wrong – apps are great when you want detailed information. But when I’m standing beside my vehicle or camper, sometimes I just want to know one thing without having to dig my phone out of my pocket and unlock it…

How much battery have I got left?

That’s why REDARC’s latest product caught my attention.

The new RedVision Essentials Display is designed to give users a simple, at-a-glance view of their battery system without needing to pull out a phone.

Rather than displaying volts, amps and other electrical figures that many users don’t really care about day-to-day, the RedVision Essentials Display acts more like a fuel gauge for your battery.

A series of colour-coded LED indicators shows battery charge level quickly, while additional indicators display charging status and where the power is coming from.

For anyone running a dual-battery setup in a 4WD, canopy, caravan, camper trailer, or work vehicle, a quick glance is all that’s needed to see how much power remains.

Built around REDARC’s Smart Battery Monitor

The display works alongside REDARC’s Smart Battery Monitor, providing accurate battery state-of-charge information through a simple hardwired display.

For those who still like digging into the details, Bluetooth connectivity remains available through the RedVision App, giving users access to more detailed system information when required.

In other words, you can still use your phone if you want to, but you don’t have to.

Installation designed to be simple

One feature likely to appeal to DIY installers is the mounting system.

The RedVision Essentials Display requires a single 51mm circular hole for installation, avoiding the need to cut large square openings or gain access behind panels for mounting hardware.

REDARC says Bluetooth and R-Bus connectivity also allow the display to be integrated with compatible REDARC power management products, making it suitable for both new builds and existing setups.

More than just a battery gauge

When paired with a BCDC Alpha or Manager Alpha system, the display can also activate REDARC’s Start Battery Recovery function.

This feature allows users to back-charge a flat starter battery and potentially get moving again without needing jumper leads or a jump starter.

According to REDARC, the process can begin with the push of a button and may recover a start battery in as little as 15 minutes.

Designed for Australian conditions

Like the rest of REDARC’s range, the RedVision Essentials Display is Australian-made and developed for harsh conditions.

According to REDARC, their products undergo extensive vibration, heat and durability testing at its South Australian facility to ensure reliability across touring, trade and fleet applications.