Wireless Winch Controllers

[Beowulf]

Has anyone tried one of these wireless winch controllers? Some guys over on Jeepforum.com had really good luck with these, but wondered if anyone on here has first hand knowledge. I'm pretty sure the receiver will fit inside the housing of an integrated winch and definitely inside the plastic cover of a remote solenoid winch.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/320937248837?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290700358523?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-50ft-Wi...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1b546292&vxp=mtr

 

[LR Max]

Kinda a novelty more than anything. Biggest issue is the darn batteries dying in the remote. It is massively inconvenient when you realize you can't use it! I know two guys who had these...they don't have them anymore.

On the flipside, I think an in-cab switch from someone like 12 volt guy would be better. When you are winching, you are most likely going to be in the drivers seat. Having reliable control nearby is very convenient.

 

[Beowulf]

This would never replace the standard Wired Remote. This would just be a secondary system allowing even more options. I think it would be great to have a 12volt guy dash mounted system, Wireless, and Wired.

 

[Antichrist]

One thing to think about with the wireless is failure mode and what you'd do and the consequences.
I assume wireless is good when you want to run the winch and you're not close to the vehicle. What happens if it fails in the "On" position.
With a hand controller you're close enough to the vehicle to take quick action to stop the winch. With a remote, not so much.

In my experience, I've never been in a situation where I couldn't do what I needed to do because I didn't have a wireless controller.
The only case that comes close was when I was loading an old 2 1/2 ton truck chassis on to my semi-trailer. I needed to be near the trailer using a tag line to control the chassis so I ended up making an extension out of some trailer wire and a 4-pole trailer connector and socket. But that's the only time I ever really "needed" one.

 

[Corey]

Yes, I had it with my '91 4Runner, and I transferred the system over to my FJ Cruiser years ago.
I have the Ramsey system, works great.
http://www.yotatech.com/50364885-post85.html

 

[Beowulf]

I said the heck with. For $15 shipped, I'm going to give it a try and provide some feedback. I currently have my winch broken down to every single component. The body is currently being powdercoated. When I reassemble it, I will just install this little unit.

I have seen some people installed a little kill switch on the wireless power feed so they can control when it is live. If the controler ever froze in the on position, you could just flip the switch to off, thus killing power to the receiver telling the solenoid to pull.

 

[Beowulf]

Here is an old thread on Jeepforum.com talking about these.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f27/very-cool-wireless-winch-controller-only-39-95-a-789468/

 

[Antichrist]

I have seen some people installed a little kill switch on the wireless power feed so they can control when it is live. If the controler ever froze in the on position, you could just flip the switch to off, thus killing power to the receiver telling the solenoid to pull.

I was thinking more if something screws up with the receiver or winch solenoids. On the transmitter, worst case you could open it and remove the battery.

 

[Corey]

Found an old video of me using the wireless to pull out a stuck rig.
The snow bank is gravel/dirt underneath of it, so no harm was done to the land.
This is at a gravel pit.

 

[ReconH3]

I always run all three. Factory control. Toggle switch in cab, and wireless. The winch also has a huge push cutoff switch made for very high amperage. I've used the wireless more than I expected.

 

[Mountainhound]

Dont know about those but when I bought a winch for my 4 wheeler I bought a warn xt with the synthetic line and wireless remote and it works great. You turn it on holding the in and out button and off the same way, but if you forget no worries it shuts off after a few minutes of no use. Winch came with the remote and rocker switch so I can use it either way.

 

[The Rover Shop]

I have one installed just as a tertiary controller..(i have 2 other control means) and it seems to work okay but if you are trying to inch the rope in it doesn't like it...the wireless remote seems to only be able to engage for a minimum of 2-3 seconds...can sometimes be a pain when doing fine movements..as far as failure causing on I guess you could have the same with the solenoids getting in the stuck position requirin you to cut the battery power to the winch, not sure how many people could do that in a hurry, I know I couldn't...when I wired my front winch I wired it directly to the battery to ensure maximum current availability, still trying to find a suitable high amperage sealed cut off switch that I can put in line as that is the safest way..justin case..

 

[Hill Bill E.]

My worries would be on whether or not another controller could activate my winch?

Any idea how many different freq's these cheaper units use?

It would really stink to drive up on a recovery situation, with your winch engaged (not in freespool) and the other guys remote starts sucking in your winch line!


I'm planning on getting an in cab control for my TJ, probably from 12V guy, but I'm still a bit leary on the wireless remotes, unless they come from the winch manufacturer.

 

[VolvoC303]

The links posted are for very cheap chinese made remotes that I feel would be dangerous to use. The quality is extremely poor compared to a real remote, like those made by Lodar (the only pro remotes I know of) which are made in England as far as I know. These wont have safety features and likely suffer from interference. I just posted a new thread to see if anyone has used the new ones Milemarker came out with. $115 is easier to deal with than Lodar's $290 price, but saving money here may not be worth it.

 

[thedjjack]

another thing to go wrong... but I do not even have a cell phone.