VM1 Technical Manual

Overview

Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge to confidently install and operate the VM1 Electric Brake Controller in any application. This guide is designed for professional installers and technically inclined vehicle owners, assuming a basic understanding of vehicle electrical systems. Following the provided instructions and safety precautions ensures the reliable performance and longevity of the VM1 brake controller. Let's get started!

1. About The VM1

The VM1 is a vehicle-mounted electric brake controller designed for 12V and 24V systems, featuring an onboard accelerometer to detect deceleration and adjust braking force proportionally.

The VM1 allows for precise tuning of the braking response through four independent parameters, enabling customization for different trailers, varying loads, and road conditions. Five user-defined programs facilitate quick adjustments to meet changing conditions. The override allows manual activation of trailer brakes independent of the tow vehicle, providing control during instances of sway or instability. Sleep mode conserves vehicle battery life, reducing its current draw to less than 10mA when not in use.

The device integrates seamlessly with CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling in-vehicle adjustments of brake settings, preset switching, and override function activation via the vehicle's head unit. The user can alternatively control the VM1 using the Elecbrakes app on their smartphone (iOS and Android supported) or with the EB remote.

The VM1 can be mounted to the tow vehicle externally, fastened on a rigid body point or installed internally, inside vehicle paneling according to user preference. The complementary wiring harness is then routed to the vehicle's trailer plug for easy connection with the vehicle's existing circuits, making for a quick and easy install.

2. What's Included

The following items are included with the VM1 Brake Controller:

1. VM1 Brake Controller
2. 4x Self Tapping Screws
3. 1.5m Leader Cable
4. Quick Start Guide

Visual representation of the VM1 Brake Controller, screws, leader cable, and quick start guide.

3. Quick Start Options

There are 3 options for getting started with your quickstart guide:

• ⬇️ In-App Onboarding: Download the Elecbrakes app and follow the prompts to get started.
• ? Quick Start Guide In The Box: Find a copy of our VM1 Quick Start guide inside the box.
• ▶️ The Quick-Install Video: Watch our VM1 Quick Install Guide video.

4. Dimensions

The dimensions of the VM1 unit are:

• Length: 138mm
• Width: 117mm
• Height: 38mm
• Depth (at widest point): 90mm
• Depth (at narrowest point): 76mm
• Mounting hole diameter: 05mm

Diagram illustrating the external dimensions of the VM1 unit.

5. Installation

Choose a suitable location for mounting the VM1, such as the luggage compartment, rear quarter panel, ute tray, or vehicle underbody. Ensure the brake controller is mounted securely, within reach of the wiring harness, and out of harm's way. Fasten the VM1 to the car body using the 4x self-tapping screws supplied.

Mounting Orientations: For correct forward direction detection and accurate proportional control, the VM1 unit MUST be mounted with one of its sides or faces approximately parallel to the ground. This can be done by eye and does not require a spirit level or specialist tools.

Diagrams show acceptable mounting orientations where one face is parallel to the ground, and unacceptable orientations.

You may require pilot holes prior to fastening; we recommend a 4mm drill bit or alternatively lubrication to aid in fastening. Ensure the VM1 is securely fastened before proceeding.

Wire the exposed end of the leader into the vehicle's existing trailer socket using the CONNECTIONS / WIRING guide. You can also view a full wiring diagram for both 7-pin and 12-pin socket types at the end of this document.

1. Unscrew the top/bottom covers of your vehicle's trailer socket to expose the wiring.
2. Match the colours of the wired leader (supplied) to the requisite positions on the trailer plug.
3. Use the pinouts below to aid in the wiring process. Full wiring diagrams for 7-pin and 12-pin installations are at the end of this document.
4. Fasten the covers back onto the vehicle's socket.

6. Pairing The Unit

Pairing the unit consists of the following steps:

1. Turn the vehicle on (in case of a switched auxiliary feed).
2. Search and connect via the app.
3. Brake signal check to confirm wiring.

Alternatively, should you choose to skip onboarding, a device can be paired through the 'ADD DEVICE' button on the 'Devices' page.

Open The App: Upon opening, the app will ask you to select your device type and guide you through a short onboarding process, which includes: Installation, Pairing to the VM1, and Adjusting the brake responses. From here you can choose to view the entire process, or jump in to the section of your choosing.

Download The App: You must use the Elecbrakes app on your smartphone for the initial connection and setup of your brake controller.

Minimum requirements: iOS 15 or later, Android 10 or later.

Flowchart showing: Tap -> Select Your Device -> Follow the prompts.

7. Confirm Operation

Confirm a correct installation by observing the tick icon ✔️ change to a braking icon ? when placing your foot on the brakes.

Observe power delivery to the brakes by looking at the Output section on the data page of the app. Place your foot on the brake and confirm voltage and current are non-zero.

8. Adjusting Your Settings

The VM1 is a proportional brake controller. This means it applies a varying brake force on the trailer in direct proportion to how hard you, the driver, are braking. Elecbrakes brake controllers deliver a smooth braking experience by allowing full customization of your setup, including independent control of the brake controller's minimum, forward & reverse settings, and the override value. Multiple preset programs are available for varying setups and conditions.

Graph showing Brake Response (Output vs. Deceleration/G-Force), illustrating Minimum, Forward, and the combined response.

Minimum Response

This setting allows for a user-defined brake output when the brake lights turn on but there is no deceleration from braking. It acts as an offset or bias. Independent control of the minimum allows you to tune your brake response according to your preference, setup, loading conditions, and road conditions. A good place to start is 10%, adjusting up or down according to preference.

Forward Response

The Forward response represents the proportional component of your brake controller's output in the forward longitudinal direction. This is essentially system gain or sensitivity to deceleration. This Forward response is added to your Minimum response for the overall braking response. A good place to start is 40%, adjusting up or down according to preference.

Diagram illustrating forward and longitudinal direction.

Reverse Response

The Reverse response represents the proportional component of your brake controller's output in the reverse longitudinal direction. Because reversing typically occurs at slower speeds, an independent reverse response setting is beneficial. A good place to start is 10%, adjusting up or down according to preference.

Diagram illustrating reverse direction.

9. Using The Override

In conditions of high wind or system instability, the trailer or caravan can begin to oscillate. The override function allows you to manually engage the trailer brakes independently of the vehicle's brakes to help stabilize the system. This causes your vehicle to pull forward while your trailer pulls backward.

The override function delivers a constant voltage to the brakes, providing a steady braking force without deceleration-based control. Elecbrakes brake controllers prioritize the stronger braking value (Override VS Braking response) for safety, especially during emergency stops.

Activating Override:

• Tap the circle on the app's home screen to apply the preset override value.
• To increase the override force, hold down the circle to progressively raise the braking force. Release to stop at the desired value.
• Tap again to disable the override.

If using an Elecbrakes remote, the override is triggered by a force-sensitive button. Apply more force for a larger override value. Note: The remote override button does not latch.

Diagram illustrating crosswinds affecting a trailer.

10. Forward Direction Detect

Elecbrakes brake controllers use a proprietary algorithm to determine the forward longitudinal direction of your vehicle, allowing precise proportional control. The VM1 automatically calibrates and refines this measurement on an ongoing basis. This system requires a couple of brake applications to set the angle initially.

Note: Prior to setting a forward direction, the VM1 will use a default 4V output for all brake applications. This aggressive setting ensures rapid detection of the forward direction within a few applications.

ℹ️ If you move the install location or orientation of the VM1, remember to power cycle the unit before proceeding. This is done by disconnecting and reconnecting the wired leader deutsch plug. Your device will take a couple of brake applications to re-calibrate the forward direction.

11. Notifications & Warnings

Elecbrakes brake controllers offer advanced features to keep you informed and safe. The VM1 can instantly notify you through the app if there's a problem with your setup, including short circuit detection and low system voltage warnings.

You will also receive key updates and new feature developments directly to your phone. Access to the latest notifications & warnings requires the use of the App, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.

Warnings

The VM1 brake controller actively protects against system faults, notifying you of issues and directing you towards potential fixes. This is in addition to live telemetry available via the app's data page.

• ⚠️ VM1 - Low System Voltage: System Voltage Low - Check Connections
• ⚠️ VM1 - Short Circuit Detected: Output Disabled - Check Wiring Before Proceeding
• ⚠️ VM1 - Excessive Current Detected: Check Braking System
• ⚠️ VM1 - Temperature Warning: Regulated Output

Updates

Elecbrakes brake controllers are continually improved with new features and performance enhancements. Every VM1 can download the latest software via the app, ensuring it stays up-to-date.

Elecbrakes will notify you if a product-specific upgrade is available for your VM1. No spam, just upgrades.

• ? VM1 Update Available: Connect to your VM1 and check for updates on the settings page.
• ? Product Upgrade Available: Upgrade your brake controller to actively mitigate and control for trailer instability. Tap here to learn more.

12. Specifications and Ratings

Electrical Characteristics

Output

Mechanical Characteristics

Thermal Properties

Other

13. Warranty Information

For products purchased in Australia: Goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

For products purchased in New Zealand: If the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 ('CGA') applies, goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded except in accordance with the CGA. Where goods fail to comply with a guarantee, you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund and compensation for reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to compensation for a reduction in the value of goods where a failure is substantial or cannot be remedied.

In addition to your rights and remedies at law, all Elecbrakes products purchased in Australia and New Zealand are covered by the Elecbrakes Product Warranty. This Product Warranty is provided by:

Elecbrakes Pty Ltd
878 Pacific Highway
Lisarow NSW 2259
Tel: 1300 516 248
Email: warranty@elecbrakes.com

For Elecbrakes Warranty Terms and Conditions, please visit our website or scan the QR code.

QR code for Elecbrakes Warranty Terms and Conditions.

14. Compliance Information

Elecbrakes VM1 holds the following product compliances:

• ✅ Electrical Equipment Safety Scheme RMA
• ? IP67: Ingress Protection to IEC 60529:1981+A1:1999+A2:2013+COR1:2019 - submersible in water up to 1m deep for at least 30 minutes.
• ? FCC: Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: QOQ-BGM220S
• ?? CE: Compliant with EU health, safety, and environmental requirements

15. 7-pin Wiring Diagram

This diagram illustrates the wiring for a 7-pin vehicle socket and the corresponding connector for the VM1.

Diagram shows the 7-pin vehicle socket and the Deutsch 6-pin connector, with wires connecting them. Wire into back of vehicle socket.

16. 12-pin Wiring Diagram

This diagram illustrates the wiring for a 12-pin vehicle socket and the corresponding connector for the VM1.

Diagram shows the 12-pin vehicle socket and the Deutsch 6-pin connector, with wires connecting them. Wire into back of vehicle socket.

Need Help?

Check out our FAQ page online: elecbrakes.com/FAQ

Or call our customer service team on 1300 516 248.

QR code linking to the Elecbrakes FAQ page.