Garmin RTL 500 questions

[kingrollo]

Picked up a used one of these this week for a bargain price - just wonder if anyone could answer a few questions (most online stuff seems to be about the newer models)

1.It came with a dedicated head unit ( RDU) -which I won't use as I run it from my Garmin. From the documentation I note that using the RDU it will auto pair. Would it only pair with that particular light ? - I am thinking of selling the head unit on - but don't want to if its permanently and only paired with the light - also would the RTL500 RDU ce compatible with the newer garmin radar lights

2.How long should the rear light take to charge ?- Ive plugged into usb via my PC and its been flashing green for a good while now

3.What is the effect of the various radar settings on battery life ? - I have the edge explore - today I was getting alerts and amber and green flashes as the cars went past -and also have my light set to flashing - does anyone have any optimum settings for battery life ? - or the best compromise settings ?

Thanks in advance

 

[andrew_s]

I believe that the radar is on full time (or at least all the time it's got an active pairing), so the only thing you can do is change the light settings.
I use my RTL510 in flash mode (I've got a separate steady light) as it's advertised as lasting 2.5 times as long (15h vs 6h). That implies that the power consumption of the radar is low compared to that of the light.

The RTL500 manual says:

The Varia RDU device can be paired with one taillight at a time.
NOTE: If your taillight was packaged with an RDU device, they
are already paired.
1
Hold the Varia RDU device key for 5 seconds.
The connection status LED turns solid blue.
2
Turn on the taillight.
3
Bring the devices within 1 cm of each other, and wait while
the devices connect.
When the devices are connected, the taillight LEDs move
from side to side. The Varia RDU connection status and REAR LEDs are
solid