Tested on Forge 12.18.1.2011 and 12.18.1.2067, Random Things is the only mod installed.

The Redstone Activator and Remote items do not create a redstone pulse or activate redstone-powered blocks. Recreated the demo video test setup, no success.

Could you post your fml-client-latest.log file please? (pastebin it or something)

New superflat, tested with no remote function: http://pastebin.com/XsP8StCk

I've been able to use these items on a fresh install of Minecraft and Random Things, previous testing was done on an install where I disabled all mods except Random Things. I'll update you if I find the offending conflict.