mysteries of the front brake switch

Hi guys,
Can any one tell me how the front brake switch works? Does it need any setting - does it magically sense cable movement? If so, it seems mine has lost it's magic! It is brand new.
I plug the leads in and it does nothing - I checked the circuite work, not the switch.
I have that feeling I am missing something!

Thanks
Phil

Hi Phil,

I don't know how it's constructed but I'd guess it's pretty simple crude technology. Probably just a couple of contacts and a stiff spring. I had an older one that worked ok when it was on my bike. I'm pretty sure I still have it laying around somewhere. I could send it to you for the cost of shipping if you like. PM me if interested.

Debby

Hi Debby,

There is no contact between the cable and the switch. It is basically a tapered donut with 2 spades on it?! Are you thinking of the rear brake switch? I am truly mystified... maybe I should take it apart and see what's inside....

wow - Debby, you nailed it on the head when you said crude technology. There's not even a spring inside. Basically the two spades contact the brass disk when the rubber is compressed from squeezing the brake...
So the brake switch isn't going to work until I install the brake and get some pressure on the cable sleeve....


I guess I was expecting something more convoluted like vernier isolastics or positive earth!

Interesting. I've never had one apart. Looks like you'll be good to go with nothing more than cleaning the contacts. Mine worked with a reasonable amount of pressure. It wasn't like I had to lock up the wheel or anything. And that was good because "lock up" was not in that brake's vocabulary! :lol:

Debby