How do brake cut-outs work + switch recommendation?

[frank9755]

Anyone know how brake cut-outs work?

When the brake is squeezed the little switch inside gets released. Does that make a circuit, or break it, to effect the cut-out?

The reason I ask is that I want to add an on-off switch, and using the brake cut-out seems the simplest way to achieve this. If the brake switch makes a circuit then this probably isn't possible (for me at least!). Plan B would be to add a switch to the throttle - but that is a little harder as it needs me to guess which is the right wire!

Another question - could anyone recommend a suitable on-off switch to use on bike handlebars? It should be small and weatherproof. I want one where it is obvious if it is on or off (not a button where you have to guess!)

Frank

 

[HarryB]

Anyone know how brake cut-outs work?

When the brake is squeezed the little switch inside gets released. Does that make a circuit, or break it, to effect the cut-out?

The reason I ask is that I want to add an on-off switch, and using the brake cut-out seems the simplest way to achieve this. If the brake switch makes a circuit then this probably isn't possible (for me at least!). Plan B would be to add a switch to the throttle - but that is a little harder as it needs me to guess which is the right wire!

Another question - could anyone recommend a suitable on-off switch to use on bike handlebars? It should be small and weatherproof. I want one where it is obvious if it is on or off (not a button where you have to guess!)

Frank

On the torq the circuit is made when you pull the lever. This way if you remove the brake lever and disconnect it from the meter box, you leave it as an open circuit. This is what I did any way. My logic is if it was a closed circuit which opened when you pull the lever then you would have to complete the circuit to get the bike to run without the levers which is not the case. Not much help to you as it is the wrong way round. I have a spare brake lever for a torq knocking around somewhere.

As for a on/off switch - I am very taken by the ones used by cytronex. These are push button but are latching so down when on and up when off - they look very waterproof and perhaps available off the shelf. Just had a wee look but cannot find something similar on the internet.

 

[JamesC]

Another question - could anyone recommend a suitable on-off switch to use on bike handlebars? It should be small and weatherproof. I want one where it is obvious if it is on or off (not a button where you have to guess!)

Frank

Hi Frank
I have used the "Handlebar Lighting Rocker Switch" from DirtBikeStore - page down 3 or 4 times on this page. It is easy to blackout the picture & word lights with an indelible black marker.

Obviously this is a big switch for such a small control input, but it is rugged and waterproof.

James

 

[frank9755]

Thanks guys, that was very helpful.

Hal, I think I could still do it on the brake but need to have the switch in parallel rather than in series (like a third brake!)

James, that switch was pretty much what I had in mind.

Frank