Re: [A/S] Brake Controlers

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Gerald,
 I saw a brake controller on the Web someplace that was actuated by a
mechanical connection to the brake pedal, with the idea that more force
on the pedal = more braking = more pedal travel. That would more or less
sense pedal pressure, but it seems like the pedal has so little movement
between 'light braking' and 'heavy braking' that it would be very hard
to adjust the controller to make it operate transparently.

The Kelsey-Hayes controller that was mentioned here uses a pressure
sensor that's plumbed into the brake lines. The sensor is electrically
connected to the brake control box, and it uses so little fluid that the
vehicle's brakes aren't supposed to be affected at all. It would
PROBABLY even work with anti-lock brakes.

It was well-explained on the Web Site, but I can't find the site
anymore. <<sigh>>

My Dodge has the stoplight switch mounted on the pedal linkage, so it
operates before there's any real braking being done. As you point out,
the Time-based brake controller will start to actuate the trailer brakes
even with NO braking being done by the truck. I found that to be a bit
of a PITA if I was idling through a campground, in heavy stop & go
traffic, etc. It required lifting my foot completely off the pedal to
reset the timer, and the current setting was always lower than what
would be desirable for a heavy/panic stop.

                                           <<Jim>>