Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

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atk
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Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by atk »

I'd like to wire up a remote switch on my road bike, ideally mounted in/around the brake hoods. The quickest option would be to buy one of Exposure switches, remove the velcro and glue it to the hood, extend the wire under bar tape and be done with it, but it's going to look cheap and nasty and possibly be quite uncomfortable.

A neater option would be to make and install a more compact switch, similar to how people have modded Di2

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Does anyone have any idea how the exposure accessories work with the lights or what the internals of the Exposure switch consist of? Is there likely to be anything more than the switch itself?
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GregMay
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by GregMay »

It is probably just going to be a sealed switch in a nice alu housing. I don't think it should do anything smart through the port, but it may have to send a trigger, so it may have a small power source in it?
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atk
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by atk »

GregMay wrote:It is probably just going to be a sealed switch in a nice alu housing. I don't think it should do anything smart through the port, but it may have to send a trigger, so it may have a small power source in it?
Thinking a little more about it a little more... there is a tiny amount of power going to a redeye even when the light's off, which would suggest the remote might just be a simple push-to-break switch.

I can test that later, if it works I'll pour a large glass of something and try and battle my way through RS or Rapid's web catalogues for something suitable...
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GregMay
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by GregMay »

Good point, the SMART port does continually push out power. Probably a switch in the open position that needs to close.
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atk
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by atk »

Turns out it's incredibly simple. Using an spare Revo wire (Exposure connector at one end, exposed wire at the other) I can turn on/off and change modes on my Joystick and Toro by simply making contact. Double-tap turn on, press-hold to turn off as expected.

Now to find a discrete but weatherproof push-to-make switch and some male Exposure-size connectors!
Nevis
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by Nevis »

Do you have shimano brifters? Some have buttons built in to control Shimano's flight deck computer, mine do. Perhaps you could do something with them?
welshwhit
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by welshwhit »

What about a small mod on a gun pressure switch?

http://www.banggood.com/Olight-LED-Flas ... wwodddIHfw

Something like this one

or maybe you could 'request a sample' of one of these, looks very discreet

https://www.cpi-nj.com/products/waterpr ... on-switch/
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atk
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by atk »

welshwhit wrote:or maybe you could 'request a sample' of one of these, looks very discreet

https://www.cpi-nj.com/products/waterpr ... on-switch/
Those look good, I've emailed them a few questions and asked about sending a sample internationally.

The Di2 mod posted above uses a cateye light remote, unfortunately not available in the UK at the moment, those switches look ideal otherwise.

I've got some low profile switches on the way, they're not weatherproof but with it being 10 for a £1, I figured I'd have a go at protecting them myself and see what happens (yay glue gun and heatshrink!!) and also play around with the position of the switch and stuff before looking at a more permanent solution.
welshwhit
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by welshwhit »

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atk
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Re: Exposure Remote Switch - DIY version possible?

Post by atk »

Post person has been today... Got a bundle of heatshrink, some functioning but slightly too long plugs to go into the back of the lights and handful of tiny switches... so tiny I think they'd be almost unusable with gloves! 6mm is smaller than I thought.

Not the best start to a project but it was only £4 on the switches/plugs so still a good way to go before I admit I should have bought the proper one!
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