21 Anthem Engine Brake and Trailer Brake

[Gasman 2]

Originally Posted by Rollin101

Placing it to stop incoming signal from coach brake lights to his controller.

So why connect this wire to anything ?
Wouldn’t the diode block any current/signal from getting to the controller?

The diode needs placed where the brake controller only receives current/signal from the brake light switch, like post 18.

If the diode is placed to where the controller does not receive any signal/ current from the brake light switch than it becomes a strictly manual system.

I don’t think that’s what the OP wants.

[fqberful]

Originally Posted by Rollin101

His Tekonsha controller is what’s sending signal to brakes. All he needs to do is kill that incoming signal to his controller.

Ahh but wouldn't it be so much easier if the coach only illuminated the brake lights when the pedal was pressed ? That was my point. Then you could actually use the coaches wiring to add a controller without the need of a hack. And some of the hacks I see in this thread won't work.

[Rollin101]

Originally Posted by Gasman 2

So why connect this wire to anything ?
Wouldn’t the diode block any current/signal from getting to the controller?

The diode needs placed where the brake controller only receives current/signal from the brake light switch, like post 18.

If the diode is placed to where the controller does not receive any signal/ current from the brake light switch than it becomes a strictly manual system.

I don’t think that’s what the OP wants.

No it becomes a inertia system. The previous Tekonsha controllers I had was strictly inertia. Regardless he can do what he wants to.

[Rollin101]

Originally Posted by fqberful

Ahh but wouldn't it be so much easier if the coach only illuminated the brake lights when the pedal was pressed ? That was my point. Then you could actually use the coaches wiring to add a controller without the need of a hack. And some of the hacks I see in this thread won't work.

Sure, but that’s not the world we live in. I wouldn’t bypass anything that might become a liability issue in an accident.

[Alex00]

I appreciate the diagram and the discussion. On Skip’s diagram I’m not sure if my high low switch combines to a single line for brake lights. I think is controlled by the computer.

I’m thinking there may be a way to use two normally closed relays to pass the trailer brake signal. If I send a signal wire from each position on the engine brake switch that opens the relay it would kill signal to the brakes when the switch is on. The only catch is if I apply service brakes at the same time as the engine brake the trailer brakes won’t activate.

I’m pretty good about switching the engine brake off when I use the service brakes. This may not be the end of the world. This setup would allow me to use simple connections without ever cutting wires (except the brake signal wire on my controller harness).

This could easily be built on a workbench and plugged in at the coach. What am I missing?

[Gasman 2]

Originally Posted by Alex00

I appreciate the diagram and the discussion. On Skip’s diagram I’m not sure if my high low switch combines to a single line for brake lights. I think is controlled by the computer.



I’m thinking there may be a way to use two normally closed relays to pass the trailer brake signal. If I send a signal wire from each position on the engine brake switch that opens the relay it would kill signal to the brakes when the switch is on. The only catch is if I apply service brakes at the same time as the engine brake the trailer brakes won’t activate.



I’m pretty good about switching the engine brake off when I use the service brakes. This may not be the end of the world. This setup would allow me to use simple connections without ever cutting wires (except the brake signal wire on my controller harness).



This could easily be built on a workbench and plugged in at the coach. What am I missing?

Alex00,
I just send you a PM.

Richard