What does this mean for you as a cyclist?
SmartBrake can be used with one or more wireless controllers. For example, you can have a controller mounted on the bicycle while a person nearby has a companion controller.
Both controllers can activate the brake. The difference is how the system reacts if the connection between a controller and the Brake Unit is lost.
When you have one controller
If SmartBrake has only one controller, this controller is always the administrator controller.
This means that the system expects to remain connected to this controller. If the connection is lost, or the battery level becomes critically low, the fail-safe is activated and the bicycle brakes.
This is a safety feature. The bicycle should not continue operating normally if the main controller is no longer available.
When you have multiple controllers
If SmartBrake has multiple controllers, the roles are assigned as follows:
- The controller on the bicycle is the assistant controller.
- The companion controller held by the person nearby is the administrator controller.
The assistant controller on the bicycle can be used to brake as normal. If it loses its signal, the fail-safe is not activated. However, if its battery level becomes critically low, the fail-safe will be activated.
The administrator controller is used as the companion controller. If this controller loses its signal or its battery level becomes critically low, the fail-safe is activated.
Why does SmartBrake apply the brake by itself?
If SmartBrake applies the brake without you pressing the controller, this is caused by the fail-safe. This can happen if:
- the administrator controller is too far away
- the administrator controller is in sleep mode
- the battery in a controller is critically low
The fail-safe is designed to bring the bicycle to a safe stop when the system can no longer be certain that the required controller is available.
In short: The controller on the bicycle helps you brake. The companion controller held by the person nearby ensures that the system stops safely if the connection is lost.
