Limited -- cb ptt switch -- rant!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 610
From: USA
The PTT switch has been talked about since the '14 models hit the streets. Now, over 2 years later, Harley hasn't changed a thing. It seems to me that the Cruise Control switch and the PTT switch function the same way so I wonder how difficult it would be for Harley to change the software for these switches much the way that software allowed the buttons on a mouse to be reversed. I continue to hope that Harley listens and offers a solution.
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 484
Likes: 74
From: Central Valley, CA
So, I'm no rocket scientist, but it seems as thought you could probably get a waterproof momentary switch and put it on the top of the housing, like the odometer switch. It may not look as good but seems doable.
It was said earlier the switches are molded in and you cant get to them. If there is a silicone or RTV on there, you might be able to heat it up a little to get it off. Solder a couple of jumper wires on there to run to the switch.
**DISCLAIMER** I have not seen the insides of the switch packs in question and make no claim to be an engineer, but just trying to think outside the box a little here.
It was said earlier the switches are molded in and you cant get to them. If there is a silicone or RTV on there, you might be able to heat it up a little to get it off. Solder a couple of jumper wires on there to run to the switch.
**DISCLAIMER** I have not seen the insides of the switch packs in question and make no claim to be an engineer, but just trying to think outside the box a little here.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 673
Likes: 29
From: NE Ohio
The location of the PTT switch is the worse, worse, WORSE design ever. On my Royal Star Venture it was where the odometer button is & it worked great. Why HD would think placing that button on the throttle side is a good idea makes absolutely no sense to me, & no one is going to convince me they did real world, in traffic testing of that location - at least before it was too late to stop it from going into production.
When possible, I actually reach over with my left hand across my body & activate the switch. Not exactly the safest move to make.
I would think that if it can't be moved to the left side, they could come up with some kind of extension that would make it easier to reach. With my stubby fingers, there is no way I can maintain smooth, even throttle control & talk on the CB - especially in 3rd or 4th gear.
When possible, I actually reach over with my left hand across my body & activate the switch. Not exactly the safest move to make.
I would think that if it can't be moved to the left side, they could come up with some kind of extension that would make it easier to reach. With my stubby fingers, there is no way I can maintain smooth, even throttle control & talk on the CB - especially in 3rd or 4th gear.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 673
Likes: 29
From: NE Ohio
I do - or at least I try to. I'm involved in a few group rides a year. Sometimes they can be long & multiple days; as was last year when we ran a group out to Sturgis. We run to DC every year for Rolling Thunder; twice I've gone out to California to pick up Run For The Wall & ran it all the way to D.C. I usually end up in some kind of "working" role during those rides: group leader, tail gunner, road guard, etc. In any of those roles, you need the CB. years ago, we did things differently but today everyone uses radios to communicate.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 588
From: Michigan
The PTT switch has been talked about since the '14 models hit the streets. Now, over 2 years later, Harley hasn't changed a thing. It seems to me that the Cruise Control switch and the PTT switch function the same way so I wonder how difficult it would be for Harley to change the software for these switches much the way that software allowed the buttons on a mouse to be reversed. I continue to hope that Harley listens and offers a solution.
One of the first things I did after purchasing my '14 was submit suggestions in writing & via phone to fix the problem. No dice. Next thing I did was submit a complaint to NHTSA. If anyone actually crashes trying to use this screwed up switch configuration, it should be reported to NHTSA. I believe the only way to get this issue fixed is mass complaints to NHTSA. Unfortunately, there have only been a couple of us that have actually filed NHTSA complaints, none of which have been associated with a crash.
Last edited by Hammz; Dec 5, 2015 at 09:01 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 610
From: USA
The switch location change is a very simple software change. It would only require swapping canbus addressing in the existing software stream. Would not require any other change, other than swapping the button covers side to side to keep labeling correct. The only problem is, HD would have to admit they screwed up when they designed the "improved" Rushmore switch layout. They will NEVER admit they made a mistake because it raises liability issues if anyone crashes trying to use their screwed up switch layout.
One of the first things I did after purchasing my '14 was submit suggestions in writing & via phone to fix the problem. No dice. Next thing I did was submit a complaint to NHTSA. If anyone actually crashes trying to use this screwed up switch configuration, it should be reported to NHTSA. I believe the only way to get this issue fixed is mass complaints to NHTSA. Unfortunately, there have only been a couple of us that have actually filed NHTSA complaints, none of which have been associated with a crash.
One of the first things I did after purchasing my '14 was submit suggestions in writing & via phone to fix the problem. No dice. Next thing I did was submit a complaint to NHTSA. If anyone actually crashes trying to use this screwed up switch configuration, it should be reported to NHTSA. I believe the only way to get this issue fixed is mass complaints to NHTSA. Unfortunately, there have only been a couple of us that have actually filed NHTSA complaints, none of which have been associated with a crash.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,880
Likes: 33,837
FWIW... the talkback feature didn't mean you were transmitting. You didn't hear the transmission, but rather what the mic was picking up. Basically going straight from the mic to the speakers, but not necessarily out through the antenna.
I understand you liked the feature, just trying to color in some of the rest of the page or you.
I understand you liked the feature, just trying to color in some of the rest of the page or you.
Thanks for your service!
Mark!