NOS Flight Deck install not recognizing 53T chainring
08-15-18, 04:51 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,682
Bikes: Puch Marco Polo, Saint Tropez, Masi Gran Criterium
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1163 Post(s)
Liked 442 Times
in
315 Posts
NOS Flight Deck install not recognizing 53T chainring
Today I hooked up some NOS FlightDeck wiring loom and head unit to some Dura Ace 7800 shifters.I got the head unit programmed for the 53/39 chainrings & the 12-25 10 speed cassette. Everything went together pretty well and I was really stoked today when I was thinking that I would have another bike set up properly for old school Shimano Flight Deck data.
The Dura Ace shifters are used but are in good condition. They had the covers over where the wiring for the wiring loom connects. The little spring loaded pad with the wiring contacts appeared new.
While out riding I noticed that the display stayed in the small (39 tooth) chainring at all times, even when I was actually in the 53 tooth big ring.
I realize that that this system is no longer being used hardly at all. But I thought some bike mechanics might remember the setup procedure & could steer me in the right direction on things to check. Thanks!
The Dura Ace shifters are used but are in good condition. They had the covers over where the wiring for the wiring loom connects. The little spring loaded pad with the wiring contacts appeared new.
While out riding I noticed that the display stayed in the small (39 tooth) chainring at all times, even when I was actually in the 53 tooth big ring.
I realize that that this system is no longer being used hardly at all. But I thought some bike mechanics might remember the setup procedure & could steer me in the right direction on things to check. Thanks!
08-15-18, 08:35 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Huntington, West Virginia, USA
Posts: 110
Bikes: 2001 Waterford RST-22, 2002 Gunnar Sport, 1999 Trek 520 gravel grinder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
3 Posts
I had a similar problem recently, and solved it by tightening the screws that hold the thumb buttons in place under the hoods. If the buttons aren't seated very snugly, the contacts apparently don't pick up which chainring the chain is on. As I understand it, sometimes a shim is needed to solidify the contact. There are threads elsewhere here on the forum that describe the problem and the potential solutions.
08-16-18, 02:46 AM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,682
Bikes: Puch Marco Polo, Saint Tropez, Masi Gran Criterium
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1163 Post(s)
Liked 442 Times
in
315 Posts
I had a similar problem recently, and solved it by tightening the screws that hold the thumb buttons in place under the hoods. If the buttons aren't seated very snugly, the contacts apparently don't pick up which chainring the chain is on. As I understand it, sometimes a shim is needed to solidify the contact. There are threads elsewhere here on the forum that describe the problem and the potential solutions.
08-16-18, 08:39 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,075
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4201 Post(s)
Liked 3,859 Times
in
2,307 Posts
Shimano knew of the problem with the contacts (under the hood and between the harness and lever body) and their inconsistent function. Initially we just slightly bent out the contact flaps. Shimano provided a tiny and thin piece of adhesive backed foam to be placed under the flaps. This acts as a stronger spring, pressing the flaps against their contacts.
I always thought that the Flight Deck was a cool idea. Maybe a bit ahead of it's time. Andy
I always thought that the Flight Deck was a cool idea. Maybe a bit ahead of it's time. Andy
__________________
AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
08-16-18, 09:25 AM
#5
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,986
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6193 Post(s)
Liked 4,809 Times
in
3,317 Posts
Maybe a bit ahead of it's time
A lot of things reach their zenith of design just at the time they become dated.
08-16-18, 09:59 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,075
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4201 Post(s)
Liked 3,859 Times
in
2,307 Posts
IIRC the first Flight Decks I installed were about 20 years ago. At that time I don't remember seeing GPS offered in a Bike friendly accessory. The integration with the bike's controls is still unique these days. Perhaps the in frame/fork sensors/transmitters that a few bike brands offer come close, at the other end of the computer system. The use of indirect cadence calculation freed up the computer to bike interface (past the handle bars and controls) and the gear display is still loved by a couple of my customers.
I am not drawn to modern electronics in general (My GPS unit is the compass in my bell) but I do respect the thought and leaps of design that went into the Flight Deck. Andy
I am not drawn to modern electronics in general (My GPS unit is the compass in my bell) but I do respect the thought and leaps of design that went into the Flight Deck. Andy
__________________
AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
08-16-18, 11:28 AM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,682
Bikes: Puch Marco Polo, Saint Tropez, Masi Gran Criterium
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1163 Post(s)
Liked 442 Times
in
315 Posts
Shimano knew of the problem with the contacts (under the hood and between the harness and lever body) and their inconsistent function. Initially we just slightly bent out the contact flaps. Shimano provided a tiny and thin piece of adhesive backed foam to be placed under the flaps. This acts as a stronger spring, pressing the flaps against their contacts.
I always thought that the Flight Deck was a cool idea. Maybe a bit ahead of it's time. Andy
I always thought that the Flight Deck was a cool idea. Maybe a bit ahead of it's time. Andy
08-16-18, 04:27 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
IIRC the first Flight Decks I installed were about 20 years ago. At that time I don't remember seeing GPS offered in a Bike friendly accessory. The integration with the bike's controls is still unique these days. Perhaps the in frame/fork sensors/transmitters that a few bike brands offer come close, at the other end of the computer system. The use of indirect cadence calculation freed up the computer to bike interface (past the handle bars and controls) and the gear display is still loved by a couple of my customers.
I am not drawn to modern electronics in general (My GPS unit is the compass in my bell) but I do respect the thought and leaps of design that went into the Flight Deck. Andy
I am not drawn to modern electronics in general (My GPS unit is the compass in my bell) but I do respect the thought and leaps of design that went into the Flight Deck. Andy
FWIW, I used to do quite a bit of tandem work and Flight Decks seemed to be made for tandems. First of all, the captain on a tandem can't look back and see the derailleur so the gear indicator is handy. I also found the virtual cadence feature handy. When coasting down a hill, it gave me a clue as to when it was time to start pedaling again. I always hated pedaling with no resistance on a tandem.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kenshireen
Bicycle Mechanics
13
02-24-16 12:32 PM
