The question of how a winch brake works has been rattling around my brain for a bit. I have seen exploded views of winch parts (and it looks like the brake is internal to the drum - between the motor output and the gearbox). I've seen mentioned that some brake designs are better for use with synthetic lines (the drum does not heat up - where's the brake at in those - the gearbox?).
How do the brakes work / what makes them apply & release?