Shimano Di2 USB Wall Charger Recommendations (NOT Laptop!)
10-29-20, 01:37 PM
#27
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However I did have an issue after charging the last time where nothing seemed to work. After plugging in to my PC, running E-tube project and finding nothing amiss I closed it down, disconnected and things were working again.
The bike had been used quite a few times without being connected to E-tube proj. before charging with the SM-BCR2 using a 5 volt 3 amp or so AC adapter. So I can't imagine the PC app itself. Is there something that might have been a bad firmware update to the SM-BCR2?
10-29-20, 01:46 PM
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I guess I need to do some investigating. I've been assuming 4.02 is the latest smartphone version for the app. On my Win10 PC the version shows as E-tube Project version 3.4.5 and that is after the check for updates.
However I did have an issue after charging the last time where nothing seemed to work. After plugging in to my PC, running E-tube project and finding nothing amiss I closed it down, disconnected and things were working again.
The bike had been used quite a few times without being connected to E-tube proj. before charging with the SM-BCR2 using a 5 volt 3 amp or so AC adapter. So I can't imagine the PC app itself. Is there something that might have been a bad firmware update to the SM-BCR2?
However I did have an issue after charging the last time where nothing seemed to work. After plugging in to my PC, running E-tube project and finding nothing amiss I closed it down, disconnected and things were working again.
The bike had been used quite a few times without being connected to E-tube proj. before charging with the SM-BCR2 using a 5 volt 3 amp or so AC adapter. So I can't imagine the PC app itself. Is there something that might have been a bad firmware update to the SM-BCR2?
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10-29-20, 08:28 PM
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We have these in our kitchen that we use to charge bike computers, lights, phones, and other things: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-0BW/205092277
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10-30-20, 05:48 AM
#31
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We have these in our kitchen that we use to charge bike computers, lights, phones, and other things: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-0BW/205092277
10-30-20, 08:38 AM
#32
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PoorInRichfield At 24 bucks, that hardly seems a deal. Especially when a USB 3 amp power supply can be had for less than 8 bucks and much less for cheapo's. You'll also be limited to the short length of many USB cables. So what ever you charge will have to be near the wall outlet. Sure you can get longer, but length reduces the voltage and current at the end.
I'd prefer the versatility of the power strip you posted reply #4 . It could be used with any existing duplex outlet that is near where your things to be charged are. Or you can plug it into a 10, 25, 50, 100 foot extension cord and get most anywhere in or out of your house you want.
I'd prefer the versatility of the power strip you posted reply #4 . It could be used with any existing duplex outlet that is near where your things to be charged are. Or you can plug it into a 10, 25, 50, 100 foot extension cord and get most anywhere in or out of your house you want.
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10-30-20, 09:15 AM
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I also learned that if one shifts the bike while it's not in-motion, like while one's bike is on a trainer (which mine is), there's the potentially that Di2 will try to shift but can't and thus drain the battery. For example, if one isn't pedaling but clicks the left lever to downshift the front derailleur and leaves the bike that way for a few days, Di2 thinks to itself, "This guy wants a down shift... Dang, it's sure hard to move the chain off the big ring for some reason, I'll keep trying until I die." 
That will only happen if you press the button but don't release it, like if you somehow lean the button on something.
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10-30-20, 11:12 AM
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We have these in our kitchen that we use to charge bike computers, lights, phones, and other things: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-0BW/205092277
I assume you did not put those close to a water source that needs GFCI.
10-30-20, 11:35 AM
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I don't know the amperage or electrical details, but just posted the link as an example. We had them installed as part of a higher-end kitchen remodel. It was all done by professionals.
10-30-20, 11:40 AM
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We have them in a kitchen backsplash, but in a place that is convenient to use as a charging station. After a couple of days of riding, I just take all of the lights and computer in and just swap them out as they recharge. Easy-peasy.
10-30-20, 12:34 PM
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10-30-20, 12:38 PM
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10-30-20, 02:55 PM
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I also learned that if one shifts the bike while it's not in-motion, like while one's bike is on a trainer (which mine is), there's the potentially that Di2 will try to shift but can't and thus drain the battery. For example, if one isn't pedaling but clicks the left lever to downshift the front derailleur and leaves the bike that way for a few days, Di2 thinks to itself, "This guy wants a down shift... Dang, it's sure hard to move the chain off the big ring for some reason, I'll keep trying until I die."
11-01-20, 12:56 PM
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First, on charging: I have never charged my Di2 bikes using a laptop. I have been using the wall adapter I got with my Motorola Moto G4 a loooooooooong time ago ;-)
Yep! It just gives up. Try it! ;-). You can hear the RD tick/click for a while and then stop. Not sure about the FD, I've never shifted that by accident.. but it will probably also just give up after a while.
Yeah - E-Tube 3.4.5 does not automatically update to 4.0.2.
It turns out this is actually a good thing, as you can use E-Tube 3.4.5 and 4.0.2 on the same computer, have it installed side by side.
Yeah.. I can reliably get this to happen using the SM-BCR2 (charger) EVERY other time. Every first time I connect to the bike, that battery icon is missing.
I make this video that I also sent to Shimano: https://vimeo.com/473972244 - it shows my main-but-still-being-built bike (EW-RS910, BT-DN110, R8050 + disc).
I can also get this to happen on my indoor bike (6870 series, SM-BTR2, SM-EW90A).
However, if I use the SM-PCE02 I cannot get this to happen at all. To me that indicates that they may not have tested with the SM-BCR2 all that much.
(which would be a major mistake.. there are only 3 interface devices to test.. PCE1, PCE02, BCR2, it's not like there are 20 different ones out there)
Every time.
Basically, if you connect using the SM-BCR2 and do not see the battery icon (and your battery IS installed), then it will 'break' on disconnect.
You can test this by trying to shift. Just press a button. If your derailleur moves then all is good and you can unplug the charger. If it doesn't, just hit the 'connect' button in E-Tube again.
Also, some functionality is broken when the battery icon is not displayed (like RD/FD adjustment).
It turns out this is actually a good thing, as you can use E-Tube 3.4.5 and 4.0.2 on the same computer, have it installed side by side.
Per his suggestion I connected with v4.0.2, disconnected immediately, reconnected again and then disconnected. After this double connection sequence the bike was fine. It turns out there is something funky going on when you connect for the first time with v4.0.2. For whatever reason, if you disconnect and reconnect it connects properly the second time. A tell-tale sign is when you connect there should be a battery icon next to the "Disconnect" button on the upper left part of the screen. The battery icon does not show up on the first connection, but on the second it shows up and displays the battery level properly.
When you disconnect after the first connection it leaves this system in the wrong state (like when you are connected) which leaves it unresponsive and will drain the battery quickly.
Maybe Terry will chime in and add to this.
When you disconnect after the first connection it leaves this system in the wrong state (like when you are connected) which leaves it unresponsive and will drain the battery quickly.
Maybe Terry will chime in and add to this.
I make this video that I also sent to Shimano: https://vimeo.com/473972244 - it shows my main-but-still-being-built bike (EW-RS910, BT-DN110, R8050 + disc).
I can also get this to happen on my indoor bike (6870 series, SM-BTR2, SM-EW90A).
However, if I use the SM-PCE02 I cannot get this to happen at all. To me that indicates that they may not have tested with the SM-BCR2 all that much.
(which would be a major mistake.. there are only 3 interface devices to test.. PCE1, PCE02, BCR2, it's not like there are 20 different ones out there)
Basically, if you connect using the SM-BCR2 and do not see the battery icon (and your battery IS installed), then it will 'break' on disconnect.
You can test this by trying to shift. Just press a button. If your derailleur moves then all is good and you can unplug the charger. If it doesn't, just hit the 'connect' button in E-Tube again.
Also, some functionality is broken when the battery icon is not displayed (like RD/FD adjustment).
Last edited by TerryDi2C; 11-01-20 at 01:04 PM.
11-01-20, 02:22 PM
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Yeah.. I can reliably get this to happen using the SM-BCR2 (charger) EVERY other time. Every first time I connect to the bike, that battery icon is missing.
I make this video that I also sent to Shimano: https://vimeo.com/473972244 - it shows my main-but-still-being-built bike (EW-RS910, BT-DN110, R8050 + disc).
I can also get this to happen on my indoor bike (6870 series, SM-BTR2, SM-EW90A).
However, if I use the SM-PCE02 I cannot get this to happen at all. To me that indicates that they may not have tested with the SM-BCR2 all that much.
(which would be a major mistake.. there are only 3 interface devices to test.. PCE1, PCE02, BCR2, it's not like there are 20 different ones out there)
I make this video that I also sent to Shimano: https://vimeo.com/473972244 - it shows my main-but-still-being-built bike (EW-RS910, BT-DN110, R8050 + disc).
I can also get this to happen on my indoor bike (6870 series, SM-BTR2, SM-EW90A).
However, if I use the SM-PCE02 I cannot get this to happen at all. To me that indicates that they may not have tested with the SM-BCR2 all that much.
(which would be a major mistake.. there are only 3 interface devices to test.. PCE1, PCE02, BCR2, it's not like there are 20 different ones out there)
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11-01-20, 03:21 PM
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TerryDi2C : As usual, you are super-helpful with all things Di2! Thanks, as always!
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11-06-20, 03:31 PM
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Nothings perfect, but electronic is very reliable. If you read the mechanics section, you'd think ALL shifting systems suck, disc brakes suck, etc.... and you'd want a single speed. I posted a comment somewhere that my Di2 stopped working last week after 3 years, a cable got pulled. It took a bit because I've little experience diagnosing what the problem was, because I never have too.
11-08-20, 02:35 PM
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I use this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OQ19QYA
No problems charging a bunch of stuff include Edges, lights, Di2, and PM pedals all at the same time.
No problems charging a bunch of stuff include Edges, lights, Di2, and PM pedals all at the same time.
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