Di2 Wireless Unit Install Location
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 10
Bikes: Santana Beyond PHD DA/ XTR Di2, Canyon Ultimate CF SLX DA Mech (Canyon refused valid warranty claim), 2021 Specialized Tarmac SL7 12 spd DA, 2022 No.22 Drifter X 12spd DA, Budnitz Alpha- Gates belt-Alfine internal
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Di2 Wireless Unit Install Location
I first installed the Shimano EW WU111 wireless unit in the stokers seat tube where the battery is, then in the captains bottom bracket down tube area where there is a connector to put the EWWU in-line. I am getting intermittent, mostly no signal to my Garmin 1030 plus head unit. My theory is the EWWU is either too far away or too shielded in titanium and carbon tubes to communicate well.
Sensing I need to install it forward at the captains cockpit I now envision the EWWU inside a handlebar end.
My questions for the forum are: 1.) Do you concur with my theory that the EWWU is too far, too shielded ? and 2.) Can I wire the EWWU in a loop from the ST-9070-L shifter Di2 leads, one wire out to the EWWU inside the handlebar end tube, and another wire back to the ST ? My left shifter has (3) leads, only one being used from the SC-M9050 junction box. From what I've seen and heard, the EWWU can be installed anywhere in-line and it will be recognized and work. I dont know if this loop idea counts as in-line or not. If not I'll get a longer wire from the SC-MT800 juction to the EWWU then to the ST, creating a true in-line scenario. Di2 wires are over $20 ea, I'd like to not buy one if I don't have too.
Thanks !
Sensing I need to install it forward at the captains cockpit I now envision the EWWU inside a handlebar end.
My questions for the forum are: 1.) Do you concur with my theory that the EWWU is too far, too shielded ? and 2.) Can I wire the EWWU in a loop from the ST-9070-L shifter Di2 leads, one wire out to the EWWU inside the handlebar end tube, and another wire back to the ST ? My left shifter has (3) leads, only one being used from the SC-M9050 junction box. From what I've seen and heard, the EWWU can be installed anywhere in-line and it will be recognized and work. I dont know if this loop idea counts as in-line or not. If not I'll get a longer wire from the SC-MT800 juction to the EWWU then to the ST, creating a true in-line scenario. Di2 wires are over $20 ea, I'd like to not buy one if I don't have too.
Thanks !
Last edited by Gride; 09-29-20 at 11:18 AM.
#2
Full Member
Just went through this process with our bike. I had hoped to install the unit in the handlebar end, but the openings in my bar weren't large enough to accommodate the Di2 wire. My mechanic simply tied it to the A junction, which sits out in the open anyway. FWIW I have the unit installed in the seat tube of my carbon road bike, and have never experienced a signal drop.
#3
Obsessed with Eddington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Brussels (BE) 🇧🇪
Posts: 1,330
Bikes: '16 Spesh Diverge, '14 Spesh Fatboy, '18 Spesh Epic, '18 Spesh SL6, '21 Spesh SL7, '21 Spesh Diverge...and maybe n+1?
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 621 Times
in
368 Posts
#4
Obsessed with Eddington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Brussels (BE) 🇧🇪
Posts: 1,330
Bikes: '16 Spesh Diverge, '14 Spesh Fatboy, '18 Spesh Epic, '18 Spesh SL6, '21 Spesh SL7, '21 Spesh Diverge...and maybe n+1?
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 621 Times
in
368 Posts
Since you're using SC-MT800 as Junction A, which is ANT+ and BT capable, the D-Fly (EW-WU111) won't work.
Note#4 in the Shimano compatibility chart, on page 1 at the linked PDF, states "The system accepts just 1 unit with wireless chip. (doesn't work if plural units with wireless chip are connected)."
Remove the D-Fly, your problems should clear right up.
Note#4 in the Shimano compatibility chart, on page 1 at the linked PDF, states "The system accepts just 1 unit with wireless chip. (doesn't work if plural units with wireless chip are connected)."
Remove the D-Fly, your problems should clear right up.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 2,190
Bikes: Ti, Mn Cr Ni Mo Nb, Al, C
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 942 Post(s)
Liked 527 Times
in
349 Posts
Recommend setting it up as close to your computer as possible. I have mine right by my stem mounted junction box and it sits nice and clean under my computer. Never had an issue of dropouts. If you have to buy an extra E-Tube cable in order to mount it inline up front, do so.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 10
Bikes: Santana Beyond PHD DA/ XTR Di2, Canyon Ultimate CF SLX DA Mech (Canyon refused valid warranty claim), 2021 Specialized Tarmac SL7 12 spd DA, 2022 No.22 Drifter X 12spd DA, Budnitz Alpha- Gates belt-Alfine internal
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
"Since you're using SC-MT800 as Junction A, which is ANT+ and BT capable, the D-Fly (EW-WU111) won't work."
Astute observation and thank you for this. I now see that in the compatibility chart. Since my D-Fly buttons sometimes work, especially in the shop when testing after installation, it caused me to review my setup and model numbers. I realize I made a pertinent error in stating my junction A was the SC-MT800. In fact I have the older SC-M9050, which from what I can tell does not have the BT. I should be more careful when stating facts. Sorry to throw you of the scent.
Astute observation and thank you for this. I now see that in the compatibility chart. Since my D-Fly buttons sometimes work, especially in the shop when testing after installation, it caused me to review my setup and model numbers. I realize I made a pertinent error in stating my junction A was the SC-MT800. In fact I have the older SC-M9050, which from what I can tell does not have the BT. I should be more careful when stating facts. Sorry to throw you of the scent.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 10
Bikes: Santana Beyond PHD DA/ XTR Di2, Canyon Ultimate CF SLX DA Mech (Canyon refused valid warranty claim), 2021 Specialized Tarmac SL7 12 spd DA, 2022 No.22 Drifter X 12spd DA, Budnitz Alpha- Gates belt-Alfine internal
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just went through this process with our bike. I had hoped to install the unit in the handlebar end, but the openings in my bar weren't large enough to accommodate the Di2 wire. My mechanic simply tied it to the A junction, which sits out in the open anyway. FWIW I have the unit installed in the seat tube of my carbon road bike, and have never experienced a signal drop.
As far as tucking it into the handlebar end, I can defer that as a future project when bar tape is to be replaced. As I've seen in a YouTube video, to route wires I was going to drill a hole into the underside of the bars, about 3" away from the end. My know-nothing logic says I don't put much weight load at or below this point so am not risking a handlebar failure by doing this.
#8
Full Member
The EW WU111 on our Macchiatto (aluminum frame) is installed in the stoker seat tube below the battery and has performed flawlessly. You may want to verify all drivers are up to date, as out of date drivers can cause weird behavior. Just a data point.
Good luck!
Good luck!
#9
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 45
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 18 Times
in
13 Posts
Slightly different, but related question: My bike has the wireless unit installed in the stoker seat tube underneath the battery, although we are not using any wireless capability at present - i.e. no Garmin. It also has a Shimano Information Display which supposedly also has wireless capability. The Info Display was added to replace the A junction under the stem. I've been told that the system won't work if there are two wireless-capable nodes in the system, and yet it seems to work just fine.
True or false?
I suspect that the real answer is that the system will shift just fine, but will have trouble connecting wirelessly to a laptop or other Bluetooth device.
True or false?
I suspect that the real answer is that the system will shift just fine, but will have trouble connecting wirelessly to a laptop or other Bluetooth device.
#10
Di2 fanatic
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 53 Post(s)
Liked 65 Times
in
42 Posts
Well... it depends.
There are three (mtb) displays out there
If the M9050 is installed on your bike then I would expect everything to work just fine.
Even if you have one of the other units, I'm not sure what would happen if BLE / ANT were disabled on one of the units.. The system may still function.. I have never tried .. I do have an SC-MT800 and EW-WU111 here, so maybe I will try that soon..
There are three (mtb) displays out there
- SC-MT800 (with BluetoothLE / ANT)
- SC-M9051 (with BluetoothLE / ANT)
- SC-M9050 (without any wireless connectivity)
If the M9050 is installed on your bike then I would expect everything to work just fine.
Even if you have one of the other units, I'm not sure what would happen if BLE / ANT were disabled on one of the units.. The system may still function.. I have never tried .. I do have an SC-MT800 and EW-WU111 here, so maybe I will try that soon..
#11
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 45
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 18 Times
in
13 Posts
Terry, This is GREAT information! As much as I've poked around on Shimano's website, it completely escaped me that there might be three versions of the thing. But here's the question: How do I tell which unit I have installed?
Thanks for your insights...very helpful.
Thanks for your insights...very helpful.
#12
Di2 fanatic
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 53 Post(s)
Liked 65 Times
in
42 Posts
Well.. they all look similar, but every Di2 component has its model code written on it somewhere.
The MT800 is the XT version, M9051 the XTR version. Functionality-wise they're identical, but the case is slightly different.
M9050 is relatively old and I'm not sure what it looks like. There are a lot of images on google, but they all look similar to me ;-).
Either way, I would probably connect the bike to a windows PC, run E-Tube Project and let that tell me what component is installed.
The MT800 is the XT version, M9051 the XTR version. Functionality-wise they're identical, but the case is slightly different.
M9050 is relatively old and I'm not sure what it looks like. There are a lot of images on google, but they all look similar to me ;-).
Either way, I would probably connect the bike to a windows PC, run E-Tube Project and let that tell me what component is installed.
#13
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 45
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 18 Times
in
13 Posts
Yep, I've discovered the wonders of E-Tube Project! It told me two interesting pieces of information: 1) It confirmed that our info display is the SC-MT800, and 2) it informed that in fact we don't have a separate wireless unit installed. That clears up the mystery about how come it is that our bike seems to work with two wireless units installed...it doesn't!
I also learned something else I hadn't known: that there is a another set of switches built in to the brake levers that I had not known existed. But the best part is that I was able to re-configure the set of switches to behave in what is (for me) a rational way. The default behavior just made no sense to me at all.
For those who are new to this (as I am), there are some valuable tidbits of info that may help you. One is that you can use the battery charger to connect your bike to your PC and you can run E-Tube Project from there.
The other thing I've learned is that Shimano's documentation sucks eggs, at least as far as downloading, installing, and using E-Tube goes. In hindsight, it all makes sense, but if it's your first time through...
Terry, thank you very much for helping me through this. Life is much better now.
I also learned something else I hadn't known: that there is a another set of switches built in to the brake levers that I had not known existed. But the best part is that I was able to re-configure the set of switches to behave in what is (for me) a rational way. The default behavior just made no sense to me at all.
For those who are new to this (as I am), there are some valuable tidbits of info that may help you. One is that you can use the battery charger to connect your bike to your PC and you can run E-Tube Project from there.
The other thing I've learned is that Shimano's documentation sucks eggs, at least as far as downloading, installing, and using E-Tube goes. In hindsight, it all makes sense, but if it's your first time through...
Terry, thank you very much for helping me through this. Life is much better now.
Likes For PaulGrun:
#14
Di2 fanatic
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 53 Post(s)
Liked 65 Times
in
42 Posts
Hah, no problem! Since we're talking about how the Shimano documentation is a bit lacking.. I've actually written something about getting started here: https://bettershifting.com/di2-for-d...to-di2-manual/
(Suggestions / comments are always appreciated)
They're updating E-Tube Project (pc) October 13 by the way!
(Suggestions / comments are always appreciated)
They're updating E-Tube Project (pc) October 13 by the way!
Last edited by TerryDi2C; 10-08-20 at 12:16 AM.
Likes For TerryDi2C:
#15
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 45
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 18 Times
in
13 Posts
That's a good start! But since it's such a complex subject with so many variables (old or new battery, differences between Shimano gruppos, road vs mtb, etc), I'd suggest expanding what you have and breaking it down accordingly.
Your writeup refers to using the Info Display for MTB, but I use it on my road bike...why limit it to MTB?
It would be great to address my particular bugaboo (this go round...) i.e., how to find and download the E-Tube Project software (both on a PC and on a cell phone), and a one sentence description of the difference between E_Tube Project and E-Tube Ride (I stumbled across both when trying to figure out "E-Tube" and was lost until I understood the difference applications and how they are used). In other words, a birds' eye orientation to DI-2.
I greatly appreciate what you're trying to do ... it's badly needed. Need any help?
Your writeup refers to using the Info Display for MTB, but I use it on my road bike...why limit it to MTB?
It would be great to address my particular bugaboo (this go round...) i.e., how to find and download the E-Tube Project software (both on a PC and on a cell phone), and a one sentence description of the difference between E_Tube Project and E-Tube Ride (I stumbled across both when trying to figure out "E-Tube" and was lost until I understood the difference applications and how they are used). In other words, a birds' eye orientation to DI-2.
I greatly appreciate what you're trying to do ... it's badly needed. Need any help?
Likes For PaulGrun:
#16
Di2 fanatic
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 53 Post(s)
Liked 65 Times
in
42 Posts
Makes sense! Thanks! I'm thinking there could be something on finding the software, what to use it for and similar. Perhaps Software "hub" pages that explain the basics and link to the relevant articles... we'll see.
I'm currently awaiting the new E-Tube Project "launch" next week.. when that happens I suspect I'll have to rewrite most of the E-Tube project pages (at least partially) - they're changing the way it looks to be more inline with the new mobile app.
See this video for example:
After that I think my main challenge will be how to display all the information in a way that people can actually find it (there are a lot more pages linked further down on the homepage for example).
I'll also add something on the displays to the respective 'component' pages on the site, making it clear that they can be used on any Di2 bike.
I think the most help I need is ideas and knowing what people need to learn / figure out.. Most of it is so familiar to me that some of these things are hard to think of until I spot them on a forum like this .
(sorry for hijacking the thread )
I'm currently awaiting the new E-Tube Project "launch" next week.. when that happens I suspect I'll have to rewrite most of the E-Tube project pages (at least partially) - they're changing the way it looks to be more inline with the new mobile app.
See this video for example:
After that I think my main challenge will be how to display all the information in a way that people can actually find it (there are a lot more pages linked further down on the homepage for example).
I'll also add something on the displays to the respective 'component' pages on the site, making it clear that they can be used on any Di2 bike.
I think the most help I need is ideas and knowing what people need to learn / figure out.. Most of it is so familiar to me that some of these things are hard to think of until I spot them on a forum like this .
(sorry for hijacking the thread )
Last edited by TerryDi2C; 10-08-20 at 01:56 AM. Reason: formatting
#17
Junior Member
Hah, no problem! Since we're talking about how the Shimano documentation is a bit lacking.. I've actually written something about getting started here: https://bettershifting.com/di2-for-d...to-di2-manual/
(Suggestions / comments are always appreciated)
They're updating E-Tube Project (pc) October 13 by the way!
(Suggestions / comments are always appreciated)
They're updating E-Tube Project (pc) October 13 by the way!
Likes For act0fgod:
#18
Senior Member
Hah, no problem! Since we're talking about how the Shimano documentation is a bit lacking.. I've actually written something about getting started here: https://bettershifting.com/di2-for-d...to-di2-manual/
(Suggestions / comments are always appreciated)
They're updating E-Tube Project (pc) October 13 by the way!
(Suggestions / comments are always appreciated)
They're updating E-Tube Project (pc) October 13 by the way!
Likes For tandem rider:
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
5 Posts
It's worth noting that the EW-WU111 unit does NOT need to be installed inline, so if you have a spare Di2 port on a junction or box you can use that with just one end of the wireless unit. I just tried it and it works.
#21
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 420
Bikes: 2022 Calfee Tetra, 2023 Giant TCR
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Hah, no problem! Since we're talking about how the Shimano documentation is a bit lacking.. I've actually written something about getting started here: https://bettershifting.com/di2-for-d...to-di2-manual/
#22
Di2 fanatic
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 149
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 53 Post(s)
Liked 65 Times
in
42 Posts
Interesting! I haven't thought of that.
I'm not sure, to be honest. I had an R9200 bike here last week, but didn't check the max range. I'll do some digging tomorrow.. if I find anything I'll let you know ;-)
I'm not sure, to be honest. I had an R9200 bike here last week, but didn't check the max range. I'll do some digging tomorrow.. if I find anything I'll let you know ;-)
#23
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 420
Bikes: 2022 Calfee Tetra, 2023 Giant TCR
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 120 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
The Bluetooth range should be ample, but I don't have a R8100 or R9200 on hand to check. I'm waiting for the Ultegra group to be available in Spring.
Likes For mtseymour:
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 196
Bikes: 1984 homemade 531SL road bike; 1988 Ritchey TimberComp; 1997 Nashbar tandem; 1998 Kona Explosif; Specialized Epic, Scott CR1 Pro; Salsa Beargrease; Curtlo custom Tandem, Curtlo custom S3 steel gravel bike.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Liked 49 Times
in
37 Posts
For those with internal wiring and a junction A at the bar end the distance from the A to B junction on most tandems is too long for the longest di2 wire. Putting the wireless unit inside the bar, between the A and B junctions makes it possible to reach with the longest di2 wire. And it put the Bluetooth up front close to the computer or your phone.