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Di2 set-up question

Hi all,

My new frame is in the post and I am trying to collect all the bits and plan out my build. I have come up against some issues with the Di2, though.

I wull be using RS785 shifters (Ultegra Di2 and hydraulic disks) and I would like to wire up an RS910 bar-end Junction A instead of the under-stem external type. The wiring diagram as per Shimano looks like this.

The trouble I am having is that I have no need for a wireless unit in my build (the EW111, item H in the above wiring diagram). This leaves me with an issue in connecting the cockpit side to the Junction B box. As I have only one e-tube connector on each shifter, I have to use the JC130 Y-connector cable (as per here) to link the bar-end Junction A to the off-side shifter and the circuitry in the main body of the bike (as per the wiring diagram linked earlier). My issue is length - how can I get the short cable of the JC130 into the Junction B?

JC130s come in 3 different sizes but in each case the short cable is only 50mm. Is there a Di2 MtF connector? Do I need a SM-JC40 junction box in my handlebars?

Cheers,
Eddy

 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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12 comments

Avatar
Jonni | 7 years ago
1 like

Here's a bonus tip for you. When routing your cables wether its inside your frame or handle bars. Use a vacuum cleaner, gaffers tape and dental floss (I recommend mint flavoured). Tape up all holes except the ones you are routing through, suck the dental floss through using the vacuum cleaner, then tie the dental floss to the Di2 cable and pull through. Sometimes a bit of tape is needed around the connector to pull evenly through.

If you have a Garmin (810 or later) then you can use the hood buttons to changes pages set other functions on your head unit. Google will show you how.

Good luck with your bike build.

Avatar
eddyhall | 7 years ago
0 likes

Thanks to everyone for the feedback and for the advice. I will get a WU111 (£51 with vouchers) and enjoy the battery/set-up joy that it offers, as well as making the cable routing a bit easier.

Thanks again!

Eddy

Avatar
watlina | 7 years ago
0 likes

I have exactly the same set-up and went with a small EW-JC200 2-port through junction where the short 50mm part of the EW-JC130 exits the bars in the centre. The hole in my Specialized Aerofly bars was big enough that it tucks inside nicely keeping it nice and clean.

I do have a EW-WU101 for ANT+/Bluetooth but it's tucked in the bottom bracket area with the SM-JC41.

As others have said the wireless connectivity is very useful and if the EW-WU111 fits into your set-up then it's well worth a look.

 

 

Avatar
StewartM | 7 years ago
0 likes

To hit on what Jonni said, you can still run firmware updates and (if compatible) invoke synchro shift with a pc connection. But seriously, the connectivity you get with the wireless unit is sensational. It's worth it for the battery level indication alone, and that was the main reason I shelled out for it. If that sounds like something Shimano should have in there as standard, that's because it is. I have a couple of colleagues with the hydro shifters, and they have three plugs in each one. Makes it incredibly flexible.

Avatar
Simontuck | 7 years ago
2 likes

Wow, I think I need to either do some studying or be content with analogue!! Now I know how my Dad feels when I send him a whatsapp!!

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CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
0 likes

So the R9150 levers have 3 ports for all the extra switches for the pros  1

Avatar
Jonni | 7 years ago
1 like

I think the new iteration (ST-R9170) may offer three ports each.

At least from what I can see on the schematics in this document.

http://si.shimano.com/pdfs/dm/DM-R9150-05-ENG.pdf

I would still double check that before purchasing. 

But, good to know CXR94Di2

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
0 likes

There is only one connection on hydraulic Sti Di2 road lever. You get more on non hydraulic levers

Avatar
Jonni | 7 years ago
0 likes

You have two if not three cable ports on each STI lever. You can simply run a cable from one lever to the other and then back out again to the junction box. All the cable length seem to sell for the same price. So just get a longer cable from one of your levers.

I've recently converted to the new handlebar port. I was advised not to drill my handle bars by a carbon specialist (who have previously drilled multiple holes in my frame). Pro make a set of Di2 ready handle bars. I'm quite happy with the new bars and the visible absence of Di2 cables.

I like the wireless unit. It makes setup easier as you can simply do it from your phone instead of a computer. It also connects nicely to my Garmin, giving me percentage based battery status, shift mode status and gear ratios - maybe all nice to have but once you get used to it you wonder how you could do without it. The big bonus is the ability to control both lights and Garmin head unit from the Di2 buttons on top of the hoods. Those buttons are only found on the Dura Ace levers and the latest iteration of Ultegra and the latest iteration of the hydraulic levers (those with a rubber cover on top - I think they're called ST-R9170).

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
0 likes

I have a mix and match Di2 XT and road shifters. Ive just ordered a the Mt800 display to allow synchro shift. I run a 44-28 chainset with a 11-40 Cass for mountain climbing. Love the ease of Di2 adjustment

Avatar
eddyhall | 7 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for the suggestion - that is a decent idea, although after checking the cost of the wireless connector WU111 (£56) and the cost of a junction box (£20) I am not 100% that there is not at least some value in having the wireless box to help set up Synchro Shift with.

As you say, £35 is lost in the noise with the overall cost of Di2 and the rest of the bike.

The handlebar port (RS910) is about £30 more expensive than the under-stem Junction A box (EW90-A), but the wiring is a bit more expensive and I am going to have to drill my handlebars. There are trade-offs to be made, certainly.

 

Avatar
CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
0 likes

You could use and extra' junction box B' further up the  downtube or handlebars to allow all connections, quite cheap considering Di2 cost overall.  Those handlebar ports are expensive!

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