Di2 with External Battery

Sutton_Rider
Sutton_Rider Posts: 493
edited July 2017 in Road general
I'm looking at buying a second hand Trek with Di2 and external battery:
1. Are there any issues with the older external battery?
2. Can the older Di2 take the latest software?

Thanks

Comments

  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    A couple of my bikes have the external battery and, honestly, it's my preference. The oldest is 6 years old now and still not a single problem of any sort despite quite some abuse (including submerging the battery several times). The battery is cheaper and easier to replace and charging it is simpler. It's also easier to disconnect the battery for travel etc.

    What I'm not sure about (because I've never been bothered enough to do it and I've never needed it) is the update process. I've thought about adding the BT module because, in any case, I'd want to do it using my phone or iPad.
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • craigus89
    craigus89 Posts: 887
    1. Don't know on specific issues, none that I know of. I've had mine for over 2 years and it's been faultless and ridden in some crap weather and roads and it's survived just fine.
    2. What is the advantage of this?
  • Sutton_Rider
    Sutton_Rider Posts: 493
    Thanks for the replies so far guys.
    Craigus89 Point 2, I just want to know if software updates can be installed on this version of Di2 as and when updates are available.
  • Brakeless
    Brakeless Posts: 865
    Some TT bikes are still supplied with the old batteries as they have such thin seat tubes. I wouldn't have thought they would be supplying new bikes that can't take current updates but I'm not 100% certain.
  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    What age Di2 is it?
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • Sutton_Rider
    Sutton_Rider Posts: 493
    2014
  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    This chart should help - but it seems that just about everything 10sp and up on eTube is compatible hence will update with firmware

    http://e-tubeproject.shimano.com/pdf/en ... -00-EN.pdf
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • gimpl
    gimpl Posts: 269
    Sutton Rider wrote:
    Thanks for the replies so far guys.
    Craigus89 Point 2, I just want to know if software updates can be installed on this version of Di2 as and when updates are available.
    I have an external battery and the software was updated in a few minutes at the lbs a few months ago while we were standing there chatting - I'm not even sure why - he just did it. Up until that point it had been faultless but, possibly coincidence, have had a couple of odd failures since then. Leave well alone if it works, there's absolutely no real need to update once up and running anyway.
  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    Yup - personally, unless you have some burning desire to do something, just leave it as-is. I've resisted the temptation so far.
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    The only reason I can think for a internal battery is for an "aero" bike. That is is in keeping with the bike. For everyday use an external battery is more practical.

    One reason my Look is not on electronic shifting is because I would have to fit an internal battery and I cant be arsed removing the post every time I need to charge it.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    thecycleclinic wrote:

    One reason my Look is not on electronic shifting is because I would have to fit an internal battery and I cant be arsed removing the post every time I need to charge it.

    For the internal batteries, there's a charging port on the front junction box so no need to access the battery. The only faff is that you need to hook up the whole bike (not an issue if you run a bike shop) but potentially inconvenient.
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • Brakeless
    Brakeless Posts: 865
    thecycleclinic wrote:
    The only reason I can think for a internal battery is for an "aero" bike. That is is in keeping with the bike. For everyday use an external battery is more practical.

    One reason my Look is not on electronic shifting is because I would have to fit an internal battery and I cant be arsed removing the post every time I need to charge it.

    That's a pretty uninformed post from someone who works with bikes. :roll:
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    My bikes dont live in my house, they live in a garage with no power sockets . They do not rest when not in use anywhere near a plug socket that is even when it is my shop. So not that uninformed at all.

    If I tried propping my bike up in the house to charge the battery my very forgiving wife would loose the plot. Also on the look everything gets hidden so getting access to the junction box means removing a cover that is more easily removed with the stem removed and that in itself is small job (its not a normal stem).

    so what more practical removing a battery and charging that or parking your whole bike next to a wall socket and connecting the charger. I dont care who you are there is only one answer to that, although it is fine to take the less practical option if you have a plug socket you can park your bike next too.

    Nice to know the forum is in full swing making assumptions as always.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • Brakeless
    Brakeless Posts: 865
    thecycleclinic wrote:
    My bikes dont live in my house, they live in a garage with no power sockets . They do not rest when not in use anywhere near a plug socket that is even when it is my shop. So not that uninformed at all.

    If I tried propping my bike up in the house to charge the battery my very forgiving wife would loose the plot. Also on the look everything gets hidden so getting access to the junction box means removing a cover that is more easily removed with the stem removed and that in itself is small job (its not a normal stem).

    so what more practical removing a battery and charging that or parking your whole bike next to a wall socket and connecting the charger. I dont care who you are there is only one answer to that, although it is fine to take the less practical option if you have a plug socket you can park your bike next too.

    Nice to know the forum is in full swing making assumptions as always.

    Fair enough but assuming we'd know all that from your original post is a bit more of an assumption really. If my wife didn't mind the bike being in the hall for one night a fortnight whilst it's charging I'd question what the f;'k was going on in my marriage.
  • Dave_P1
    Dave_P1 Posts: 565
    Been running an external battery for years and I've never had a problem with it, nor have I ever updated the firmware. Once the Di2 is setup and working then it's best left alone IMO
    Product & Race Reviews Here
    Various vids including many Trail Centres
  • meanredspider
    meanredspider Posts: 12,337
    In general, the whole charging question isn't a big deal as, even if you do massive miles, I doubt you would charge it more than once a month. Charging is generally very fast too - under an hour.
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • Sutton_Rider
    Sutton_Rider Posts: 493
    Its good to hear that the external battery has no issues. While I agree with software, if its working don't fix it, I do want to update it to get Synchronized Shifting on board. Thanks to all for your comments.
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    My wife puts up with me cycling more than most and does not complain (I love her to bits) so please dont question my marriage. Again you need to think about what you are writing and trolling is poor form.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • Brakeless
    Brakeless Posts: 865
    thecycleclinic wrote:
    My wife puts up with me cycling more than most and does not complain (I love her to bits) so please dont question my marriage. Again you need to think about what you are writing and trolling is poor form.

    Wow. Touchy. I know exactly what I'm writing thanks and said I'd question my marriage. What you do, or are allowed to do in yours is obviously up to you.
  • Sutton_Rider
    Sutton_Rider Posts: 493
    I wish I hadn't started this post!
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    It is not being touchy. but when you bring peoples other halves into which you did (whether you think you did nor not) you get a reaction. mine was fairly restrained. The OP has now wished he had not posted and I am wondering why I bothered too. This is what happens with unguarded posts and assumptions.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • Brakeless
    Brakeless Posts: 865
    thecycleclinic wrote:
    It is not being touchy. but when you bring peoples other halves into which you did (whether you think you did nor not) you get a reaction. mine was fairly restrained. The OP has now wished he had not posted and I am wondering why I bothered too. This is what happens with unguarded posts and assumptions.

    Oh dear, definately touchy, hence your reaction. Where have I mentioned your wife ? The only assumption made was that everyone would magically know that you couldn't bring a bike into the house for a couple of hours to charge it because your wife would 'lose the plot' .
  • Sutton_Rider
    Sutton_Rider Posts: 493
    Thanks guys for destroying the post. If you want to squabble, fine, please just PM each other.
  • lochindaal
    lochindaal Posts: 475
    I changed my external battery for an internal one on the Ultegra 6870.

    All the Firmware is stored on the battery and I can no longer mix 10 and 11 speed components if I wanted to. With teh older F/W on the external batery I could
    Tri Coaching
    https://www.h3otriathlon.com
  • 964cup
    964cup Posts: 1,362
    Brakeless wrote:
    thecycleclinic wrote:
    If my wife didn't mind the bike being in the hall for one night a fortnight whilst it's charging I'd question what the f;'k was going on in my marriage.
    If you ride enough to need to charge your Di2 battery every two weeks, there's no point in being married - you'd never see her.
  • W631
    W631 Posts: 7
    Sutton Rider wrote:
    Thanks guys for destroying the post. If you want to squabble, fine, please just PM each other.
    I agree.Why do so many posts on BR descend into childish bickering!

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