Alfine Di2: dead as a plank

[TimDunne]

Sorry, just emerged from an unsuccessful afternoon fettling.

Some component I have is not working. I'll get something to eat, then run some stuff past you if that's OK?

Cheers

Tim

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

That's cool

 

[TimDunne]

HI folks. Sorry for the delay. I really do appreciate the help.

The system I'm installing is this ALFINE Di2 (dealer manual, PDF, 50-odd pages)

I have it exactly as the lower diagram on page 26. There's only one shifter in this system.

All the part numbers seem correct. I'm assuming this is the same as the Ultegra system in terms of connections (but one less shifter, and one less mech)

Tried all combinations of wires in SMCJ40 junction.
The battery is fully charged, but no indication on the display, no matter how long I hold buttons.
Tried flipping ports on both shifter and display.

I can't push the plugs in any further - they click once. Any harder, something will break.

In desperation, I split the battery cable - it's 2 wire, and there's 7.4v there.

The motor unit is just dead, never made a sound.

Dealer is in Norfolk, I'm near Birmingham, but they've never set one up - I ordered the kit with built-up wheel mail order.

Don't know anyone with a diagnostic kit, and not sure it would work on the Alfine version.

What are Shimano tech support like? Fairly convinced I have a dead component somewhere. Life shouldn't be this hard.

The problem is that the system is opaque. I can't see what's going on.

Cheers

Tim

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Shimano support is awesome from my own experience, especially with the Di2 kit.
I've not got a great deal of experience with the Alfine but if someone described the symptoms you exhibit on a traditional Di2 I would start looking at the shifters first.
The CANbus rewire system is harder to troubleshoot as it sends the signal and power over the same line.
As the display is not showing any power it suggests that the issue is with the shifter as this in effect (simplistic terms/understanding) also switches power on and off otherwise the battery would continuously drain.

I can go through the installation with you if you want to check it all and willing to have look at it, if you can get the bike to me (London)

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Although you have checked the plugs have you done this on the junction box near the Bob as well as at the component end?

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Found a few people who 'appear' to have alfine DOA such as this dude who build one off the bike and its dead... not sure though as I don't understand the lingo, but the footage looks interesting

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I would love to get a closer look at this, and my gut points me towards the shifters, but there is nothing really solid or definitive to go on, at this time I think phoning shimano would be a good bet.

Sorry I can't be of any more assistance unless you get it to London for me to look at, but please keep me informed on what happens as I'm really interested

 

[vernjr]

Hi Tim, did you ever find out what was wrong with your system? It seems my new system is exhibiting exactly the same problem... Would really appreciate any help!

 

[vernjr]

Hi for anyone who's interested I've figure this one out thanks to Condor Bikes in London. After using their diagnostics kit it turns out I needed a firmware upgrade. Basically, I would definitely get a LBS that know's their DI2 stuff to put together a Afline DI2 set together for you. Untill Shimano sorts a proper kit out it looks as if it may be a bit sketchy trying to do it yourself.

 

[Crankarm]

Good thread but hopefully the OP got his system sorted? I am thinking of fitting an Alfine 11 hub and momentarily looked at Di2 then thought Nahhh....... too much to go wrong stick with a conventional cable shifter. This thread only confirms my worries going to electronic shifting. Still hope the OP got it sorted as otherwise an expensive and frustrating foray into Di2. When Shimano have sorted out all the glitches it might be worth considering. But it is still pretty pricey compared to conventional shifting. Best of luck with Fatbirds, you'll need it.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Thanks for the update vernjr do you know if condor used the normal ultegra diagnostic kit or if there is a specific alfine diagnostic kit