The PC Linkage Device SM-PCE02 can be used to update firmware and customise your Di2 settings. It can also help troubleshoot problems and restore a non-responsive Di2 system, and is the only diagnostics tool that can connect to 12-speed road/gravel bikes.
There are multiple versions of this tool, so be aware of that when buying one. Older versions come with an SD50 link cable only, while newer ones will also connect to SD300 (12-speed) bikes without the use of the EW-AD305 adapter.
Shimano has developed an SD300 type setting cable intended to be used with the PCE02. It has more durable plugs and won't wear as fast as regular SD300 wires. However, the setting cable should not be used in an actual bike - it is just for setting up / updating bikes.
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The device has one green LED, one USB port, and one E-tube port. The SM-PCE02 and SM-PCE1 cost about the same, which is still a lot more than the Shimano SM-BCR2 battery charger and that also doubles as a PC-interface. The SM-PCE1 and SM-PCE02 are therefore mainly found at bike shops.
In case you're having a hard time getting your SM-PCE02 to work, I've uploaded the Windows drivers.
Download the zip file, extract it to your hard drive, and then run the file "ftdibus_(32 or 64)_usbinst.exe". When the installer has completed, run the file "ftdiport_(32 or 64)_usbinst.exe".
Note that you may have to run these files as administrator.
If you're trying to connect your SM-PCE02 to 12-speed Di2 or EP8 powered E-bikes, be aware that these systems use the EW-SD300 wiring standard.
There are two ways to connect the SM-PCE02 to an SD300-type bike.
The most basic option is the EW-AD305 SD50 to SD300 adapter. You plug the SM-PCE02 into one end, and then connect an EW-SD300 wire to the other port of the adapter.
Alternatively, you can also use a new SM-PCE02 PC link cable. One end plugs into the SM-PCE02, and the other end of the new PC link cable has an SD300 plug, allowing you to plug it into 12-speed Di2 components.
The part number for the SM-PCE02 PC Link cable is Y79M9801T.
This device does a fair bit more than the regular charger. It can connect to a single component, instead of only connecting to your entire bike. It also lets you recover crashed components and restore their firmware. However, it will not charge your bike.
Note that the SM-PCE02 should be connected directly to a PC - Shimano recommends you do not use a USB hub.
The process of restoring failed firmware is shown in the video below and there is a page on restoring corrupt firmware on the site as well.
The Di2 D-Fly or Wireless Unit is a great piece of kit. However, the forced wireless update doesn't always work and *can* crash the entire bike. If that happened to you, read how to fix that right here!
Sometimes a Di2 firmware update fails and the component stop responding or is no longer recognized. These components can be restored using the SM-PCE02 or older SM-PCE1.
Every few months Shimano release new firmware for their Di2 components. Updated firmware can fix bugs, add new features or simply improve compatibility with newer products. Updated for version 4 of the app.
