Bosch Battery Multi-Connector Cable - Bosch Performance Line (Gen 4) eBike System 2

[Aushiker]

I am considering fitting a Garmin Edge Power mount to my forthcoming Reise and Muller SuperCharger 2 GT (if the boat ever arrives) and will also be running an Innova K6 camera system. I want to power both off the e-bike battery. The bike is fitted with a Bosch Performance Line (Gen 4) eBike System 2 motor.

My research suggests that a Bosch battery Multi-connector cable in combination with a Bosch Component Connector BCC3111 should provide the power. I also may need a USB to Bosch cable for the camera (to be confirmed), but if so, Garmin make one, as I think Bosch does.

Anyway, I am wondering if anyone has experience with using the Multi Connect cable with the Bosch Performance Line (Gen 4) eBike System 2? I need to confirm that it will work okay.

Also, has anyone used/fitted the Garmin Edge Power? Ideally, on a Reise and Muller with a similar stem configuration to the Supercharger.

The video shows the cable from 2:39.

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[BlackHand]

Those are both Smart System parts, not system 2 parts. I believe they changed all the ports with the smart system.

 

[Aushiker]

Thank you. For some reason, I thought I read it works with the Performance Line CX Gen 4. My LBS mentioned that a cable was available, too, so something must be around.

This video shows an HPP port on the Gen 4, so I just need to find what connections, if any, are available.

Oh, do you know or know where I can find what the Bosch model number is for the drive unit. My Googling is not coming up with anything.

 

[BlackHand]

Yes, that video shows a smart system gen4 PL CX drive unit.

Your bike has a system 2 gen 4 PL CX drive unit.

Mechanically they are the same, but the smart system version has a different board(s?) and ports. Most of the current gen Bosch drive units (gen 3 and gen4 are both current) come in both flavors. Only the newest SX and, I think, CX Race drive units are smart system only since those were introduced after the smart system.

Because they were late to market, Bosch launched the smart system on just the CX and Speed drive units initially with only 1 or 2 display options and 1 battery available. They kept the existing system 2 lineup active while they finished building out the smart system lineup over that last 2 years.

 

[Aushiker]

Ugh ... this is getting to be painful. Thanks for your help but ...

According to Garmin, the Edge Power Mount needs a "Bosch power mount accessory cable" which they state is for the "Bosch eBike system Generation 2". Would this work with my motor? It looks like a different connection to the Smart System motors.

The limitation being it only powers the mount

 

[Aushiker]

I also found this cable, which I assume is for the non-smart system. I wonder if I could split the power from it to the cameras and the Garmin mount. The Garmin uses a HiGo plug which are relatively easy to obtain. The camera might be more of a hassle being a USB connection I believe.

 

[BlackHand]

The cable picture you just posted looks like it might be a smart system headlight cable. I can't tell just from the picture. @AvalancheRun might be able to confirm.

According to Garmin, the Edge Power Mount needs a "Bosch power mount accessory cable" which they state is for the "Bosch eBike system Generation 2". Would this work with my motor? It looks like a different connection to the Smart System motors

Yes, this will plug into the headlight port on your drive unit. So you would need to unplug either your front or rear light that the R&M comes with to plug the garmin in...

Honestly, if you're set on having the camera system and needing your garmin powered then you are probably better off mounting a decent powerbrick to your frame and using that to run your accessories.

I assume you want to use the Garmin for navigation? Hopefully you know it won't get any data -speed/cadence/power/battery%- fed to it by the Bosch drive

 

[fooferdoggie]

Honestly, if you're set on having the camera system and needing your garmin powered then you are probably better off mounting a decent powerbrick to your frame and using that to run your accessories.

yes thats a much easier wy to do it with little downside.

 

[AvalancheRun]

Ugh ... this is getting to be painful. Thanks for your help but ...

It is confusing! I littered the forum with questions when installing accessories on my Bosch bike (and for many other topics, lol).

Here is a photo of the Smart System connector

You might want to run all of this by your purchasing dealer. They should be able to work with the local Bosch representative to figure it out for you.
That's the good part of the propriety nature of this stuff. You'll be dependent on them to software unlock the auxiliary power port on the motor anyway (if necessary).

 

[fooferdoggie]

It is confusing! I littered the forum with questions when installing accessories on my Bosch bike (and for many other topics, lol).

Here is a photo of the Smart System connector

You might want to run all of this by your purchasing dealer. They should be able to work with the local Bosch representative to figure it out for you.
That's the good part of the propriety nature of this stuff. You'll be dependent on them to software unlock the auxiliary power port on the motor anyway (if necessary).

yep because I dont think the power wil do more then 12 watts.

 

[Aushiker]

The cable picture you just posted looks like it might be a smart system headlight cable. I can't tell just from the picture. @AvalancheRun might be able to confirm.

The supplier describes it as a "Bosch cable power supply for 3rd party component - 1400mm", so either the picture is wrong, or the description is could be more specific. That said, the LBS the bike is coming from has advised that they can provide an accessories cable. Bare wire at one end, of course. I did see the cable the sounds like the LBS is referring to at another site, but cannot remember the specifics.

Honestly, if you're set on having the camera system and needing your garmin powered then you are probably better off mounting a decent powerbrick to your frame and using that to run your accessories.

That is an option, but I was hoping to avoid having another thing to charge overnight when on tours.

I assume you want to use the Garmin for navigation? Hopefully you know it won't get any data -speed/cadence/power/battery%- fed to it by the Bosch drive

Yes, I get that. I use the Garmin for navigation only. One other option is to 'upgrade' to an Edge 1040S, which apparently has a significant battery life ... This just might be my excuse

Thanks for all your help

 

[Aushiker]

It is confusing! I littered the forum with questions when installing accessories on my Bosch bike (and for many other topics, lol).

Here is a photo of the Smart System connector

You might want to run all of this by your purchasing dealer. They should be able to work with the local Bosch representative to figure it out for you.
That's the good part of the propriety nature of this stuff. You'll be dependent on them to software unlock the auxiliary power port on the motor anyway (if necessary).

Yep, I think I will have to leave it to the dealer. I have mentioned it before in passing and there was an indication that such a cable was available. If and when the bike arrives, I will see if they can just fit the cable, and I can sort out the rest later.

The joys of Bosch, 'old' motors and proprietary equipment ... a Specialised is sounding like a better option every day (God forbide)

 

[Aushiker]

yep because I dont think the power wil do more then 12 watts.

That could be an issue as well. The Edge is 1A and the Garmin external battery can output up to 15 watts. I do not have the specifications for the camera but it is powered via a USB port so I assume similar to the Edge.

 

[AvalancheRun]

Yep, I think I will have to leave it to the dealer. I have mentioned it before in passing and there was an indication that such a cable was available. If and when the bike arrives, I will see if they can just fit the cable, and I can sort out the rest later.

The joys of Bosch, 'old' motors and proprietary equipment ... a Specialised is sounding like a better option every day (God forbide)

If they want to be proprietary, let them do the work to figure all this out.

In my experience multiple shops were happy to contact the local rep and discuss solutions.
Foofer was right about the wattage too. AFAIK none of this info is readily available to us owners.