Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus ZBdongle-E Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus ZBdongle-E is a versatile Zigbee USB stick designed to act as a universal Zigbee gateway. It allows you to locally control various Zigbee sub-devices from different brands using open-source platforms like Home Assistant (via ZHA) or Zigbee2MQTT, eliminating the need for multiple brand-specific Zigbee hubs.

Key Features:

• Pre-flashed with Z-Stack 3.x.0 coordinator firmware for immediate use.
• Compatible with Home Assistant (ZHA) and Zigbee2MQTT.
• Based on EFR32MG21 chip (EZSP).
• High 20dBm output gain for extended signal range.
• Features an SMA interface with an external rotatable antenna.
• Durable aluminum housing effectively reduces signal interference.
• Supports Thread/Matter in Home Assistant (with OpenThread RCP firmware flash).
• Supports Zigbee Green Power Devices.

2. Setup Instructions

2.1 Hardware Connection

1. Attach the external antenna to the SMA interface on the dongle.
2. Insert the ZBdongle-E into a USB port on your computer or Raspberry Pi. An optional 1.5m USB extension cable can be used for better signal range and to minimize interference.
3. For Windows and macOS, ensure the corresponding drivers are installed. The serial USB chip is CH9102F, not CP21x. If you encounter issues, try installing drivers specifically for CH9102F.

2.2 Software Configuration (Home Assistant Example)

The ZBdongle-E comes pre-flashed with coordinator firmware, making it ready for a beginner-friendly experience with Home Assistant ZHA.

1. After plugging the dongle into your computer or Raspberry Pi, Home Assistant should automatically discover it.
2. Navigate to the Home Assistant configuration settings.
3. Select the ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation) integration.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the configuration.
5. Once configured, you can begin adding Zigbee sub-devices to your Home Assistant setup.

Video: Demonstrates how to set up the Sonoff Zigbee Dongle in Home Assistant and its router function.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Coordinator Functionality

As a Zigbee coordinator, the ZBdongle-E manages your Zigbee network. The official firmware supports 21 direct child devices by default and up to 40 children. This can be modified in the relevant configuration to support up to 100 children, depending on the platform.

3.2 Router Functionality

The ZBdongle-E can also be flashed with router firmware to extend the range of your Zigbee network. This is useful if you have devices that are too far from the coordinator or if you need to strengthen the mesh network.

3.3 Green Power Device Support

The ZBDongle-E supports Zigbee Green Power devices. To add devices like Philips Hue Green Power devices, you may need to switch the channel of the ZBDongle-E to 11, 15, 20, or 25 within your specific application settings.

3.4 Thread/Matter Support

You can flash OpenThread RCP firmware onto the ZBdongle-E to add Matter-over-Thread devices to Home Assistant, expanding its compatibility with newer smart home standards.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Firmware Flashing

The ZBdongle-E supports firmware updates and changes (e.g., from coordinator to router firmware, or OpenThread RCP). You can flash new firmware easily using the official SONOFF Dongle Flasher website. This process is designed to be quick, simple, and beginner-friendly, requiring no complex setup or extra tools.

Visit the official flasher at: https://dongle.sonoff.tech/sonoff-dongle-flasher/

4.2 Supported Firmware Types:

• Zigbee Coordinator
• Zigbee Router
• OpenThread RCP
• MultiPAN RCP

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Device Not Recognized / Driver Issues

If your computer or Raspberry Pi does not recognize the ZBdongle-E, ensure the correct drivers are installed. The serial USB chip used in the ZBdongle-E is CH9102F. If your system attempts to use CP21x drivers or similar, manually install the CH9102F drivers for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).

5.2 Poor Zigbee Signal or Device Connectivity

If you experience issues with adding new Zigbee sub-devices or if the Zigbee signal is weak, consider the following:

• Use a USB Extension Cable: An optional 1.5m USB extension cable can help improve signal range and reduce interference from the host device (computer/Raspberry Pi).
• Expand Your Zigbee Mesh: If you cannot add more direct connected Zigbee sub-devices or the signal is not good, you can flash another Dongle Plus with router firmware. Alternatively, use other dedicated Zigbee routers like SONOFF Zigbee ZBMINIR2, SNZB-06P, or ZBMicro to expand your Zigbee mesh network.
• Channel Interference: If using Green Power devices, ensure the ZBdongle-E is operating on an appropriate channel (11/15/20/25) to avoid interference.

6. Specifications

7. User Tips

• Many users report excellent stability and flawless operation when using the ZBdongle-E as a Zigbee coordinator with Zigbee2MQTT and Home Assistant.
• If you have a large number of Zigbee devices (e.g., 60+), the ZBdongle-E is noted for its stability and reliability in managing extensive networks.
• While the dongle comes pre-flashed as a coordinator, flashing it with router firmware can significantly improve network coverage and device connectivity in larger homes or areas with signal obstacles.
• Remember to check for and install the correct CH9102F serial drivers if your system doesn't automatically recognize the dongle, especially on Windows or macOS.

8. Warranty and Support

For technical support, firmware updates, and additional resources, please refer to the official SONOFF website or the dedicated product support pages. The official SONOFF Dongle Flasher website is a valuable resource for managing your device's firmware.

Official SONOFF Dongle Flasher: https://dongle.sonoff.tech/sonoff-dongle-flasher/