AVATTO Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The AVATTO Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus is a versatile Zigbee USB stick designed to act as a universal wireless gateway hub. It enables seamless integration and local control of your Zigbee sub-devices with popular smart home platforms such as Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, Raspbian, Ubuntu, Macos, and OpenHAB. This dongle eliminates the need for multiple brand-specific Zigbee hubs, offering a unified solution for your smart home ecosystem.

Image: AVATTO Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus units and packaging.

2. Key Features

• Universal Compatibility: Works with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, Raspbian, Ubuntu, Macos, and OpenHAB.
• Pre-flashed Firmware: Comes pre-flashed with Zigbee coordinator firmware (Z-Stack 3.x.0) for out-of-the-box use.
• Router Functionality: Can be flashed with router firmware to extend your Zigbee network range.
• High Gain Detachable Antenna: Features a 5dBi high gain, rotatable SMA interface external antenna for enhanced signal transmission and flexibility (360°/90° rotation).
• Aluminum Housing: Effectively reduces signal interference from peripherals, ensuring stable communication.
• Powerful Chipset: Based on the TI CC2652P chip for reliable performance.
• Signal Enhancement: Offers +20dBm output gain for further signal reach.
• Device Support: Supports up to 128 sub-devices.
• Software Flow Control: Improves communication reliability during data congestion.

Image: Overview of the dongle's key features and components.

Image: The dongle supporting various smart home platforms and up to 128 sub-devices.

3. Package Contents

Please check the package for the following items:

• 1 x AVATTO Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (Model: GW70-MQTT)
• 1 x Detachable Antenna
• 1 x User Manual (implied)

Image: Package contents of the Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus.

4. Setup and Installation

This section provides instructions for installing and configuring your AVATTO Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus with Home Assistant. The dongle can function as a coordinator or a router within your Zigbee network.

4.1. Requirements

To use the dongle, you need a smart host running Home Assistant. Compatible hosts include:

• Home Assistant Green / Yellow
• Raspberry Pi
• Self-developed Home Assistant (HA) box
• Virtual Machine (VM) / Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Simply connect the dongle to a USB port on your computer or host device where Home Assistant is running.

4.2. Installation and Configuration Video Guide

Video: Installation and configuration guide for the AVATTO Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus with Home Assistant, covering both Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA integration methods.

4.3. Configuration with Zigbee2MQTT Integration (Way 1)

1. Install Zigbee2MQTT Add-on:
   • Navigate to Home Assistant Settings > Add-ons > Add-on Store.
   • Click the three dots (...) in the top right corner and select Repositories.
   • Add the repository URL: https://github.com/zigbee2mqtt/hassio-zigbee2mqtt and click ADD.
   • Find "Zigbee2MQTT" in the add-on list and click on it.
   • Click INSTALL.
2. Find the Device Path:
   • Go to Home Assistant Settings > System > Hardware.
   • Click the three dots (...) in the top right corner and select All hardware.
   • Scroll down to locate the device path for the Silicon Labs CP2102 USB to UART Bridge Controller (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0).
   • Copy this device path.
3. Configure Zigbee2MQTT:
   • Return to Settings > Add-ons > Zigbee2MQTT.
   • Go to the Configuration tab.
   • Under the serial: section, paste the copied device path. Ensure it is preceded by a space (e.g., port: /dev/ttyUSB0).
   • Click SAVE.
   • Wait for the configuration to complete.
4. Add Zigbee Sub-devices:
   • Access the Zigbee2MQTT web interface (usually via the "Open Web UI" button in the add-on details).
   • Click the "Permit join (All)" button (often represented by a red button with a plug icon).
   • Put your Zigbee sub-device into pairing mode according to its manufacturer's instructions. The device should be discovered and added.

4.4. Configuration with ZHA Integration (Way 2)

1. Configure ZHA:
   • Navigate to Home Assistant Settings > Devices & services.
   • Click ADD INTEGRATION.
   • Search for "ZHA" and select "Zigbee Home Automation".
   • Select the serial port corresponding to your dongle (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0).
   • Choose the option to "Erase network settings and create a new network".
   • Click SUBMIT and then FINISH.
   • Optionally, assign the device to an area.
2. Add Zigbee Sub-devices:
   • Go to Settings > Devices & services > Devices.
   • Click ADD DEVICE.
   • Put your Zigbee sub-device into pairing mode according to its manufacturer's instructions. The device should be discovered and added.

5. Operating Instructions

Once the AVATTO Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus is successfully integrated with your Home Assistant setup (either via Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA), you can begin managing your Zigbee sub-devices.

5.1. Coordinator Mode

In coordinator mode, the dongle acts as the central hub for your Zigbee network. All Zigbee sub-devices will connect directly or indirectly (via routers) to the dongle. You can control and monitor these devices through the Home Assistant interface.

5.2. Router Mode

If you have a large area to cover or experience signal issues, you can flash the dongle with router firmware. In router mode, the dongle extends the range of your existing Zigbee network, allowing sub-devices further away to connect reliably. This is particularly useful for creating a robust mesh network.

Image: The dongle functioning as a coordinator and routers to extend the Zigbee network.

5.3. Managing Devices

All connected Zigbee devices can be managed, automated, and monitored directly within your Home Assistant dashboard, providing a unified control experience for your smart home.

6. User Tips

• Optimal Placement: For the best signal range and stability, position the dongle with its detachable antenna in an open area, away from large metal objects, thick walls, and other sources of wireless interference (e.g., Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and apply the latest firmware updates for your dongle and Home Assistant integrations. This ensures optimal performance, security, and compatibility with new Zigbee devices.
• USB Extension Cable: If you experience interference or connectivity issues, using a short USB extension cable (e.g., 1-2 meters) to move the dongle slightly away from the host computer can often improve performance.
• Network Backup: Before making significant changes to your Zigbee network configuration, always perform a backup of your Home Assistant and Zigbee integration settings.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

Image: Product parameter details.

9. Care and Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the dongle. Avoid using liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Environment: Keep the device in a dry environment and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or high humidity.
• Antenna Care: Handle the detachable antenna with care. Ensure it is securely screwed in but do not overtighten. Avoid bending or stressing the antenna excessively.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and apply firmware updates for the dongle. These updates can improve performance, add new features, and enhance security.

10. Warranty and Support

10.1. Warranty

This product comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

10.2. Technical Support

For any technical inquiries or support needs, please contact AVATTO Direct Store. All emails will be answered within 24 hours.

Seller: AVATTO Direct Store