THIRDREALITY Zigbee 3.0 USBC-Dongle User Manual

Introduction

The THIRDREALITY Zigbee 3.0 USBC-Dongle is a versatile USB stick designed to facilitate smart home automation by providing Zigbee connectivity. It is compatible with popular platforms such as Zigbee2Mqtt (Z2M) and Zigbee Home Automation (ZHA), allowing seamless integration with a wide range of Zigbee 3.0 end devices including smart switches, blinds, and sensors. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Zigbee USBC-Dongle.

THIRDREALITY Zigbee 3.0 USBC-Dongle and USB-A adapter

Image: The THIRDREALITY Zigbee 3.0 USBC-Dongle shown with its included USB-A adapter, highlighting its compact design and dual compatibility.

What's in the Box

Please check the package contents to ensure all items are present:

Zigbee 3.0 USBC-DONGLE x 1
Manual x 1 (This document)
USBA Adaptor x 1
Pin x 1

Contents of the THIRDREALITY Zigbee 3.0 USBC-Dongle package

Image: A visual representation of the package contents, including the Zigbee USBC-Dongle, USB-A adapter, quick start guide, and a pin.

Product Overview

The Zigbee USBC-Dongle features a compact design with essential components for reliable Zigbee communication.

Internal hardware components of the Zigbee USBC-Dongle

Image: An internal view of the Zigbee USBC-Dongle's PCB, showing key components such as the Boot and Reset button, RGB LED, PCB Antenna, Type-C Connector, and Type-C to Type-A Convertor.

Boot and Reset button: Used for device reset and firmware burning.
RGB LED: Indicates device status and activity.
PCB Antenna: Integrated antenna for Zigbee signal transmission and reception.
Type-C Connector: Primary USB-C interface for connection.
Type-C to Type-A Convertor: Allows connection to standard USB-A ports.

Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the THIRDREALITY Zigbee 3.0 USBC-Dongle:

Image: A graphic detailing the specifications of the Zigbee USBC-Dongle, including dimensions and key technical data.

Attribute	Value
Brand	THIRDREALITY
Model No.	3RZD02032Z
Product Dimensions	60 x 20 x 9 mm (2.36 x 0.79 x 0.35 inches)
Item Weight	1.13 ounces (0.03 Kilograms)
Material	Plastics, PCBA
Power	300 mW
Working Temperature	0°C – 40°C
RF Frequency	2405 – 2480 MHz
Wireless Protocol	Zigbee 3.0
Hardware Interface	USB 2.0
Color	White
UPC	850001595735

Key Features

Image: A graphic highlighting the main features of the Zigbee USBC-Dongle, including port support, compatibility, range, and installation simplicity.

Platform Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with Zigbee2Mqtt (Z2M) and Home Assistant (Zigbee Home Automation).
Zigbee 3.0 Compatibility: Supports standard Zigbee 3.0 end devices from various brands, including smart switches, smart blinds, and smart sensors.
Installation Simplicity: Plug-and-play functionality for easy setup. Simply insert the dongle into a compatible USB port.
Dual USB Support: Includes support for both USB-A and USB-C connections, enhancing compatibility across various devices.
Firmware Upgrade Support: Supports burning of equipment and factory reset (refer to advanced sections for details).
Stable Range: Offers a communication distance of up to 30 meters.

Setup & Installation

The THIRDREALITY Zigbee USBC-Dongle is designed for straightforward installation. Follow these steps to get started:

Connect the Dongle:
Insert the Zigbee USBC-Dongle directly into a USB-C port on your computer or Raspberry Pi. If your device only has USB-A ports, use the included USB-A adapter.
Video: Demonstrates connecting the THIRDREALITY Zigbee USBC-Dongle to a computer and a Raspberry Pi, showing the blue indicator light upon successful connection.
Software Configuration (Home Assistant):
The dongle is primarily used with Home Assistant for smart home integration. Depending on your setup, you will configure it for either Zigbee Home Automation (ZHA) or Zigbee2Mqtt (Z2M).
For ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation):
- Navigate to Settings > Devices & Services in Home Assistant.
- Look for the discovered "Radio Browser" or "Zigbee Home Automation" integration.
- Configure the integration by selecting the correct serial device path for your dongle (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
For Z2M (Zigbee2MQTT):
- Ensure the Zigbee2MQTT add-on is installed and running in Home Assistant.
- Access the Zigbee2MQTT add-on configuration.
- Locate the 'serial' section in the configuration and specify the correct port for your dongle (e.g., port: /dev/ttyUSB0).
- Save the configuration and restart the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.

Home automation setup diagram with Zigbee USBC-Dongle

Image: An illustrative diagram showing how the Zigbee USBC-Dongle acts as a central hub in a smart home chain, connecting various Zigbee devices like smart buttons, sensors, switches, plugs, lights, and blinds. Note: A Home Assistant System is required for this setup.

Operating Instructions

Once successfully configured with your chosen smart home platform (ZHA or Z2M), the Zigbee USBC-Dongle operates as the coordinator for your Zigbee network. It enables communication between your smart home hub and all paired Zigbee end devices.

Device Pairing: Refer to your smart home platform's documentation (Home Assistant, Zigbee2Mqtt) for specific instructions on how to pair new Zigbee devices with the dongle. Typically, this involves enabling pairing mode on the dongle via the software interface and then activating pairing mode on the Zigbee end device.
Network Management: Your smart home platform will provide tools to manage your Zigbee network, including viewing connected devices, checking signal strength, and performing network repairs if needed.
Automation: Utilize your smart home platform's automation features to create routines and scenes involving your Zigbee devices.

Maintenance

The THIRDREALITY Zigbee USBC-Dongle requires minimal maintenance to ensure optimal performance:

Keep Clean: Wipe the dongle with a dry, soft cloth to remove dust. Avoid using liquid cleaners.
Environmental Conditions: Operate the dongle within its specified temperature range (0°C – 40°C) and avoid excessively humid environments.
Firmware Updates: Periodically check the THIRDREALITY website or your smart home platform's community forums for any available firmware updates for the dongle. Updates can improve performance, add features, or address bugs.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Zigbee USBC-Dongle, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Problem	Possible Solution
Dongle not recognized by computer/Raspberry Pi.	Try a different USB port. Ensure the USB-A adapter (if used) is securely connected. Restart your computer/Raspberry Pi. Check device manager (Windows) or `ls /dev/tty*` (Linux) to see if a new serial device appears.
Zigbee devices not pairing.	Ensure the dongle is in pairing mode within your smart home software. Bring the Zigbee device closer to the dongle during pairing. Check the Zigbee device's battery (if applicable). Perform a factory reset on the Zigbee device (refer to the device's manual). Verify the dongle's firmware is up to date.
Poor Zigbee signal or dropped devices.	Use a USB extension cable to move the dongle away from the computer/Raspberry Pi to reduce interference. Ensure there are enough Zigbee router devices (e.g., smart plugs, always-on lights) to create a strong mesh network. Avoid placing the dongle near Wi-Fi routers or other 2.4GHz wireless devices.
Dongle LED not lighting up.	Ensure the dongle is fully inserted into the USB port. Try a different USB port or power source. If using the USB-A adapter, ensure it is correctly connected.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official THIRDREALITY website or contact their customer service directly. You can also find additional resources and community support through the Home Assistant and Zigbee2Mqtt forums.

A PDF version of the user guide may also be available for download:

Download User Guide (PDF)

For direct assistance, please contact Third Reality, Inc., the seller of this product.

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THIRDREALITY 3RZD02032Z