Z-Stick Gen5+ User Guide
Modified on: Fri, 3 Jun, 2022 at 2:09 PM
Introduction
The Z-Stick Gen5+ offers compatibility with newer technologies compared to the standard Z-Stick Gen5. It includes Raspberry Pi 4 compatibility and native support for Z-Wave SmartStart and Z-Wave S2 security. For detailed technical specifications, please refer to the technical specifications of Z-Stick Gen5+.
Get to Know Your Z-Stick
The Z-Stick Gen5+ is a USB device designed for Z-Wave home automation. It features an action button and an LED indicator for status.
[Diagram: A USB stick with a rotating connector and a button.]
[Diagram: Two Z-Stick Gen5+ devices are shown side-by-side. One is labeled "Action Button" and the other is labeled "Reset Button".]
'C' LED Indications
| LED Color | Unplugged / Plugged | Description of Function |
|---|---|---|
| No LED | Unplugged | No activity, Z-Wave management mode. |
| Slow Blue blink | Unplugged | Pair/inclusion mode activated. |
| Fast Amber blink | Unplugged | Unpair/exclusion mode active. |
| Red blinking LED | Unplugged, RESET button held | Indicates factory reset mode. Will only reset if the RESET button is held for a full 20 seconds (followed by the confirmation LED indicator). Factory reset does not happen if released earlier than 20 seconds. |
| Solid blue for 2 seconds | Unplugged | Confirmation of success/communication for pair, unpair, or factory reset. |
| Solid Amber | Plugged into USB | Normal activity: Amber LED = Charging battery. |
| Solid Green | Plugged into USB | Normal activity: Green LED = Fully charged. |
| Blue Flash | Plugged into USB | Indicates that Z-Stick Gen5 has communicated a Z-Wave command. |
Z-Stick Gen5+ Compared to Z-Stick Gen5
For a detailed comparison between the Z-Stick Gen5+ and the Z-Stick Gen5, please visit: Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+ vs Z-Stick Gen5 comparison page.
Important Safety Information
Please read this and other device guides carefully. Failure to follow the recommendations set forth by Aeotec Limited may be dangerous or cause a violation of the law. Aeotec Limited, its manufacturer, importer, distributor, and/or reseller will not be held responsible for any loss or damage resulting from not following any instructions in this guide or in other materials.
Keep the product and batteries away from open flames and extreme heat. Avoid direct sunlight or heat exposure. Improper battery use may damage the product.
The Z-Stick Gen5 is intended for indoor use in dry locations only. Do not use in damp, moist, and/or wet locations.
Quick Start
The Z-Stick operates in two modes: Network management and Serial connection. Network management is enabled when the Z-Stick Gen5+ is unplugged from USB. Serial connection allows interfacing with third-party software via COM ports or CDC ACM connection.
For a quick start, follow the Z-Stick Gen5 Quick Start - Just the essentials article.
This guide will cover the different potential functions of the Z-Stick Gen5.
Manually Pair/Include Z-Wave Devices
[Video placeholder for pairing demonstration]
Steps:
- Unplug the Z-Stick Gen5 from any USB connection to enable Network management mode.
- Tap the button once on the Z-Stick Gen5+. Its LED will blink blue slowly to indicate it is in pair mode.
- Follow the instructions of the Z-Wave device you want to pair. Typically, this involves a single tap on the device's button, but some devices may require special presses (e.g., hold for 2 seconds, triple tap, double tap).
- The Z-Stick Gen5+ LED will confirm successful pairing by showing a solid blue LED for 2 seconds before returning to a slow blinking blue LED.
- Repeat step 3 for any additional devices you wish to include.
- When finished, tap the button once on the Z-Stick Gen5+ to exit pair/include mode. The LED will deactivate.
Manually Unpair/Exclude Z-Wave Devices
Steps:
- Unplug the Z-Stick Gen5 from any USB connection to enable Network management mode.
- Press and hold the button on the Z-Stick Gen5+.
- Its LED will blink amber rapidly to indicate it is in unpair/exclude mode. Quickly release the button.
- Follow the instructions of the Z-Wave device you want to unpair. Typically, this involves a single tap on the device's button, but some devices may require special presses (e.g., hold for 2 seconds, triple tap, double tap).
- The Z-Stick Gen5+ LED will confirm successful unpairing by showing a solid blue LED for 2 seconds before returning to a fast blinking amber LED.
- Repeat step 3 for any additional devices you wish to exclude.
- When finished, tap the button once on the Z-Stick Gen5+ to exit unpair/exclude mode. The LED will deactivate.
Third-Party Software
To control your Z-Wave network with the Z-Stick Gen5, you need to download third-party software. A list of known compatible third-party software can be found here: Aeotec Host Software List.
Free Recommended Software
For beginners, Domoticz is a recommended free software due to its ease of use. A guide for getting started with Domoticz is available here: Getting Started with Domoticz and Z-Stick Gen5.
Advanced Features
Backup Tool for Z-Stick Gen5+
The Z-Stick Gen5+ Backup Software allows you to back up your Z-Wave network. This is useful for restoring an older network save or replacing a failed Z-Stick Gen5, preventing the need to reconfigure your entire network.
Download the installation setup for the Backup Software here: Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software Download.
Learn how to use the Backup Software for backup and restore operations: How to Use Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software.
This tool can also be used to transfer your old Z-Stick Gen5 network to a Z-Stick Gen5+. Follow the steps here: Transferring Z-Stick Gen5 Network to Gen5+.
Z-Stick Gen5+ as a Secondary Controller
To use the Z-Stick Gen5+ as a secondary controller, it must be done through the host software that controls the Z-Stick USB adapter while the Z-Stick is in SerialAPI-Mode. Consult your host software's instruction manual for adding the Z-Stick to an existing Z-Wave network (e.g., using "Learn", "Sync", or "Add as Secondary Controller" functions). This function is performed via host software.
General Steps:
- Connect your Z-Stick Gen5 to your chosen software.
- Enable "Learn" mode through the software.
Factory Reset Your Z-Stick Gen5+
You may need to reset all Z-Stick settings to factory defaults and remove all connected Z-Wave devices.
Steps Using RESET Button:
- Unplug the Z-Stick Gen5 (if it is not already unplugged).
- Press and hold the RESET Button for 22 seconds (using a paperclip, for instance).
- The LED on the Z-Stick Gen5 will blink red faster and faster over the course of 20 seconds.
- At 20 seconds, the LED will show a solid blue color for 2 seconds to confirm a successful factory reset.
- When the blue colored LED turns off, release the RESET button.
Using Third-Party Software to Factory Reset:
The Z-Stick can also be reset to factory defaults using third-party software such as Homeseer, Domoticz, Indigo, Axial, OpenHAB, Home Assistant, Jeedom, etc. The third-party software must control the Z-Stick USB adapter while it is plugged into a PC USB port. Refer to your third-party software's instructions to locate and activate the "Reset Z-Wave controller" option.
Disable LED
You can disable the LED of the Z-Stick Gen5. The only requirement is the use of a Windows OS and the Backup Tool.
Please follow the article for step-by-step instructions on how to disable the LED of your Z-Stick Gen5: How to Disable LED on Z-Stick Gen5.
