Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5

Introduction

The Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 is crafted to power connected lighting and devices using Z-Wave Plus technology. It functions as a self-powered Z-Wave USB Adapter, leveraging Aeotec's Gen5 technology.

For detailed technical specifications, please refer to the manufacturer's documentation.

Get to Know Your Z-Stick

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. The 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 three distinct modes: Inclusion-Mode, Removal-Mode, and SerialAPI-Mode. Inclusion-Mode and Removal-Mode require the Z-Stick to be unplugged from the host's USB connector, while SerialAPI-Mode requires it to be plugged in.

Software drivers, such as the "ZW050x_USB_VCP_PC_Driver", may need to be installed for the Z-Stick to be recognized on some computers.

To quickly get started, please follow the Z-Stick Gen5 Quick Start - Just the essentials article.

Recommended Software

For users just getting started, Aeotec recommends the free software Domoticz. You can find a guide on how to get started with Domoticz here.

Inclusion-Mode: Adding/Including Z-Wave Devices into the Z-Wave Network

1. To initiate Inclusion-Mode, unplug the Z-Stick from the USB connector and then tap the Action Button. The blue LED will blink slowly.
2. To include a new Z-Wave device into the network, go to the device you wish to include and press its button. The blue LED on the Z-Stick will blink fast during network neighbor discovery and then stay solid for 2 seconds to indicate successful inclusion.
3. The blue LED will then return to blinking slowly, indicating readiness for further device inclusions. Repeat step 2 for each device you wish to include.
4. Tap the Z-Stick's Action Button to turn it off, or it will automatically exit removal mode after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Removal-Mode: Deleting/Removing/Excluding Z-Wave Devices from the Z-Wave Network

1. To initiate Removal-Mode, unplug the Z-Stick from the USB connector. Then, press and hold the Action Button for approximately 2 seconds. The orange LED will blink fast.
2. To remove a Z-Wave device from the network, go to the device with the Z-Stick and press its button. The blue LED on the Z-Stick will immediately stay solid for 2 seconds to indicate successful removal.
3. The orange LED will then return to blinking fast, indicating readiness for further device exclusions. Repeat step 2 for each device you wish to exclude.
4. Tap the Z-Stick's Action Button to turn it off, or it will automatically exit removal mode after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Third Party Host Software

To use the Z-Stick Gen5 and control your Z-Wave network, you must download and use third-party software. You can find a list of known third-party software options at: Aeotec Host Software.

Aeotec provides the following software:

• Backup Tool

Advanced Use: Backup Tool for Z-Stick Gen5

You can back up your Z-Stick Gen5 using the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software. This is useful for restoring an older network save or replacing a failed Z-Stick Gen5, preventing the need to reconfigure your entire network in case of catastrophic issues.

Download the installation setup for the Backup Software here.

Learn how to use the Backup Software for backup and restore operations here.

Installation and Maintenance Application (IMA) Feature

When the Z-Stick is in Serial API Mode and acts as a primary controller, it can measure the network health for each device. The LED color indicates the communication quality between the Z-Stick Controller and the devices.

When the Z-Stick acts as an independent/secondary controller (unplugged from the USB host), it also measures network health. The LED color indicates the communication quality between the Central Controller and the Z-Stick's current location.

To enter IMA feature: Short press the Action Button 5 times.

The LED indicator color changes based on network health:

• Purple + fast blinking: Indicates entry into IMA feature.
• Green LED: Current communication quality is more than 95% at -7dBm.
• Orange LED: Current communication quality is more than 95% at 0dBm.
• Purple LED: Current communication quality is less than 95% at 0dBm.
• Red LED: Current communication has failed.

To exit IMA feature: Short press the Action Button 5 times again.

SerialAPI-Mode: Allowing a Host Processor to Take Control

To initiate SerialAPI-Mode, plug the Z-Stick into the USB connector of the host (e.g., PC, MAC, or Gateway).

• In SerialAPI-Mode, the Z-Stick is always listening (awake and in RX receive mode) for instructions. It acts as a Z-Wave adapter and responds to commands sent via USB by the host processor software.
• Pressing the Action Button has no effect in SerialAPI-Mode. A short press of the Reset Button will reset the USB port.

Adding Z-Stick to a Pre-existing Z-Wave Network

This process must be performed through the host software that controls the Z-Stick USB adapter while the Z-Stick is in SerialAPI-Mode. Please consult the instruction manual of your host software for specific steps, which may involve functions like "Learn", "Sync", or "Add as Secondary Controller". This function can only be performed via host software.

Reset Your Z-Stick

To reset all Z-Stick settings to their factory defaults:

• Press and hold the RESET Button for 20 seconds, then release it. You can observe the 'C' LED during this process.
• The LED will blink red faster and faster over the 20 seconds.
• The blue LED will turn solid for 2 seconds as confirmation of a successful factory reset. You may then release the RESET button.

The Z-Stick can also be reset to factory defaults via host software (such as Homeseer, Domoticz, Indigo, Axial, etc.). Ensure the host software controls the Z-Stick USB adapter while it is in SerialAPI-Mode. Find the "Reset Z-Wave controller" option within your third-party software.

Upgrading Z-Stick with the Latest Software

Note: There is currently no firmware update available for the Z-Stick Gen5. However, if a firmware update becomes available, these instructions will guide you:

1. Download the Aeon Labs Z-Stick upgrade software, which includes the firmware update and UART to USB driver.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Disable Z-Stick Gen5 LED using Backup Tool

To disable the LED of the Z-Stick Gen5, a Windows OS is required to use the Backup Tool.