Introduction
The Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 is designed to power connected lighting systems using Z-Wave Plus technology. It functions as a self-powered Z-Wave USB Adapter, utilizing Aeotec's Gen5 technology.
Technical specifications for the Z-Stick Gen5 can be viewed at: Z-Stick Gen5 Technical Specifications.
Get to Know Your Z-Stick
An illustration shows the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5, a USB device with a circular button on top and an LED indicator. Two USB connectors are depicted: the left one is labeled 'Action Button' and features a circular symbol, while the right one is labeled 'Reset Button'.
Important Safety Information
Users must read this and other device guides carefully. Failure to adhere to the recommendations provided by Aeotec Limited could lead to dangerous situations or legal violations. Aeotec Limited, its manufacturer, importer, distributor, and reseller will not be held responsible for any loss or damage resulting from non-compliance with the instructions in this guide or other materials.
Keep the product and its batteries away from open flames and extreme heat. Avoid direct sunlight or heat exposure, as improper battery use may damage the product.
The Z-Stick Gen5 is intended for indoor use in dry locations only. Do not use it in damp, moist, 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, whereas 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 by some computers.
For a quick start, follow the article: Z-Stick Gen5 Quick Start - Just the essentials.
Recommended Software
For users new to smart home systems, Domoticz is a recommended free software. A guide on getting started with Domoticz and the Z-Stick Gen5 is available at: Z-Stick Gen5 and how to get started with Domoticz.
Inclusion-Mode: Adding/Including Z-Wave Devices into the Z-Wave Network
- To initiate Inclusion-Mode, unplug the Z-Stick from the USB connector and tap the Action Button. The blue LED will blink slowly.
- To include a new Z-Wave device, approach the device with the Z-Stick and press the button on the device. The blue LED on the Z-Stick will blink fast during network neighbor discovery and then remain solid for 2 seconds to confirm successful inclusion.
- The blue LED will then return to blinking slowly, indicating readiness for further device inclusions. Repeat step 2 for each device to be included.
- 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
- 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.
- To remove a Z-Wave device, approach the device with the Z-Stick and press its button. The blue LED on the Z-Stick will immediately turn solid for 2 seconds to indicate successful removal from the network.
- The orange LED will then return to blinking fast, indicating readiness for further device exclusions. Repeat step 2 for each device to be excluded.
- 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 utilize the Z-Stick Gen5 and manage your Z-Wave network, you must download and install third-party software. A comprehensive list of known third-party software options is available at: Host Software.
Aeotec provides only the "Backup Tool" software.
Advanced Use
Backup Tool for Z-Stick Gen5
The Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software allows you to back up your Z-Stick Gen5 configuration. 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.
The installation setup for the Backup Software can be downloaded here: Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software.
Instructions on how to use the Backup Software for backup and restore operations are available at: How to use Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software.
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 network devices.
When the Z-Stick acts as an independent/secondary controller (unplugged from the USB host), it also measures Z-Wave network health. The LED color on the Z-Stick indicates the communication quality between the Central Controller and the Z-Stick's current location.
To enter the IMA feature, short press the Action Button 5 times. The LED light will change to purple and then blink fast. The LED indicator color will change based on the network health level: Green indicates communication quality over 95% at -7dBm; Orange indicates over 95% at 0dBm; Purple indicates less than 95% at 0dBm; Red indicates communication failure.
To exit the IMA feature, short press the Action Button 5 times again.
SerialAPI-Mode: Allowing a Host Processor To Take Control of the Z-Stick and Take Part in the Z-Wave Network
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 remains active and in RX receive mode, awaiting instructions and acting as a Z-Wave adapter. It responds to commands sent via USB by the host processor software.
Pressing the Action Button has no effect in SerialAPI-Mode. However, 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. Consult the instruction manual of your host software for specific steps to add the Z-Stick to a pre-existing Z-Wave network (e.g., "Learn", "Sync", "Add as Secondary Controller").
Reset Your Z-Stick
To reset all of your Z-Stick's settings to their factory defaults:
- Press and hold the RESET Button for 20 seconds, then release it. Observe the 'C' LED; it will blink red faster over the 20 seconds.
- The blue LED will turn solid for 2 seconds to confirm a successful factory reset. You can 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 in SerialAPI-Mode and locate the "Reset Z-Wave controller" option within your third-party software.
Upgrading Z-Stick with the Latest Software
Note: There are currently no firmware updates available for the Z-Stick Gen5. However, if an update becomes available, follow these instructions:
- Download the Aeon Labs Z-Stick upgrade software, which includes the firmware update and UART to USB driver.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Disable Z-Stick Gen5 LED using Backup Tool
The Z-Stick Gen5 LED can be disabled using the Backup Tool, which requires a Windows OS. Please refer to the following article for step-by-step instructions: How to disable LED on Z-Stick Gen5.
