Z-Stick Gen5+ User Guide

Introduction

Image of the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+ USB device. It is a compact, black USB stick with a silver cap that can be rotated or removed.

The Z-Stick Gen5+ (https://aeotec.com/z-wave-usb-stick/) offers compatibility with newer technologies than the non +/plus, standard Z-Stick Gen5. This includes Raspberry Pi 4 compatibility, and native Z-Wave SmartStart (https://aeotec.com/z-wave-home-automation/z-wave-smart-start.html), and Z-Wave S2 (https://aeotec.com/z-wave-s2/) compatibilities.

The technical specifications of Z-Stick Gen5+ (https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/articles/6000242203) can be viewed at that link.

Get to know your Z-Stick

Diagram illustrating the Z-Stick Gen5+. Two views are shown: the top view highlights the 'Action Button' on the device's surface, while the bottom view points to the 'Reset Button' located on the opposite side.

'C' LED Indications

Z-Stick Gen5+ compared to Z-Stick Gen5

There are subtle differences between Z-Stick Gen5+ and Z-Stick Gen5. You can learn more by reading the table at this page: https://aeotec.com/z-wave-home-automation/development-kit-pcb.html

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 product and batteries away from open flames and extreme heat. Avoid direct sun light or heat exposure. Improper battery use may damage the product.

Z-Stick Gen5 is intended for indoor use in dry locations only. Do not use in damp, moist, and / or wet locations.

Quick start

Z-Stick operates in 2 different modes: Network management and Serial connection. Network management is enabled when the Z-Stick Gen5+ is unplugged from USB. Serial connection allows you to interface the Z-Stick Gen5+ to any third-party software, allowing virtual connection via COM ports or CDC ACM connection.

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

Manually pair/include Z-Wave devices

Placeholder for a video tutorial titled 'How to connect a Z-Wave device to Aeote...'

Steps

1. Unplug the Z-Stick Gen5 from any USB connection; this will enable Network management mode.
2. Tap the button once on Z-Stick Gen5+. Its LED will blink blue slowly to indicate it is in pair mode.
3. Follow the instruction of the Z-Wave device that you want to pair. Typically, the button press on the Z-Wave device is a single tap, but some have special button presses (e.g., hold for 2 seconds and release, triple tap, double tap, etc).
   • Z-Stick Gen5+ LED will confirm if it paired something successfully by showing a solid blue LED for 2 seconds before returning to a slow blinking blue LED.
4. Repeat step 3 for any device you want to pair if you have multiple devices that you need to include.
5. When done, tap the button once on Z-Stick Gen5+ to bring it out of pair/include mode. The LED will deactivate.

Manually unpair/exclude Z-Wave devices

Steps

1. Unplug the Z-Stick Gen5 from any USB connection; this will enable Network management mode.
2. Press and hold the button on Z-Stick Gen5+.
3. Its LED will blink an Amber color rapidly to indicate it is in unpair/exclude mode. Quickly release the button.
4. Follow the instruction of the Z-Wave device that you want to unpair. Typically, the button press on the Z-Wave device is a single tap, but some have special button presses (e.g., hold for 2 seconds and release, triple tap, double tap, etc).
   • Z-Stick Gen5+ LED will confirm if it paired something successfully by showing a solid blue LED for 2 seconds before returning to a fast blinking Amber color LED.
5. Repeat step 3 for any device you want to unpair if you have multiple devices that you need to exclude.
6. When done, tap the button once on Z-Stick Gen5+ to bring it out of unpair/exclude mode. The LED will deactivate.

Third party software

In order to use the Z-Stick Gen5 and control your Z-Wave network, you must download a third-party software to have full control over your network. You can find all known third-party software in this link: https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/solution/articles/6000042049-host-software

Free recommended software

Aeotec recommends the free software Domoticz if you are just getting started, as it is one of the easiest free software options you can use. You can view this guide here: Z-Stick Gen5 and how to get started with Domoticz.

Advanced