Z-Station USB Adaptor

Introduction

Congratulations on acquiring the Z-Station, a modern Z-Wave® & Zigbee/Thread/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) USB Adaptor. This device transforms your computer into a full-featured smart home gateway.

Installation Steps

1. Connect the Z-Wave and Zigbee/Thread/BLE antennas to the Z-Station and position them vertically.
2. Connect the Z-Station to your computer using one of the two USB-C cables provided.
3. Install Z-Way software or other compatible smart home software. Select the USB ports for Z-Wave and Zigbee within the software's main menu (e.g., Apps > Z-Wave Binding and Zigbee Binding). For Linux, these are typically /dev/ttyUSB0 and /dev/ttyUSB1. On Windows, use Device Manager to identify the correct COM port.

The Z-Station's full potential is realized when used with the Z-Way software. To install Z-Way, visit https://storage.z-wave.me/z-way-server/. Supported platforms include Debian/Ubuntu x64, Raspbian OS armhf (32 bits), FreeBSD (C library only), and Windows 32 bits. Additional platforms may be available upon request.

Note: The Z-Station is compatible with other third-party Z-Wave software that supports Silicon Labs Z-Wave Serial API and Zigbee EZSP/Thread Spinel/BLE Serial API.

After installing Z-Way, ensure your computer is on the same local network as the Z-Station. Access the Z-Way Web UI via a browser by entering http://IP:8083 (replace IP with your device's IP address).

Privacy Note: By default, Z-Way connects to find.z-wave.me for remote access. This feature can be disabled in Z-Way's Main menu > Settings > Remote Access. All communications with find.z-wave.me are encrypted.

Learn More: Comprehensive documentation, training videos, and technical support are available at https://z-wave.me/products/z-station/. You can change the Z-Wave radio frequency in the Expert UI (http://IP:8083/expert) under Network > Control. Ensure you use the correct antenna for the selected frequency.

Interface Overview

The "SmartHome" user interface is designed to be consistent across various devices like desktops, smartphones, and tablets, adapting its layout to the screen size. It is intuitive and simple to use:

• Dashboard (1): Displays your favorite devices.
• Rooms (2): Allows assignment of devices to specific rooms.
• Widgets (3): Provides a full list of all connected devices.
• Events (4): Shows all sensor or relay triggerings.
• Quick Automation (5): For setting up scenes, rules, schedules, and alarms.
• Main menu (6): Access to Apps and system settings.

Device widgets (7) display individual device information, with widget settings (8) allowing customization. For example, a 3-in-1 Multisensor can display motion, light, and temperature readings as separate widgets.

Advanced automation can be configured using local and online Apps. These apps enable rule creation (e.g., "IF THEN"), scheduled scenes, and auto-off timers. You can integrate additional devices like IP cameras, Wi-Fi plugs, EnOcean sensors, and services like Apple HomeKit, MQTT, and IFTTT. Over 50 built-in applications are available, with more than 100 downloadable from the Online Store, managed via the Main menu > Apps.

Firmware Upgrades

Z-Wave Firmware Upgrade

To benefit from the latest features, update your Z-Station's firmware via the Z-Way Expert User Interface under Network > Controller Information.

Zigbee/Thread/BLE Firmware Upgrade

The Z-Station supports Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth Low Energy, and multi-protocol firmwares. Firmware upgrades and protocol switching are managed using specialized tools available at https://z-wave.me/support/tools-for-zigbee-openthread-ble/.

Zniffer Tool

The Z-Station can operate in Zniffer mode, supporting both modem and PTI modes. The PTI port connects to extension pins. More information is available at https://z-wave.me/products/zniffer/.

Z-Station as a Repeater & Wall-mounting

Z-Station as a Z-Wave and Zigbee Repeater

The Z-Station can function as a Z-Wave and/or Zigbee/Thread repeater. A specific repeater firmware is required. In repeater mode, it can be powered via USB or by connecting 3 or 5 Volts to the extension pins.

Wall-mounting

The Z-Station can be placed horizontally on a table or shelf, or vertically on a wall. Use the provided screws and wall-mounting template for installation. The template indicates screw hole placement, with a key dimension of 46 mm (1.811 inches).

[Diagram Description: A circular template with markings for screw holes, indicating a distance of 46 mm between mounting points.]

Antenna Connection

The Z-Station is equipped with two antennas: one for Z-Wave (868 MHz or 916 MHz) and one for Zigbee/Thread/BLE (2.4 GHz). The diagrams show the location of the 868/916 MHz and 2.4 GHz antenna connectors.

For optimal radio performance, always position the antennas vertically and keep them away from metal parts and cables.

[Diagram Description: Top view showing two antenna connectors labeled "Zigbee" and "Z-Wave". Bottom view showing the same two connectors.]

Additional Features and Extension Pins

The Z-Station offers additional extension pins for advanced functionalities:

• Alternative 3V or 5V power connector (using 3V & GND or 5V & GND pins).
• Radio packet trace interface (PTI) compatible with Z-Wave.Me Zniffer software.
• Additional UART interface (requires custom firmware).
• GPIO pins (requires custom firmware).

The pinout diagram shows pins labeled ZW (for Z-Wave ZGM130S chip) and ZB (for Zigbee/Thread/BLE EFR32MG21 chip), including power (5V, 3V, GND) and interface pins like PA5, PC5, PF3, PC4, etc.

The Z-Station can also run with Z-Uno firmware to control GPIO pins. More information on the Z-Uno project is available at https://z-uno.z-wave.me/.

Mobile App Z-Wave.Me: QR codes are provided for downloading the Z-Wave.Me mobile application from the App Store and Google Play.

Hardware Specifications

Linx Technologies/TE Connectivity Antenna Selection

Connector polarity: RP-SMA female

Antenna polarity: RP-SMA male

Box Content

The Z-Station box includes the following items:

• Z-Station unit
• Z-Wave antenna (868 MHz or 916 MHz)
• Zigbee/Thread/BLE antenna (2.4 GHz)
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• Set of screws for wall mounting and a wall-mounting template
• Quick start guide

FCC Statement

FCC Device ID: 2ALIB-ZMEZSTAZWZB

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by:

1. Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
2. Increasing the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connecting the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. It should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.

Integration instructions for host product manufacturers: According to KDB 996369 D03 OEM Manual v01.

Information on test modes and additional testing requirements:

• IEEE 802.15.14 (Zigbee/Thread): Operation Frequency: 2402~2480 MHz, Number of Channels: 40, Modulation Type: OQPSK, Antenna Type: External, Antenna Gain (Peak): 3.2 dBi.
• Z-Wave: Operation Frequency: 908.42 MHz, 912 MHz, 916 MHz, 920 MHz, Number of Channels: 4, Modulation Type: GFSK, Antenna Type: External, Antenna Gain (Peak): 1.2 dBi.

The module can be used for mobile or portable applications with a maximum 3.2dBi (for 2.4 GHz) and 1.2 dBi (for 916 GHz) antenna. Host manufacturers integrating this module must ensure the final product complies with FCC requirements through technical assessment. They should not provide end-users with information on installing or removing this RF module. The end-user manual must include all required regulatory information and warnings.

Manufacturer Information

Manufactured by: Smart Systems Distribution Sàrl

Address: 15B, av. Edmond Vaucher, 1219 Châtelaine, Switzerland

Certifications: EAC, FC, CE