Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+ User Guide

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 Z-Wave SmartStart and Z-Wave S2 compatibilities. The technical specifications of the Z-Stick Gen5+ can be viewed at the provided link.

A diagram shows the Z-Stick Gen5+ device, resembling a USB flash drive with a protective cap.

Get to know your Z-Stick

Two views of the Z-Stick Gen5+ are presented. One view highlights an 'Action Button' with a circular arrow icon indicating its function. The other view shows the device with a 'Reset Button' clearly marked.

Z-Stick Gen5+ compared to Z-Stick Gen5

There are subtle differences between Z-Stick Gen5+ and Z-Stick Gen5. More information can be found at the following page: Aeotec Z-Wave Development Kit PCB.

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 different modes: Network management and Serial connection. Network management is enabled when the Z-Stick Gen5+ is unplugged from USB. Serial connection allows interfacing the Z-Stick Gen5+ to third-party software, enabling virtual connection via COM ports or CDC ACM connection.

For a quick start, follow the guide: Z-Stick Gen5 Quick Start - Just the essentials.

The following sections detail the different potential functions of the Z-Stick Gen5.

Manually Pair/Include Z-Wave Devices

A placeholder for a video demonstrating how to connect a Z-Wave device to the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5+.

Steps:

1. Unplug the Z-Stick Gen5 from any USB connection to enable Network management mode.
2. Tap the button once on the Z-Stick Gen5+. Its LED will blink blue slowly to indicate it is in pair mode.
3. Follow the instructions of the Z-Wave device you wish to pair. Typically, this involves a single button press, but some devices may require special presses (e.g., hold for 2 seconds and release, triple tap, double tap, etc.).
4. 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.
5. Repeat step 3 for any additional devices you want to pair.
6. 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:

1. Unplug the Z-Stick Gen5 from any USB connection to enable Network management mode.
2. Press and hold the button on the 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 instructions of the Z-Wave device you wish to unpair. Typically, this involves a single button press, but some devices may require special presses (e.g., hold for 2 seconds and release, triple tap, double tap, etc.).
5. 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 color LED.
6. Repeat step 3 for any additional devices you want to unpair.
7. When finished, tap the button once on the Z-Stick Gen5+ to exit unpair/exclude mode. The LED will deactivate.

Third Party 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 here: Aeotec Host Software List.

Advanced Features

Z-Stick Gen5+ as a Secondary Controller

To configure the Z-Stick Gen5+ as a secondary controller, this must be done 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 details on adding the Z-Stick to a pre-existing Z-Wave network (e.g., using functions like "Learn", "Sync", "Add as Secondary Controller"). This function can only be performed via host software.

General Steps:

1. Connect your Z-Stick Gen5 to your chosen software.
2. Enable "Learn" mode through the software.

Factory Reset Your Z-Stick Gen5+

At some stage, you may wish to reset all of your Z-Stick's settings to their factory defaults and completely remove all connected Z-Wave devices.

Steps using RESET button:

1. Unplug the Z-Stick Gen5+ from your PC.
2. Press and hold the RESET Button (located on the back of the unit) for 20 seconds. Release it when no more LED activity is happening. You can visually observe the 'C' LED: it will blink red faster and faster over the course of 20 seconds. At 20 seconds, a blue LED will appear.
3. Wait until the blue LED disappears before releasing the RESET button.

The Z-Stick can also be reset to factory defaults through a third-party software (e.g., Homeseer, Domoticz, Indigo, Axial, OpenHAB, Home Assistant, Jeedom, etc.). The third-party software must take control of the Z-Stick USB adapter while the Z-Stick is plugged into a PC USB port. Refer to your third-party software 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 to utilize the Backup Tool. Please follow the step-by-step instructions in the following article to disable the LED of your Z-Stick Gen5: How to Disable LED on Z-Stick Gen5.