Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 User Guide
This guide provides instructions for setting up and using the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5, a Z-Wave Plus USB adapter.
Product Overview
The Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 is designed to control actuators and sensors within a Z-Wave Plus network. It functions as a self-powered Z-Wave USB Adapter, utilizing Aeotec's Gen5 technology.
Technical specifications can be found at Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Technical Specifications.
Important Safety Information
Please read this and other device guides carefully. Aeotec Limited is not responsible for loss or damage resulting from failure to follow instructions.
- Keep 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, or wet locations.
Quick Start
The Z-Stick Gen5 operates in three modes: Inclusion-Mode, Removal-Mode, and SerialAPI-Mode.
- Inclusion-Mode and Removal-Mode: Require the Z-Stick to be unplugged from the host USB connector.
- SerialAPI-Mode: Requires the Z-Stick to be plugged into the host USB connector.
Software drivers, such as "ZW050x_USB_VCP_PC_Driver", may be necessary for recognition on some computers.
For a quick start, refer to the Z-Stick Gen5 Quick Start - Just the essentials article.
Recommended Software: Domoticz is recommended for beginners. A guide is available: Z-Stick Gen5 and how to get started with Domoticz.
Inclusion-Mode: Adding Z-Wave Devices
- 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, bring it near the Z-Stick and press the device's inclusion button. The Z-Stick's blue LED will blink fast during network discovery and stay solid for 2 seconds upon successful inclusion.
- The blue LED will return to blinking slowly, indicating readiness for more inclusions. Repeat step 2 for each device.
- Tap the Z-Stick's Action Button to turn it off, or it will exit Inclusion-Mode automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity.
Removal-Mode: Removing Z-Wave Devices
- 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, bring it near the Z-Stick and press the device's removal button. The Z-Stick's blue LED will immediately stay solid for 2 seconds to confirm successful removal.
- The orange LED will return to blinking fast, indicating readiness for further exclusions. Repeat step 2 for each device to exclude.
- Tap the Z-Stick's Action Button to turn it off, or it will exit Removal-Mode automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity.
Third-Party Host Software
To control your Z-Wave network with the Z-Stick Gen5, a third-party software application is required. A list of known third-party software is available at Aeotec Host Software.
Aeotec provides a Backup Tool for advanced use.
Advanced Use: Backup Tool
The Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Tool allows you to back up your Z-Wave network configuration. This is useful for restoring an older save or replacing a failed Z-Stick Gen5, preventing the need to reconfigure the entire network.
- Download the Backup Software installer: Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software.
- Learn how to use the Backup Software for backup and restore operations: How to use Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software.
Installation and Maintenance Application (IMA) Feature
When the Z-Stick Gen5 acts as a primary controller in Serial API Mode, or as an independent/secondary controller when unplugged, it can measure network health for each device.
Activating IMA: Short press the Action Button 5 times. The LED will turn purple and blink fast, entering the IMA feature.
The LED color indicates communication quality:
- 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.
Exiting IMA: Short press the Action Button 5 times again.
SerialAPI-Mode
This mode allows a host processor to control the Z-Stick and participate 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 this mode, the Z-Stick is always listening for instructions via USB and acts as a Z-Wave adapter.
- The Action Button has no effect in SerialAPI-Mode.
- Short pressing the Reset Button will reset the USB port.
Adding Z-Stick to a Pre-existing Z-Wave Network
This process must be performed using the host software that controls the Z-Stick USB adapter while the Z-Stick is in SerialAPI-Mode. Consult your host software's instruction manual for steps like "Learn", "Sync", or "Add as Secondary Controller".
Resetting Your Z-Stick
To reset all settings to factory defaults:
- Press and hold the RESET Button for 20 seconds. The LED will blink red faster, and the blue LED will turn solid for 2 seconds upon successful reset. Release the RESET button after the blue LED confirmation.
Alternatively, the Z-Stick can be reset via host software (e.g., Homeseer, Domoticz, Indigo, Axial). Ensure the host software controls the Z-Stick in SerialAPI-Mode and use the "Reset Z-Wave controller" option within the software.
Disabling Z-Stick Gen5 LED
The Z-Stick Gen5 LED can be disabled using the Backup Tool, which requires a Windows OS.
Follow the step-by-step instructions in this article: How to Disable LED on Z-Stick Gen5.
