Z-Stick Gen5+ offers compatibility with newer technologies than non +/plus, standard Z-Stick Gen5. This includes Raspberry Pi 4 compatibility, and native Z-Wave SmartStart and Z-Wave S2 compatibilities.


The technical specifications of Z-Stick Gen5+ can be viewed at that link.




Get to know your Z-Stick




'C' LED Indications


LED ColorUnplugged / PluggedDescription of function
No LEDUnpluggedNo activity, z-wave management mode
Slow Blue blinkUnpluggedPair/inclusion mode activate
Fast Amber blinkUnpluggedUnpair/exclusion mode active
Red blinking LEDUnplugged, RESET button heldIndicates that it has entered factory reset mode. Will only reset if RESET button is held for a full 20 seconds (followed by the confirmation LED indicator).

Factory reset does not happen if released earlier than 20 seconds.
Solid blue for 2 secondsUnpluggedConfirmation of success/communication for pair, unpair, or factory reset.
Solid Amber
Solid Green		Plugged into USBNormal activity
Amber LED = Charging battery
Green LED = Fully charged
Blue FlashPlugged into USBIndicates that Z-Stick Gen5 has communicated a Z-Wave command.



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, 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.


We will go over the different potential functions of the Z-Stick Gen5 below.



Manually pair/include Z-Wave devices

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 (ie. 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 de-activate.




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 (ie. 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 de-activate.




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 software. You can find all known third party softwares in this link:

https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/solution/articles/6000042049-host-software



Free recommended software


We recommend free software Domoticz if you are just getting started as it is one of the easiest free softwares you can use. You can view this guide here: 


Z-Stick Gen5 and how to get started with Domoticz.




Advanced


Backup Tool for Z-Stick Gen5+


You are able to backup the Z-Stick Gen5 using our Z-Stick Gen5 Backup Software in any case you need to restore an older save of your network, or replace a failed Z-Stick Gen5. This way you will never have to re-do your network if there are catastrophic issues.


You can download the installation setup for Backup Software here: https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/solution/articles/6000108806-z-stick-gen5-backup-software


You can learn how to use Backup Software here to backup, and restore: https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/solution/articles/6000167023-how-to-use-z-stick-gen5-backup-software-backup-and-restore-


This tool can also be used to transfer your old Z-Stick Gen5 network to a Z-Stick Gen5+, you can follow the steps here: https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/articles/6000242397



Z-Stick Gen5+ as a secondary controller


This must be done through the host software which takes control of Z-Stick USB adapter while Z-Stick is in SerialAPI-Mode. 

Please consult the instruction manual of the host software to add the Z-Stick to a pre- existing Z-Wave network (i.e. “Learn”, “Sync”, “Add as Secondary Controller”, etc.). This function can only be performed via host software.


Steps (General):

  1. Connect your Z-Stick Gen5 to the software of your choice.
  2. Enable "Learn" mode through 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 (if it isn't already)
  2. Press and hold the RESET Button for 22 seconds (with a paperclip for instance).
    1. The LED on Z-Stick Gen5 will blink a red color faster and faster over the course of 20 seconds.
    2. At 20 seconds, the LED will have a solid blue color for 2 seconds to confirm a successful factory reset.
    3. When the blue colored LED turns off, release the RESET button.


Using a third party software to factory reset


Z-Stick also can be reset to the factory defaults settings though a third party software (ie. Homeseer, Domoticz, Indigo, Axial, OpenHAB, Home Assisant, Jeedom, etc).


The third party software must take control of Z-Stick USB adapter while the Z-Stick is plugged into a PC USB port. 


You'll need to refer to your third party software instructions if you are unsure where the function is located in software. Find the "Reset Z-Wave controller" option in your third party software and activate it.



Disable LED

You can disable the LED of the Z-Stick Gen5, there is only one requirement which is the use of a Windows OS to use Backup Tool. 


Please follow the article here and follow through with the step by step instruction set to disable the LED of your Z-Stick Gen5:


https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/solution/articles/6000171881-how-to-disable-led-on-z-stick-gen5-