This guide will walk you through the process of using the Z-Wave PC Controller software to update the firmware of your Z-Wave devices without removing them from your SmartThings network.
Steps Overview:
- 1. Obtain a Z-Wave USB Stick
- 2. Install Z-Wave PC Controller Software
- 3. Add the Z-Wave Stick as a Secondary Controller in SmartThings
- 4. Update Device Firmware
- Optional: Remove the Z-Wave Stick from SmartThings
1. Obtain a Z-Wave USB Stick
SmartThings hubs do not support Z-Wave OTA (Over-the-Air) firmware updates. To perform these updates, you will need a compatible Z-Wave USB stick.
On the following link you may find useful information about the various controllers.
2. Install Z-Wave PC Controller Software
Once you have a Z-Wave USB stick, you will need software to interface with it.
The recommended software is Z-Wave PC Controller, which is free and requires a Windows PC. To install it:
- Download the Z-Wave SDK and PC Controller from Silicon Labs.
- Creating an account is necessary to access the download.
- Install both the SDK and PC Controller software.
After installation, open the software. You should see a dashboard similar to the screenshot below.
3. Add the Z-Wave Stick as a Secondary Controller in SmartThings
To update firmware without removing devices from your network, you must add the Z-Wave stick as a secondary controller.
Steps to Add the Stick to SmartThings:
- Plug the Z-Wave stick into your PC’s USB port.
- Open the Z-Wave PC Controller software and navigate to Settings.
- Select the correct COM port for the Z-Wave stick and click OK.
- If the stick does not appear, use the Detect and Refresh options.
- Once connected, click on Network Management.
- In the SmartThings app, tap the + button and select Device.
- Under By Device Type, scroll down and select Generic Z-Wave Device.
- Tap on the Z-Wave icon and then Generic Z-Wave Device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, but pause before tapping Next.
- In Z-Wave PC Controller, select the Z-Wave stick and click Classic Learn Mode.
- The stick will start searching for the hub. A Device Specific Key (DSK) will appear—do not close this window.
- In the SmartThings app, tap Add Device Manually, enter the five-digit DSK, and tap Add Device.
- Name the device and tap Done.
The Z-Wave stick should now be part of your SmartThings network. The PC Controller software will display all connected Z-Wave devices.
4. Update Device Firmware
With the Z-Wave stick set up as a secondary controller, you can now update your devices’ firmware.
Steps to Update a Device:
In Z-Wave PC Controller, open Network Management.
Select the device to be updated and click Node Info.
Note: If you are unsure which device to update, check your SmartThings Developer Console under My Devices to find the Device Network ID.
With the device selected, click OTA Firmware Update.
In the Firmware Update window, click Get to populate the current firmware details.
If an update is needed, click the folder icon and select the firmware file.
Choose the Firmware Target (usually Target 0; refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if multiple targets are listed).
Important: Double-check that the correct device and firmware file are selected. Installing incorrect firmware may brick the device.
Click Update to begin the firmware update.
Monitor the update progress. It may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on file size and device proximity.
Once the update is complete, a status message will confirm success.
Repeat for Additional Devices
Each device must be updated individually by repeating these steps.
Optional: Remove the Z-Wave Stick from SmartThings
Leaving the Z-Wave stick in your network is fine, but if you want to remove it:
- In Network Management, select the Z-Wave stick and click Reset to factory reset the stick.
- In the SmartThings app, delete the Z-Wave stick from your network.
Conclusion
You have now successfully updated your Z-Wave devices without removing them from SmartThings. If you have multiple devices, repeat the firmware update steps for each one. With your updated devices, you can enjoy improved performance and bug fixes!