Aeotec Z-Pi 7 was developed to control actuators and sensors in a Z-Wave Plus Network as a self-powered Z-Wave® GPIO Adapter. It's powered by Series 700 and Gen7 technology utilizing SmartStart native integration and S2 security.
The technical specifications of Z-Pi 7 can be viewed at that link.
Get to know your Z-Pi 7
Z-Pi 7 compared to Z-Stick Gen5+
There are large differences in the Z-Pi7 using Series 700 Z-Wave compared to Z-Stick Gen5+ using the previous Series 500 Z-Wave hardware, 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 other materials.
Keep product away from open flames and extreme heat. Avoid direct sunlight or heat exposure.
Z-Pi 7 is intended for indoor use in dry locations only. Do not use in damp, moist, and/or wet locations.
Quick start
The following will step you through using Z-Pi 7 when it is attached to a host controller (Raspberry Pi or Orange Pi Zero) as a primary controller.
Please make sure the host controller is pre-installed; this includes any drivers that the corresponding OS may need.
1. Connect Z-Pi 7 to a host controller. The following diagrams show how to install the Z-Pi on each system.
1.1. Install Z-Pi 7 on Raspberry Pi
OS: Linux - Raspian "Stretch" or higher:
The Z-Pi7 uses the same port as Bluetooth. To use Z-Pi 7, you must deactivate Bluetooth.
1.1.1. Open an SSH connection to your system, use Putty (Link), you can find out how to connect Putty to RPi in this link: SSH Putty to RPi.
1.1.2. Enter the user "pi".
1.1.3. Enter your password "raspberry"(standard).
1.1.4. Now enter the following command.
sudo nano /boot/config.txt1.1.5. Add the following line depending on the hardware version of RPi that you are using.
Raspberry Pi 3
dtoverlay=pi3-disable-bt enable_uart=1
Raspberry Pi 4
dtoverlay=disable-bt enable_uart=1
1.1.6. Exit the Editor with Ctrl X and save with Y.
1.1.7. Reboot the system with:
sudo reboot1.1.8. Login with SSH again, enter your username and password.
1.1.9. Check if the port ttyAMA0 is available with:
dmesg | grep tty
1.2. Install Z-Pi 7 on Orange Pi Zero
OS: Linux - Armbian:
To use Z-Pi 7 with Orange Pi Zero the port must be activated.
1.2.1. Open an SSH connection to your system, use Putty (Link), you can find out how to connect Putty to RPi in this link: SSH Putty to RPi.
1.2.2. Enter the user "root" (standard at first connection).
1.2.3. Enter your Password.
1.2.4. Now enter the following command.
armbian-config1.2.5. In the opened menu, go to the item system and press OK.
1.2.6. Go to Hardware and press OK
1.2.7. Highlight "uartl" and press Save.
1.2.8. reboot the System
1.2.9. Login with SSH again, enter your username and password.
1.2.10. Check if the port /dev/ttyS1 is available with:
ls -la /dev/ttyS*2. Open your selected third-party software.
3. Following your third-party software instructions for connecting a Z-Wave USB adapter. Select the COM or virtual port Z-Pi 7 is associated with.
In most cases, any devices already paired with Z-Pi 7 network will automatically show up in the software's interface.
Advanced
Z-Pi 7 Pinout
Below are the pinouts for the Z-Pi 7.
Using this pinout, you may wire Z-Pi 7 to USB using a Serial to USB Adapter. You may find out more about how to do this following this guide here: https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/6000253071-z-pi-7-to-usb-connection
Adding Z-Pi 7 to a pre-existing Z-Wave network
This must be done through the host software which takes control of Z-Pi 7. Please consult the instruction manual of the host software to add the Z-Pi 7 to a pre-existing Z-Wave network (i.e. “Learn”, “Sync”, “Add as Secondary Controller”, etc.).
This function can only be performed through a compatible host software.
Update Z-Pi 7.
You'll likely need to firmware update your Z-Pi 7 when you first receive it, we have a few sources that can help you with the firmware update process. See one of the 3 articles below:
We fully advise the use of ZWaveJS UI to firmware update your Z-Pi 7, being one of the easier accessible methods for firmware updating the Z-Pi 7.
Reset your Z-Pi 7
- The host software must take control of Z-Pi.
- Find the Reset Z-Wave controller option in your third-party software.