These instructions show you how to update the firmware of the Zi-Stick to utilize OpenThread.


A firmware update of the Zi-Stick is always at your own risk. We accept no liability for any loss of data due to damage to the stick during or as a result of the update. Please only use the firmware file provided here. This has been tested and approved by us. 


Requirements:

  • Aeotec Zi-Stick
  • PC with Windows


Table of Contents:

  1. Installing Python 3.9
  2. Find COM Port
  3. Installation of the Update Tool
  4. Update Zi-Stick to Open Thread
  5. Update Zi-Stick to Zigbee



1. Installing Python 3.9


  1. Check whether a Python version is available on your PC. You can find this in the Windows Settings Apps & Features.
  2. Uninstall all old versions of Python.
  3. Open the Microsoft Store, search for and install Python 3.9 (newer python versions will work as well).



2. Find COM Port

  1. Connect the Zi-Stick to the USB port of your PC.
  2. Open the device manager
  3. Search for COM & LPT
  4. Check which port is behind the USB-SERIAL CH340 (In our example COM 5).
  5. Make a note of the PORT (COM5).



3. Installation of the Update Tool


  1. Download the update tool
  2. Unpack the compressed directory into a directory of your choice.
  3. Open Windows Powershell or cmd prompt.
  4. Change to the directory in which you have stored the tool. (We used folder C:\ZiStick)
    • cd c:\YourFolder\
  5. Install required tools with command:

    • pip3 install -r requirements.txt



  6. Use the following command to check if everything is working correctly and if the connection to the Zi-Stick is established. (Adjust the COM port that your Zi-Stick is connected to)
    • python3 Elelabs_EzspFwUtility.py probe -p COM7
    • Make sure that this Zi-Stick is using "Adapter: ELU0142"



4. Update Zi-Stick to Open Thread.

  1.  Download the firmware file and place it in the directory of your update tool (can also be found under "data" folder).
  2. Start the update in Powershell or cmd prompt with the following command. (Adjust the COM port that your Zi-Stick is connected to)
    • python3 Elelabs_EzspFwUtility.py flash -f ELU0141_MG21_ot_rcp_123_211204.gbl -p COM7
      Do not remove the Zi-Stick before the process is complete. This will damage the USB stick.
  3. (Optional) Check whether the update was successful if you want. Enter the following command. (Adjust the COM port)  
    • python3 Elelabs_EzspFwUtility.py probe -p COM7



5. (EZSP V8) Update Zi-Stick to Zigbee.

  1. Download the firmware file and place it in the directory of your update tool (can also be found under "data" folder) - make sure you firmware update to this version before updating to the latest firmware version to avoid potential bricking.
  2. Start the update in Powershell or cmd prompt with the following command. (Adjust the COM port that your Zi-Stick is connected to)
    • python3 Elelabs_EzspFwUtility.py flash -f ELU0141_MG21_zb_ncp_6103_211204.gbl -p COM7
      Do not remove the Zi-Stick before the process is complete. This will damage the USB stick.
  3. Download the latest firmware file and place it in the directory of your update tool (can also be found under "data" folder) - make sure you firmware update to this version before updating to the latest firmware version to avoid potential bricking.
  4. Start the final update in Powershell or cmd prompt with the following command. (Adjust the COM port that your Zi-Stick is connected to)
    • python3 Elelabs_EzspFwUtility.py flash -f ZGA008_Zi-Stick_zigbee_6_10_9_464.gbl -p COM7

  5. Firmware update will state that it failed but it really succeeded- run the command below to update your Zi-Stick to the latest firmware version.
    • python3 Elelabs_EzspFwUtility.py probe -p COM7