I’m migrating from OH 2.5 to OH 5.0.2 which is running on RPI 5 Model B and need a reliable USB stick for the new installation.
Also, I recently purchased a Home Connect 620 Z-Wave Long Range smart lock. The lock seemed to be supported by the latest binding, OpenSmartHouse Z-Wave Device Database . However, this lock is too new for my OH 2.5 binding. I spent a few hours trying to add the new lock to the 2.5 binding, Update ZWave binding with new/updated device xml , without success due to likely operator’s errors.
I’m looking for a “well‑behaved” stick that:
Works with the Home Connect 620 lock
Supports Z‑Wave Long‑Range (LR)
(Optional) Provides Zigbee capability – I have no Zigbee devices yet but would like to experiment
ChatGPT suggested the following Z‑Wave LR options:
Aeotec Z‑Stick Gen5 + LR firmware
Silicon Labs Z‑Wave USB Stick (S2) with LR firmware
Nortek HUSBZB‑1 + LR firmware (beta)
Z‑Wave LR USB Dongle (e.g., Z‑Wave LR Stick by Z‑Wave.Me)
It also noted that a single stick combining Z‑Wave LR and Zigbee does not currently exist.
Could you please suggest which stick (or combination of sticks) would give me the most stable experience with OpenHAB 5 on the RPI5?
There is a link in the Update ZWave Binding post to updating OH2.5 bindings. It is slightly different. However, you would still have the java part of the binding as it existed in OH2.5 and that may not have all the code needed for locks.
Generally, the internals within a chip series (500, 700 and 800) are the same across suppliers. I could be wrong but think 800 chips are required to support LR firmware (LR uses a different set of frequencies). I have Zooz 700 & 800 chip controllers (plus an old Aeotec 500)
Also, the OH ZWave binding will likely not support LR inclusion (nodes 256+) anytime soon. However, ZWave-js does and there is a new OH (5.0+) binding to connect to a Zwave-js server. LR devices can be included in “Classic” mode Nodes 1 - 232 with the current OH Zwave binding.
I do recall a OH forum post recently where a combined ZW and Zigbee device was discussed. IIRC it seemed expensive compared to two sticks, but I don’t use Zigbee, so can’t really provide an educated answer there.
I’ve used many controllers over the years out of necessity and interest, and this is the best I’ve ever had for performance and stability.
From Aeotec site:
The Z-Stick 10 Pro lets you create a custom smart home hub with full control and flexibility. Supporting both Z-Wave and Zigbee, it seamlessly connects devices and works with platforms like Home Assistant for a secure, cloud-free experience. With a compact design, 1-mile range, and cross-platform compatibility, it ensures reliable local control. Powered by Silicon Labs tech, it delivers top performance and connectivity.
@apella12@kjknauss Thank you Bob and KJ for your suggestions. I have no experience with ZWave-js but it seems to have more capabilities than the OH ZWave binding. I will give it a a try and hope it’s as straightforward to deploy as the other binding.
KJ, which OH version, binding(s), and platform are you using with the Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro?
