openHAB version: 4.0.4
Hello all,
I am a first time user of openHAB. Thanks for your help.
Just installed the program on my windows machine and seems to work fine.
I have added the first binding (which is a Aeon Zwave Z-stick S2. The bridge status seem alright (ONLINE) but anytime I try to get the network information from the stick I get an error:
Exception in thread “ZWaveReceiveProcessorThread” java.lang.NullPointerException: Cannot read the array length because “message” is null
at org.openhab.binding.zwave.internal.protocol.ZWaveTransactionManager$ZWaveReceiveThread.run(ZWaveTransactionManager.java:778)
I have one device already registered to the zstick but I cant update it to openhab.
Thanks for the help,
I believe that is a z-wave 700 series stick. Only 500 series sticks will work with the OH zwave binding (there is a long and detailed history of this decision on these forums if you care to search for it). You can use 700 series devices with a 500 series stick, but OH doesn’t use the api necessary to communicate with the 700 series sticks.
There are workarounds for this where you can use some other software as an intermediary between OH and newer sticks. Here’s one of the newer one’s:
Welcome
Another option is to use a “release” of an unmerged PR to address 700 devices. I have tested these changes locally for several months, but it is not official.
I believe that the 10-28-2023 Release I have on my github website will work with OH4.0.4. Bindings tend to be version dependent (this is a OH4.1 Snapshot), but sometimes they will work depending on what has changed in the build/compile process. If that doesn’t work you can try the 7-28-2023 version which was compiled just after the OH4.0.0 release. If neither works, I apologize in advance
How to try (assuming UI Zwave binding is installed):
Enter the karaf console sudo openhab-cli console, your sudo passwd, then habopen
type bundle:list -s and note the number of the zwave binding
First of all I want to thank you both guys for the quick answer. My Z-Stick is very old model (about 10 years old). How can I tell if it is a 700 or a 500 device?
If it is old, let’s assume it is 500, so no need for drastic actions. Put the binding in debug using the little gear on addon setting page for zwave and try a restart. You can also use the zwave log viewer here. There could be something else going on. We’ll also be able to see if it is a 700/500 issue from the logs. Also does that zstick have a button and did you include the one device using the button or with the OH UI inbox?
Ok, strange things happened.
Just got back to PC (after24h). Started the openhab.bat. Opened the browser and localhost . . .
Nothing was changed. Put the binding in the debug mode (as you instructed). Went back to settings page (trying to find a place from I can download the log files) and got an inbox message with a new thing - if I want to add it or not. This thing is the only item I have included in the ZStick network yesterday ( and to answer your question - yes, the stick have an external hard button which I have used to add my Wall Thermostat.) So now I have 2 things :
1.Z-wave Node081: HRT4-ZW Battery powered wall thermostat
2. Z-Wave Serial Controller
Which is correct.
Still, when I ask to Synchronize network from the zwave controller I get the same error.
I have tried to upload the openhab.log file to this post but I am restricted to upload (new user).
I tried to copy/paste it with no success.
The good news is that your controller is using the 500 Application commands. The bad news is the binding doesn’t seem to process messages from the node and I don’t see why.
What does appear odd is the node number. Usually the nodes are assigned in order, so two nodes should be 1 & 2. What is the history of this controller?
Also how many lines are at the bottom of the the UI page for node 81? Four or Five?
The device seems recognized, but I do not see the configuration commands. They should start after the Request NIF. I’m kind of thinking to unpair your thermostat. Factory reset the controller and start fresh. This time using the Inbox, Zwave Scan.
What isn’t going to work is the synchronize network or heal commands.
Thank you very much for helping me Bob. I am highly interested to solve this and to make my zwave work but for the next 7 days I will be off my computer. Please allow me to get back to you once will get back home.
Thanks
Hello Bob,
Back in bussiness
I did a lot of thinking about my problem during the last days. Looking back in the past I have reason to believe that the Z-wave stick might be faulty. I hade 20+ devices connected to it (10 years ago) and always having problems. Just to be sure I think the best solution is to buy a new Z-wave gateway.
The most important thing for the new controller would be integration with openhab and reliability. I found 2 potential candidates:
Aeotec Z-Stick 7 Z-Stick 7 - Aeotec
Stick 7 I was not able to find on the :Things Supported by the Z-Wave Binding" list on the OpenHab.
I lean to the first one Gen5+. What do you think about it? Do you have other suggestion? Price is also a factor (50eur) since I will be using it just for 1 device.
I am also looking to buy a Zigbee controller - due to the large availability and affordable price of the devices. Do you have any experience here? I was looking to this aliexpreess brand:
Again my main concern is integration with openhab and reliability.
Cheers,
Starting with OH4.1M4 the 700 chip zwave controllers should work. Don’t know what part of world you are in, but in the USA Zooz (Smartest House) is a good supplier IMO (both low cost and good support). Aeotec is fine on both counts also but seems pricier. Need to make sure you get the right frequency for your location.
I do not use Zigbee, but I thought there was a combined Zwave/Zigbee Stick option out there. With only one zwave device something like that might be a lower cost option
I am in EU and Aeotech seems to be best option. I will get one and try to make it work with OH. Will get back with feedback in 10 days.
Concerning Zigbee - any certified Zigbee device will work or it has to be on the OH list?
Thanks
Not my area. I have seen a few posts about zigbee device problems. My impression is that the Zigbee standards are strong guidelines, whereas Zwave devices have an actual certification through the Zwave Alliance. Also my impression is that some Zigbee controller chips have less problems than others. Might want to google or search the forum before you dive in.
In Canada, it would cost about the same as getting two separate dongles, so the only big advantage is requiring a single USB port. The power savings would be marginal. I have a feeling this product isn’t available in the EU, though.
Personally, I’d recommend using Zigbee2MQTT. There’s a steeper learning curve if you’ve never used MQTT before, but there’s a wider range of Zigbee controllers that work with it and the device list is updated frequently.
As @apella12 notes, Zigbee is off-topic from this thread, but there are lots of discussions about it.
