Upgrading Z-NET or Z-NET G3 to 800 Series Z-Wave

Use this guide to upgrade any Z-Wave 500 or 700 series Z-NET to 800 series.

Overview

Users of previous model Z-NETs now have two options to upgrade to the latest 800 series Z-Wave technology:

• Option 1: Buy a new Z-NET G8 and then follow the G8 migration guide. (the EASY option)

• Option 2: Upgrade your existing unit with the new 800 series kit and then follow the G8 migration guide (the LESS EASY option)

In this guide, we’ll focus on option 2 with the steps required to upgrade your unit.

Requirements

ZWave JS UI is required to fully support 800 series Z-Wave controllers. That means HomeSeer hub users will need to upgrade to Z-Wave Plus. Home Assistant hub users will need to install the ZWave JS UI add-on.

First Things First

In order to determine the steps required to migrate your Z-Wave network successfully, you’ll need to verify the SDK version of your current Z-NET.

• Units with a version of 6.61 (or higher) will be able to migrate directly to the 800 series controller using only the Z-Wave Plus plugin.

• Units with a version that’s lower than 6.61 will need to be upgraded to an intermediate controller with the legacy Z-Wave plugin before being upgraded to the 800 series controller using the Z-Wave Plus plugin.

Here’s how to determine the SDK of your unit

• HomeSeer users:

  • Using the Z-Wave Plus plugin: Navigate to Plugins > Z-Wave Plus > Z-Wave JS Front-End and check the FW column for node #1 in the Control Panel. The SDK will display there.

  • Using the legacy v4 Z-Wave plugin: Navigate to Plugins > Z-Wave > Device Information and check the Lib Version for node #1. v4.05=SDK v6.51, v6.01 (or higher)=SDK 6.81.x

• Home Assistant users: Open the ZWave JS UI and check the FW column for node #1 in the Control Panel. The SDK will display there.

Alternately, you can examine the Z-Wave module installed into your unit as shown below:

• 500 Series modules will have a date and revision letter. Those dated 2014 (C & D) are flashed with Z-Wave SDK v6.51. Those dated 2015 (E) are flashed with Z-Wave SDK v6.81.

• 700 series units will have QR code stickers and will be flashed with Z-Wave SDK 7.1x.

500 Series Module (HAT)	700 Series Module (HAT)

800 Series Upgrade Kit Installation

The 800 series upgrade kit includes a Z-Wave 800 series controller module on a Raspberry Pi style HAT (“Hardware Attached on Top”). This HAT will replace the existing 500 series HAT (in the original Z-NET) or 700 series HAT (in the Z-NET G3).

Follow these steps to upgrade your Z-NET

1. Before installing the HAT, you’ll need to backup your Z-NET using the Z-Wave Plus plugin (HomeSeer) or ZWave JS UI (Home Assistant). You’ll be restoring this backup to your new HAT after you finish the physical installation. For more information, see the G8 Migration guide.
   DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP unless you intend to create a new Z-Wave network from scratch.

2. Disconnect your Z-NET from the power adapter and network cable (if using Ethernet)

3. Using a very small Phillips head screwdriver, remove the 4 bolts holding the enclosure together. One of these bolts is only threaded about 1/4” into the enclosure. This is normal.

4. Open the enclosure and remove the main motherboard. Locate the existing HAT. It will be green colored with a press-fit connector attached to the GPIO pins on the left side of the mother board (as show below).
   

   

5. Grip the motherboard firmly and gently pull the HAT upward so that it comes off the pins. It may be necessary to rock it back and forth as you do this. Be careful not to bend the pins.

6. Now install the 800 series HAT by pressing it onto the same GPIO pins that were used for the older HAT
   

   

7. Reassemble the Z-NET

8. Follow the instructions in the migration guide for restoring your Z-NET backup to the newly upgraded Z-NET 800.

Video Overview of HAT Installation