Z-Flash User Guide

Installation and operation guide for Z-Flash Z-Wave firmware updater software

Overview

HomeSeer Z-Flash is a software tool that's designed to update ("Flash") the embedded software ("firmware") on Z-Wave devices of all types using Over-The-Air ("OTA") technology. Manufacturers typically release firmware updates to correct problems or to enhance features or functions in their products. Z-Flash includes a library of firmware files for use with HomeSeer brand products. However, Z-Flash is designed to work with standard OTA ".hex" firmware files from most manufacturers. Check with the manufacturer(s) of your product(s) to see if OTA firmware updates are available for your use.

Attention HomeSeer system users: All HomeSeer systems (HS3 or later) include a built-in OTA firmware update feature which is designed to manually update one device at a time. This is perfectly adequate for occasional use. However, this process can be quite time consuming when updating a lot of devices. Z-Flash includes a "batch update" feature that's designed to update multiple devices of the same type, automatically in succession. If you have a house full of wall switches or dimmers, using Z-Flash could save you a significant amount of time.

Requirements

Desktop or (preferably) Laptop PC running Windows 7 (or later) and with Microsoft .NET 4.52 (or later) installed
Available USB port
USB Z-Wave interface (SmartStick+, UZB or Z-Stick)
Note: HomeSeer system users may also use a Z-NET
OTA firmware (.hex file) for the (non-HomeSeer) product(s) you wish to update
Note: OTA firmware for HomeSeer products is not required as it is already built into Z-Flash

Installation

Download the Z-Flash installer from HomeSeer.com and launch it on your PC. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. A shortcut to the program will be added to your Windows desktop and start menu.

Secondary Controller Method

Use this method if you have a smart home hub that includes and internal Z-Wave interface (radio).

Procedure: Z-Flash is added to the existing primary Z-Wave network as a secondary controller. After updates are complete, Z-Flash is excluded from the primary network.
Recommended for: HomeTroller Zee S2, SmartThings, Wink and other similar products.
Pros: Scenes/Events/Robots/Rules that involve the updated devices will be unaffected. Works with secure devices.
Cons: Z-Flash device interrogation may take some time (possibly minutes) to complete. Not compatible with all systems.
Requires: Z-Flash Kit (includes Z-Flash Software and SmartStick+ or UZB Stick)

Shared Network Method

Use this method if you have a smart home system that includes and external Z-Wave interface (radio).

Procedure: Z-Flash works with the primary Z-Wave network by connecting to the existing external Z-Wave interface.
Recommended for: HomeTroller-SEL, HomeTroller S6, HS3 / HS3PRO software and other similar products.
Pros: Scenes/Events/Robots/Rules that involve the updated devices will be unaffected. Only requires Z-Flash software.
Caveats: Z-Flash device interrogation may take some time (possibly minutes) to complete. This method will not update firmware on secure devices such as door locks or door controllers.
Requires: Z-Flash software and existing separate external Z-Wave interface (SmartStick+, UZB stick, Z-Stick, Z-NET)

Independent Network Method

Use this method if you have a smart home system that includes and external Z-Wave interface (radio).

Procedure: Devices are first removed (excluded) from the primary Z-Wave network and then added (included) into a separate network for use with Z-Flash. After updates are complete, these devices are excluded from the Z-Flash network and included back into the primary Z-Wave network.
Recommended for: Any system or any circumstance where other update methods cannot be used.
Pros: This method works with any system, regardless of its feature set or capabilities.
Caveats: Scenes/Events/Robots/Rules that involve these devices will need to be updated to work properly again after devices are included back into the primary network. This method will not update firmware on secure devices such as door locks or door controllers.
Requires: Z-Flash Kit (includes Z-Flash Software and SmartStick+ or UZB Stick)

Note: When updating a device, the device requests information from this application during the update process. If the device notices a lot of Z-Wave traffic, it will pause so as to not flood the Z-Wave network with traffic. To speed up the update process it may be necessary to shut down your primary Z-Wave controller. This will free Z-Wave bandwidth for the update process. You may notice pauses in the process, this is normal, but excessive pausing may indicate too much traffic from other devices.