Extending the range of Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5

[BakSeeDaa]

There are some things that you can do to make your Z-Wave network work better. One is to extend the range of Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5.

Even though Z-wave is a mesh network, my experience is that it works at the best if the Z-Wave stick can communicate directly with as many nodes as possible.

One way to achieve that is to put it in a room central of the area that you are automating. Keeping it in a high level away from large objects is also a good advice.

Since I'm a radio amateur I know that any metal objects that is close to an antenna will become a part part of it and change it's characteristics. I was looking at the Z-stick a few days ago and realized that there are cables alongside the antenna (the sitck) that has the potential to interfere with it. I also realized that the RF must pass through the wooden surface to reach some of the nodes. This is what it looked like:

DSC_1588.JPG

So, I bought a USB 3.0 extension cable (A-A) of good quality and mounted on a wooden sculpture and connected my Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 on top of it.

DSC_1589.JPG

Just like to share in case it's interesting for someone.

[havnegata]

Thanks for the tips! And you have of course experienced better range with this?

[BakSeeDaa]

Thanks for the tips! And you have of course experienced better range with this?

If there was an easy way to measure the range I would compare. I haven't done that.

I experienced occasional delays in my Z-wave network so I removed a couple of problematic devices and did this modification at the same time. Devices are responding really fast now. It's impossible to say how much of an improvement the relocation has introduced but I believe that one should always do the best of each situation. Removing foreign metal objects close to the antenna is an important prerequisite for creating an optimal radio environment for the Z-Stick.

[DuDo]

place the stick back and see if it gets worse again? then we know

[assenzuid]

I experienced occasional also some delays in my Z-wave network. I just order a USB extension cable and will see if it will have some improvements.

[dannybloe]

you should be able to see some change in the connectivity graph before and after I guess.