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SLZB-xxU and ZWA-2

✅ Using ZWA-2 Z-Wave Dongle with SLZB-MR1U via USB Passthrough

SLZB-MR1U-and-ZWA-2-connection.jpg

Overview

Many users asked whether the ZWA-2 Z-Wave USB stick can be used with the SLZB-MR1U using its USB passthrough over Ethernet feature.

Until recently, we couldn’t confirm, as it hadn’t been tested in-house.

We have now completed testing and can confirm:

ZWA-2 works with SLZB-MR1U using USB passthrough.


Requirements

  • SLZB-MR1U hardware

  • SLZB-OS firmware v3.0.0 or newer

  • ZWA-2 USB Z-Wave stick

  • Z-Wave JS UI (or other TCP-compatible Z-Wave host)

  • Network access to the SLZB-MR1U IP address


Why SLZB-OS v3.0.0?

Firmware v3.0.0 (released 29 August 2025) is required because it:

✅ Resolves USB passthrough instability
✅ Fixes EFR32 firmware update failures
✅ Improves overall SLZB-MR1U reliability

You can update via:


Setup Instructions

  1. Flash SLZB-MR1U with SLZB-OS v3.0.0

  2. Enable USB passthrough option (Go to http://slzb-mr1u.local/usb)

     

    image.png

  3. Plug the ZWA-2 USB stick into the USB-A port - right out of the box.

  4. Open Z-Wave JS UI on your smart home host

  5. Go to Settings -> Z-Wave -> Serial port and Set the serial port to:

    tcp://<SLZB-MR1U-IP>:8638 where <SLZB-MR1U-IP> is an actual IP address of your SLZB-MR1 in your network.
  6. Save settings and restart the service, if asked.

    image.png

  7. Pair Z-Wave devices as usual (we did it via Z-Wave integration).


⚠️ Notes & Best Practices

  • One USB device is supported at the moment via USB passthorugh.

  • Ensure port 8638 is accessible on your LAN

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
ZWA-2 not detected Confirm IP and port, check firmware is v3.0.0 or newer
Devices won’t pair Restart Z-Wave JS UI after configuring the serial port
Unstable USB connection Use a shorter or higher-quality USB cable (or powered USB hub)