Adding a Second SLZB-06M via ZHA

Configuration Zigbee
1

Hi all, hopefully someone can assist.

tl;dr version: I have SLZB-06M Coordinator running well, but need to add my new SLZB-06MU as a repeater (“Router mode”), but ZHA isn’t cooperating: It acts like I want to move everything to a new coordinator if I try to add to the new one.

Full story:

I have a great Zigbee network in my house, all connected to my SMLight SLZB-06M, connected to one of my UniFi POE switches in a central part of the house. A little over 40 devices, and problems are quite rare, with one exception.

The one problem area is our detached garage. It’s just far enough from the house that the Zigee network barely makes it to the Aqara door sensor, in the door close to the house. That door sensor seems pretty reliable, but literally nothing else (Zigbee) in that garage is close to reliable, and drops off more often than not. (a couple of smart plugs and a temperature sensor, but I’d like to add more)

I have a hardline ethernet line that I ran over from the house, run to a POE switch inside, to which I have both a WiFi AP and a camera connected. Those are rock solid, as you’d expect.

So I picked up a second SLZB-06M (the newer 06MU if that matters) and I’m trying to get it set up in the garage, to amplify that Zigbee signal and give me reliable device coverage. Plugged into the POE switch, and I can access the admin webpage no problem. The SMLIGHT integration spotted the new device without issue. I reset the firmware to Router mode vs Coordinator. And ZHA even sees the new device, in Home Assistant, so I’m pretty sure the Zigbee signal is reaching it… this should work.

Problem is, I can’t seem to add it to ZHA. ZHA sees it, but if I click add, it wants to migrate my entire Zigbee network over to it, even though it’s not in Coordinator mode.

Does anyone know how to make this work? I’ve seen other threads discussing this, but they all seem to be using Z2M instead of ZHA.

I believe I could technically just set this up as an additional / separate Coordinator, and rebind my few garage devices to the new and separate Zigbee network. But that’s not the way it’s supposed to work. I think the issue is ZHA, not the SLZB device, but I’m not sure.

Any thoughts?

2

Did you follow step #4 below befor clicking Add Device in ZHA?

Run SLZB-06 as a Zigbee router

  1. Go to the SLZB-06’s web interface.
  2. Go to Mode and select the Zigbee Router mode in the Radiomodule mode menu.
  3. Wait for the end of the firmware update.
  4. To pair or re-pair, go to the web-interface, section Settings and Tools → General Settings and press Router reconnect button.
3

Yes, and more than once. :frowning:

4

I agree with this :up_arrow: I’ve had more success with Z2M vs ZHA, espicially with SLZBs

I’ve experimented with this(I own a half a dozen SLZB models) and I’d advise against it. It’s more trouble than it’s worth. It’s very odd that ZHA is treating your SLZB router as a new coordinator.

I’m very familiar with Z2M, but not so much with ZHA. Others may step in with better advice.

5

I appreciate the effort.

I’m going to attempt one more advanced function I found: Reset the firmware back to a coordinator, then change the IEEE address (there is an advanced function to read the current IEEE and then you can change it… the advice was to change the last 3 digits to a random number), then back to router. HA+ZHA should see it as an entirely new device, at that point, and I can attempt to re-pair it.

At this point, it doesn’t seem like it could hurt…

6

Do not change the IEEE address on a Silicon Labs chip. Let me find the disclaimer…

Edit: looks like Core v2.7.0 and Newer fixed that issue.

7

Oh phew! I had not clicked go yet, but that’s still a relief. :slight_smile:

So here we go…

8

Sadly, no help. I believe it did see it as somewhat new, because there was an additional question when I first clicked “add” before it went right to to the migrate to a new controller dialog, but ultimately no difference. :confused:

9

I’d suggest migrating to Z2M, but that’s based on my own personal preferences. It gave me a lot more control over my network and devices.

I’ll assist you if that is the path you decide to take.

10

I’m not quite there yet, BUT… What if I return the SLZB to Coordinator mode, and go with Z2M for the second unit, and leave the primary on ZHA, since that’s been fine in the main house? You mentioned thinking it best to avoid two coordinators (and two ZHA instances?), but what about one ZHA and one Z2M on separate coordinators?

(I’m stepping out for some errands, but thanks for the quick reply!)

11

Yes you can definitely run a ZHA coordinator and a Z2M coordinator. I’ve done it! I’m logging off as well!