I'm having trouble pairing my new Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus Gateway. When all is said and done I want it to serve as a Zigbee repeater for my C8-Pro.
I successfully flashed the dongle with: CC1352P2_CC2652P_launchpad_coordinator_20230507.hex
Q1) Was this the right Firmware to turn it into a Repeater device?
Q2) Am I correct I need to Pair it to the Hubitat C-8 Pro Zigbee network for it to function as a Zigbee network repeater?
Q3) Assuming so, my C-8 isn't able to see or pair with the dongle. I've tried pushing the dongle buttons (one at a time) for a quick 1-touch second.... to get it into Pairing Mode.... multiple attempts with either button pressed were unsuccessful through C8 Zigbee pairing. Can't find or see the dongle.
It might be helpful to link to your specific tutorial. But normally, both files are in the same repo, and you'd just look at the name to find the one you want.
I ended up getting 2 of the Sonoff Dongle Plus. I added them in February 2024 and if I remember, they pared easily after having the correct firmware. I also had my power level cranked up which was causing some issues, I now using Channel 25 and Power level 8.
I've changed the Firmware to the Router version noted in the trail above, and it's still not able to pair or be seen by my C-8 Pro when it scans for new Zigbee devices. I've attempted paring several times. Is there a specific process necessary to have the dongle enter pairing mode? None of the tutorials or instructions that I've read suggest how to get it into Pair mode.
I've changed the Firmware to the Router version noted in the trail above, and it's still not able to pair or be seen by my C-8 Pro when it scans for new Zigbee devices. I've attempted paring several times. Is there a specific process necessary to have the dongle enter pairing mode? None of the tutorials or instructions that I've read suggest how to get it into Pair mode.
I went back and review some of the information when I installed them and I believe this is what I did.
Unplug the dongle from the USB power port
Start Zigbee Paring
Press and hold the Reset Button (labeled RST - Top Button in your picture)
While holding the Reset Button, plug the dongle into the USB power port
After plugging the dongle into the USB power port you can release the Reset Button.
If this does not work, try the process again but hold the reset button an additional 10-15 seconds after plugging it back in.
I tried the method in that YT video yesterday, and several others that suggested Python. But the language and instructions in the videos (for Python) are just barely beyond my knowledge base to follow and understand. Most of those videos and steps for the Command Prompts assume everyone watching understands or has done that before. After trying them and getting lost several times on the Command prompts not going smoothly, I gave up and switched over to a few videos suggesting the Texas Instruments Smart RF flash programmer. It was easier for me to follow.
I think what I need on the Python methods are more basic steps.... like a Flashing for Dummies version. Lol!
See if you can get it to pair holding the reset button while plugging it in to the USB power port. It is a pain to hold it in but hopefully it will work. If not, I'll review how I did it with Python commands. I did keep all of my step by step commands, but I need to review them.
FWIW, flashing SonOff dongles to be repeaters, what FW/where to get it, how to flash, tips for connecting the dongles to the hub after flashing etc., is covered in great detail in this topic:
I would recommend you at least scan the first two posts of that topic if you haven't yet.
I went back and watched the video and reviewed my notes.
If you want to try and flash the dongle again using Python:
The video is very good with step by step instructions. If you follow them, it should be fairly easy.
You do need to make sure whenever they are referencing the file that you do use the router file making sure to use the extracted .hex not the .zip file.
Also make sure you are using the correct COM port that is found in the Windows Device Manager
If you have already done the first 3 steps before the backup and try to do them again they should say they are already done or already installed.
I did get an error when I did the backup command but I really wasn't concerned about having the backup anyway.
When you get the bootloader downloaded and extracted make sure you copy the router hex file into the extracted folder.
Also make sure you change the directory to the folder with the bootloader and the router file you just copied.
The final command should be:
python cc2538-bsl.py -p COM5 -e -v -w --bootloader-sonoff-usb CC1352P2_CC2652P_launchpad_router_20221102.hex
Just make sure you change COM5 to the correct COM port!
Just for my clarity: "...get the bootloader downloaded and extracted make sure you copy the router hex file into the extracted folder."
Copy the router.hex downloaded file into the bootloader folder after the bootloader file has been extracted? Then reference that file in the bootloader folder when instructing in the command prompts?
When you download the bootloader zip file as instruction at 6:00 into the video
Extract the zip file (this will copy the zipped files to a new folder).
The new folder with the extracted bootloader files is where you need to copy C1352P2_CC2652P_launchpad_router_20221102.hex
Before typing the final command noted above, make sure you change the directory in PowerShell to the folder that you copy the router file to. You do this by typing "cd c:\folder name\folder name..." (without the quotes) changing the c: to whatever drive it is in and replacing folder name with the actual folder names adding as many folder names as necessary to get to the correct folder.
One note with PowerShell is that the commands must be exactly as shown including all spaces, dashes, underscores, etc. and make sure the COM port is the correct one.
As a side note, before Windows the original PC operating system was MS-DOS which was all typing commands at the DOS Prompt. I started working on a PC when MS-DOS was the operating system and typing in commands is still a natural way for me to do things, so I understand if they seem strange. Just be patient and double check your typing before hitting the enter key.
While the language seems a little strange, when I was in my early teens MS-DOS was the primary language for exploring the back side of computers. I recall doing simple things in my early teen experimenting that was of course at that age and time mind blowing. Print "Shoes".... then the next line down it would do just that. But since those days I haven't coded anything. So long ago those memories are filled with cobwebs and dust.... and the complexity of what I'm typing for this into the command seems high to me compared to the old days of "Print" this and that on the next line below. Lol
2 More questions:
When you say "PowerShell"... what is that referring to? The command environment?
How can I verify what drive the folder is that contains it? I've not opened up new drives on this computer, so can I just assume it's still the good 'ole common C: drive? Process to double check?
Thanks for all your help with this. I'll be able to take those next steps to retry in Python on Sunday night.
If you open the Start Menu and enter PowerShell in the search bar it should bring up the program so you can open it. It has a command prompt where you would type the commands.
Using File Explorer you should be able to find the folder. If you have not added any new drives then it should be in the C: drive.
Normally Windows defaults User files in C:\Users[user name]\ where [user name] is what windows assigns you. After your user name there are generally some default folders that normally include "Desktop", "Documents", "Downloads", "Music", "Pictures", "Videos" and a few others.
I've been at this for about 2 hours tonight and I seem to be getting stuck here.... in the step before typing the final command in PowerShell. I've attempted several times to use the command "cd c:\folder name\folder name..... changing the folder names to what I copied from the address of the folder where the boot loader is located and here's what that reads on my drive: "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Sonoff\Boot Loader Folder\cc2538-bsl-master". I've tried it with the "cd" letters in front of "C:" and without the "cd" letters. I've also tried ending that command without "\cc2538-bsl-master" and with that file name in there. It keeps giving me red error messages in PowerShell no matter what combo of command I use to ensure it's pointing at the correct folder before entering the final command.
What am I doing incorrectly? FYI, it's Windows 10.
