Loading Guide

Preparing HPzenAi content

Skip to main content

Relay Controllers

Firmware Updates

Updating relay controller firmware over Wi-Fi or RS485.

Why Update Firmware​

HPzenAi releases firmware updates for relay controllers to add new scheduling features, improve RS485 communication reliability, expand sensor automation capabilities, and fix known issues. Keeping firmware up to date ensures the best performance and access to the latest app integrations. The HPzenAi app will notify you when a new firmware version is available for your controller.

Checking the Current Firmware Version​

Steps​

  • Open the HPzenAi app and tap the relay controller device tile.
  • Go to Device Settings → Firmware.
  • The current firmware version and the latest available version are displayed.
  • If the versions match, no update is required.
  • If a newer version is available, an 'Update Available' banner is shown with release notes.

OTA Update via Wi-Fi (Stand-Alone Mode)​

For relay controllers in direct Wi-Fi mode, firmware is downloaded from the HPzenAi cloud and installed over-the-air. The process takes 3–5 minutes and does not require physical access to the controller.

Steps​

  • Confirm the controller is online (green LED and 'Connected' status in the app).
  • Ensure the controller has a stable Wi-Fi connection — a signal strength better than −65 dBm is recommended for a reliable update.
  • Go to Device Settings → Firmware → and tap Install Update.
  • The controller downloads the new firmware — the LED may flash during download.
  • The controller automatically reboots and installs the update — the LED will flash rapidly during installation.
  • Wait 3–5 minutes for the process to complete — do not power off the controller during this period.
  • Once complete, the controller restarts and reconnects — the app shows the new firmware version.
  • All schedules and settings are preserved across firmware updates.

OTA Update via Gateway (RS485 Mode)​

For relay controllers connected via RS485 to a gateway, the gateway downloads the firmware package from the cloud and delivers it to the controller over the RS485 bus. The process is initiated identically from the app but the delivery path is through the gateway rather than a direct Wi-Fi connection.

Steps​

  • Ensure the gateway is online and connected to the internet.
  • In the app, tap the relay controller tile → Device Settings → Firmware.
  • Tap Install Update — the gateway begins downloading the firmware package.
  • Once downloaded, the gateway pushes the firmware to the controller over RS485.
  • The RS485 firmware transfer is slower than Wi-Fi — allow 5–10 minutes for the update to complete.
  • Do not power off the controller or gateway during the update.
  • The controller restarts after installation — the gateway re-detects it on the RS485 bus automatically.
  • Confirm the new firmware version in Device Settings → Firmware after the restart.

Automatic Update Setting​

Firmware updates can be set to install automatically when a new version becomes available, eliminating the need for manual update initiation.

Steps​

  • Go to Device Settings → Firmware → Auto Update.
  • Toggle Auto Update to On.
  • Set the preferred update window (e.g., 02:00–04:00) to avoid updates during scheduled irrigation runs.
  • The controller will download and install updates automatically during the configured window.
  • Auto-update notifications are sent to the app after each successful update.

Firmware Update Checklist​

Steps​

  • Controller is online before starting the update.
  • Wi-Fi signal strength is above −65 dBm (Wi-Fi mode) or gateway is online (RS485 mode).
  • No irrigation schedules are running during the update window.
  • Controller is not powered off during the update (3–10 minutes depending on connection type).
  • New firmware version confirmed in Device Settings → Firmware after completion.
  • All channel schedules and settings verified as intact after the update.

Recovery From a Failed Firmware Update​

Steps​

  • If the update fails and the controller is unresponsive, power-cycle the controller by removing and restoring 12V DC power.
  • Most models automatically roll back to the previous firmware version on a failed update.
  • Once the controller is back online, retry the update from Device Settings → Firmware.
  • If the controller does not reconnect after a power cycle, contact HPzenAi support — a manual USB firmware recovery may be required.