Zigbee Devices

Configure Zigbee coordinators, routers, and sensors

Written By Daniel Gleaves

Last updated 15 days ago

Connecting Zigbee Devices to Drawbridge

Drawbridge supports Zigbee sensors natively, allowing you to map physical devices like window/door sensors, motion detectors, and more to your games for actions and statuses. This guide walks you through setting up a Zigbee coordinator, extending your network with routers, and pairing sensors.

What You'll Need

A compatible USB Zigbee coordinator — We recommend the SMLIGHT SLZB-06. Drawbridge connects to it natively.
Zigbee sensors — Window/door contact sensors, motion sensors, etc.
Zigbee routers (optional) — Additional SLZB-06 units set to router mode, used to extend coverage across larger venues. Think of these like Wi-Fi access points for your Zigbee network.

The Zigbee2MQTT documentation site has great resources for optimizing a Zigbee network, compatible coordinators and sensor recommendations, and additional notes on issues with specific devices.

Step 1: Set Up the Coordinator

Plug the SLZB-06 into your Drawbridge system via USB.
Drawbridge will detect the coordinator automatically. It stays in its default coordinator mode — this is the central hub of your Zigbee network.

Step 2: Add Routers (If You Need Extended Range)

If your venue is large or sensors are spread across multiple rooms, walls, or floors, you'll want one or more Zigbee routers to relay signals between your sensors and the coordinator. Each additional SLZB-06 can be switched into router mode.

To set up a router:

Follow the SLZB-06 router mode guide to configure the device as a router.
Plug the router in near the existing coordinator first.
In Drawbridge, click Pair Device / Permit Join.
Trigger the router's pairing sequence so it joins the coordinator's Zigbee mesh. It should appear in the device list — if it doesn't, contact Drawbridge support to verify it paired correctly.
Once paired, move the router to its permanent location.

How many routers do you need? Zigbee operates on similar frequencies to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so place routers similarly to how you'd place Wi-Fi access points. Every wall or floor the signal has to pass through weakens connectivity.

Step 3: Pair Your Sensors

!!! If you plan on adding routers into your network, it is strongly recommended to do so before adding any sensors. If you add a router later, you will likely need to remove existing sensors and pair them again after the router has been placed !!!

When pairing sensors when using routers, always pair from the location where the sensor will live. This ensures the sensor connects to the nearest router rather than trying to reach the coordinator directly.

Place the sensor where it will be installed or next to the router it should connect to.
In Drawbridge, click Pair Device / Permit Join.
On the sensor, hold down the pairing button until it starts flashing. You may need to press the button a few extra times.
The sensor should appear in the Drawbridge device list automatically.

Important: If a sensor is paired while sitting next to the coordinator and then moved to a distant location, it may not automatically switch to a closer router. It can simply lose connection entirely. Always pair from the final installed position.

Step 4: Map Sensors to Games

Once a sensor is paired and showing in Drawbridge:

Go to the game's Settings and add a device.
Select the sensor and choose which property to track (e.g., contact open/closed for a door sensor).
You can also view all devices through the Devices tab, which is helpful when multiple devices contribute to a single objective and you want to see their statuses at a glance.

Using Actions for Automation

You can use Actions to automatically complete objectives based on sensor input:

Set “Device State” as the "When" condition (e.g., "when contact sensor opens").
Set "Objective" as the execution step.

This lets physical interactions in your venue automatically drive game progress.

Troubleshooting

Sensor drops connection or shows offline:

The sensor may be too far from the coordinator or nearest router. Try adding a router closer to the sensor.
Re-pair the sensor from its installed location with a router in range.

Router not appearing in device list:

Make sure the router is in Zigbee router mode (not coordinator mode).
Pair it while it's near the existing coordinator, then move it.
Contact Drawbridge support if it still doesn't appear.

Intermittent or spotty connections:

Add more routers. Walls, floors, and metal objects all degrade signal.
Reposition routers — placement follows the same principles as Wi-Fi access points.
Re-pair affected sensors so they latch onto a closer router.

Drawbridge can assist with connecting the coordinator, routers, and sensor devices, but Zigbee signal quality depends on your physical environment and router placement.

Drawbridge support cannot remotely troubleshoot or improve Zigbee signal strength — the fix is almost always adjusting router placement and re-pairing.