DIYANI Smart Dongle MG24 – Zigbee 3.0 USB coordinator EFR32MG24

The EFR32MG24 is the successor to the MG21, offering more memory, better radio performance, and support for newer firmware stacks. The DIYANI Smart Dongle MG24 utilizes this chip as a Zigbee 3.0 USB coordinator: plug & play compatible with ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT, fully local, without cloud.

Power supply and connection

The dongle is powered via USB (5V, max. 0.5A) and uses the CP2102N USB-to-serial controller. This provides broad driver support for Linux, Windows, and macOS. On Linux, the dongle is recognized as /dev/ttyUSB0. The included antenna is detachable and supports 90-degree vertical and 360-degree horizontal rotation.

Firmware: Zigbee, OpenThread, MultiPAN, or Router

You can easily change the firmware role via the Dongle Flasher. When flashing, manually select Dongle-PMG24 (SoC: EFR32MG24) if the device is not automatically recognized.

• Zigbee coordinator (default, firmware 8.0.2) – operating mode for ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT
• OpenThread RCP (firmware 7.5.0) – Thread Border Router for Matter devices
• MultiPAN RCP (firmware 7.4.5) – simultaneous Zigbee and Thread on one dongle
• Zigbee Router – strengthens an existing Zigbee mesh network without coordinator function

Compare with other DIYANI dongles

The DIYANI Smart Dongle 1P operates on the EFR32MG21 with +20 dBm transmit power and a compact rotatable stub antenna, fully compatible with the official Home Assistant ZBT-1 firmware and Connect ZBT-1 flasher. Choose the 1P if HA firmware compatibility and proven stability are the priority. Choose the MG24 if MultiPAN or the latest chip generation is the deciding factor. Do you want a completely wireless setup? Then the DIYANI Smart Dongle ETH is the logical choice.

🏠 Home Assistant integration

The MG24 works directly with ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT in Home Assistant, fully local without cloud. After installing the CP2102N driver, configure the dongle as follows:

ZHA: Settings > Devices & Services > Add Integration > Zigbee Home Automation. Serial port: /dev/ttyUSB0, baud rate: 115200, adapter: ezsp or ember.

Zigbee2MQTT – add to configuration.yaml:

serial:
  port: /dev/ttyUSB0
  baudrate: 115200
  adapter: ezsp

After saving and restarting, the coordinator will be active. The dongle will then function as a Zigbee coordinator. If you want to use the dongle as a Zigbee Router, install the Zigbee Router firmware and pair it like any other Zigbee device with Home Assistant. Operation is completely local, no cloud required.

🔧 Practical examples

Expand Zigbee mesh: Flash a second MG24 dongle with Zigbee Router firmware and connect it to a USB charger in a distant room. The device will automatically strengthen the mesh network without additional configuration in Home Assistant.

MultiPAN: Zigbee and Thread simultaneously: Flash the MG24 with MultiPAN RCP firmware. Home Assistant will then support both Zigbee integration and a Thread Border Router on the same port, ideal if you want to add Matter devices without additional hardware.

⚠️ Important considerations

• Host device with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA required (not included)
• CP2102N VCP driver required on Windows and macOS; Linux automatically recognizes the dongle
• Default firmware is Zigbee coordinator; reflashing is required for Thread or MultiPAN
• Zigbee and Thread cannot be active simultaneously, except with MultiPAN RCP firmware
• Position the antenna away from USB 3.0 ports and metal objects; use a short USB extension cable

📦 Contents of the box

• DIYANI Smart Dongle MG24
• Antenna (3 dBi)

Compatible with

Home Assistant (ZHA & Zigbee2MQTT) · openHAB · Raspberry Pi · NUC · Linux systems

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the MG24 and the DIYANI Smart Dongle 1P?

The DIYANI Smart Dongle 1P runs on the EFR32MG21 with +20 dBm transmit power and is fully compatible with the official HA ZBT-1 firmware and SkyConnect flasher. The MG24 features a newer EFR32MG24 chip and is the only one to support MultiPAN RCP: Zigbee and Thread simultaneously on one dongle. Choose the 1P for maximum HA firmware integration and proven stability, choose the MG24 for MultiPAN or the latest chip generation.

Does the dongle work immediately after connecting to Home Assistant?

On Linux (including Home Assistant OS), the CP2102N driver is built-in. On Windows and macOS, you must first install the CP2102N VCP driver via silabs.com. Afterwards, connect the dongle via ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT with port /dev/ttyUSB0, baud rate 115200, adapter ezsp.

Can I use Zigbee and Thread simultaneously?

Yes, with the MultiPAN RCP firmware (version 7.4.5). By default, the dongle is equipped with Zigbee coordinator firmware. Reflashing is done via the SONOFF Dongle Flasher in your browser at dongle.sonoff.tech/sonoff-dongle-flasher.

How do I flash the firmware?

Go to dongle.sonoff.tech/sonoff-dongle-flasher, connect the dongle via USB, manually select Dongle-PMG24 (SoC: EFR32MG24), and choose the desired firmware. The entire process takes less than 2 minutes.

What is the difference with the DIYANI Smart Dongle ETH?

The DIYANI Smart Dongle ETH connects to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and does not require a direct USB connection to the Home Assistant server. This is convenient if you want to place the coordinator remotely for better signal coverage.

Does the MG24 work as a Zigbee Router instead of a coordinator?

Yes, after flashing with the Zigbee Router firmware, the dongle acts as a signal amplifier in an existing Zigbee mesh network. In this mode, it cannot function as a coordinator; you would then need a separate coordinator as the basis of your network.

What is the best way to position the antenna?

Free from metal and away from USB 3.0 ports. Preferably use a short USB extension cable so that the dongle is not directly in the computer. The antenna is 90 degrees vertical and 360 degrees horizontal adjustable for optimal signal coverage.

✓ Want to know more about Zigbee dongles and which model suits your situation? slimhuisje.nl can help you.