If you have trouble controlling your ZEN17 via Z-Wave commands, it could be out of range or experiencing connectivity issues.

The Universal Relay has a range of up to 350 feet (line of sight) and uses the latest 700 series Z-Wave chip. Even so, the range is determined by the specific structure of your home and the strength of your mesh network. Interferences like large furniture, thick walls, or metal elements can shorten range.

If you're seeing connectivity issues with your ZEN17, here's what to try:

• If your hub supports a way to refresh your Z-Wave network, give that a try. Different hubs will have different words for this action (in SmartThings it's called Network Repair, in Vera it's called Update Neighbor Nodes, etc), but the effect should be the same. This should help configure your network and allow your hub find the most efficient communication route to the relay.
• Exclude and re-include the relay closer to the hub. If the device includes successfully and stay connected, the previous spot might have been out of range or there were too many interferences in that location.
• Try excluding and re-including the ZEN17 directly from the installation location. It's likely that the hub hasn't found the most best communication route to the device. This sometimes happens when you include a device near the hub and then move it away to be mounted. 
• If you have a Z-Wave signal repeater available, try including it in a spot halfway between the relay and hub. A signal repeater is any Z-Wave device that doesn't rely on battery power - switches, relays, smart plugs, or dedicated repeaters. If the issue is caused by interference or range, a signal repeater can help strengthen and stabilize connectivity; this especially applies to garages where there are typically more metal elements around, and that may be farther from the hub with thick walls in between. After adding the repeater, it's a good idea to refresh the network once more. 

Please let us know if your ZEN17 still has trouble connecting after trying the above troubleshooting steps! We're always here to help.