V1 Setup
This page explains setup for the original Zen Link™ model via a Windows® 11 or 10 PC. After this initial setup on PC, you can use the new iOS® & Android® smartphone app for flashing GAMEPACKs and configuration.
Zen Link™ is a Wi-Fi Expansion Module for use with Cronus Zen™ which is sold separately.
Zen Link™ is required for NATIVE PS5® play support. It also adds value across other gaming platforms (such as Xbox®) by enabling GAMEPACK flashing and configuration via your smartphone, while serving as a foundation for future feature expansion.
Zen Link™ Model Check
Note: Please VERIFY that you own the original Zen Link™ device.
You can identify the model on the label underneath the device. The label below is from the new V2 device. If you have the original device, there will be NO mention of V2 on the label whatsoever...
Upon confirmation that your device is indeed the original device (no V2), please proceed to the steps below. If, however, you DO see the "V2" moniker, you can find the V2 app-exclusive setup here.
Zen Link™ V1 Setup Steps
After completing the initial Windows® 11 or 10 PC setup, your Zen Link™ will provide both PS5® NATIVE SUPPORT and Wi-Fi support for flashing and configuring GAMEPACKS using your smartphone.
Part 1 - Windows® PC Setup
When you install Zen Studio on your Windows® PC, it includes the latest ZenLinkConfigurator (a shortcut is created on the desktop).
For the setup process, make sure your Windows® PC is connected to the SAME Wi-Fi NETWORK that your Zen Link™ will be on. This network must be 2.4GHz compatible. These are necessary REQUIREMENTS for Zen Link™ usage.
Most modems/routers default to grouping the bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6Ghz, etc) into a single network, which is usually fine.
Put the Zen Link™ into Config Mode by plugging it into your Windows® PC while holding the blue Config button for 5 seconds until the LEDs turn PURPLE.
Open the ZenLinkConfigurator (Right click on the shortcut and select Run as Administrator).
If you're going to be playing on a PlayStation®5 console, make sure you select Native PS5®.
Enter Wi-Fi details manually or Read Settings From Windows®. NOTE: If this step doesn't work, check to see if you have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi options on your network and make sure you're connected to 2.4GHz (see troubleshooting below regarding 2.4GHz modem support).
Click Save And Continue. Wait for Saving Configuration and Flashing Firmware to complete. DO NOT disconnect the device during this process!
When Configuration Complete is shown, click Close Application and confirm Yes to close the app. You can also revert your PC to a 5GHz or wired LAN connection if that's what you were previously using. Your Zen Link™ is now ready to hook up to your Cronus Zen™ and for use with the SMARTPHONE app!
Part 2 - Smartphone App Setup
Plug your Zen Link™ device into your plugged in Cronus Zen™. We recommend plugging it into the A1 (left side) port as that is where it will reside for native PS5® play.
Once CONNECTED, your Zen Link™'s LED will turn WHITE.
Make sure your SMARTPHONE's Bluetooth® is turned on, and it is connected to the SAME Wi-Fi NETWORK that your Zen Link™ is on, then launch the Zenlink App on your smartphone.
The app will automatically find your Zen Link™ via Bluetooth® .
The main "CRONUS ZenLink" screen will appear. You can now use your Zen Link™ for NATIVE PS5® play, or simply for installing and configuring GAMEPACKS on your Cronus Zen™.
To set up your PS5® settings for PS5® Native Play, see PS5® Console Settings below:
PS5® Console Settings
The following Settings must be applied on your PlayStation®5 console before using Cronus Zen™ with Zen Link™ V2 for PS5® Native Play.
Power Saving
System → Power Saving → Set Time Until PS5® Enters Rest Mode • While Playing Games → Don’t Put in Rest Mode
System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode • Supply Power to USB Ports → Always • Stay Connected to the Internet → Enable • Enable Turning On PS5® from Network → Enable
System → Power Saving → Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off • Don’t Turn Off
Controller Settings
Accessories → Controller (General) • Vibration Intensity → Strong (Standard) • Trigger Effect Intensity → Strong (Standard) • Communication Method → Use USB Cable
That last one "Communication Method → Use USB Cable" is especially important for the PS5® to be able to connect through the Cronus Zen™ and Zen Link™ at all.
Note: If you are using a DualSense Edge™ controller, its settings are located under Profile 1. See below for setup:
DualSense Edge™ Curve
If you are using a DualSense Edge™ controller, you must change the built-in Right Stick Sensitivity/Deadzone settings to default or it will break the functionality of many M.O.D.s including Silent Aim v2.
Go to Settings > Accessories.
Select DualSense Edge™ Wireless Controller > Custom Profiles.
Select Create Custom Profile, name it something like BEAM, then select OK.
Select the profile you created and...
Right Stick Sensitivity Curve: Default
Curve Adjustment: 0
Deadzone Adjustment: 0%
Troubleshooting
App - Connection Failed
If you see the "Connection Failed" message, your smartphone is likely not on the same network as your Zen Link™.
Make sure your smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi on the SAME network that is 2.4Ghz compatible, and PRESS the "Try Again" button.
If you still have no luck, it may even be worth temporarily disabling Mobile Data on your smartphone to be sure. And in the event that it is something more problematic, like the 2.4Ghz band on your network has been disabled, you will have to consult your modem/router's guide or internet provider to resolve it.
App - Zen Link™ Not Found
If you have previously setup the Zen Link™ on Windows® PC and the app is not connecting to it, make sure your smartphone is connected to the SAME network and PRESS the "Retry" button.
Make sure your Zen Link™ is powered on and reachable via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® .
Make sure your network is still allowing for 2.4Ghz connections, because the Zen Link™ is a 2.4Ghz device.
No Headset Audio on PS5®
A 3.5mm wired headset is unsupported when your DualSense™ is paired wirelessly to the Cronus Zen™ via Bluetooth® . It will work if your controller is wired to one of the Cronus Zen's front ports (A2 or A3). If you'd prefer to use your controller wirelessly with headset audio, you'll need a USB or wireless headset that connects directly to your PS5® console.
No Connection to PS5®
The PS5® console setting "Communication Method → Use USB Cable" is especially important for the PS5® to be able to connect through the Cronus Zen™ and Zen Link™ at all.
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