Can I do this??

This is probably a really stupid question the more I think about it, but can I install some devices (non Link), run a backup and then install this backup into another Vera and expect it to work ok?

What I am wondering is if I could avoid having to teach staff (300 miles away from me on a daily basis) to install new devices on their own.

What I envision doing is;

  1. Have a spare Vera (Vera #2) on my desk in my office
  2. Download a backup remotely from the Vera (Vera #1, 300 miles away) I want the new device to work with ultimately
  3. Restore this backup to the Vera on my desk (Vera #2)
  4. Enroll some devices using the dongle I pull from Vera #2 (not Link Locks)
  5. Plug the dongle back into Vera #2 and run a backup
  6. Ship the devices I just enrolled into Vera #2 to the location of Vera #1
  7. Have staff install the devices into the room where Vera #1 is located
  8. Log in and restore the backup I ran in step #5 from Vera #2 into Vera #1

Would this work??

If this would work I assume that I would lose any lock data that occured between the time I pulled the backup in step 2 and when I restored it in step 7 or is this just saved on MCV servers?

The problems I envision with this is that each Vera probably has some unique signature (otherwise how would findvera.com find them) and that would probably prevent me from being able to install a backup from one to another (basically creating a cloned Vera)? Although what happens when a Vera breaks and you have to replace it? I would assume you cound then install your backup and keep going?

Scott, the master list of zwave devices in your network is actually stored in the dongle–not Vera. Vera’s database syncs to it. However the new Luup versions allow you to backup/restore the actual firmware in the dongle. So with this version you can ‘move’ whole Z-Wave networks like you describe, or clone them.

Ok… That’s good to know, will come in handy in my particular situation being so far away from the property with the Vera’s installed.