Not been on these forums for quite some time as have been happily running my C7 with 2.3.4.153 FW. i noticed the ios app has been updated and understand the latest ios app version does not support my (old) FW so have not updated anything. Further to this, i see that v 2.4 FW is the current version.
I'm taking the stance that "if it aint broke, dont fix it". It appears to do everything i want so should there be any reason to update anything or could i expect some headaches by upgrading as a result of having not upgraded for such a long time?
The current firmware is 2.4.0 (all three digits are important, as any increment of any indicates a major change -- plus the fourth set that indicates the particular build, generally smaller fixes). You are correct that the new mobile apps require newer hub firmware.
You will probably not experience any problems upgrading. There were a couple posts this summer from people who were worried about coming from even farther back, but I don't believe even they ended up having any problems.
In any case, Hubitat gives you the ability to control this outcome:
- Take a hub database backup (as will be suggested to you and easily available before the upgrade).
- If you want to restore your hub to its previous state because you appear to have run into problems, Hubitat allows you to:
- Restore your previous few hub platform versions from Settings > Diagnostic Tool (or directly at port 8081 if you really run into trouble, though that would likely be unrelated); and
- Restore your matching hub database if needed (not always required, only if the release notes say so -- I think this might have actually happened with one of the versions between then and now -- but a good idea if you're going farther than a version or two or don't want to read them and want to make things as similar as possible to the "old" state)
Assuming your upgrade works well, I'd also suggest seeing if your Z-Wave radio has a firmware update available (on the Z-Wave Details page) afterwards, as those have also fixed specific problems some users have run into, assuming you have any Z-Wave devices. No need if you aren't or don't, but it will be one of the first suggestions if you do.
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many thanks for your reply.
I have about 20 z-wave devices, some quite old (just z-wave, not z-wave-plus) No other types (ie no zigbee)
Is there anything to be aware of (maybe an idiots guide) for rewinding back to an older firmware and database?
I assume everything required, other than the hardware, would simply be the firmware and the database/backup.
Again, if my system is running satisfactorily, is it worth attempting the upgrade?
The biggest risk I see is if you don't upgrade, you will miss any other upgrades of the platform.
Firmware is a couple of clicks in the Diagnostic tool: Hubitat Diagnostic Tool | Hubitat Documentation
Database, I would create and DOWNLOAD your backup before you do the update. The hub only keeps X numbers of backups on it. If you decide to roll back you can then either roll the firmware back first, then restore the backup from the main UI (in settings). OR you could soft reset from the diag tool first, then roll back firmware, then load your backup when it asks at boot (due to soft reset). I think either way would get you to the same spot.
The only risk is getting so far behind that for some reason it is difficult to get updated if you ever want to use newer features. Has happened in a few rare cases in the past.
You should at a minimum make sure your diagnostic tool is updated (it is supposed to update itself). Looks like current is 1.1.131
Although the C7 hub is quite capable in its own right, since a new year is upon us, you might consider making a resolution to upgrade your hub during 2025.
The C8 hub adds the 800 series Z-wave radio which is a significant upgrade over earlier Z-wave chips, especially if you need long range.
For those with a C7 hub, the C8Pro is not a required upgrade, for those upgrading from C7 or earlier, the C8Pro is only slightly more expensive than C8. The Pro version has a faster CPU and additional RAM. For those with lots of devices, the added speed and memory is a nice feature.
Lagging too far behind could make it harder if you reach the point of needing support, whether it be from staff or from Community members. Things being located in different parts of the UI or just working differently can make support difficult for those offering it whilst running a more recent version.
Personally I would suggest keeping some kind of pace with the progress of the platform.
In my opinion, even if you don’t care about new features that have been introduced since you last updated, the new mobile app is worth updating the hub. At least on iOS (no android devices in my household), I have appreciated the improvements to the app in general, and geofencing in particular. I had given up on using the old app’s geofence capabilities, but the new app has been working well (for me at least), along with HomeKit and wifi for good measure.
I think you'd need to read through a bunch of release notes to confirm for yourself if you want anything included in the platform releases since your last update. Always a YMMV about that stuff. Platform release notes are quite detailed and available nicely organized below:
Unless you see a feature or fix on the release notes that you really want, seems like you should just walk away... 
I suppose only you can answer that by looking at what's changed, but I think it's a good idea to stay reasonably up to date so that you don't face this question again if you want to upgrade in the future (last few versions are normally tested as an upgrade path), have an easier time with support or troubleshooting should you need it (first piece of advice is normally going to be making sure you're updated), and also receive the latest feature and security fixes (not aware of any recently, but as with any computer, they happen from time to time). This doesn't mean you have to say on the latest release; for example, even though 2.4.0 is out, you could stay on the latest 2.3.9 if you wanted something more "stable" (the /hub/advanced/downloadPlatform/239 endpoint lets you download it even if something newer is available, same for 240 in the future, etc. -- though if you want a few weeks after a major release, this normally calms down).
The new mobile app might also need a more recent platform version, if you use that, though I don't know how far back it goes -- but safe to say, it's better tested with recent versions regardless.
But there is also something to be said about fixing something that isn't broken.
Keep in mind that this is still the case, so at least trying the upgrade is normally an easy process.
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thanks everyone for your comments and advice. appreciated
I agree.
With all your old stuff, you'd probably have to replace it with new stuff.
Am i wrong to understand that the device drivers included is forever expanding or are you suggesting that some older devices are no longer supported or their drivers will not be available in later/future firmware versions?
I thought the implication was that if you like "fixing" things that still worked fine you would have replaced all your old devices by now.
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I take it back.
I didn't read the thread thoroughly. I thought you had an old hub to go along with your old z-wave devices and were upgrading the hub. C7 is not that old.
Listen to the other posters.
i guess that depends what is defined as "older devices"
i came from a vera system several years ago as it was unreliable and one day died. I chose the HE with the aim to reuse all my existing z-wave devices. Most migrated to the HE but a couple of items that didn't have been replaced with newer versions.
Upgrading my C7 i hope all the z-wave devices that were working (with HE) before continue to work unless certain devices have their support/drivers withdrawn as part of the HE advancement. To my knowledge, i dont believe this to be the case but please correct me if i misunderstand.
Anyhow, have upgraded this evening so lets see how things go....
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You are correct, drivers usually maintain backward compatibility with any devices they supported in the past. If there are significant changes with new models they usually implement a new driver and keep the old one around as well.
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Both Zigbee and Z-wave try to maintain backwards compatibility with earlier versions. However, if your devices are really old (earlier than Zigbee 1.4 or Z-wave 500), you might make a plan for upgrading them. Newer version are generally more efficient and more capable.
The same thing applies to WiFI. You could still use an old WiFI 3 router, but newer versions are much more capable.
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Then again, if it works now satisfactorily, and you don't want to sink any money into it...
Although, I guess you have to prepare for device failure (see Jasco switches).
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