To Reload or Not to Reload, a Smart Start Query

[gatewoodgreen]

I recently started over with a new house and new C8 Pro hub. I am in the process of installing and loading 49 Leviton 800 series (not LR) in-wall switches, dimmers, and three 700 series fan controllers. Additionally I have eight Minoston 800 LR plug lamp controllers and 3-4 Minoston 800 LR battery powered remotes active withmany more plug controllers and remotes still to be loaded.

I am 2/3s to half way through the wall switches installs and loads. Because I have had such bad experience with Smart Start in the past (C5 and C7 hubs, 500 and 700 series devices) I did not bother with SmartStart this time. However as I understand it, 800 LR operating mode requires SmartStart loading. This leads to several questions:

1. Is there any performance or reliability value in deleting and reloading existing Leviton 800 (not LR!) using SmartStart?
2. As I depopulate the normal (not 800LR) Zwave IDs will they be recycled if I eventually get to the point of having performed 250 device loads (first 5 of 255 reserved to Hubitat)?
3. Related to #2, do I need to unload everything and reset Z-Wave to ensure I have adequate device runway for the long run? I am already to device 52 (0x0034) and I have and only will run exclusively Z-Wave devices on the Hubitat (no Zigbee, no matter).
4. Is SmartStart on the C8-Pro using mostly 800 and handful of 700 series devices going to as frustrating and unreliable as it was in the past?

[neonturbo]

@gatewoodgreen

Is SmartStart on the C8-Pro using mostly 800 and handful of 700 series devices going to as frustrating and unreliable as it was in the past?

My experience says yes. I can't get Smartstart to work no matter what I do.

But others have been more successful. So hard to tell unless you try it.

[jtp10181]

@gatewoodgreen

Is there any performance or reliability value in deleting and reloading existing Leviton 800 (not LR!) using SmartStart?

No, it only assists with pairing, after that it is out o the picture totally and the device will operate the same either way.

@gatewoodgreen

As I depopulate the normal (not 800LR) Zwave IDs will they be recycled if I eventually get to the point of having performed 250 device loads (first 5 of 255 reserved to Hubitat)?

Yes, it will roll over and start picking open spots from the beginning.

@gatewoodgreen

Related to #2, do I need to unload everything and reset Z-Wave to ensure I have adequate device runway for the long run?

No

@gatewoodgreen

Is SmartStart on the C8-Pro using mostly 800 and handful of 700 series devices going to as frustrating and unreliable as it was in the past?

I have never had any issues with Smart Start. Scan code, verify settings, then power on device and watch the logs for pairing messages. Never fails me.

In fact just a week or so ago I paired a Leviton ZW6HD and ZW15S via SmartStart with S2 security. Had no issues, as usual.