Backup & Restore
A complete zactrack backup is one zactrack Native (ZTS) export with the server settings included, stored somewhere other than the tablet. With that file, a show and its configuration can be rebuilt on a repaired server, a replacement server or a second system. This applies to PRO, SMART and MINI systems running version 3.25.4 or later.
Warning
A Factory Reset can permanently delete show data and all server settings. Always export a backup first.
What needs to be backed up
The show and all settings live on the zactrack Server; the zactrack APP only edits a local copy (see Show Upload / Download).
Data | Contents | Included in ZTS export |
|---|---|---|
Show data | Points, Universes, Fixtures, Actors, Terrains, Scenes, Fixture Types, Groups, Autofunction zones | Always |
System Settings | Tracking mode, filters, Actor, Fixture, Calibration and Protocol settings | With Server Settings option |
Network Settings | Server name, server role (Main/Backup), LAN interface IPs, MINI Wi-Fi | With Server Settings option |
Device Settings | Anchor and Tracker EUIs with their IDs associated with the system | With Server Settings option |
System Config, Tracking Config | Advanced configuration lines | With Server Settings option |
The Default Show and the showfile history are not listed as part of the export. Export the Default Show as its own file, and download and export any history version you want to keep.
Create a complete backup
Only zactrack Native (ZTS) holds both show data and server settings and can be re-imported. CSV carries only the patch; JSON cannot be re-imported (see Export Show).
Connect the App to the server. If the sync symbol shows an orange or red triangle, upload or download so the server holds the version you want to keep.
Open the menu and select .
Keep the default filename (show name plus date and time) and add a hint such as the venue.
Select and enable the checkbox for including the server settings.
Press to store the file on the tablet (/storage/emulated/0/Zactrack/Shows), then export again and press to send a copy off the tablet, e.g. to cloud storage.
Warning
A file saved only on the tablet is not a backup. Always keep a copy on a second device.
Tip
Also keep written notes of the server name, IP addresses, software version and the EUI and ID of every Anchor and Tracker. A photo of the Device Settings list is enough.
Restore after a hardware change
Use this when a server was replaced or repaired but the Anchors, Trackers and venue stay the same.
Mount and power the server. If it was used before, consider a Factory Reset.
Update it to the software version of the backup or newer (see Software Update), then update the App.
Connect the App, entering the IP manually if needed (see Server Connection).
From the menu, select , choose the ZTS file, enable all checkboxes and tap .
Select as the scope and as the target and tap .
Upon successful import, close the dialog by tapping .
Upload the show to the server. If the restored network settings change the server's IP, reconnect with the IP from your notes.
Verify: all Anchors and Trackers come online with the correct IDs, the Anchor Link is green, outputs arrive (I/O Monitoring), and a tracking test passes. Re-run Alignment for any fixture that is off.
Note
If only an Anchor or Tracker was replaced, no restore is needed. Enter the new EUI in Device Settings with the old device's ID and upload.
Transfer to a second system
Show data transfers cleanly, but server settings usually belong to the original hardware, network and venue.
Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
Show Data | Import |
System Settings | Import, then check Protocol Settings |
System Config, Tracking Config | Import only on identical system types |
Device Settings | Replace with the second system's EUIs |
Network Settings | Adjust according to network requirements |
Points (Anchor positions) | Re-measure in a new venue |
Export the second system's current state as a ZTS backup first.
Match the software versions on both systems.
In , choose and pick the reusable parts.
In , assign the second system's EUIs to the IDs used in the show.
Set the network in and check output universes and protocols.
Upload, then calibrate the tracking system and align all Fixtures in the new venue.
Warning
Never connect two servers with identical network settings to the same network. Also ensure that there are no IP conflicts with any other device in the network.
Backup server and best practice
On PRO and SMART systems, a Backup server (set its Server Role in Network Settings) syncs live with the Main server. It protects against hardware failure during a show but does not replace exported backups, because unwanted changes are synced too.
Export a backup after calibration in a new venue, at the end of each programming day, and before any update, factory reset or shipment. Keep at least two copies in two places.
Note
Technically, a System Report also contains the current show, all system settings and (optionally) the showfile history. However, it is not possible to directly restore a system from a System Report file.