Modifying Time Machine backup interval

[James83448]

I don't want to use TimeMachineEditor as I would rather use a native app (Time Machine) to achieve the same outcome.

I'm following this tutorial to modify a .plist file, which apparently modifies the backup interval.

I have opened the com.apple.backupd-auto.plist, although there seems to be 2 things with the standard value of 3600 seconds:

<dict>
                <key>Interval</key>
                <integer>3600</integer>
                <key>Delay</key>
                <integer>3600</integer>
                <key>GracePeriod</key>
                <integer>1800</integer>
                <key>Repeating</key>
                <true/>
                <key>AllowBattery</key>
                <true/>
                <key>PowerNap</key>
                <true/>
                <key>Priority</key>
                <string>Utility</string>
</dict>

I'm not sure weather to edit both values or just the first one "Interval", as both "Interval" and "Delay" imply the same thing.

Can anybody offer some advice please?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jbarley]

Changing the backup interval using Terminal is easy, check this link for more info.

 

[James83448]

Thanks for the reply, it doesn't seem to update the "Next Backup" time though. I entered the equivalent of 23 hours (in seconds), and the next backup seems to be in 15 minutes.

I've tried the command with TM both active and deactivate (although when it was active, it wasn't actually backing up at the time).

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

I've used an app, Time Machine Editor, that will change the interval http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/26704/timemachineeditor

I won't vouch for it today, but it worked fine for me in the past.

 

[jbarley]

I've used an app, Time Machine Editor, that will change the interval http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/26704/timemachineeditor

I won't vouch for it today, but it worked fine for me in the past.

Yes, that's the same App the OP mentions in his original post, the one he does not want to use.

 

[James83448]

Thanks for all replies.

I've decided not to use TM, and chose CCC to backup to 2 EHD's.