Field Storage Solution

Jim Kinsey

Jim Kinsey

Well-known member
Field storage solution.

I have found a nice little device from G-tech for dumping my HVX footage to in the field from the P2 cards, it's called the G-raid Mini which runs off the firewire bus. I bought the 100 gig firewire 800 version and so far in my field tests I am able to dump my footage/ edit in the field with out a hitch on my 17" Powerbook. I hope this is of some use to everyone. What other alternatives are people using??

Jim Kinsey
 
I basically built my own version of G-Tech's... and if I can do it, anyone can. It is basically as complicated as putting together 2 pieces, the case and the internal drive. They snap together.

The internal drive that G-Tech uses is made by Hitachi -- 2.5 inch. I believe 7200 rpm.

I wanted the equivelent of a combo drive (like G-Tech makes) with firewire and usb 2.

So, I bought a USB 2 powered metal casing from Mad Dog Multimedia (actually, I ordered it through J & R) for about $40.

Then, I ordered the Hitachi 100gb 7200rpm drive from NewEgg for, I think, $140.

Put them both together and so far, they work great.

The G-Tech version would cost twice as much. They probably have an easier to implement warranty procedure, but this stuff also comes with a warranty. And I'd rather not pay $140 extra to get G-Tech's warranty.
 
Thanks for the advice on the "build your own drive". I am not as technical as I would like to be but sounds simple enough. Your right on the amount of money they cost quite a bit compared to what you built. I use (1) 500 gig and (2) 350 gig g-raids with my G5 Tower and they have preformed flawlessly for the last year. Being new to the HVX200 and this site I appreciate any advice I can get... Thanks..

Jim Kinsey
New kid on the block....
 
Believe me, I'm not technical either... but it is very simple. The Mad Dog enclosure I bought had some instructions on the install -- but even without, you'd probably figure it out easy enough. Basically you open up the enclosure, slide it out like a drawer, snap the hard-drive into place (there might be some screwing involved here, can't recall) and then just slide it back in. Plug it in and let your computer format it.

My laptop is a PC... it took using both USB2 ports to fully power this drive, which isn't surprising, considering its speed... but I think that would vary from laptop to laptop.
 
It would be quite a bit faster, yes. And would also be better if you ever want to record straight to the hard drive -- for instance, with Serious Magic's DVC Rack (in beta).
 
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