dmpsk8
Well-known member
UPDATE: FEB 2018
All the old build notes are below, but I wanted to post some recent updates. I try to check into this thread every couple years to touch base on our current setup



------------------------------------------------------------
July 2016
I still get messages about this build pretty regularly, so I try to post relevant updates when they happen. We've recently moved to all SSD's. Here's a look at v3.0 of our mobile system. Man, does it feel good to have the mechanical drives out of there...
The new setup has 8TB of SSD storage onboard, split into 2 4TB arrays. When the prices on Samsung's new 4tb Evo's start to come down, we'll be upgrading to a 16TB setup. While costly, this setup is infinitely faster and much more lightweight.
The dock had to be recessed to keep the drives out of harms way. It should also be noted that we made foam shims to keep the SSDs more secure in the slots. They were pretty bouncy in there before. All that give had me concerned about breaking the pins inside the dock.



Previous Build (2.0):
Alright fellas, here she is. 99% complete, I'm just waiting on one final part.
For those who followed the last build (here http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?253947-Mobile-DIT-Data-Transfer-station-(on-a-2K-budget) ), you already know a little bit. That system was great for data transfers, but my new production company needed something that had the horsepower to edit on location. We wanted something more modular too. Having everything built in was awesome, until you wanted to change a part, add a reader, swap drives, etc. The durability of the pelican case couldn't be beat, but it's design was inherently limiting. As much as we like the built in wheels, I've never had the testicular fortitude to go rolling that thing around and abuse the drives. Additionally, I really wanted rack mountable components in the new system.
The new system had a budget of about $4000, compared to $2K on the previous build.
That included ALL the components. We sourced the laptop and external cinema display gently used from ebay to save a ton of money.
Tech Specs:
(The full parts list is at the bottom of this page)
15" Macbook Pro Retina 2.6 Quad i7 (2012) - excellent bang for the buck on this machine.
Thunderbolt to Esata adapter
USB 3.0 hub / USB 3.0 multi card reader
7" External LCD with case mounted arm
12tb of raid storage - 2x 6tb esata Raid 0 arrays
Built in LED lighting
Magic Mouse / Full Apple Keyboard on board
Rack mount battery backup with 30min of battery power for the entire system
Rack mounted 4U storage drawer - holds the 7" LCD, cables and adapters








All the old build notes are below, but I wanted to post some recent updates. I try to check into this thread every couple years to touch base on our current setup
- We're now sporting 16 TB of storage built into our system, all SSD.
- One rack of "online" ssd storage, and one duplicate rack for backing up everything.
- I had a heck of a time trying to find shallow 1u drawers, so I ended up just making a couple from wood. Lighter, and they work perfect.
- Installed a fan in the rear of the case, to get some additional air flow at warm locations.
- Our second red mini-mag reader comes tomorrow, really looking forward to having two.



------------------------------------------------------------
July 2016
I still get messages about this build pretty regularly, so I try to post relevant updates when they happen. We've recently moved to all SSD's. Here's a look at v3.0 of our mobile system. Man, does it feel good to have the mechanical drives out of there...
The new setup has 8TB of SSD storage onboard, split into 2 4TB arrays. When the prices on Samsung's new 4tb Evo's start to come down, we'll be upgrading to a 16TB setup. While costly, this setup is infinitely faster and much more lightweight.
The dock had to be recessed to keep the drives out of harms way. It should also be noted that we made foam shims to keep the SSDs more secure in the slots. They were pretty bouncy in there before. All that give had me concerned about breaking the pins inside the dock.



Previous Build (2.0):
Alright fellas, here she is. 99% complete, I'm just waiting on one final part.
For those who followed the last build (here http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?253947-Mobile-DIT-Data-Transfer-station-(on-a-2K-budget) ), you already know a little bit. That system was great for data transfers, but my new production company needed something that had the horsepower to edit on location. We wanted something more modular too. Having everything built in was awesome, until you wanted to change a part, add a reader, swap drives, etc. The durability of the pelican case couldn't be beat, but it's design was inherently limiting. As much as we like the built in wheels, I've never had the testicular fortitude to go rolling that thing around and abuse the drives. Additionally, I really wanted rack mountable components in the new system.
The new system had a budget of about $4000, compared to $2K on the previous build.
That included ALL the components. We sourced the laptop and external cinema display gently used from ebay to save a ton of money.
Tech Specs:
(The full parts list is at the bottom of this page)
15" Macbook Pro Retina 2.6 Quad i7 (2012) - excellent bang for the buck on this machine.
Thunderbolt to Esata adapter
USB 3.0 hub / USB 3.0 multi card reader
7" External LCD with case mounted arm
12tb of raid storage - 2x 6tb esata Raid 0 arrays
Built in LED lighting
Magic Mouse / Full Apple Keyboard on board
Rack mount battery backup with 30min of battery power for the entire system
Rack mounted 4U storage drawer - holds the 7" LCD, cables and adapters








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