Hi, We have recently purchased a ZED X camera with a ZED Box Orin computer. Our next step is to add an external storage device with approximately 2TB capacity. Since the system will be deployed outdoors in a harsh environment and subjected to continuous 24/7 write loads, we are looking for a rugged, reliable solution. Could you recommend an external storage option that meets these requirements?
Unfortunately, we don’t have tests for this specific use case, so I won’t be able to recommend anything in terms of specific brands or models of rugged SSDs.
The constraints you are looking at are an SSD with good performance, support USB3.0 (which is the version available on ZED Box Orin), IP-rating, and provide a secure USB connection while in operation.
You can leave the topic open if anyone from the community has recommendations.
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We have been using a similar setup for a number of years, and found that the limiting factor is the endurance of the SSD itself. All will degrade to a point where continuous read/write is impossible well below their stated MTBF or TBW endurance claims. Any $20 SSD enclosure with a jmicron chip should do the job as long as you attach enough external heatsinks to cope with the local climate. A rubber boot around the USB connector is worth fabricating if it will be in direct rain.
For the internal disk, my recommendation would be to stick with multiple low-capacity disks, rather than single large volumes, as heat is less of an issue, and cost is reduced when they eventually need replacement.
SSD SlowMark is a good start point for investigating suitable brands.
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Thanks a lot for the helpful info, really appreciate you sharing your experience.