Followup 9 Months Later: My Sprinter Photography Adventure Van Project: Computer Desk and Connectivity

2018-07-23 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: 4K and 5K display, computer display, iMac, iMac 5K, Mercedes Sprinter, Other World Computing

Back in late 2017 I was evolving my plans for how to do my photography and other computer work in my Mercedes Sprinter photography adventure van.

The key goal of my Sprinter photography adventure van was/is to be able to work as efficiently in the van up high in the mountains as I can at home. That means a computer desk with my wide gamut workhorse NEC PA302W 30" display, driven by an Apple iMac 5K via the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock, with battery power sufficient for 3-4 days*. Along with OWC peripherals for storage and more. With that in place, I can shoot in the field and publish at downtime (bad light middle of the day, night, etc).

My solution has evolved as shown below to include a gorgeous hickory table with beveled edges and immense strength. The 2017 iMac 5K has performed admirably.

Most recently, the weBoost cell phone signal booster is giving me much higher data rates to the internet.

* Tip: solar is an expensive non solution. Choose a bigger battery, or a 2nd alternator or a underbody diesel generator.

Below, I do all my field work in my Mercedes Sprinter photography adventure van, with its 10 kilowatt battery system and 48 X 29 X 1.5-inch hickory table. The 2017 iMac 5K has proven to be an excellent choice, hot or cold, at altitudes up to 11,600' and as low as -300 feet.

2017 iMac 5K and OWC Mercury Elite Pro 12TB external hard drive in use on
48 X 29 X 1.5 inch HICKORY EDGE GRAIN BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTERTOP as installed in Lloyd’s 2017 Mercedes Sprinter