My KB/Mouse Cab Solution.. Help!

[miles2912]

What I want to do is run a USB extension from the PC to a connection on the side of the Cab.  So if I need to use a Keybaord and or mouse I simply plug it into the side of the cab with out having to open any doors on my cab.  It will look like a dual network connection/phone plate.  Stainless steel would look the best, but black is doable too.

Does anyone know if they make a plate that has a usb connection or know of a way to fabricate something. 

Don

[PileDriver]

I'm going to try to incorporate something like like in my next cab.

[Havok]

What about a wireless mouse\keyboard? Then you don't have to put a connection on the side of the cab - cleaner lines...

[RayB]

If you don't go wireless, I'd suggest some discreet location like under the control panel. In the side would just look bad.

[miles2912]

PileDriver-  I like itThat is what I am talking about.  Now if we could get a cleaner design we will have something.

Havok - I gave a lot of thougt to a wireless solution.  It it is plan B in case this doesnt work. I just know that my batteries on the wireless will be dead when I want to use the keyboard.  The cab will sit for months without using a KB and when I need to change something I dont want to look for batteries...

I am going to the Computer show in a few weeks... will see what they have there.

Don

[BobA]

You could try a back mounting plate and trim the ends off of it to give you a very small plate that you could mount with a couple of screws.

[quarterback]

I think these are slick!:






They're from Markertek but I first saw them in this thread:

[stratjakt]

Go to home depot, get a solid switchplate (no holes).. 

Get one of the back mounting plates, take the jacks out, use it as a template to trace the opening you need, then carefully drill and file it out to look all slick..  Then spraypaint it whatever color you want..  Then hack your extension cable onto the short little mobo jumper the back mounting plate has (black to black, yellow to yellow, green to green, red to red) - it'll be fine for keyboard/mouse, the hack wont impair the little bandwidth they need.

The do sell steel and metal plates, but plastic would be easier to work with.

It's how I've put front/side/wherever usb ports on plenty of PCs over the years, with a little careful work with a small file, it'll look like it was machined that way.

[Tahnok]

Go to home depot, get a solid switchplate (no holes).. 

Get one of the back mounting plates, take the jacks out, use it as a template to trace the opening you need, then carefully drill and file it out to look all slick..  Then spraypaint it whatever color you want..  Then hack your extension cable onto the short little mobo jumper the back mounting plate has (black to black, yellow to yellow, green to green, red to red) - it'll be fine for keyboard/mouse, the hack wont impair the little bandwidth they need.

The do sell steel and metal plates, but plastic would be easier to work with.

It's how I've put front/side/wherever usb ports on plenty of PCs over the years, with a little careful work with a small file, it'll look like it was machined that way.

They do make those, you know? They look just like a normal wall socket but with USB. Take a look around, you should be able to find plenty of solutions.