'mountable' USB hub and/or extender?

[farmecologist]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a USB hub and/or USB extender that can be mounted on the front of my control panel.   Does such a thing exist?  I thought it would be easy to find one.  However, I'm having absolutely no luck. 

The intent is to have 2 USB ports available on the front of the control panel to plug various controllers into ( USB hacked console controllers, LCD topguns, etc..).

Any ideas on where to look?

Thanks!

 

[bleugh]

why not just buy a couple of the USB ports that slot into the PCI panels on the back PC's

often they come with motherboards, etc, you can get them at computer fayres / swap meets.

buy a normal USB hub, crack it open and solder the wires onto the ports, then mount them!!

otherwise, they are available in professional fittings, I've lost the link tho :-(

[polaris]

usb extension cable
mount two of something like that

[SavannahLion]

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=65353.0

[Zebidee]

You can easily make a real USB port for your cabinet for under $10.

[Zebidee]

I had one evening to do make a USB port for my cabinet, and here's how I did it.

I removed the coin mech out of the 4 player galaxy cab (pictured above), and replaced the metal plate with a piece of craft wood cut to size.  I then cut a hole for a large credit button (where the coins used to go!),  and another hole for a USB port (in the former coin return).  Painted it (first coat).  got my soldering iron and other stuff together and ready.  painted another coat.

While that was drying I got a new USB female end (you can buy from a hobby electronics store), and fixed it
to a small piece of plain unflashed PCB by pushing the connections through some pre-drilled holes in the PCB (I got this idea from an xbox USB hack).   I got my USB extension cable, hacked the female end off and
resoldered the wires to the new female end.  Tested it with PC (OK).  Screwed PCB & USB onto small piece of wood.

Painted third coat on face plate.  Called girlfriend, went shopping.

Attached USB to faceplate (screwed wood to faceplate), fitted new faceplate to cabinet (paint just dry!).

Very Happy!  Drank beer   

[shorthair]

Maybe I'm seriously missing something here...but, why not just mount a usb hub into the front of the cabinet? Hubs connect to USB ports on your computer, right? What's there to hack?

[Zebidee]

There is no need for a hub! You are missing something.  Think about it.

For this cab, a USB hub isn't an option, as there isn't enough room.  I have a small hole, former coin return, and there is space for only one USB port.  Making new holes isn't what I want.  I only need one port.  Solution presented, need satisfied.  Maybe you have questions about how I did it?

[shorthair]

Nope. You presented your design criteria. I understand, now.