Anyone have a source for external USB ports that can be mounted in a cabinet?

[Dazz]

Would anyone happen to have a source that sells external USB ports?  I'm looking for something that can be mounted on the under side of a control panel or somewhere that would allow easy access.  I have controllers for various game systems that my kids like to use on my cabinet.  I'd like for them to just be able to plug in the control and then play without having to open the control panel to access the internal USB powered hub.  I've tried searching Google for them, but I guess I'm not using the right terms as nothing very useful is returning.  

I have come across some rack mount usb ports, but these are industrial and cost about $80 for 10 ports.

Any suggestions?

[JustMichael]

Have you tried searching for "usb panel mount"?  There several options out there but I have not used any so can't recommend any.

[Dazz]

Thank you.  Panel Mount seems to give me more options than I was getting before.  This is a nice start.

[surface tension]

I use these...

http://www.datapro.net/products/usb-panel-mount-type-a-cable.html

I feed them from the computer, to an I/O panel on the underside.

[Franco B]

There is also this type:



You do need A>B USB cables to go with them though.

They are manufactured by [Neutrik] and are avaliable from [Maplin] in the UK and [Markertek] in the US amongst other places.

The links should take you directly to the products.

[Todd H]

Here's what I use.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10307&cs_id=1030701&p_id=226&seq=1&format=2

I have it mounted underneath my control panel out of sight. I use it to connect gamepads and a keyboard when needed.

[drventure]

I used plain old usb extension cables from fry's (.99$ each), drilled a hole, chiseled it square and then just glued the plug in place flush with the surface. Cheap and it looks fine.

But I do like those Nuetrik panel mount plugs!

[bkenobi]

Don't forget FrontX.

http://www.frontx.com

[ahofle]

There is also this type:



You do need A>B USB cables to go with them though.

I have those mounted in front too.  Easy to install (just drill a hole) and works great for quickly attaching gamepads, etc.  They also have black ones which look much better and don't stick out as much.

[Dazz]

There is also this type:



You do need A>B USB cables to go with them though.

They are manufactured by [Neutrik] and are avaliable from [Maplin] in the UK and [Markertek] in the US amongst other places.

The links should take you directly to the products.

I really like these, but they are A > B genderchangers.  Do they not have A > A like this?

[markronz]

I use these:

https://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=5140162

I think they have all black ones on the site too.   Mine's hidden on the bottom of the cp box.

[ahofle]

I really like these, but they are A > B genderchangers.  Do they not have A > A like this?

Not that I know of.  I usually have several of those A->B type cables lying around unused though so it wasn't an issue:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030301&p_id=5436&seq=1&format=2

[northerngames]

There is also this type:



You do need A>B USB cables to go with them though.

I have those mounted in front too.  Easy to install (just drill a hole) and works great for quickly attaching gamepads, etc.  They also have black ones which look much better and don't stick out as much.

I also use these but the black one's on my cab's their a bit overpriced after shipping cost if their the only thing your ordering but they are nice looking and easy to mount/use 

[Franco B]

There is also this type:



You do need A>B USB cables to go with them though.

I have those mounted in front too.  Easy to install (just drill a hole) and works great for quickly attaching gamepads, etc.  They also have black ones which look much better and don't stick out as much.

I quite like the silver ones personally 



Now I thought this was a great idea of Nacimrocs 

I'm going to use a Push button to hide my usb port! I'm not planning on putting ports switches etc anywhere on my cab so thought this would be handy! Might inspire someone!

Hell, you don't even need the Neutrik port, you could just mount a USB coupler or a USB extension in a button.

[shateredsoul]

Here's what I use.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10307&cs_id=1030701&p_id=226&seq=1&format=2

I have it mounted underneath my control panel out of sight. I use it to connect gamepads and a keyboard when needed.

I love monoprice! Great products

[GregorDV]

I got mine from Lizard Lick along with some other cab parts:
http://www.lizardlick.com/pages/boards.shtml

Good service, reasonable shipping, and caters to the community.

[mlalena]

This should work:
http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/80-port-usb-charger-on-the-verge-of-overdoing-things-20100129/

[Dazz]

This should work:
http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/80-port-usb-charger-on-the-verge-of-overdoing-things-20100129/

lol, too bad that's just a charger and not a hub....  I could probably use it if it were a hub.

[u_rebelscum]

lol, too bad that's just a charger and not a hub....  I could probably use it if it were a hub.

There is the 49 port hub.

[draculawithglasses]

Awww man  , I wish I had found the silver one port USB like above about a month ago. What I ended up using was a grommet usb hub like this:

http://rekkerd.org/usb-goodies-for-your-desk-grommet-hole/ (The hub on the right side)

Doesn't look too bad, but I don't need all the ports. I may be filling some holes this weekend and have a second take at it. Mounting them in a button is a very good idea too. Thanks for posting this.

[mh12]

some sleek stuff here!

i just use USB extension cables with the ends superglued (candy cab--plastic) into the first coin return (only have one working coin mech, which is on the second one).

[DJ_Izumi]

Having some USB ports externally seems a lot more practical than say, a big ol keyboard tray or something hidden away.  Instead you can just plug in the keyboard and mouse when you need it and keep them in a closet otherwise.  You could use it as a data port to add more games, add extra secondary controllers like if you want to add a racing wheel or or just jack in an analog gamepad when your control panel just won't cut it for one game.