Cable Extension MOD

Here is what I would like. I want a box that basically extends all the ports from the back of my pc. Meaning the keyboard, monitor, printer, usb, priamry sound, etc. So essentially I would like a box that would plug into the back of the pc via the approriate connectors. I would then like to mount this box either on top or near the front of my pc and then plug all my hardware in there. I was consdering making it, but if anyone knows if I could buy it somewhere I would prefer to save myself the time. Anyone?

I've never seen one with all of those things. However there are items like the standard KVM switch.

Then there are bay panels Like This

But I doupt you'll find something that jives with the mental image your having, so building your own is likely the answer that will give you the most satisfaction, both in the doing of the project and in the results.

I highly doubt you'll find something like that pre-packaged. I'm not too proficient when it comes to wiring of that nature, so wait til Adisharr, TazTG, GLScooby, and Big Mac (to name a few) drop by. Those guys will be able to help you out;)

I've never seen a prepackaged one, there really isn't all that much demand for them. Your best bet might be to get a bunch of extension cables (easily available for all the things you mentioned) and a hobby box. Cut a hole in the back of the hobby box to thread them all in, and then cut the front of the box and mount each connector where you like it (probably best to use epoxy if you're sure that you never want to take it apart again).

Then just bundle the cables together and sleeve them using some split loom or mesh.

I'm sure there are other ways to do it. But I don't think that having all the signals share a single wire would be a good thing (if you were thinking to do that) because of the necessity to shield the signals, and you'd end up with some NASTY interference.

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Originally posted by hud43
Here is what I would like. I want a box that basically extends all the ports from the back of my pc. Meaning the keyboard, monitor, printer, usb, priamry sound, etc.

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FRONTX will do everything you want except the video in a 5" bay.

Gary

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Originally posted by Gary UT
FRONTX will do everything you want except the video in a 5" bay.

Gary

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I stand (sit) corrected. Forgot all about that. It's been posted a few times. I should have remembered it.

And it shouldn't be much trouble to take a serial port plug and rip it out and mount a DB15 in there instead (video).

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Originally posted by Big_Mac
I stand (sit) corrected. Forgot all about that. It's been posted a few times. I should have remembered it.

And it shouldn't be much trouble to take a serial port plug and rip it out and mount a DB15 in there instead (video).

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Must have been those girls distracting you.
Question??
Why would you want to plug all those cables in front of your PC??

That looks very nifty, and you wouldn't even need to mount it into a Drive Bay. You could buy a nice small wooden box and cut an opening to mount the Frontx to and then feed all the cables to the back of your PC. That way your cables won't need to hang off the front of your PC.

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So essentially I would like a box that would plug into the back of the pc via the approriate connectors. I would then like to mount this box either on top or near the front of my pc and then plug all my hardware in there.

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Thanks for all the advice. The FRONTX looks to be what I am looking for. As for why? I would just like easier access to my cables, and I hate having to pull the pc out from the wall for access. Call me weird, or maybe lazy, I dunno.

This device has been planned into my current project. It involves an external enclosure for virtually all i/o devices that would normally be used...

I'm heavy into the sheet metal phase of the project, so I haven't started this part, but I do have it on paper so far. Mine will probably include usb, video(incl dvi & s-vid), sound, firewire(maybe), surge protector, psu local-off, remote pump off (with interlock), and ps2 (for my old school ibm 'clicky' kb)

I'll probably leave off parallel and serial ports.

It won't rock the modding world or anything, but it'll be cool for me.....

Edit: Sorry for gravedigging, this was supposed to go in the Project: Redemption thread