Cable/Wall boxes

[pslater]

Hi All,

 

We're in the planning stages at the moment and are looking to remove classroom PCs in favour of staff laptops. we're nearly in the position where all staff have a USB-C capable laptop and we're hoping to allow staff to plug in a single USB-C cable into their laptop which will then connect them to the room projector, speakers, network and power.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to neatly contain a USB-C dock/hub and the relevant connections on a wall so that staff don't get tempted to unplug the cables from the dock? I'm thinking a wall mounted box that presents the single cable.

 

Many thanks,

 

Pete

[caffrey]

Market opportunity there, I haven't really seen anything like that

 

I wonder if you could modify a sahara cleverconnect and put the USB C hub inside it and a couple of usb c panel mounts... Although to be fair any metal box with usb c panel mount connectors (One power in, one connections out) with the hub inside would do. You would need to be a bit handy with DIY though...

 

Would certainly be a lot neater than the hub on the desk, and would help with security etc.

[slugshead]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/kenable-Faceplate-Module-Panel-Mount-White/dp/B07ZS1VHH8

[pslater]

Market opportunity there, I haven't really seen anything like that

 

I wonder if you could modify a sahara cleverconnect and put the USB C hub inside it and a couple of usb c panel mounts... Although to be fair any metal box with usb c panel mount connectors (One power in, one connections out) with the hub inside would do. You would need to be a bit handy with DIY though...

 

Would certainly be a lot neater than the hub on the desk, and would help with security etc.

 

I have thought about these as we already have some installed around school, but I don't think we'll get the hub inside.

[southhamster]

I think CPC do some extra deep bacboxes and ABS fronts (easy to drill) which might have room inside. They also do all kinds of faceplate s etc.

[djm968]

Heat may be an issue if you enclose the dock in a box, you might want to have a look for a ventilated enclosure.

 

Something like this would probably work. They do fabrication also, so could make a custom box for you.

 

https://www.camdenboss.com/camden-boss/cdm8605sl-86-series-heatsink-aluminium-enclosure%2C-size-5%2C-silver%2C-130%2C180x40mm/c-23/p-16549

 

CPC has no stock at the moment.

https://cpc.farnell.com/takachi/cdm8605sl/alu-audio-case-silver-130x180x40mm/dp/EN83773?ost=cdm8605s

Edited January 12, 2022 by djm968

[Oaktech]

I'd just strap a conventional dock to the wall with some fixing band and leave a flying USB-C. Easy to replace the USB when it gets worn and easy to replace the dock when it inevitably fails.

 

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/3922453-12mm-all-round-fixing-band-black-pvc-coated-10m-roll

[robyholmes]

Have a look or even better email this lot:

York AV Ltd

 

Might not have what you want, but they've done some very nice wall plates for us and customer service was very good.

[Chris_Cook]

You could try searching for an 'adaptable box'. These are usually quite cheap and come in various sizes. You can then have a usb c extension cable dropping out the bottom that can be replaced easily if damaged.

[DrBeaker]

I think CPC do some extra deep bacboxes and ABS fronts (easy to drill) which might have room inside. They also do all kinds of faceplate s etc.

 

If I can't find it - either CPC, Lindy or Startech have it.

 

I'd just strap a conventional dock to the wall with some fixing band and leave a flying USB-C. Easy to replace the USB when it gets worn and easy to replace the dock when it inevitably fails.

 

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/3922453-12mm-all-round-fixing-band-black-pvc-coated-10m-roll

 

I never even thought of doing this - what a good simple idea!

 

Between velcro, sticky pads, custom wood brackets nothing that looked or felt that nice to have installed.

[synaesthesia]

USB-C is already sensitive to length (more so than HDMI) so couplers are out of the question meaning you'd need to go direct into the hub. Not a good idea really as one of the selling points of wallboxes are replaceable connections.

[pslater]

USB-C is already sensitive to length (more so than HDMI) so couplers are out of the question meaning you'd need to go direct into the hub. Not a good idea really as one of the selling points of wallboxes are replaceable connections.

Thanks, I'll definitely do some testing with this before rolling out properly

[SamanthaD]

What's your budget?

 

If you want a really nice solution, something like the TopTec Juno A would be perfect. Nice desk space for the laptop to sit on, secure space for the dock and cabling. We use these with a SFF PC in the access hole for small meeting rooms, no issues. If you want something less intrusive they also do enclosures such as the Slimline Active Learning Console, Neutrik D holes for connections (not sure if they do USB-C on Neutrik yet), again secure space for your kit.

 

Not a TopTec reseller, just someone who uses their kit a lot and am very happy with their products.

[pslater]

What's your budget?

 

If you want a really nice solution, something like the TopTec Juno A would be perfect. Nice desk space for the laptop to sit on, secure space for the dock and cabling. We use these with a SFF PC in the access hole for small meeting rooms, no issues. If you want something less intrusive they also do enclosures such as the Slimline Active Learning Console, Neutrik D holes for connections (not sure if they do USB-C on Neutrik yet), again secure space for your kit.

 

Not a TopTec reseller, just someone who uses their kit a lot and am very happy with their products.

 

Thanks for the pointers, there's some interesting products there. We're currently thinking about 3d printing our own enclosures. I'll report back with our progress!