I picked up a Dynex USB 2.0 Crystal Hub from BestBuy a handful of months ago. This was done in growing frustration with my inability to plug multiple usb devices into my Space Cadet Keyboard.
Some might know about this strange modification of an old Compaq keyboard I favour: The back of the chassis sports a 25D connector from the host computer, usb jack, a ps/2 mouse jack, as well as headphone and microphone jacks. This results in far fewer lengthy cables running from my work area back to the computer.
I intended to integrate the usb hub into the keyboard chassis, making its connections available on the backside. However, the device refuses to function following my gross violation of the usb specification on cable lengths and shieldings. Thus, I am looking into replacing the ps/2 mouse functionality in the keyboard and going full usb. However, since I refuse to give up the awesome tactile feal of this keyboard purely for cabling reasons, I have decided to also integrate a usb->ps/2 converter within the chassis to continue supporting the ps/2 keyboard. It’s getting a little full! I’ll be able to reclaim the ps/2 mouse jack space.
I will need to emply a somewhat shorter (aka, less than 15 feet) run of cable, and shield it, and really should consider moving to a different connector and cabling type, possibly something with enough seperately shielded pairs of cable to sustain both the usb and headphone lines. Either that or some custom sheathing.
Last night I spent some time ripping apart the usb hub’s plastic chassis. Finding no screws (and ignoring the 4 rubber feet in the bottom corners, which consealed them) I proceeded to literally rip the plastic to shreds with a pair of needle-nose pliers. I managed to sustain a nice ole blister to might right hand, ring finger, which detonated spectacularly during a particularly agressive wrenching of the tool. Hub board uncovered, it is found fairly simple. I expect no problems fitting it within the keyboard chassis. The caccoon was respectfully disposed of.