Unleash Your Creativity: Craft What's Missing!
Finding a USB Hub that Fits the Decora Standard Mounting Opening
In the search for a USB hub that fits the Decora standard mounting opening, it's essential to consider devices designed with dimensions close to the Decora faceplate size, which is approximately 2.62 inches by 1.3 inches.
Hubs fitting this size are designed to snap into a standard Decora wallbox. Look for USB hubs or chargers marketed as “Decora USB hubs” or USB outlet hubs compatible with Decora wallplates. They usually fit directly into the wallbox behind a Decora cover plate.
The product should mention compatibility with Decora or decorator-style mounting to ensure proper fit. Commonly, these devices combine USB Type-A and Type-C ports to provide charging and/or data connectivity.
For instance, the CoolGear CG-3510S4 USB hub module was chosen for a custom USB hub solution due to its lack of enclosure, visible mounting holes, and availability of technical drawings for confirmation of fit. This four-port USB 3.1 hub module was adapted to fit into a Decora form factor.
If you want a custom solution that does not exist commercially, you may have to create or adapt one to this rectangular size (2.62"x1.3").
It's worth noting that regular USB hubs not designed for flush wall mounting won't fit these openings; only those purpose-built for Decora wallbox sizing fit properly in a Decora standard opening.
In summary, search for USB hubs or USB charger outlets explicitly labeled “Decora compatible” or matching the 2.62" x 1.3" size to fit the Decora mounting opening. This ensures seamless integration with Decora wallplates and prevents issues with fit and stability.
Custom Panel Installation at WETA Studio
During the renovations at WETA studio, several StudioHub panels were installed. These included a headphone amp (P/N SH-HPB), a two-button panel for Live/Auto modes (P/N SH-2BUTRJ), and a three-button panel for EAS device control (P/N SH-3BUTRJ).
A custom panel was created by Front Panel Express for the USB hub mount. The cost of the custom panel, in black anodized aluminum of 2 mm thickness, was approximately $30. Two Essentra PCB-MB-01 nylon 90-degree mounting blocks, each costing approximately 36 cents, were used to mount the hub.
Miscellaneous hardware was needed for assembly, with an approximate cost of $2. The price per panel from Front Panel Express goes down with quantity. The cost of the CoolGear CG-3510S4 USB hub module is approximately $40.
Similar mounts are available from other manufacturers such as Middle Atlantic, RDL, Lowell, Strong, and others. A 19-inch rack panel (P/N SH-RACK4) from StudioHub allows mounting of up to four devices.
The total cost for this project is approximately $75. Front Panel Express offers free design software to create custom panels, making it an accessible solution for various projects.
In the course of StudioHub panel installations at WETA Studio, a custom panel was crafted for a USB hub mount using technology from Front Panel Express, complete with data-and-cloud-computing components like the CoolGear CG-3510S4 USB hub module. To ensure proper fit, this custom panel adheres to the same 2.62" x 1.3" size as a standard Decora mounting opening, making it suitable for studio environments.
