Going along with hurricandave's suggestion of custom usb cables. I'm working on version 2 now, going straight to the jack this time. I hope I can cut down the power usage a little.
http://i.imgur.com/yX0uaBf.jpgSo you're running the beefy (24ga?) wires from power supply to the two outer posts on the USB connector and then the two inner data wires to the USB hub? Do the male plugs that go to the USB hub only have data +/- connected, do are you doing something with the 5v from that bus, too?
Would you mind providing a closer image of where the female ports connect to the wood supports?
I like this idea and may "borrow" it if that's okay with you...
