[rxdude]

Yes you could run it from your rack, just make sure you have a good quality USB cable.

I was looking into a similar install and apparently there is a 15' limit to USB cable lengths, unless you periodically install hubs.

FYI, I found this solution at monoprice, but have not tried it:

Ooops, need to have 5 posts to include a link... just search for product 6042 at monoprice.