Overview

This is the beginning of a system of mounts for various electronic components used during electronic circuit prototyping, all based upon the openGrid grid system. 

Why I Created This

I have found that prototyping is not as neat and clean as I would like it to be. Sure, breadboards are better than soldering, but things soon get very messy when you start adding in boards such as buck converters, servo drivers, and motor drivers to the mix. Add to that the problem of accidentally pulling out wires when setting aside my multi-board prototype so that I can work on something else for a while. Here is what my most recent prototyping effort looked like.

I like organization. I have Multiboard tiles up on the wall of my small office to help me out. But the flexibility of a full Multiboard setup is not required for prototype organization. Then I found out about openGrid. It is lightweight, fast printing and can handle what I need.

Voilà

Thus, openProto was born. It can handle breadboards, driver boards, buck converters, hold motors and such in place and allow me to clear off my desktop without destroying all my hard, unfinished work. I can pick up the entire project and store it away without major disconnections. This is what the same prototyping effort looks like now.

Quick Guide

All you need to do is print out openGrid tile(s), Multiconnect snaps and some of my openProto bits and bobs to clean up your workspace too. I have found that the openGrid light tiles are sturdy enough for my work. These can be found at the following locations.

• openGrid tiles, connectors and Multiconnect snaps- [https://www.printables.com/model/1214361-opengrid-walldesk-mounting-framework-and-ecosystem/files](https://www.printables.com/model/1214361-opengrid-walldesk-mounting-framework-and-ecosystem/files)
• openGrid - NonRotating Multiconnect Snaps - [https://makerworld.com/en/models/2370628-opengrid-nonrotating-multiconnect-snaps#profileId-2594515](https://makerworld.com/en/models/2370628-opengrid-nonrotating-multiconnect-snaps#profileId-2594515)
• openProto Breadboard Mounts - [https://makerworld.com/en/models/2965148-openproto-breadboard-mounts#profileId-3324481](https://makerworld.com/en/models/2965148-openproto-breadboard-mounts#profileId-3324481)
• openProto Motor Mounts - [https://makerworld.com/en/models/2969240-openproto-motor-holders#profileId-3329708](https://makerworld.com/en/models/2969240-openproto-motor-holders#profileId-3329708)

This is a set of mounts for the various PCBs that you might use in prototyping, motor drivers, buck converters, SBC breakout boards, etc. These are not made specifically for any particular board, they are generic. They rely on a single 2.5mm x 8 screw in the corner and supports to hold the board stable. This is intentional so that I didn’t end up with a huge number of mounts, one for each specific board. I have found that the boards that I use are typically small enough that this is sufficient.

Finally

I have ideas for even more addons for the openProto system, which I will be adding soon.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.