I’ve created a 3d printed modular base system for Grove modules which may be of interest to others.
A modular system for joining together Seeed Studios Grove modules. It’s ideal for prototyping microcontroller systems as the various modules are held securely. I think it would also be especially useful for educational use though see the warning about the delicate nature of the module holder legs later in the description.
At the heart of the system are two holders for 1x1 and 2x1 modules. These do not join together using the screw holes and cutouts on the modules themselves but are joined edge to edge with dovetail joints. They deliberately hold the modules quite high so that there is room underneath for those modules which have connectors on the bottom of the PCB. There may be modules which require even more clearance underneath and on request additions can be made. Do NOT just scale the Z axis as this will change the indentations on the holder’s legs and they may no longer hold the PCBs securely.
The PCBs’ corners are held in the holders by the indentations at the top of the 4 corner legs. The holder legs have to be GENTLY held apart to insert the module. Because of the printing direction the module holders are inherently delicate and there’s little that can be done about this. Rough handling WILL snap the holder legs. Some modules have components that are perilously close to the legs, again there’s nothing that can be done to alleviate this shortcoming.
In addition there are holders for small and large breadboards and the Grove Raspberry Pico module. These do not actively hold the modules but it’s easy to add some double sided adhesive foam pads to secure them. A special 2x3 breadboard is included which is coloured on two sides to visually show that they are at different voltages. Typically you’d use this in conjunction with a logic level converter inserted into the breadboard and suitable supply voltages from the microcontroller.
The modules can be secured to one another by the dovetails. There are small holes on the underside of the holders which can be used to remove the dovetails using a small pin if they become stuck though the standard dovetails are not difficult to insert.
As an alternative to using the dovetails to join modules there are 4x4 and 8x8 baseplates. The baseplates permit the other modules to be placed on top of them in the grid of 4 pins that have equivalent holes on the other modules. These too can be joined at their edges using the same dovetails to give you an unlimited area. Both holders and baseplates are the same thickness and joined by the same dovetails.
Both module holders and baseplates have countersunk holes in the grid to permit them to be secured to workbenches with screws etc.
You cannot stack baseplates on baseplates.
I’m happy to add module holders for other microcontrollers on request.
Do get in touch if you have any ideas for changes or variations to the models.
The full details and the freely downloadable models are at:
https://makerworld.com/en/models/3042555-seeed-studio-grove-modular-system#profileId-3421533
Here are some photos of various aspects of the system:
