October 7, 2025
Description
A convenient location for mid- and upper-body electronics on the Baddeley B2V2 is just above the forward passthrough from the lower chassis to the mid-body.
These modifications were based off of the amazing Mid Deck modification originally created by Sky Hoover. I strongly recommend his modification (or my variation) for any B2V2 build as this dramatically simplifies the assembly and breakdown of Bee for maintenance or travel.
Due to the nature of this modification, you will need to print my modified “MainBase” for the main body lift so that the size and location of the pass-through holes match the location of the connection plates that are part of the Mid Deck.
All files shared here are .step files which should make additional changes and customization much easier, and I encourage builders to take what I've done as a starting point and tweak as needed to suit your needs.
Modified Mid Deck
My modified Mid Deck includes a handful of changes:
I have included the Mid Deck that I used which includes built-in standoffs for my amplifier (ZK-2202-W) as well as the external volume control knob.
If you are not using that amplifier (it's very close to being too big for the space), I have also included a “clean” Mid Deck that has no standoffs and can be customized for your needs.
The rear connection plate is split into two halves to accommodate a 2x3 block of Anderson Powerpole connectors. This is based on my existing design for PP Panel Mounts.
The forward connection plate is intended to hold a pair of Mill Max pogo connectors.
The Interface Board
This modular “interface board” can be outfitted with standoffs or threaded inserts as needed to hold various microcontrollers, voltage regulators, servo control boards, etc.
I have included a “clean” version that has only the 4 mounting holes that match the holes for threaded inserts on MainBase.
I have also included the version that I used which has a variety of holes positioned for the components that I used:
The Arduino nano is held in place by the two-part printed bracket. To minimize footprint, the one screw is “underneath” the nano, which slightly complicates installation. Sorry about that - just fix the one end first, then insert the nano and the other end, then tighten down.
The WAGO holder should be a VERY snug fit - but a small jeweler's screwdriver should be able to help pry the WAGOs back out if need be.
The Interface board is fixed to MainBase using M3 heatsets and mounting screws.
Mill Max Connectors
The Mill Max pin connectors are fixed in place. There are several varieties of these available - with or without threaded inserts, magnetic, non-magnetic. Based on availability I went with the non-magnetic variety with threaded inserts. Digikey is a good resource for these - links are below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The threaded inserts on the Mill Max connectors are NOT metric. They are for #4-40 fasteners.
Mini-Maestro 12:
https://www.pololu.com/product/1352https://www.pololu.com/product/1352
5v Regulator:
https://www.pololu.com/category/354/d42v55fx-step-down-voltage-regulators
Mill Max pogo connectors:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/mill-max-manufacturing-corp/868-22-004-00-011101/9607893
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/mill-max-manufacturing-corp/868-10-004-00-012000/9607898
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution
9
JasonCharlton
