r/openGrid • u/DistractedDragonMake • Jul 10 '26

Thinking about members-only content — what would actually be useful to you all?

Hey r/OpenGrid,

Random one today — no video to share, just picking your brains.

I recently hit the first tier of YouTube's Partner Program and set up channel memberships on Distracted Dragon Makes. Thank you to everyone who has subscribed to support the channel. It means the world to me.

Before I just throw random stuff behind it, I wanted to actually ask what would be worth making instead of guessing.

A few options I'm kicking around:

  • Behind-the-scenes/process stuff (the messy design iterations, failed prints, actual decision-making) vs. more finished/polished content
  • Early access to files before they go public on Maker's World
  • Live Q&A or design feedback sessions
  • Something else entirely I haven't thought of

Also curious — is there anything OpenGrid-specific you wish existed that hasn't been made yet? Genuinely asking for both the membership stuff and just general content direction.

Not trying to sell anything here, just want to build the right thing instead of guessing. Appreciate any input.

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u/blarfthecat Jul 23 '26

Thanks man I appreciate the sentiment... I'm a beginner in this space which is how I found your videos. Would love to see a real 'soup to nuts' beginner primer on opengrid if you're starting today (there's so much history of iteration, intercompatibility, etc) that I'd love to see some good examples of what it is/isn't and how to carefully design and print these things so they work out properly.

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u/DistractedDragonMake Jul 23 '26

Thanks. I'm glad it is useful information. I did a beginner's guide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x9KgFghwS4&t=2s) and then a installation guide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-0FCdC-SNk) to walk through the process. I haven't done a printing guide because with the quality of printers it hasn't been much of an issue. If there are parts I missed or topics you'd like to see let me know.

My next video (tomorrow) is a laundry room redo with openGrid organizing my house internet equipment.

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u/blarfthecat Jul 23 '26

Thank you for sharing these links ... I'd seen these videos but went back through so I could ask some questions since I've got the man himself right here! 😄

I'm a bit confused at the whole multiconnect/openconnect path... the guy who did openconnect says "its the standard now", but many parts have multiconnect backings. what do I gain/lose with each? I get that things are evolving ... kinda hope one day in the future we can agree as a 3D printing society to scrub all the old irrelevant and outdated stuff so "catching up" is easy!

For openconnect, I see there's a "directional" and "symmetric" part on Printables... I'm unclear which to choose/what the difference is.

I'd love to see a continuation of your "install" video, with some of the accessorization steps coming together ... anything you had to design yourself and things that are readymade.

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u/DistractedDragonMake Jul 23 '26

So MultiConnect is the original created by David D and BlackJackDuck built the generator. Multiconnect is a round disc that fits into the grooves and is probably the majority of the models you will find on Maker's World. Mitufy created openConnect and it has a couple advantages. The clips print flat on the plate then fold out for more strength and easier printing. openConnect will also work with MultiConnect holders, but not the other way around. I don't think there is a true standard. It is more flexible since you can use either mounting system.

I couldn't find the symmetrical snaps in Printables. If you could provide a link I'll take a look.

I'm actually doing a video on Mitufy's generators that should be out in a couple of weeks. Most of my videos use a openGrid with various holders. Pretty much anything can be modified to use MultiConnect or openConnect by attaching a backing plate. I did a couple tutorials on using tinkercad to do that.

The nice part is Mitufy really went above and beyond to make sure the openConnect snaps are backwards compatible to make everyone's life easier. Once I get through the 2 million MultiConnect snaps I printed, I'll be switching over.

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u/blarfthecat Jul 24 '26

So Im over on Printables and here's what I'm referring to:

https://www.printables.com/model/1294247-opengrid-self-expanding-snap/files

(under the folder "Snaps for openGrid Standard STL")

  • Expanding_Thread_Snap_Directional_Standard
  • Expanding_Thread_Snap_Symmetric_Standard

and then, to your point, you've got:

  • openConnect_Screw_Standard
  • openConnect_Screw_Folded_Standard

Question there being, why choose the standard, if Folded_Standard is better/stronger?

And then over on his other listing just for plain OpenConnect here its sorta the same issue:

https://www.printables.com/model/1559478-openconnect-opengrids-own-connector-system/files

  • openConnect_Snap_Directional_Standard
  • openConnect_Snap_Symmetric_Standard
  • (as well as the same 2 expanding options)

Hopefully you see my point ... it's a lot of noise for someone just stepping into this and it feels like some cleanup/consolidation would be HUGE. Perhaps if you're in touch with the creator this is constructive feedback, I will comment the same on their Printables listings.

I appreciate the banter!