jonochocki / backbone-one-ipad-mini-upgrade

Expansion upgrade for the Gen 2 Backbone One to fit larger devices and tablets, including iPad mini.

Backbone One iPad Mini Upgrade

Expansion upgrade for the Gen 2 Backbone One to fit larger devices and tablets, including iPad mini.

Table Of Contents

• About the Mod
• Getting Started
  • Prerequisites
  • Quick Disclaimer
• The Mod
• Author

About The mod

Imagine my frustration when purchasing the Backbone One to realize it needed to extend only 20mm more to accommodate an iPad mini. 20mm! So close! This 3D printed solution aims to remedy my aching heart for something like a *cough* Playstation Portal, without denting my wallet.

There are other iPad mini accommodating solutions for the Backbone out there. But none of them met my strict guidelines: avoid heavy modification, no visible wires, absolutely no ugly tape wrapped around the back, and retain original spring functionality. I also wanted it to fit within the travel case...

I'm happy to report all of these guidelines were met with this mod. In total, this project should take you about 2 hours. ← That includes the 3D printing time as well!

If you found this mod helpful at all, please consider tipping to support development for this mod and others!

Getting Started

For this project, I am modding the USB-C Gen 2 (2023) version of the Backbone One. Compatibility with older generations is not guaranteed since I do not have those versions to examine and test with.

Prerequisites

Start by 3D printing the 4 new parts, as this will take the most time: I've provided the file format in mm and recommend a fine print with a completely solid infill.

• Extended-BackBoneOne4_V5a-Top.stl
• Extended-BackBoneOne4_V5a-Bottom.stl
• Left/Right Support Brackets

Quick Disclaimer

The delicate ribbon cable connecting the two controllers is known to break under constant stress. Expanding the Backbone wider than intended is indeed considered "stress." In my testing, I measured two Backbone units and noticed the cable length on the left controller was longer than the length given to the right. This discovery is what made this mod possible. I recommend checking the length of cable before proceeding. If, for example, your cable is instead longer on the right: Flip the top and bottom pieces (if your OCD can handle that). If your cable is even, then only print two of the "Bottom" parts.

I'm sorry, but going forward I'm legally required to say "Proceed at your own risk." and "I am not responsible for any potential damage that may occur to your product"... and other legal jargon.

---

The Mod

Step 1

Open the backbone controller by unscrewing the 8 screws at the back. Once opened, carefully disconnect the ribbon cables from both sides, and the USB-C connector from the right side. Once opened, it should look like this:

Step 2

Carefully remove the tension from the springs on both sides. Unscrew both and set aside.

Step 3

Locate and remove the magnetic support bracket just below the USB-C connector cable. There are two screws to remove this support.

Unscrew the 4 screws holding the support rails on each side. Then slide out each side, be mindful of the ribbon cable.

Step 4

Remove the two screws holding the rail together. Once removed, carefully pry the rail apart.

Step 5

Remove the two gear tracks and be sure to save these if you want to revert the mod in the future. Replace with the newly 3D printed Top and Bottom pieces.

Step 6

Snap the rail back together and insert the two screws. Feed the ribbon cables through the Left and Right sides. Insert only one screw in the inward hole (pictured below). Make sure to tighten but no over tighten. This will allow the supports to further extend. Set aside and save the two remaining/extra screws if you want to revert the mod in the future.

Step 7

Reassemble the springs and position them into place. OPTIONAL: For added support, you can 3D print the two L/R support pieces. These will help the backbone retain some rigidity while fully extended. Optional, but highly recommend. Repeat for the other side.

Step 8

Reattach the magnetic support that was removed from step 3.

Step 9

Carefully reattach the ribbon cables to the left and right controllers. Reattach the USB-C connector on the right controller as well. This is what the finished Left and Right side should look like:

Before moving forward, take a moment to carefully and slowly test your expansion range. Be carefull of the springs as they can easily jump out of place. If you notice any strain or issues with the ribbon cable, do not move forward and assess your options mentioned in the disclaimer above. Trust me, last thing you want to do is damage these ribbon cables. Finding replacements will be tough.

Step 10

After confirming support and everything is working nicely. Insert the 8 screws on the back of the BackBone. Once reassembled, be sure to carefully and slowly test the rail and expanded size. If you notice any unusual tension, go back to step 5 & step 6 and make sure the ribbon cables aren’t stuck or twisted in any way.

Step 11

🎉 That’s it! Notice the main difference is the expanded size when collapsed. However, this mod will still allow the BackBone to be stored in the original case!

If you found this mod helpful at all, please consider tipping to support development for this mod and others!

Did you complete the mod?

I'd love to see how it worked out for you! Open an "issue" and attach a few images of the finished product. I can also provide moral and emotional advice if needed (financial, probably not).

Author

• Jon Ochocki - Jon Ochocki

backbone-one-ipad-mini-upgrade's Issues

Filament type?

I didn't really know where else to ask this so I figured I'd just open an issue, sorry in advanced if there is a better way... I printed the parts today in PLA (it's all I have around right now) and the rails feel pretty flimsy even at 100% infill. Perhaps I missed a setting in my slicer but I was just curious before I messed with it again if that's normal? I'm not sure if the rails end up taking a lot of stress or not.

Max width and fpc cable

After the mod whats the max width tablet can it accomodate?

The cable is fpc 18pin .5mm pitch already have a longer cable and want to do your mod instead of ugly tape

Thanks for sharing

Installed the upgrade on Backbone One Black 2nd Gen but still a bit too short

At first I installed two bottom parts since my ribbon cables are the same lenght on left/right, but it didn't work and the additional extension was minimal.

So I installed top and bottom parts and the extension was larger but I still can't fit my iPad Mini, because after inserting the USB-C port in the iPad there is not enough space to put it in place. It's possible to slide the iPad in the Backbone controller, just can't plug the port.

BACK FIT TOO TIGHT?

Hello there,

Thank you so much for making this mod. Its perfect ( specifically the detailed HIGH-RES pictures. But I have a question for you.

Does this look right? it feels like I have to stretch it almost too much ( where it looks like its gonna break and it shows like its bent on the back. Can you please share some pictures from the back? I have attached some pictures to show you. Did I install something wrong? I feel like the slider brackets could be extended a little bit so its more wider then needed but you can push it back and let the tension hold the ipad flush. ( ipad min 6 + backbone gen 2 usb-c).

Any success story with first gen BackBone One?

Hi all! Love how clear is this guide! Congratulation to author.

Before proceeding I would know if someone had a success modding the fits gen (USB-C) with updated firmware to support iPhone/iPad with USB-C.

thanks

Magnetic support adapter

I have not tinkered enough with designing my own pieces yet, but I feel like the included support inserts are too large for a iPad mini. Like there is too much wiggle room. Are you having issue with that?

Completed Build

I printed out the parts you provided. Your instructions were very clear and easy to follow - props for all the images.
I found a pack of 5" ribbon cables that match the ones the backbone uses. This allows a little more stretch to prevent damage to the cable.

I did notice that when the backbone is stretched to the max, the iPad Mini 6 just baaaarely fits if you "flex" one side back just enough to pop the iPad in. I would imagine doing this repeatedly will cause some damage to the backbone. I suggest maybe adding a tooth or two more to be able to get that little tiny bit of stretch extra to fit. Not sure how far the springs allow the backbone to stretch before they fully unravel but This is worth a try. I had a little strip of toolbox foam left over from doing some tool cutouts. I tucked this behind the iPad to give the backbone a little more support. Not sure if this is entirely necessary but if it prolongs the life post-modification, it is worth it.

All-in-all I am happy as now I have a Playstation Portal but better.

Question: File units

Hello, thanks for putting this together, it's really helpful!

I'm trying to get the stl files printed on https://craftcloud3d.com/material and something they want is the file unit (mm, cm, or in).

Thanks in advance!