VCF-80 Model 100

Got my custom aluminum keyboard plate over the weekend and I was able to get my switch matrix built and wired up. I finally had the opportunity to put the screen, keyboard, Pi, and power supply together and do my first semi-functional prototype!
Will be finalizing the firmware over the next few weeks and designing plates for i/o and switches while also relocating the retroCart so I can breakout the gpio pins on the Pi.

My new display arrived over the weekend and I took some time to take measurements and get proper fitment on my model.
I haven't decided exactly how I want to do the screen design quite yet. I have been able to flush mount the screen to the face of the model and it looks sleek as hell, but I would like it if I could still keep the lifted "bezel" that the Model 100 has.
I have mocked up both, however, the latter requires a lot more detail work as the bezel needs to be printed separately and fused to the completed shell without any gaps. I'll need to play around with it a bit more, but either way, I think it looks awesome!

Just found out my custom keyboard plate was shipped from Xometry! Once that is up and built, I should be able to do my first functional prototype.

When I started this project I knew that the keyboard would be one the most important and time-consuming components to design and build.
My first version was a modified 60 layout that I was really excited about using. But after looking for keycaps and printing a few test plates I realized finding a keycap set that would fit the odd key sizes would be a nightmare for me and anyone who builds one of these in the future.

After playing around with this layout, I realized I wanted something a bit more 'standard' that would allow me to use any style of keycap without concerns.
I'm actually very happy about how the final design came out. The design takes inspiration from the Nuphy keyboards and will include 12 function keys integrated above the keyboard like the original Model 100.

As soon as I saw this project by Tom Nardi I knew I should add it to my design. I started by trying to integrate his design into my shell but didn't like how much space it took up. So I went about designing a more compact version that I could easily install in my final build.
The next step is fitting the LCD screen while I wait for my custom keyboard plate to get cut and delivered!