Small Electronic VT100 Terminal

The original DEC VT100 arrived on the scene in the Summer of 1978 and quickly became an iconic design. When I think of terminals, I think of the VT100.

Late last year I started working on miniature working keyboards in a way that is pleasing to the hand and ear and that can work as a normal USB input device. This is the most complex retrocomputing device I've produced; more than the TRS-80 Model III, more than the Cray 1, and even more than the Connection Machine.

After another six months of development, I can now finally build a delightful little VT100 that looks good in a collection and can, if you like, be configured as a handy working terminal.

What will be in the box:

• A 1:3 scale VT100 terminal case (SBC not included)
• A 3.5" diagonal display panel with HDMI input (installed)
• A 1:3 scale VT100 keyboard that connects to the terminal (or a regular PC) via USB-A
• A short coiled USB cable that runs from the keyboard to the terminal
• A short HDMI to micro HDMI cable that runs inside the case from the display

When your VT100 arrives it will be ready to take its place in your collection. If you want to use it as a working terminal then you will need to install a single board computer (e.g. a Raspberry Pi 5) and any cables not listed above as "in the box". Since many different SBCs fit inside I can't ship every possible cable that you'll need.

I will share a HOWTO document with links to everything you'll need to buy for a working terminal as well as instructions for configuring your new friend. I'm also happy to respond to questions and to point you in the right direction if I can.

Notes:

Please be aware that these are made on demand by me, Trevor Flowers, in a garage workshop so while I always try to make and ship these little friends in a timely manner sometimes I need to rest in a hammock and daydream about alternative timelines where Lisp machines became the norm.