An update to summarize a number of changes made in the last few months.

It would take too long to construct some sort of timeline documenting each change, and there's probably no interest in that anyway.

Instead, I'll just include a list of features previous iterations didn't have, and add a few photos to the gallery.

Firstly, I incorporated the spring catches I mentioned in the last log.
These work, in the sense that they provide a tactile feedback when slotting modules, and prevent them from falling off. 

However... after going to the effort of printing a new chassis and the spring catch pods themselves, it turns out devices like the USB VFD and streamdeck (I bought one) need a light tap for the pogo connectors to connect.

Fairly sure this is because the rails are too loose. I can fix this by just making the tolerances tighter, but that might make slotting modules tedious / too stiff to slide freely.

In light of this, I'm considering using supplemental magnets. Combined with the magnets in the pogo connectors, it should be strong enough. I'll do the print pausing trick to install them, so they won't shatter from impact.

Next, small changes to the aesthetic design elements of the chassis. The back face was extruded forward so the HDMI cover doesn't protrude. This gives it a more consistent and proper look

I also changed how the keyboard trays work. Rather than eliminating them entirely, I made the rails more robust and easier to print, no supports required.

I did this because I wanted to be able to slot in different keyboards, which necessitates trays; making it possible to adjust the angle of the board slightly as needed.

I made a tray for my Nullbits Nibble65, which has a USB C socket parallel with the table, unlike my TAB 90M which is at a slight incline.

I also made changes to how the two halves attach, adding strength and reducing complexity

That is all for the external components, but the internals have changed too.

It still uses the amazon USB hubs, but rather than USB A terminal blocks, I purchased some more compact USB A breakout boards. These are much neater and feel more professional, but even so are actually a stopgap solution.

I am inquiring with PCBWay about having a simple PCB designed and manufactured, which will function as single port USB hubs that can be daisy-chained. They also will use JST sockets instead of USB A sockets, as those are what my internal wiring now uses, and also because USB A connectors are large and have no purpose as an internal connector.

Lastly, I've made a few modules since my last update.

A stream deck as mentioned earlier, a touch-screen LCD, and a refreshed design for the wider LCD.

That's it for now, I'll make another updates if the quote from PCBWay is reasonable.