I would consider it vintage. I have an 830 but didn't work much on it. I have a 730 out in the shop making me crazy. I bet they are similar designs.
I'm not sure what you mean by following "how the handwheel ties into the drive shaft". You have the top open right? Here are some photos to follow the path http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Repair/Bernina_Sewing_Machine_Maintenance/Bernina_830.htm
The handwheel connects to a shaft with a gear on it that engages an upright nylon gear. Is yours intact? There are 2 gears in the 830 or the 730 that can crack. The upright gear and the camshaft gear.