Designing a Mechanically Accurate Apollo DSKY Replica

Just over 50 years ago, mankind made it to the moon, using an onboard AGC (Apollo Guidance Computer) running at 2.048MHz, with 32,768 bits of RAM. Attached to this was a DSKY (display and keyboard) on which astronauts could input instructions, and receive updates on its limited display and indicator light panel. While one could argue that the display is obsolete technology, it’s an amazing piece of history and an absolutely beautiful piece of engineering.

As something of an ode to this tech, Manoel da Silva Casquilho created his own DSKY replica, using the original MIT Instrumentation Labs drawings. He modeled these drawings in modern 3D CAD software, and printed to spec, with modifications made as needed to accommodate printing and assembly. The keyboard is formed using Cherry MX switches behind custom printed caps, and the indicators are LEDs behind paper diffusers/signage. To the right of this, a 4.3" screen shows the user interface, via software found here, also created based on MIT specs.

The simulation software runs on a Raspberry Pi buried in the back of the device enclosure, assisted by an Arduino Nano that runs the display and alarm indicators. An ATmega32U4 Pro Micro takes input from the custom keyboard, passing input data along to the Pi. Future goals include hooking this up to a flight simulator to allow M.daSilva to control virtual spaceflight missions, perhaps providing the closest thing to a 1960s-era moon mission available today! More info is available in da Silva Casquilho's write-up, and build files are available on GitHub!

For another take on this incredible tech, be sure to check out Ben Krasnow’s EL DSKY as well!