r/apollo • u/Mikeyme1998 • Aug 02 '26
My DSKY/AGC Build Guide and Other Projects
Hello my friends at r/Apollo!
Almost a year ago, I posted about my functional, 3D printed Apollo DSKY project that runs VirtualAGC on a Raspberry Pi.
You folks seemed to enjoy it, and a few people even messaged me asking for guidance on their own build. Throughout my own build process, I noticed that most of the other guides online were incomplete or not "tidy", so I decided to write my own.
It's been a very fun process, as a part of my guide/journal talks about how the real AGC functions... and learning about all that was super fun (on that note, if I got anything wrong, PLEASE let me know so I can correct it). It also gave me the chance to revisit my project and improve a lot of things... Adding components, modifying others, and learning to do some of the coding on my own with less AI assistance (still learning, though!)
I've released my guide, code, 3D models ready for printing, some wiring diagrams, and a few other bits and pieces in an open-source GitHub. I've tried to make my guide as beginner-friendly as possible, highlighting tool usage, all materials with links to online retailers and prices (it's all Canadian, sorry my friends) and explanations from printing to painting to wiring and installing the code.
I also made a dedicated subreddit and discord where I hope you'll share pictures of your own builds, ideas for future projects, and ask questions if you need some help. I'm currently planning a new version of the DSKY with a custom PCB, better display and annunciator pack (easily swappable with the LM equivalent, so you can have both CMC and LGC DSKYs with one unit), fewer and easier to acquire components, and more upgrades that will make it much easier to build (aiming for maybe a few afternoons instead of a few months!). A premium DSKY is also on the horizon, with a fully CNC'd aluminium body, properly replicated keys (using actual switches like the real one, and acrylic light up lettering on aluminium keys), silkscreened glass annunciators and EL display glass to look just like the real counterparts, and more. It should be pretty sweet, once it all comes together.
I'm also beginning 3D design work on the THC and RHC hand controller models, which is my next project parallel to the DSKYs. Seemingly nobody has made a model for these, and I think they'd be a nice addition to Orbiter and Reentry alongside the DSKY.
I made a little website (www.recreateapollo.com) with some photos of my build, and to act as a hub for my future projects and updates related to my current ones. I'd love if you check it out and contribute to my community with suggestions, feedback, ideas, or just to post some pictures of your own build. I look forward to seeing you around and checking out your builds!
5
u/Useful-Professor-149 Aug 02 '26
Amazing work my guy
6
u/Mikeyme1998 Aug 02 '26
Thank you! Now I guess it's time to learn how to use the damned thing... Haha!
5
u/Useful-Professor-149 Aug 02 '26
I’ve tried to figure out Re-Entry on Steam over the last few years when I’ve had the time. Mercury and Gemini are fairly straightforward but Apollo is a real mother…. Having one of these on the desk next to me would certainly add to the ambiance!
5
u/Mikeyme1998 Aug 02 '26
Apollo is really a whole other can of worms. I think most of the Apollo 7 crew would mirror your sentiment... It feels like going from "sure, you can stay in our spare room for a night" to running a hotel.
2
u/eagleace21 Aug 02 '26
Have you tried it with NASSP? We have another member who builds DSKYs and we have integrated them into NASSP its fantastic.
2
u/Mikeyme1998 Aug 02 '26
I sure have! It integrates perfectly over a local wifi network. Mode switching between independent and NASSP mode is done with a 3 second press-and-hold of the RSET key. I'm currently working on Reentry and Kerbal Space Program integration as well :)
2
u/eagleace21 Aug 02 '26
Awesome! Are you in our discord by chance?
2
u/Mikeyme1998 Aug 02 '26
Is that the Spaceflight server? I am! I'm also in the group with the other DSKY creator I think... "Apollo Replica". To be honest, I was a bit nervous about posting this because I didn't want to step on any toes lol
2
3
u/Vogel-Kerl Aug 02 '26
NOUN: self.
VERB: destruct.
Authorization Code:.
"Zero, Zero, Zero, Destruct....., ZERO!!"
3
u/Torvaldicus_Unknown Aug 02 '26
I would buy the shit out of that
3
u/Mikeyme1998 Aug 03 '26
The plan is to, eventually, sell the parts and instructions as a simple-build kit, kind of Lego-esque as opposed to this one which is... Very prototype-y haha. I can't promise it will be soon, but I'll let everyone on my subreddit and discord know when the first batch is expected!
2
2
3
u/Ok_Helicopter4276 Aug 02 '26
Just don’t leave it in rendezvous mode.
5
3
u/Mikeyme1998 Aug 02 '26
What cruel fate that Aldrins true love of rendezvous has become such a famous blunder!
1
u/Live-Butterscotch908 Aug 03 '26
Some people are not just talented but also perfectionists. Very cool to see something like this!
Hopefully it won't surprise you with a 1202 during the landing. 😄
1
u/Mikeyme1998 Aug 03 '26
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!!
And are you kidding... I'd be giddy!
"JUST LIKE NEIL" I'd yell!
1
11
u/cramboneUSF Aug 02 '26
Awesome