Has anyone built a replica DSKY from the Apollo Guidance Computer? >>

tim · Nov 15, 2009

I was re-watching Apollo 13 last night and thought that this might be a cool movie (and historical) replica. A quick form search found no prior discussions.

mbmcfarland · Nov 16, 2009

As a spacecraft GNC engineer, I would love one of these! There are plans on the www to make a working replica:

http://agcreplica.outel.org/

Mike

feek61 · Nov 16, 2009

Yes, thought about it, No, never did build it. Still would be a great project and there are some really good shots of a reproduction in the HBO series "From Earth to the Moon" in multiple episodes.

tim · Nov 16, 2009

mbmcfarland said:
As a spacecraft GNC engineer, I would love one of these! There are plans on the www to make a working replica:

http://agcreplica.outel.org/

I saw that the other day. It's pretty insane.

This would be a great project, but I don't really know where to start. There'd need to be some metalwork done if one wants to use the same components and materials as the real deals. The display could be achieved with some screen-printing on plastic sheeting. I can probably source "close enough" seven-segment LED displays as well.

Any other thoughts?

BB43MAN · Nov 16, 2009

Funny you should mention that. I've just finished enlarging the Apollo Command Module main control panel to 1/1 scale. :love

It's gonna be a bear of a project........if I ever get it started!!!!!

phase pistol · Nov 16, 2009

What an awesome project! :cool

Building the computer to work as it did in the Sixties would probably be harder than just building a panel as a cosmetic front end to a modern digital computer! :lol

A recent book which I have not read but sounds interesting, is "Digital Apollo"

http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2&tid=11416

tim · Nov 16, 2009

BB43MAN said:
Funny you should mention that. I've just finished enlarging the Apollo Command Module main control panel to 1/1 scale. :love

It's gonna be a bear of a project........if I ever get it started!!!!!

Pics! Pics!

Yeah, I'm only talking about the DSKY interface panel, and not the whole she-bang...otherwise I'd be finishing off a Saturn V about 25 years from now. :lol

In some ways, this would be easier than replicating movie prop, as detailed mechanical drawings and schematics exist...somewhere.

subxinu · Nov 17, 2009

Not trying to hijack this thread: I thought I'd post a few pictures I took of tools, used during the Apollo missions, at Kennedy Space Center a few weeks ago. They're consistent with the Apollo theme so this is my contribution.

RCA Television Camera
Lunar Scoop & Sample Scale
Moon Rock Containment Vessels

- Karl

tap364 · Nov 17, 2009

There is an addon for the Orbiter simulator that lets you fly the Apollo missions to the moon. Most of the panels are functional, some of the internal systems, as well as the original guidance software running on an AGC emulator with a DSKY interface. It has a steep learning curve, but is well worth the effort.

Link to Orbiter:
http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/

Link to Project Apollo:
http://nassp.sourceforge.net/wiki/Main_Page

lmgill · Nov 17, 2009

If you are interested in doing the electronics for 2, I'll trade you.
I have exact 1 to 1 etched metal panels for the DSYK that I made off of a real one I had in my possession for a while.
Also you may be interested in this:

http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum24/HTML/008106.html

tim · Nov 17, 2009

lmgill said:
If you are interested in doing the electronics for 2, I'll trade you.
I have exact 1 to 1 etched metal panels for the DSYK that I made off of a real one I had in my possession for a while.
Also you may be interested in this:

http://www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum24/HTML/008106.html

Intriguing. Do you have any photos of your work?

As for electronics, my main thought was to source some LED displays and single LEDs and try to duplicate the indicator lights; there wouldn't really be any driver electronics or microcontroller as such.

tim · Nov 21, 2009

Here are some initial thoughts on possible green LED displays.

phase pistol · Nov 21, 2009

subxinu said:
Not trying to hijack this thread: I thought I'd post a few pictures I took of tools, used during the Apollo missions, at Kennedy Space Center a few weeks ago. They're consistent with the Apollo theme so this is my contribution.
- Karl

You know, if any more guys named "Karl" show up, we're going to have to call this place the "Replica Karl Forum". :lol

Thanks for the great pics!

thumbsup

- Karl

subxinu · Nov 22, 2009

phase pistol said:
You know, if any more guys named "Karl" show up, we're going to have to call this place the "Replica Karl Forum". :lol

Thanks for the great pics! thumbsup

- Karl

No problem.

...and one can't refer to either of us as "the bald one that likes Star Trek" as it would just lead to further confusion. :confused :lol

- Karl

lmgill · Nov 23, 2009

Not forgotten, My office computer is down, I'll try to remember to retake pictures and post them from home.

phase pistol · Nov 23, 2009

P00 and ACCEPT. :cool

(DSKY joke :lol)

lmgill · Nov 24, 2009

This is a 1 to 1 copy withing +/-.005"

tim · Nov 24, 2009

lmgill said:
This is a 1 to 1 copy withing +/-.005"

Beautiful work! Is it possible to mount LEDs and LED displays behind the panel?

Macrossmaster · Nov 24, 2009

Is it wrong I want one of these to put a HTPC in?

lmgill · Nov 25, 2009

tim said:
Beautiful work! Is it possible to mount LEDs and LED displays behind the panel?

Yes, this is just the "raw" etched panel. Needs to be cut out and get the surface finished. (Red is resist)

Has anyone built a replica DSKY from the Apollo Guidance Computer? >>

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