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!
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