Recreate DSKY

A project powered by Raspberry Pi to emulate the Apollo Guidance Computer that allows for seamless use as a standalone display, or integrating into a simulator.

Close-up of a digital device with various colored buttons, some labeled with functions like UP/INK ACTY, NO ATT, GIMBAL LOCK, PROG, RESTART, and some with numerical labels.
A computer monitor displaying a CAD design of an electronic device enclosure with a rectangular display on top, part of the design includes metal frame and mounting details.
A technical schematic diagram of a Raspberry Pi power supply circuit with various electronic components, connectors, and labels.
Inside a small black enclosure with various electronic components including a circuit board, connectors, wires, and a cooling fan.
Inside a cockpit simulator with controls, screens, and medical monitors, featuring a large curved display and various control panels.

Recreate DSKY is the first project under Recreate Apollo, and was inspired by other creators of replica DSKY/AGCs.

My project has an emphasis on documentation, visual and functional realism, and was built with intention as a prototype for an improved version. All the 3D printed parts are modelled after the archived NASA drawings and modified for electronics fitment. The Raspberry Pi is running Virtual AGC, a truly awesome open-source program made by Ron Burkey and a group of enthusiasts.

Electrical schematic diagram for a microcontroller project, showing connections between an Arduino Pro Micro, a Nano, and various LEDs labeled UPLINKACTV, NOATT, STBY, KEYREL, OPERRR, GIMBALLOCK, PROG, RESTART, and TRACKER.
A cluttered desk with scattered keys, a gray square container, a keyboard with keys, a tissue, and a small piece of wood, with a background of a white container, a dish drainer with several toothbrushes, and a lamp.
Metal computer processor frame on a black work surface with various small tools and parts around it.
The image shows a person's hand holding a metal enclosure with black and white wires, possibly a power supply or electronic component. In the background, there is a cluttered workspace with tools, electronic devices, a wooden bookshelf with books, and various other items on a workbench.
A cluttered workbench with electronic components, black keyboard keycaps, a power supply, a multimeter, and tools, set against a wall with scattered boxes and parts.
A cluttered workbench with tools and electronic components, including a soldering station, metal frames, a desk lamp, spools of wire, and various small containers, set against a wall with a wooden shelf.
Computer desk with two monitors displaying 3D CAD design software, keyboard, mouse, notebooks with handwritten sketches and measurements, and various office supplies.
Electronic project assembly workspace with wiring, tools, and electronic components.
A green prototype circuit board with numerous soldered wires and holes, placed on a black work surface with a ruler in the background.
Inside view of an electronic device enclosure with circuit boards, wiring, and various components.

My prototype’s 3D files, code, documentation, and the full guide for building your own is available for free on my GitHub page. My guide also has sections that touch on how the real Apollo Guidance Computer works, historical DSKY construction, and how to use your prototype for demonstration and as a simulator peripheral once assembly is complete.

Open computer case with internal components, including circuit boards, wiring, and cooling fans, on a black work surface.
Close-up of a digital control panel with buttons and a blue display showing data, connected to a white cylindrical device, surrounded by miscellaneous objects on a cluttered black work surface.

I am currently designing an upgraded v2 of the DSKY with a different single board computer, new lighting and keyboard microcontrollers, custom printed PCB, swappable annunciator pack to allow Command Module and Lunar Module DSKY replica support, and more.

This v2 of the DSKY/AGC will be launched as a for-sale product in small batches (sold through our Discord) and will be released as a kit that can be assembled casually over a few afternoons, or as a fully assembled unit ready for simulations or demonstrations. I am also designing a premium version of the Recreate DSKY with fully painted CNC’d aluminium construction, silkscreened glass annunciators and EL display with AMOLED lit digits, and a more historically accurate DSKY keypad switches that will be the most accurate DSKY replica available to own.

For updates as development on Recreate DSKY progresses, or for technical support on your own prototype build, please join our communities on Discord or Reddit.

Below you can see a functional demonstration of my DSKY/AGC running in independant mode, performing the demonstrations I suggest in the final section of my build guide. I hope you enjoy, and if you want to learn more, please reach out and we can create together!

To see updates on the DSKY v2 & premium models, keep an eye on the Subreddit and the Discord server. Or, visit the GitHub to download the files, guide, and start building your own v1.