Apollo Guidance Computer DSKY project ideas

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Hi all,

I’m looking for some advice on hardware for a new project. I’m thinking of making a replica of the Display Keyboard (DSKY) component of the Apollo Guidance Computer. There are a few variants out there but something like this one seems to be the most achievable: https://hackaday.io/project/186074-dsky

I’m thinking of using three Raspberry Pi Nanos to manage the two 3.5 inch LCD displays (this looks ideal: https://core-electronics.com.au/3-5inch-touch-display-module-pi-pico.html) and the keyboard, with a Raspberry Pi model B to be the brains. However the keyboard looks to be tricky and I’m not sure if I want to copy the method used here: https://hackaday.io/project/186074-dsky/log/207901-switcheskeyboard. I can think of two options. Either go with a touch-sensitive display that has a GUI with keys mapped out the same way as the original DSKY, or go with my own mechanical solution, which would be closer to the real thing. If mechanical then perhaps the way to go would be key switches like these https://core-electronics.com.au/kailh-mechanical-key-switches-linear-black-12-pack-cherry-mx-black-compatible.html with 3D printed rectangular caps to match the DSKY, and a custom PCB to mount the switches and keep the wiring under control.

What do you think? Are there better options using off-the-shelf components?

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There is a huge community around hand made keyboards. The schematics, PCBs, and best practices are already out there and tested. The mechanical solution is not as daunting as it looks.

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Oh my goodness, there’s a whole keyboard subculture I wasn’t aware of. Thanks @Pixmusix

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:man_mage:
Tread carefully adventurer for the path to mechanical keyboards demands as many treasures as it offers. I see many wander through… none have returned.

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I have seen but one who made that journey and made it back.

I would not call it life, however.

Once a friendly and outgoing engineer, he suddenly. He retreated to the den of his garage, cursing the sun.

By the midnight glow of his monitor, he gibbered and howled of hall sensors.

He constantly reeked of solder and flux, his teeth became as blackened as the keys he affixed to his boards.

I left him once he muttered the unholy word, ‘DVORAK.’

I have not seen him since.

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Hey @Jim26259

I think the regular switches with some custom caps might be the way to go. It doesn’t explicitly say, but it looks like the custom switches in the first one you linked might be custom for “better replica” purposes.

Also, just my 2 cents, if I were tackling this project, if you have access to a multi-colour printer, I think I would print the left panel out and put LEDs behind it. You could print the whole panel as a thin white layer with the black text on it. so that light can shine from behind.

If not a display could also work - might look better if you printed the grid thing and placed it over the screen. The thing in the photo below.

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Wickedly cool project though, best of luck!

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Thanks Jaryd,

Yes, I agree, this would look more authentic

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