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Technical FAQs
General FAQs

DSKY – FAQs

General FAQs
Technical Specifications

Why the name DSKY?

DSKY (Diss-Key) is an abbreviation for ‘Display and Keyboard’. The term was adopted for the interface during the Apollo space program. The DSKY provided the astronauts with a compact interface to communicate with the Apollo Guidance Computer. This was the first use of a display and keyboard assembly for the purposes of communicating with a computer system. This in a period where computer interactions were either undertaken by punch card or magnetic tape.

When can I expect delivery of my DSKY?

Alongside the development of the DSKY a production strategy has been qualified and this is now being implemented. To this end it is our target to start order fulfillment in Q1 2025. We will be providing regular updates on this process with content highlighting some of the fascinating manufacturing processes undertaken to produce this unique product.

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Where is the DSKY manufactured?

The company is committed to manufacture as much of the DSKY in-house as possible in order to uphold our high-quality standards for our discerning customers. Our in-house manufacturing includes the entire CNC machined case assembly, ceramic finishing, strap and final assembly. Many of these processes will be highlighted in future articles that will be posted on our website in the coming weeks.

What size is the DSKY?

Listed below are some similar sized products that compare to the DSKY.

Width x Length x Height mm

DSKY (excl. strap mounts):  38.1 x 44.2 x 13.05
Apple® iWatch Ultra Smartwatch:  44 x 49 x 14.4
Tag Heur®  Monaco Watch:  39 x 47.4 x 14.7

How is the strap constructed?

Our proprietary strap consists of a soft touch skin safe TPU liner with a genuine full grain Italian Nappa leather inset. The leather is sourced from one of Italy’s leading purveyors of fine hides and they are recognized for their high quality production and environmental standards. Full grain leather is the highest grade available and represents our commitment to providing our customers with the highest of quality materials. For production fabrication we have also reached out to the leading Italian manufacturers of automated sewing and cutting machinery as operated in the high fashion industry.

Would the DSKY fit my moonwatch collection?

DSKY is a jewel of miniaturisation offering an aesthetically authentic and feature rich experience of the historic computer that guided mankind to the moon during the Apollo space program and would be an iconic centerpiece to any moonwatch collection.

Is DSKY a limited production?

DSKY is not a limited production release but with respect to the time required to produce each hand built unit our customers will enjoy a degree of exclusivity for some time to come. Future limited number releases are in development for which details will be published on our website in due course.

Technical Specifications

AS WELL AS BEING THE DRIVING FACTOR IN SAFELY LANDING HUMAN BEINGS ON THE LUNAR SURFACE, THE DSKY PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE HISTORY OF COMPUTING AND DROVE THE BIRTH OF SILICONE TRANSISTOR TECHNOLOGY IN COMPUTING.

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Technical FAQs

How do I program the DSKY?

DSKY’s core software is built on an open-source framework that is accessible to the user through a UF2 bootloader. This provides compatibility with the Arduino®, Microsoft MakeCode® and Circuit Python® programming environments, providing users access to most of the DSKY’s embedded hardware. This includes the digital and annunciator displays, keypad, GPS, F-RAM, power control and the 8 external digital IO channels. The software has been developed to provide a high-level structure to simplify hardware programming. Apollo Instruments will release future software updates in conjunction with our community contributions.

What software do I need to program the DSKY?

The versatile UF2 bootloader provides programming support from a simple drag-and-drop file transfer to programming interfaces such as the Arduino® IDE and Microsoft® Visual Studio with advanced debugging functionality.

What is the UF2 bootloader?

UF2 (USB Flashing Format) is a file format developed by Microsoft® to allow for the programming of development boards over the Mass Storage Class. The versatile UF2 bootloader facilitates the uploading of Arduino®, MakeCode® and Circuit Python® programs with an all-in-one bootloader.

What happens if I program the DSKY and accidentally lock the device?

The provision of an ISP (In-System Programming) breakout as part of the I/O interface will allow the operator to easily reinstall the UF2 bootloader reestablishing access to the DSKY. A guide to this process will be available on our website soon.

Where can I find software and programming advice for the DSKY?

Future releases of the core software build will be available on this website. We are keen to build a community of software and electronic developers who can converse, share ideas and submit code on our forum. The software environments supported by the DSKY have a rich history and are well-supported online by numerous stakeholders. Apollo Instruments are intending to provide regular video and written content to assist our customers on their creative journeys.

What is the purpose of the I/O port?

The launch edition of the DSKY offers an external 8 channel digital I/O port, which facilitates the ability to connect the DSKY to external electronic devices and development environments. The I/O port offers 8 digital channels, which can be configured to support I2C, SPI and PWM. The port also provides ISP support to allow the UF2 bootloader to be either upgraded or replaced.

What products connect to the I/O port?

The DSKY has its own proprietary I/O port that enables users to establish connections with upcoming electronic devices under development by Apollo Instruments. These devices include breadboard interfaces, development enclosures, and robotic devices. A particularly captivating product currently under development is an enclosure that replicates the main chassis of the original Apollo guidance computer. This innovative product will facilitate the installation and programming of future proprietary development boards in an environment that immerses the user in an engaging Apollo experience. Two noteworthy board designs are the mini core rope and NAND gate development modules.

Stay updated on these exciting new products through upcoming hardware briefings.

Technical FAQs