The Case.
In our dedication to delivering an exceptional customer experience, we have devoted a considerable amount of time to meticulously designing the DSKY. Our goal was not only to create a visually engaging recreation, but also to encompass the essence of a high-quality timepiece. To realize this commitment, we have manufactured the entire case from billet 316L stainless steel, utilizing our internal capabilities.
Our team of experienced and skilled engineers operate cutting-edge 5-axis CNC machining centers to achieve unparalleled precision. This advanced technology guarantees accuracy within single-digit microns, enabling us to faithfully replicate even the most intricate details of the DSKY. Following the machining process, we apply a military-grade ceramic coating providing superior durability and protection.
The Strap.
The strap features a unique hybrid design that combines a comfortable soft-touch TPU liner with a genuine full-grain Nappa leather insert. The leather is sourced from one of Itay’s leading purveyors of quality hides to the fashion industry.
The strap is complemented with an attractive hand finished 316L stainless steel deployment clasp that offers both comfort and ease of use. Our straps are meticulously prepared and assembled in-house using state-of-the-art Italian machinery, commonly employed by renowned fashion houses.
The Digital Display.
One of the most appealing aspects of the DSKY is its micro-OLED display. This digital display replicates the vibrant high-contact image of the electroluminescent display found on the original Apollo DSKY.
The display is fully programmable with a unique proprietary font that closely replicates the characters and labels of the original digital display. The colouration of the display has been faithfully reproduced in collaboration with Rosco®, a renowned Academy Award-winning supplier of colour filters to the motion picture industry. The integrated filter accurately reproduces the 530nm wavelength of the original DSKY display.
To ensure the display’s integrity it resides beneath a hermetically sealed anti-reflective scratch-resistant Schott® glass panel.
The Annunciator Display.
The meticulous reproduction of the annunciator display ensures an authentic experience of this feature. 14 programmable indicators mirror the layout found on the DSKY that flew in the Apollo 11 lunar module ‘Eagle’. Each indicator label is faithfully reproduced in the original Gorton font and authenticity is further maintained with, each indicator of the display incorporating three micro-LED’s, emulating the use of three incandescent bulbs found on the original Apollo DSKY.
As per the digital display the colouration of the segments has been faithfully reproduced with Rosco® filters. The colouration specification for the warning indicators was acquired from original archival documentation while the remaining white segments employ a special filter that replicates the colouration of the original tungsten filament bulbs. Finally, the segmented frame beneath the Schott® glass panel is chemical etched from stainless steel and coated as per the main case with a matching ceramic finish. This process ensures a precision finish that maintains the authenticity of the design.
The Keypad.
The layout of the keypad includes 19 distinct tactile buttons. The labels on the keys have been faithfully recreated using the original Gorton font. Our goal was to create a keypad that offers a consistent tactile experience across all the keys, with a responsive and comfortable key actuation force.
We made a conscious decision to steer clear of a typical membrane-style keypad, as it wouldn’t deliver the desired customer experience. As a result, each key features a tactile micro switch enclosed by a hermetically sealed key cap.
Operation.
The original Apollo DSKY operated in a method that was fascinating, but unusual for our times. Instead of using traditional commands, users would input numerical verbs and nouns to request operations. The Apollo Instruments DSKY aims to recreate this unique experience by utilizing the same verb and noun requests as the original Apollo DSKY. This attention to operational accuracy is extended to the digital and annunciator displays, which accurately reproduce the outputs of the original Apollo DSKY.
DSKY provides a diverse array of functions, displaying data in various formats. These include a faithful reproduction of how parameters would have been presented to the astronauts. In addition, there are multiple custom formats available that enhance readability and provide supplementary parameters.
The DSKY has been expertly crafted to offer customers an opportunity to explore the captivating realm of software and electronic development, enabling boundless creativity that is limited only by the imagination.
Software Synopsis.
- Framework based modules forming the backbone of the system.
- Event based callbacks for more efficient execution of code.
- Start-up, cyclic and shutdown framework functions, allow for predicable/clean start-up and shutdown of each module.
- User functions can be easily generated and integrated into the framework to support custom DSKY operations.
- Debug framework, allowing modules to be switched on and off during debugging.
- Modules generated with unit testing in mind, allowing use of AUnit or similar hardware-based unit testing.
- Documentation based on Doxygen framework.
- API type interaction with DSKY functions.
Connectivity.
The charging and programming of the DSKY is undertaken through a micro-USB port situated on the rear of the device. In addition, there is an I/O port that offers ISP support for bootloader programming and 8 programmable digital I/O channels. These channels can be programmed and configured to support SPI, I2C, and PWM.
Furthermore, we are currently working on a range of external devices that can be connected to the DSKY that will spark the creativity of our customers. More information about these exciting new products can be found on our website soon.
The Future.
DSKY’s proprietary I/O port will provide connectivity with upcoming electronic devices under development by Apollo Instruments. These devices include breadboard interfaces, development enclosures, and robotic systems. 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 proprietary development boards in an environment that immerses the user in an engaging Apollo experience. Two noteworthy board designs under development are mini core rope and NOR array modules. Look out for these exciting new products in upcoming hardware briefings.