• Data gathering

    M.daSilva • 07/22/2021 at 22:56 • 0 comments

    Ok, first thing first , I've got to find some "source" material to work with. My aim is to recreate a working replica of the two controllers, while keeping the original look and feel. I don't care that much about the internals (although the few pics I found show an absolute work of art on the machining side...).

    In order, to re-create a 3D model of the controllers, here are the sources I might have access to, classified from best to "worst"

    • Original schematics. This is the best way to create a 3D-model, because it ensures you keep the designer's original dimensions, regarding of the manufacturing process. The fit between the parts should always be on point.
    • Caliper measurements on original parts. While accuracy errors can happen, you can usually round the measurements up and "guesstimage" the designer's original intent.
    • Photogrammetry (i.e. using pictures and scaling them to a known value). Parallax errors might mess things up, and bad resolution might confuse things up even further.
    • 3D scans. I classify this as the worst method, as you never end up with continuous lines. Getting a good, usable scan is very tedious.

    Contrary to my other Apollo-related project, the Mechanically Accurate DSKY, there isn't that much info on those guys. I don't have any schematics (as of 07/2021), not even external ones.

    I don't know anyone who has access to one to take measurements (except CuriousMarc, but I don't think he has the time to do this right now, he's working on other artifacts...).

    There are two options left: photogrammetry and 3D scans. A few good quality pics are available (mainly here and here). The Smithsonian also posted a 3D scan of the interior. However, after careful comparison with the phototgraphic evidence I found, the 3D models from there are almost unusable (some features were added to the model that I can't see on the pictures)... I'll have to use the models only for the main dimensions, the rest will have to be carefully measured on the few pictures I found.