bishopdonmiguel
Active Member
This item is less obscure than my previous builds but you don't see many of them around so I'll count it as qualified. I present to you the Colonial Communicator.
Reference photos...
As with the MediTron, this was likely a vacuformed item. I will be replicating the finish on this Communicator to match the MediTron.
I started with a 3D model and print. Easier than creating a model from wood or what not. My measurements are based on the great closeup of this prop from "Experiment In Terra"...
As the back will be removable, wanted to make a clean enclosure so I created a battery shelf with switch mount...
Test assembly with CD-4 graphic recreation...
Speaking of the CD-4 graphic, one of the things I love about classic props is the repurposing of common items into something new that is unrecognizable but also familiar. In the early 70's, a new audio system was introduced called Compatible Discrete 4 or CD-4 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compatible_Discrete_4). Seems clear that the prop makers grabbed the graphics from a piece or pieces of equipment and incorporated into this prop. I have not found any equipment with this exact graphic but maybe someday it will turn up...
After sanding and filling, texture applied...
Time to work on the electronics. Having been "classically trained" with through hole components in high school electronics, I was a bit anxious going all SMD with this build but you gotta keep current with technology I suppose. Now where are my magnifying glasses!...
Holy stereo Batman, it works!...
First pulls from mold, standard black and "Ship Of Lights" white. For the latter, I used a cold cast pigment to give it a sparkling otherworldly look because plain white is boring...
Time to call for backup from Blue Squadron...
To be continued...
Reference photos...
As with the MediTron, this was likely a vacuformed item. I will be replicating the finish on this Communicator to match the MediTron.
I started with a 3D model and print. Easier than creating a model from wood or what not. My measurements are based on the great closeup of this prop from "Experiment In Terra"...
As the back will be removable, wanted to make a clean enclosure so I created a battery shelf with switch mount...
Test assembly with CD-4 graphic recreation...
Speaking of the CD-4 graphic, one of the things I love about classic props is the repurposing of common items into something new that is unrecognizable but also familiar. In the early 70's, a new audio system was introduced called Compatible Discrete 4 or CD-4 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compatible_Discrete_4). Seems clear that the prop makers grabbed the graphics from a piece or pieces of equipment and incorporated into this prop. I have not found any equipment with this exact graphic but maybe someday it will turn up...
After sanding and filling, texture applied...
Time to work on the electronics. Having been "classically trained" with through hole components in high school electronics, I was a bit anxious going all SMD with this build but you gotta keep current with technology I suppose. Now where are my magnifying glasses!...
Holy stereo Batman, it works!...
First pulls from mold, standard black and "Ship Of Lights" white. For the latter, I used a cold cast pigment to give it a sparkling otherworldly look because plain white is boring...
Time to call for backup from Blue Squadron...
To be continued...
