Identify Prop Knob

[redshirt]

Can someone identify the top knob part(s) from the Galaxy Quest TV Version Nebulizer. I'd like to get some of these knob parts if I can. It may be a combo of a gear and something else.

It is said to be from a found part(s) from a surplus yard. There may be a dial pointer on it (could have been added later though).

Your help is appreciated.

Tom

 

[sapper36]

Hey there Tom - Thought I'd bump this for you. So any of you found part genius types got any ideas?

 

[redshirt]

I'm wondering if it's a tapered gear with some other part? Any gearheads out there have an idea?

Tom

 

[Rabittooth]

The knob looks sculpted to me. It's irregular and besides...the whole prop looks scratch made to me.

-Rabittooth

 

[sapper36]

Does that look like a hole drilled in the side for a set screw? I added a white arrow where I think I see it. I've always just pressure fit my knobs with a little dap of epoxy. How could all these knobs be missing if they had set screws on them? Maybe their from some audio/video film-making gear & they had to replace them after the film wrapped.

 

[Rabittooth]

If it is a found item, it's almost certainly some kind of Guitar / effects pedal / amplifier type top hat knob.

-Rabittooth

 

[redshirt]

Sapper, it looks either like it was a resin cast part from a metal gear or knob and that part got damaged on one flange or maybe it was something else like a set screw area. But the part looks too rough for the orig metal part. I'd guess it was cast for the making of multiple props. Though it's just a guess.

I'm still interested in that pointer or piece sticking out on top of the knob. I see that spot on another picture too, but its lower rez and I'm not sure I'm seeing it clearly enough to verify it.

Rabitooth, can you provide a link to amp or guitar knobs?

Tom

 

[redshirt]

An Update
I've gotten reliable information that there is no dial on top, so that must have been a defect in the original duplication of the publicity photo, a glare, or shine of the zipper on the costume behind it (it lines up with the zipper area).

I'm working on finding out more about the orig. part that was cast off for the knob.

Tom

 

[Rabittooth]

Here are some examples of top hat knobs:

You get the idea.

EDIT: BTW...in "knob lingo"...I think the one you've got there is considered both "Ribbed" and "Skirted".


-Rabittooth

 

[sapper36]

And notice the set screws a few of them have...

 

[Rabittooth]

Could be a car radio knob.

And for some reason I keep thinking about the cigarette lighter in a car I used to have too.

also...looks kinda like the top of a dishwashing liquid bottle:

-Rabittooth

 

[redshirt]

It seems to me that it looks like it was cast off a fine tooth bevel gear similar to this one.

Tom

 

[Vaderman]

I would say the gear as well, with a cap on top of it, just to dress it/finish it.

With as much research on Trek that went into this film, I wouldn't be surprised if that knob started out life as the knob it evokes from a TOS phaser.

The top looks lke one of those little plug-in chrome plugs with the spring fins cut off, just glued on.

 

[redshirt]

UPDATE

Okay, found out that the part is NOT a gear, but a real knob (found part) that was used for all TV Series Nebulizers and was attached by a set screw. The set screw didn't come on the knob so the knob screw hole was first tapped and the screw inserted to hold against the metal post that comes up out of the Nebulizer. There is not supposed to be a pointer on the knob either, so the white triangle coming off the top of the knob may be an artifact (flaw) in the original publicity image.

Now the trick is where to find the exact knob. Any suggestions?

Here's a pic of a real hero "TV Series Nebulizer" screen-used prop to show what it attached to.

And here's a publicity shot showing the knob.

 

[sapper36]

Hey there Tom - Glad to see this thread back up. Nice pics, in the shot you show here the grip is painted in two contrasting colors unlike my stunt TV Neb, Is the darker color the same blue as the nozzle & trim or darker?

I'm still staring at every knob I come near. I am the picture of obsession mt wifey says. I'll try give you a call today to see if we can come up with any ideas on which direction to search.

Todd

 

[redshirt]

The other info I just got was that the screw hole tapped knob had a 4-40 set screw, whatever that is. I'm guessing it was the size?

Todd, just PM'd ya.

Tom

 

[redshirt]

OFFER
FREE J&S ENGINEERING COMMUNICATOR (I pay shipping too)
- to the first person (verified by me by PM or email date) to correctly identify the top Nebulizer knob part in the publicity image below. (HINT - it's not a gear, but an actual knob or dial part). The part must still be able to be purchased (preferrably online) and you must provide a part number or part order info and company contact information. If the part is verified to be the real part used you'll win a static J&S Engineering Trek Communicator shown below. GOOD LUCK.

If anyone can identify the part please PM or email me (see reference below). The part is a found part and was ordered for all TV Nebulizers by the prop company from a surplus store in 1998. No resin knobs were used on these props. A screw hole was tapped into the part/knob and a 4-40 set screw was used to secure it to the top metal switch post. Propmaker says there is no pointer on top of dial/knob as much as they remember, so the triangle on the top front of knob may or may not be there.

Tom

This is what you WIN

NOTE: This offer is running on a few boards, so get your search engines warmed up and go.

 

[redshirt]

Keep in mind it (dial/knob) would have to have a hollow shaft to accept the top switch post. The part was not drilled out.

I was told it is a dial or knob. So gears are not it. It is likely a more refined part (plastic dial or metal hardware knob from electronics piece).

Tom

Here's another shot of the Prize - it has nice quality metal parts (machined aluminum moire ring and midplate).

 

[redshirt]

HURRY - FREE TREK COMMUNICATOR OFFER ENDS NOV 24th.

Remember send your PM's to me with knob/dial part info and/or link before Nov. 24th and first right answer WINS the TREK COMMUNICATOR at no cost.

Tom

 

[redshirt]

Okay, found out the knob was NOT a found part, I may have an update on this soon.

Tom