silly TOS communicator question

[augofett]

The most time we see Kirk/Shatner and other characters turn the knobs trying to establish the communication. So, why is that in the most working replicas the knobs are meant to be pushed?

 

[Apollo]

Creative license.

Probably because it's easier to push those small knobs then turn

 

[Gatekeeper]

Easy answer would be that Shatner and company had no clue about how the prop was supposed to work... nor did they care, I believe. If memory serves, I believe Shatner also broke a bunch of the comm lids by flipping them open a bit too violently...

 

[BAK55]

My thoughts are an actor must convey to the audience that he is doing something with said prop to establish contact. An exaggerated twisting motion would do this very effectively. As my drama teacher once said while one is performing on stage, "Make it big."

Besides, who is to say in the make believe Star Trek universe the knob couldn't do both functions, twisting and pushing?

 

[phez]

I think in the show we see them turning the knobs ("this side of paradise") and pushing it like a button ("Day of the Dove").

The MR replica does both. The left knob you push in and it flashes the red center light (did not light up in the show but still cool that something happens) and you turn (well sort of :lol) the right knob to get the radio interference.

The MR knock offs were just plain made to be as cheap as possible and I do not think they really cared if it worked anything like on the screen. :lol

I do not think the HMS/Rod.com version does anything with the knobs.

 

[casey jones]

Perhaps the knobs could be turned by pressing a finger against them and twisting.

 

[CessnaDriver]

Amazing Star Trek tech!....
They only sense "turning" and "pushing" from finger pressure.
They are not buttons or knobs, but interface sensors.
They remain fixed and do not move.
Customizable per user of course for preferred method of interface.

 

[Apollo]

Reminds me of a true old adage, "There are no small roles only small Actors" :lol

As my drama teacher once said while one is performing on stage, "Make it big."

 

[The Keeper]

No doubt!

 

[phase pistol]

Considering that the "knobs" are actually slot car hubs glued in place, I think what we are actually seeing in the show could be called "acting".

K