Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Looks fantastic!!!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Looks fantastic!!!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
-
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Limited Run Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Photos!
- Thread starter gmprops
- Start date
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Absolutely! It's a difference like day and night.
Absolutely! It's a difference like day and night.
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
I have decided to also do a limited run of Mark VII Science tricorder electronics which will include the enhanced viewscreen lighting, the 3-button board for extra sounds and mute switch, and a higher capacity LiPo battery. You can check these out in the other thread by clicking HERE.
I have decided to also do a limited run of Mark VII Science tricorder electronics which will include the enhanced viewscreen lighting, the 3-button board for extra sounds and mute switch, and a higher capacity LiPo battery. You can check these out in the other thread by clicking HERE.
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
So I have been experimenting with paints to find the best silver for the hand scanner. E Williams suggested I try a product called Spaz Stix Ultimate Mirror Chrome since it is quite durable and does not leave fingerprint impressions on the surface (like the previous paints I had tried). I picked up a can of this paint from an RC Hobby Store along with a can of glossy black paint to use as a backer. Apparently the chrome-like finish is very dependent on the backer paint that you use. The glossier the paint the better, otherwise you can only hope to achieve a polished aluminum finish. But I was not looking for a mirror finish, so polished aluminum would be fine.
I sanded all of the old paints off the scanner first. Then a quick coat of primer, followed by several coats of this glossy black primer. Then I applied very thin coats of the Spaz Stix Ultimate Mirror Chrome paint (6 coats in all). The finish was amazing. Much better than any other chrome paint that I had tried. The only mistake I made with this paint was not allowing enough time for the final coat to cure. You should give it at least 24 hours of drying/curing time before handling it. Although the finish on my scanner looks okay, there are areas that showed signs of handling. It is hard not to handle the scanner when you are installing the electronics. I have another scanner to build and paint so I will try and start a thread in the Replica Props forum to show each of the steps that I used.
Here are some photos of the first scanner with the electronics installed.
So I have been experimenting with paints to find the best silver for the hand scanner. E Williams suggested I try a product called Spaz Stix Ultimate Mirror Chrome since it is quite durable and does not leave fingerprint impressions on the surface (like the previous paints I had tried). I picked up a can of this paint from an RC Hobby Store along with a can of glossy black paint to use as a backer. Apparently the chrome-like finish is very dependent on the backer paint that you use. The glossier the paint the better, otherwise you can only hope to achieve a polished aluminum finish. But I was not looking for a mirror finish, so polished aluminum would be fine.
I sanded all of the old paints off the scanner first. Then a quick coat of primer, followed by several coats of this glossy black primer. Then I applied very thin coats of the Spaz Stix Ultimate Mirror Chrome paint (6 coats in all). The finish was amazing. Much better than any other chrome paint that I had tried. The only mistake I made with this paint was not allowing enough time for the final coat to cure. You should give it at least 24 hours of drying/curing time before handling it. Although the finish on my scanner looks okay, there are areas that showed signs of handling. It is hard not to handle the scanner when you are installing the electronics. I have another scanner to build and paint so I will try and start a thread in the Replica Props forum to show each of the steps that I used.
Here are some photos of the first scanner with the electronics installed.
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
UPDATE:
The printed circuit boards arrived!!! Now I just have to start populating the boards with components, testing every assembly, and shipping them off to you guys.
I have a lot of boards as you can see, so I have decided to extend the run by another 5 sets. So if you missed getting in on the original run, here is your chance to get on board. Just send $165USD through PayPal by clicking HERE.
I am very close to finishing a full build and will be posting some photos of my hero version in the next day or two. I would have had it finished already, but some of the older circuit boards (originally meant for the Roddenberry version) were giving me problems, so I decided to wait for the new boards to arrive and use one of those.
UPDATE:
The printed circuit boards arrived!!! Now I just have to start populating the boards with components, testing every assembly, and shipping them off to you guys.
I have a lot of boards as you can see, so I have decided to extend the run by another 5 sets. So if you missed getting in on the original run, here is your chance to get on board. Just send $165USD through PayPal by clicking HERE.
I am very close to finishing a full build and will be posting some photos of my hero version in the next day or two. I would have had it finished already, but some of the older circuit boards (originally meant for the Roddenberry version) were giving me problems, so I decided to wait for the new boards to arrive and use one of those.
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Finally finished my Mark VII Medical today. I used some boards from the previous version of Mark VII and then some of the new boards which just arrived yesterday. I took several photos and a video of the completed tricorder.
You can see the video on YouTube or watch it here.
Finally finished my Mark VII Medical today. I used some boards from the previous version of Mark VII and then some of the new boards which just arrived yesterday. I took several photos and a video of the completed tricorder.
You can see the video on YouTube or watch it here.
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
I am shipping these two tricorders out tomorrow to two different customers. I hope they will be happy.
If anyone needs a tricorder built for them, I do offer my services for a reasonable price. PM me or send an email to me at gmros@cogeco.ca for more information.
I am shipping these two tricorders out tomorrow to two different customers. I hope they will be happy.
If anyone needs a tricorder built for them, I do offer my services for a reasonable price. PM me or send an email to me at gmros@cogeco.ca for more information.
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
I am working hard to get all of the orders finished. I will be shipping out a batch this week, so watch your mailboxes.
Also, I have heard from a few people that wanted a specific sequence pattern for the scanner pouch LEDs. Some want the standard center-outward pattern (just like in all of the Science version tricorders), while others wanted the later seasons version of Left to Right paired sequencing. If you have not sent me a PM or an email about which pattern you prefer, there is still time. Otherwise, I will pick for you. Both patterns look great, so if it does not matter to you which pattern you get then you can just leave it to me.
When you do get your electronics and install them, please post some pictures of your build to share with us.
Back to assembling and testing now...
I am working hard to get all of the orders finished. I will be shipping out a batch this week, so watch your mailboxes.
Also, I have heard from a few people that wanted a specific sequence pattern for the scanner pouch LEDs. Some want the standard center-outward pattern (just like in all of the Science version tricorders), while others wanted the later seasons version of Left to Right paired sequencing. If you have not sent me a PM or an email about which pattern you prefer, there is still time. Otherwise, I will pick for you. Both patterns look great, so if it does not matter to you which pattern you get then you can just leave it to me.
When you do get your electronics and install them, please post some pictures of your build to share with us.
Back to assembling and testing now...
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Just an FYI: The first batch of 5 electronic sets has been shipped. So if you were one of the first to place an order there is a good chance you will be getting your set in the next week or so. I am now working on the next batch of 5. If you are not in the first 5, please be patient, I am working as fast as I can.
Just an FYI: The first batch of 5 electronic sets has been shipped. So if you were one of the first to place an order there is a good chance you will be getting your set in the next week or so. I am now working on the next batch of 5. If you are not in the first 5, please be patient, I am working as fast as I can.
MGC
Sr Member
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Hi Gerry,
Could you confirm you received my payment? I sent it 15th of last month, but haven't heard back - I appreciate that you're not shipping mine yet as I'm almost certainly one of that last on the list, but would just like to know the payment came through ok. As before, centre-out pattern for me too!
Thanks,
Matt
Hi Gerry,
Could you confirm you received my payment? I sent it 15th of last month, but haven't heard back - I appreciate that you're not shipping mine yet as I'm almost certainly one of that last on the list, but would just like to know the payment came through ok. As before, centre-out pattern for me too!
Thanks,
Matt
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
In the interest of curiosity, which episodes show the Tricorder with the paired L-R scanning bar?
I was watching "Disaster" and the "The Game" the other day, both Season 5 episodes and the Medical Tricorder in those episodes had the centre out pattern. Season 1 Voyager episodes had the centre out pattern too. I think DS9 had the centre out pattern but I can't be 100% certain as I haven't started my re-watch of that series yet.
I'm just trying to remember which episodes of TNG had the L-R pattern?
Good luck with the run, if I didn't already have one of your great sets of electronics from your earlier run I would pick one up for my Rodd.com kit.
In the interest of curiosity, which episodes show the Tricorder with the paired L-R scanning bar?
I was watching "Disaster" and the "The Game" the other day, both Season 5 episodes and the Medical Tricorder in those episodes had the centre out pattern. Season 1 Voyager episodes had the centre out pattern too. I think DS9 had the centre out pattern but I can't be 100% certain as I haven't started my re-watch of that series yet.
I'm just trying to remember which episodes of TNG had the L-R pattern?
Good luck with the run, if I didn't already have one of your great sets of electronics from your earlier run I would pick one up for my Rodd.com kit.
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Great work, Gerry!!! The Mark VII had always been my favorite.
Sean
Great work, Gerry!!! The Mark VII had always been my favorite.
Sean
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
I just watched an episode yesterday that showed the Left to Right pattern: "Transfigurations", Season 3, Episode 25. Pay attention to the scene where John (the alien) heals O'Brien's dislocated shoulder, then Dr. Crusher checks him out with the tricorder. You can clearly see the L-R pattern.
Interestingly enough, I noticed in the early episodes of season 3 that there were no lights inside the pouch and that it was not even painted black. Move a few episodes along and there are still no lights. Then suddenly the pouch is black. But I could not get a clear look inside the pouch, except to know it was black. But in "Transfigurations" you finally get a good view of the lights inside the pouch.
Another interesting point: if you are looking directly down at the tricorder, you can see the LEDs on each sides of the extension piece. One LED is red and the other is green. With the L-R pattern tricorder the green one is on the right side while the red one is on the left side. But with the center-out pattern version these two LEDs are reversed (red on right, green on left). Did not notice that before. I will have to investigate further.
I just watched an episode yesterday that showed the Left to Right pattern: "Transfigurations", Season 3, Episode 25. Pay attention to the scene where John (the alien) heals O'Brien's dislocated shoulder, then Dr. Crusher checks him out with the tricorder. You can clearly see the L-R pattern.
Interestingly enough, I noticed in the early episodes of season 3 that there were no lights inside the pouch and that it was not even painted black. Move a few episodes along and there are still no lights. Then suddenly the pouch is black. But I could not get a clear look inside the pouch, except to know it was black. But in "Transfigurations" you finally get a good view of the lights inside the pouch.
Another interesting point: if you are looking directly down at the tricorder, you can see the LEDs on each sides of the extension piece. One LED is red and the other is green. With the L-R pattern tricorder the green one is on the right side while the red one is on the left side. But with the center-out pattern version these two LEDs are reversed (red on right, green on left). Did not notice that before. I will have to investigate further.
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Cool, thanks for finding an appearance of that particular pattern!
So the reason why you noticed a change in "Transfigurations" is... it's a totally different model
"Transfigurations" is the first appearance of the Miarecki/Horch vacuform Mark VII medical tricorder. Prior to that the medical tricorders were the standard resin Mark VI science tricorder with one of two medical extensions/attachments. Mark VI hand scanners were silver painted resin with only a single red light in the tip, and were never metal until the Mark VII debuted (with an added green LED ring).
The first medical extension was used in TNG season 1-2 and had only a single red light on the front; a second version shows up in season 3 with added grey cutouts on the side, and a new sequencing green array and LED pair on the front of the pocket as well. Neither had lights in the scanner pocket.
Season 1-2 version (screencap from "Shades of Gray"):
Mark VI with season 3 medical extension (note two different dove greys as the paint formulas changed over time):
After season 3, the Mark VI's were relegated to biobed duty, as in this screencap from 4x18 "Identity Crisis". This is also a unique variant of the Season 3 version with the green bar missing:
Cool, thanks for finding an appearance of that particular pattern!
So the reason why you noticed a change in "Transfigurations" is... it's a totally different model
"Transfigurations" is the first appearance of the Miarecki/Horch vacuform Mark VII medical tricorder. Prior to that the medical tricorders were the standard resin Mark VI science tricorder with one of two medical extensions/attachments. Mark VI hand scanners were silver painted resin with only a single red light in the tip, and were never metal until the Mark VII debuted (with an added green LED ring).
The first medical extension was used in TNG season 1-2 and had only a single red light on the front; a second version shows up in season 3 with added grey cutouts on the side, and a new sequencing green array and LED pair on the front of the pocket as well. Neither had lights in the scanner pocket.
Season 1-2 version (screencap from "Shades of Gray"):
Mark VI with season 3 medical extension (note two different dove greys as the paint formulas changed over time):
After season 3, the Mark VI's were relegated to biobed duty, as in this screencap from 4x18 "Identity Crisis". This is also a unique variant of the Season 3 version with the green bar missing:
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Hey, Gerry! Loving the progress on the kit. Can't wait to see it in action first hand!
I know I was one of the last in the original run so I'm assuming you haven't shipped mine out yet. If you haven't I'd like to request the center out pattern. If I'm too late, no worries, I know the kit will look amazing either way!
Hey, Gerry! Loving the progress on the kit. Can't wait to see it in action first hand!
I know I was one of the last in the original run so I'm assuming you haven't shipped mine out yet. If you haven't I'd like to request the center out pattern. If I'm too late, no worries, I know the kit will look amazing either way!
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
I have been working every day trying to get this entire run completed. I have been doing them in batches of 5 and then shipping them. I just shipped batch #2. You are not in the current batch (#3) that I am assembling, but you are in the next (#4). At least you are not in the last batch (#6).
I am going to need a nice long sleep when I get through this. Enough chatting, back to work...
I have been working every day trying to get this entire run completed. I have been doing them in batches of 5 and then shipping them. I just shipped batch #2. You are not in the current batch (#3) that I am assembling, but you are in the next (#4). At least you are not in the last batch (#6).
I am going to need a nice long sleep when I get through this. Enough chatting, back to work...
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Got my circuits today! They are awesome!!!
Got my circuits today! They are awesome!!!
Re: Star Trek (Stapleton) Mark VII Medical Tricorder Electronics Upgrade - New Run!
Looks good with the electronics! You did a nice job on the paint. But it looks like you still have to paint the scanner. Are you going to use the Spaz Stix Ultimate Chrome like I did?
Just an update for those still waiting for their electronics to arrive. I had a couple of setbacks because I ran out of some parts that I thought were going to be easy to get, but it turns out my usual supplier was out of stock. So it took some searching and I finally found the parts I needed, but I ended up spending more money for them. I just received a couple of the parts today and I am only waiting on one other part. I have about a dozen sets of boards in various stages of assembly. With the parts that I have I should be able to finish about half of them and ship them.
My other setback was due to my health. For the first time in 40 years I somehow got pink-eye! How does that happen? And trying to solder micro-circuitry with stinging runny eyes is not easy. I was constantly putting drops in my eyes, then struggled to solder some more. I am pretty well back to normal again, but I lost a lot of time because of this.
While I was waiting for the parts I managed to finish my second build. I was commissioned by a fellow member here to build one of these beauties for him and it turned out rather well.
If anybody else needs a build done just let me know. I have very flexible payment plans available. And I think I am getting rather good at these builds. They are so much easier to build than the Roddenberry vac-formed kits (thanks to Stapleton).
Looks good with the electronics! You did a nice job on the paint. But it looks like you still have to paint the scanner. Are you going to use the Spaz Stix Ultimate Chrome like I did?
Just an update for those still waiting for their electronics to arrive. I had a couple of setbacks because I ran out of some parts that I thought were going to be easy to get, but it turns out my usual supplier was out of stock. So it took some searching and I finally found the parts I needed, but I ended up spending more money for them. I just received a couple of the parts today and I am only waiting on one other part. I have about a dozen sets of boards in various stages of assembly. With the parts that I have I should be able to finish about half of them and ship them.
My other setback was due to my health. For the first time in 40 years I somehow got pink-eye! How does that happen? And trying to solder micro-circuitry with stinging runny eyes is not easy. I was constantly putting drops in my eyes, then struggled to solder some more. I am pretty well back to normal again, but I lost a lot of time because of this.
While I was waiting for the parts I managed to finish my second build. I was commissioned by a fellow member here to build one of these beauties for him and it turned out rather well.
If anybody else needs a build done just let me know. I have very flexible payment plans available. And I think I am getting rather good at these builds. They are so much easier to build than the Roddenberry vac-formed kits (thanks to Stapleton).
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