Star Trek TOS Communicator from The Wand Company
- Thread starter Prop Collector
- Start date
Given the method of recharge, it's gonna have to be a dedicated (made ot fit) lithium ion, I would imagine.
Unlike most props where we can simply replace the battery and enjoy the prop indefinitely; my concern here is the finite # of charges on an irreplaceable battery which ultimately leads to the death of the prop over time. I'm not sure we've faced this scenario with a prop replica before. Where a higher end prop replica actually has a limited lifespan??
Even if you shelf a lithium ion, the battery faces challenges with time and needs to be maintained. Geek out on all that here, if you're so inclined:
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
I'm of course just postulating and have no idea what they're using, yet. Just wondering if it's replaceable or custom?
Thoughts, gentleman?
-Rylo
Unlike most props where we can simply replace the battery and enjoy the prop indefinitely; my concern here is the finite # of charges on an irreplaceable battery which ultimately leads to the death of the prop over time. I'm not sure we've faced this scenario with a prop replica before. Where a higher end prop replica actually has a limited lifespan??
Even if you shelf a lithium ion, the battery faces challenges with time and needs to be maintained. Geek out on all that here, if you're so inclined:
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
I'm of course just postulating and have no idea what they're using, yet. Just wondering if it's replaceable or custom?
Thoughts, gentleman?
-Rylo
AnubisGuard
Master Member
The prior Wand Company products have all had non-replaceable Lithium batteries, so I'm sure the comm will too.
trekcolencc1701
Active Member
What I really want is an iPhone/android case than has a gold hole punched grill that flips over the screen, and somehow has a plug ( maybe into the charging port, like one of this rechargeable cases), then you could have the phone case come with a code for an app that way it makes it chirp, or beep when a call comes in, think geek had one but now it is no longer for sale, plus it looked nothing like the communicator
Talk about forest for the trees! I totally blanked on the phaser, Duh! I must've blocked that out. I had it stuck in the back of my mind (for some reason) that one was ultimately replaceable.
trekcolencc1701
Active Member
Just an Update, the wand Co is actually including the leather case for the communicator
PartyRichter
Active Member
Brilliant news. I'm so impressed how Wand can do all this for the price...especially considering the high-end Next-Gen Tricorder prop (basically a metal box with lights) is $500.
trekcolencc1701
Active Member
I have not read all of this post, so it may already have been said, but if you go to the thewandcompany.com, they have a boatload of pictures and descriptions, they even show the box it comes in ( which had the ST 50 insignia ) , also it has a piece by piece description of the moire jewels and so on
I didn't think of that. I already have one dead battery for my cordless drill that refuses to charge.
Sent from my Motorola StarTAC
The back is held on with screws, so replacing the battery on this will be much easier than on the phaser.
Yeah, but hardly an off the shelf option. Undoubtedly custom for this application. I do wish they'd elaborate on this. I love the prop, it looks great! Hell, I've already ordered a couple. I'd just like to know, (like all my other props) will it be with me longer than the lifespan of it's battery?
I mean, we're all essentially looking at a static prop in a few years, otherwise.
I'd hoped to stick a few of these in the closet for a rainy day, but I have to wonder how long before the battery will brick without having been maintained. The life-clock of a lithium battery is literally ticking the moment it rolls off the assembly line.
If it were replaceable, cool; not an issue. If not...ugh. What an uncomfortable thought.
I mean, we're all essentially looking at a static prop in a few years, otherwise.
I'd hoped to stick a few of these in the closet for a rainy day, but I have to wonder how long before the battery will brick without having been maintained. The life-clock of a lithium battery is literally ticking the moment it rolls off the assembly line.
If it were replaceable, cool; not an issue. If not...ugh. What an uncomfortable thought.
Last edited:
JiminSTLouis
Sr Member
Per the manual that was just released:
"Note: The Communicator's battery might be damaged, or its lifetime significantly reduced, if it is left uncharged for long periods. To maintain a healthy battery, please recharge your Communicator at least once every six months".
Yep, that's what I figured. Thanks.
For anyone interested, See my previous link on maintaining lithium batteries. So, we will not be seeing anyone selling 'sealed' WC Communicators on Ebay a couple years down the road.
It's truly a use it or lose it prop! Hoping someone works up a battery option.
For anyone interested, See my previous link on maintaining lithium batteries. So, we will not be seeing anyone selling 'sealed' WC Communicators on Ebay a couple years down the road.
It's truly a use it or lose it prop! Hoping someone works up a battery option.
About as uncomfortable as those John Stamos marathons you force the Things to watch!
I appreciate the support though AND the royalty checks!!
I appreciate the support though AND the royalty checks!!
Oh, we will probably see them. There will be a lot of upset people when they take them out of the box and they do not work.
For those of you who have not heard, the Ship Date of the Comms at Startrek.com has been changed to May 15th and TWC posted on their facebook page that their manufacturer is having trouble sourcing enough of a certain component to be able to make all of the pre-orders they have so instead of shipping what they have they are going to wait until they have enough stock to cover all of the pre-orders before shipping them and that May 15th is not written in stone.
