TNG Tricorder Evolution Thread

[darthgordon]

Wouldn't it have been easier to just add images in post-production for close-ups? In particular the never changing screen of the MK X always bothered me. Are you telling me that all this information can be relayed to you via some blinkies and bars?

 

[MGC]

Wouldn't it have been easier to just add images in post-production for close-ups? In particular the never changing screen of the MK X always bothered me. Are you telling me that all this information can be relayed to you via some blinkies and bars?

These props are from the days before HD and are from a TV show where production time is as tight as hell and the budget moreso. You got an interesting prop with blinkie lights, and that'll do as far as the art dept are concerned

 

[TheSt.LouisKid]

I have this one in my files (photo not taken by me)... supposedly a "prototype" tricorder. It seems to have been built from the body of a tricorder used in Trek III or V (note pop-up head).

Is there a flipside picture for this one?


.

 

[Tripper]

Flipside looks just like a Trek 3 tric.

 

[HMS Mike]

From DS9 'Blood Oath'.

As I recall, this was a VI or VII body with Playmates tric stickers applied (note the difference in size between the stickers and the recesses).

I've always loved this one- seems like a tric specifically for more military uses- hence the 'motion tracker' application. The prop had a real-time animated graphic screen built in. In early 90s tech this would certainly mean there had to be some sort of power/data connection snaking down the actor's arm. We did similar tricks with small flat screen monitors built into props for seaQuest DSV around the same time. Notice also in this pics that there are no blinkie details on the end of the tric- another hint that there wasn't room for anything else inside the shell besides the tiny monitor. In all shots other than the above close-up, a standard VII prop was used, front blinkies and all.

Seems like a lot of trouble to go to for what was essentially a single 4-second close up. I'm betting this was someone's pet project at the time- a way to see if they could have trics with real-time graphics instead of just dancing LEDs or burning in something in post production.

I'd still love to make one of these- there are more options nowadays for putting a larger animated screen inside without external leads.

Mark

Hi Guys,
Yes, This was a Mark VII Tricorder set of parts when I started but with the altered main screen for the monitor. The shells were vacumformed clear. The bottom door was permanently open to house the rest of the electronic. It had both a AV in and a power line in the center back. The display was the smallest active matix screen that we could find. I was given this project at 11 AM on tuesday and I was to have it done for first shot the next morning.
I was informed at 9PM tuesday that I would have to make my own graphics for this tricorder as the art department had already left for the day. I then called Mike Okuda at home and he told me to use the toy graphics as therewas no time to deal with it. So that is why there are toy graphics on this tricorder.
No this was not some ones pet project, It was asked for by the director of that eps. on tuesday morning. He thought it would be cool to have one so I had to make it happen like it or not. I made it happen it went to set I went to bed. I will see if I can find some photos of that night and post them.

HMS Mike

I have to correct myself the body was black plastic except the back plate.

mike

 

[HMS Mike]

Is there a flipside picture for this one?


.

This one also had a video screen.

HMS Mike

 

[thegreatgalling]

Thanks for the input Mike. Its so cool to have you around!

 

[stapleton13]

You know we have a good thread going when we get the man who knows posting. Thanks to you Mike.

Myron

 

[HMS Mike]

Hi Guys,

Here is one for TNG and DS9.

HMS Mike

 

[Starchwreck]

Wow! Thats soooooooooooo cool! I love the dismantled MKVII!

 

[phase pistol]

Yes please.

 

[AJK001]

Wow!

Thanks Mike for posting your pics and giving us some insight into what was happening.

 

[Bradleyfett]

No this was not some ones pet project, It was asked for by the director of that eps. on tuesday morning. He thought it would be cool to have one...

So it was the director's pet project!

Great story Mike!- spectacular result for an over-nighter! Those little flat screens were expensive buggers back in the mid 90s.

Did a lot of those 'wouldn't it be cool if we had this' overnight projects myself. Sometimes you end up with something cooler than if you had the proper amount of time.

Mark

 

[kertratz]

Whoa!!!! Mike, whats the story behind that MK VII with the opening face plate?

 

[silverskyes402]

This has to be the coolest thread ever, I got inot collection props because of trek, mainly tricorders, great info here, thansk so much myron for starting it and thanks everyone for all the inof, amnd as always, incredible pics mike!

 

[Dr. Stantz]

From DS9 'Blood Oath'.

As I recall, this was a VI or VII body with Playmates tric stickers applied (note the difference in size between the stickers and the recesses).

I've always loved this one- seems like a tric specifically for more military uses- hence the 'motion tracker' application. The prop had a real-time animated graphic screen built in. In early 90s tech this would certainly mean there had to be some sort of power/data connection snaking down the actor's arm. We did similar tricks with small flat screen monitors built into props for seaQuest DSV around the same time. Notice also in this pics that there are no blinkie details on the end of the tric- another hint that there wasn't room for anything else inside the shell besides the tiny monitor. In all shots other than the above close-up, a standard VII prop was used, front blinkies and all.

Seems like a lot of trouble to go to for what was essentially a single 4-second close up. I'm betting this was someone's pet project at the time- a way to see if they could have trics with real-time graphics instead of just dancing LEDs or burning in something in post production.

I'd still love to make one of these- there are more options nowadays for putting a larger animated screen inside without external leads.

Mark

Maybe we could label it a Mark VIII or IX?

Also this one was a rental prop:

It popped up in a season 1 episode of seaQuest, amongst other appearances.

 

[stapleton13]

I love that disassembled VII. Great another Tricorder I want.

I should also add My VII youtube Video to this thread.
http://www.youtube.com/user/stapleton13props#p/u/4/QT3uGckZONM

 

[SurferGeek]

Hi Guys,

HMS Mike

That one only showed up in one DS9 episode that I know of.

Paradise:

 

[SurferGeek]

Here's a different one that Dax was repairing.

 

[thegreatgalling]

Dr. Stantz Said:

Maybe we could label it a Mark VIII or IX

I vote Mark VIII since the Mark IX was the First Contact tric.