Trek Cage Communicator specs

[22 Stars]

Hi Guys, I'd like to build an affordable (cheap) but fairly accurate Trek Cage Communicator. Just had a few questions for anyone who might know or have the Roddenberry prop.

Is the grill 1/8 or 1/16 staggered holes?

What are the actual dimensions of the grill, or are there any schematics with measurements around?

Any and all suggestions would be a great help to a n00b regarding parts for grill, knobs or even the body. I have a plastic case from an old Verizon WWAN card that is actually a decent body to start with but any help would be great! Thanks, Russ

 

[22 Stars]

Any suggestions are welcome!

 

[robn1]

I don't know exact dimensions, but the grill is the same as was used on the TOS comms. The holes are 5/64in, and are staggered on 1/8in centers.

 

[OB10]

I don't know exact dimensions, but the grill is the same as was used on the TOS comms. The holes are 5/64in, and are staggered on 1/8in centers.

If that's true, and it seems like it sure should be, herocomm.com has some info on the grill. I looked through there real quick and what I found was:
Antenna Assembly I was thinking I'd seen a diagram/blueprint with a drawing of the grill, but I'm not seeing it now. Hope this helps enough.

 

[DrMcoy]

I believe the two black knobs are terminal covers from vintage battery.

Seems like a complete breakdown of parts was discussed on this forum about 5 years ago -- do not know if they archive articles here.

One of the inside circuits is channel selector from vintage TV set.

Good luck with your build.

 

[Apollo]

Yes this was covered here a few years back.

Maybe some of the members here with more in depth knowledge will post more info.

 

[22 Stars]

This is all great stuff, thank you all for the help, great to have a lead on some of the specs and parts, I'll post some links to my progress. This is going to be a rough prop, since I don't have the clear lucite to start from scratch with!

 

[DB537]

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[22 Stars]

I found two yesterday that are very close at my local hardware store. I'll check to see what they were sold as, but they were with all the little parts drawers for various lamps and other furniture you might need replacement parts for.

 

[DB537]

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[22 Stars]

DB - My hardware store has similar black knobs as lamp knobs, think the knobs that you twist to change a bulb from low med high off. They are quite close, and I'm going with them. I will add some picture links soon.

 

[22 Stars]

Here is my early progress:

2011-06-02_22-00-09_758 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
2011-06-01_17-43-48_622 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Still looking for the center top-hat knob if anyone has a tip!

 

[Starchwreck]

Wow! Thats a great idea!!

 

[22 Stars]

Thanks, it will fill a gap in my humble display without breaking the bank. Wish I had room to do a lucite mold but c'est la vie.

 

[22 Stars]

More progress shots. Got the grill today and made the antennae. Also found a passable center knob. Also a Lamp part.

Star Trek Cage Communicator - a set on Flickr

 

[OB10]

That's really cool! I was gonna suggest that the originals were cast resin since the electronic parts were embedded in them, but that's a great way to go, too! I like it when a hardware or off the shelf item can be used to get pretty close to the original design.

 

[DrMcoy]

very nice! what a cool way to recreate the prop on a budget...and it appears the final result will look nicer than a few home-made poured resin versions i've seen over the years.

look forward to seeing final build.

 

[22 Stars]

Thanks, it's really coming along well, I'm even going to to try to make it chirp with a board from a comm keychain I had.

Anyone know if the four 'dots' in a square formation are embedded in the comm or knobs on the surface? See pic below, any help would be appreciated!

P129_15.jpg (image)

 

[sporgo]

My grandfather used to have some perforated brass sheet just like that used on the original communicators. He used it for building heat shields. I believe it was common item sold in hardware stores back then. Mcmaster should have something very close: McMaster-Carr

 

[tim]

Thanks, it's really coming along well, I'm even going to to try to make it chirp with a board from a comm keychain I had.

Anyone know if the four 'dots' in a square formation are embedded in the comm or knobs on the surface? See pic below, any help would be appreciated!

P129_15.jpg (image)

They look embedded to me, as they're flush with the neon bulbs or mercury switches alongside.