Unusual Star Trek Communicator

[Trek World]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to find track down who may have produced a working Trek Communicator replica back in the 60s/70s. I know there were dozens of different people building different models.... But this one is very unusual, as you can see in the photo.

The two batteries in the unit are actually mercury batteries. While not being exceedingly rare in those days; these kind of batteries were not seen much at all unless they came from a pretty serious machine shop.

Anyhow; anyone have a thought on who in the LA area would have been making communicators with mercury batteries?

Jim

 

[Captain Dunsel]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to find track down who may have produced a working Trek Communicator replica back in the 60s/70s. I know there were dozens of different people building different models.... But this one is very unusual, as you can see in the photo.

The two batteries in the unit are actually mercury batteries. While not being exceedingly rare in those days; these kind of batteries were not seen much at all unless they came from a pretty serious machine shop.

Anyhow; anyone have a thought on who in the LA area would have been making communicators with mercury batteries?

Jim

View attachment 1890377

I would need to see the open front with the control surfaces, moire ring, etc.

 

[Trek World]

I would need to see the open front with the control surfaces, moire ring, etc.

Certainly.

Here`is a good photo of the front.

 

[Captain Dunsel]

Certainly.

Here`is a good photo of the front.


View attachment 1890400

Hmmmm…hard to tell…could be a Marco.

It looks like it has been slightly retrofitted with accurate T-Jet Hub knobs but is likely originally a vintage model.

 

[Trek World]

Hmmmm…hard to tell…could be a Marco.

It looks like it has been slightly retrofitted with accurate T-Jett knobs but is likely originally a

Ok... good.. thanks for the tip. I'll see what else I can track down concerning it possibly being a Marco.

That would make the communicator from no earlier than the early 1980s, yes?

 

[Captain Dunsel]

Ok... good.. thanks for the tip. I'll see what else I can track down concerning it possibly being a Marco.

That would make the communicator from no earlier than the early 1980s, yes?

Yeah, roughly between 1977 and 1986.

I recommend reviewing these vintage catalogs / mailers:

Catalogs | thecopycats.org

www.thecopycats.org

 

[Trek World]

Yeah, roughly between 1977 and 1986.

I recommend reviewing these vintage catalogs / mailers:

Catalogs | thecopycats.org

www.thecopycats.org

Will do, thanks!

 

[Treadwell]

Pages from the 86 Marco catalog for analysis:

 

[TopgunTech2]

Your communicator is a late version Jim Kirk / Starfleet Command, approximately 1983/84. This particular circuit and battery setup were exclusive to these late run comms. We've had them in for repair on occasion, most were poorly built, quit working, and fell apart. Here's one that underwent a full restoration.

Starfleet Command Late Version Communicator