Angelus Lupus
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
That ESP key looks pretty cool!
That ESP key looks pretty cool!
Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 1963-present keys)
- Thread starter Straker
- Start date
-
- Tags
- doctor who
Terrasolo
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Ok guys, I got my JMA keys in from the UK and they match my US keys that I posted before in every way but the logo itself. So if you are blanking the keys of the logo then you can buy from either source, but if you want a Sally Sparrow key with logo buy from Straker's UK link.
Ok guys, I got my JMA keys in from the UK and they match my US keys that I posted before in every way but the logo itself. So if you are blanking the keys of the logo then you can buy from either source, but if you want a Sally Sparrow key with logo buy from Straker's UK link.
Last edited:
Straker
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
And in other news; I'm not sure if I know how to use semi-colons properly.
That aside we'd like to ask anyone watching this thread if they may be able to find out if the Perception Filter keys are still on display somewhere and to try and take some good, clear photos of the heads of the keys, specifically the side with the electronics on it. Thanks to Birdy we have some of the first looks at the props but we still have a lot of information missing due to the unfortunate nature of blowing up photos.
If anyone can look for these keys if they're on display somewhere and get us some good clear shots of the electronics they can share we would be very grateful and in return I will personally make you a replica of one of the keys as a thank you.
It has to be a GOOD clear shot. No over saturation or bad reflections or blurring. We're looking to get as much details of the wiring, where the wires actually connect, how they connect, what's the SIM card wafer really look like. The shape of the separation lines on the wafer and if it's even a SIM card wafer at all to begin with.
Post here if you can help provide us with any information we don't currently have. Thanks guys!
And in other news; I'm not sure if I know how to use semi-colons properly.
That aside we'd like to ask anyone watching this thread if they may be able to find out if the Perception Filter keys are still on display somewhere and to try and take some good, clear photos of the heads of the keys, specifically the side with the electronics on it. Thanks to Birdy we have some of the first looks at the props but we still have a lot of information missing due to the unfortunate nature of blowing up photos.
If anyone can look for these keys if they're on display somewhere and get us some good clear shots of the electronics they can share we would be very grateful and in return I will personally make you a replica of one of the keys as a thank you.
It has to be a GOOD clear shot. No over saturation or bad reflections or blurring. We're looking to get as much details of the wiring, where the wires actually connect, how they connect, what's the SIM card wafer really look like. The shape of the separation lines on the wafer and if it's even a SIM card wafer at all to begin with.
Post here if you can help provide us with any information we don't currently have. Thanks guys!
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Sorry guys, I wish I'd seen this sooner. The spare keys they used in Season 2 or 3 (I forget which) onwards and for the blanks were actually Silca. They used the plain Silca in Blink as you see it with the logo and knurled head. They ground them down on a wheel and then rhodium plated them for the plain ones you see. They put on a brush finish with a 3m pad after they found the finish reflected back to camera really badly off the rhodium. I don't think they ever did that to the ERA keys as they were given out after Series 1 or 2 to prominent crew members. They might have kept a couple as masters to make the copies. You can take that info 100% to the bank as I had one, but sold it on Ebay in 2007/8. Got a small fortune for it.... whoooopieee!!! Well, actually not whoopie, as I really really wish I'd not sold it on now. I'm quite narked that I did. VERY narked!!
Sorry guys, I wish I'd seen this sooner. The spare keys they used in Season 2 or 3 (I forget which) onwards and for the blanks were actually Silca. They used the plain Silca in Blink as you see it with the logo and knurled head. They ground them down on a wheel and then rhodium plated them for the plain ones you see. They put on a brush finish with a 3m pad after they found the finish reflected back to camera really badly off the rhodium. I don't think they ever did that to the ERA keys as they were given out after Series 1 or 2 to prominent crew members. They might have kept a couple as masters to make the copies. You can take that info 100% to the bank as I had one, but sold it on Ebay in 2007/8. Got a small fortune for it.... whoooopieee!!! Well, actually not whoopie, as I really really wish I'd not sold it on now. I'm quite narked that I did. VERY narked!!
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Ooooh, and as for the perception filter keys. They were definately Silca. I can't remember the exact details, but I know they used a SIM card contact that had been filed down from the back, plus some resistors. These were epoxied to the key back and the epoxy painted to look like solder. I think one may have been soldered, or maybe the other way around. I know they used the two methods because one didn't adhere correctly. Dunno which one though. Sorry.
Ooooh, and as for the perception filter keys. They were definately Silca. I can't remember the exact details, but I know they used a SIM card contact that had been filed down from the back, plus some resistors. These were epoxied to the key back and the epoxy painted to look like solder. I think one may have been soldered, or maybe the other way around. I know they used the two methods because one didn't adhere correctly. Dunno which one though. Sorry.
Straker
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Any way you can share your source? I tried several key blank makers and none of the Silca keys I found looked right. If you had a blanked and plated key that's great but if it was blanked then how did you know it was a Silca? Also, what number? They do have a key on the banner of their site that does indeed show a key very similar to the one we're looking for. As for plating, well that process is an easy one so I believe any jeweler can do it so I may just see about getting that process done to one of mine once I blank it.
Well I posted my "prototype"? or umm, first attempt perception filter key a page or two back and got the chip, resistor and SIM card pad as close to the pictures as I could. I soldered regardless because well...I can actually solder. I can pretty much guarantee that the one that didn't adhere right was the epoxy if that's what they did because solder sticks to that SIM pad SO well so unless they didn't know how to solder there's no way that wouldn't work.
Any way you can share your source? I tried several key blank makers and none of the Silca keys I found looked right. If you had a blanked and plated key that's great but if it was blanked then how did you know it was a Silca? Also, what number? They do have a key on the banner of their site that does indeed show a key very similar to the one we're looking for. As for plating, well that process is an easy one so I believe any jeweler can do it so I may just see about getting that process done to one of mine once I blank it.
Well I posted my "prototype"? or umm, first attempt perception filter key a page or two back and got the chip, resistor and SIM card pad as close to the pictures as I could. I soldered regardless because well...I can actually solder. I can pretty much guarantee that the one that didn't adhere right was the epoxy if that's what they did because solder sticks to that SIM pad SO well so unless they didn't know how to solder there's no way that wouldn't work.
Last edited:
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Yeah, I'm the source. I used to have a few close people to me work at the studios regularly a few years back and I got up there for a visit quite a few times up until around 2008. They were definately Silca keys, as although they were ground down, if you held it up to the light and angled it in a certain way, you could see the ghost of the knurling and logo. At least on the one I had anyway.
Sorry, I didn't read the whole thread... it's quite long :$ I'll check it out. Like I said, I know one of the filter keys used a different method of attaching the greeblies than the other. Which way around that was - I really can't remember. If the solder worked best, then two of them were soldered and the third was epoxied. The epoxied one might even have been a running repair as it was coming apart. It's a good four or five years ago and before the programme aired so I didn't know in what context the keys were going to be used. I just remember seeing the programme and thinking it was cool as I'd seen them on set. Most props like that are hidden or packed away, so you don't really see the smaller more interesting stuff when you are walking around. That was the first time I saw one of the sonics too, so my attention was focussed on that. It was in two halves. I've never mentioned it before, but I'm sure it had an AAA battery connected to it. I'll have to ask our Carrot Tasting friend about that.
Yeah, I'm the source. I used to have a few close people to me work at the studios regularly a few years back and I got up there for a visit quite a few times up until around 2008. They were definately Silca keys, as although they were ground down, if you held it up to the light and angled it in a certain way, you could see the ghost of the knurling and logo. At least on the one I had anyway.
Sorry, I didn't read the whole thread... it's quite long :$ I'll check it out. Like I said, I know one of the filter keys used a different method of attaching the greeblies than the other. Which way around that was - I really can't remember. If the solder worked best, then two of them were soldered and the third was epoxied. The epoxied one might even have been a running repair as it was coming apart. It's a good four or five years ago and before the programme aired so I didn't know in what context the keys were going to be used. I just remember seeing the programme and thinking it was cool as I'd seen them on set. Most props like that are hidden or packed away, so you don't really see the smaller more interesting stuff when you are walking around. That was the first time I saw one of the sonics too, so my attention was focussed on that. It was in two halves. I've never mentioned it before, but I'm sure it had an AAA battery connected to it. I'll have to ask our Carrot Tasting friend about that.
Terrasolo
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Oh, Also, does that mean that the Silica keys are brass underneath? The rhodium plating making them silver again?
If this is the case, I feel the JMA keys are a nice alternative for us collectors as they are steel based and silver when ground down. The only difference I can see in the two finished keys is the tip, the JMA is angled more than the Silica. Which to be honest I can live with it it means having to silver plate the Silica keys to be exact.
Oh, Also, does that mean that the Silica keys are brass underneath? The rhodium plating making them silver again?
If this is the case, I feel the JMA keys are a nice alternative for us collectors as they are steel based and silver when ground down. The only difference I can see in the two finished keys is the tip, the JMA is angled more than the Silica. Which to be honest I can live with it it means having to silver plate the Silica keys to be exact.
Straker
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Interesting stuff. I'd like to see if we can get the key number since their site lists quite a few correlating key styles that match the ERA/YALE configuration. I like the idea of that plating though. That is handy because it's inexpensive and just about any jewelers can do it right there. I'm thinking I'm going to stick with JMA's sine I can get them and might plate them to prevent rust. I'm not sure they WILL rust as I don't know the type of steel but that solves a lot of problems.
Interesting stuff. I'd like to see if we can get the key number since their site lists quite a few correlating key styles that match the ERA/YALE configuration. I like the idea of that plating though. That is handy because it's inexpensive and just about any jewelers can do it right there. I'm thinking I'm going to stick with JMA's sine I can get them and might plate them to prevent rust. I'm not sure they WILL rust as I don't know the type of steel but that solves a lot of problems.
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Ha! :lol
I said this on the first page of this thread and was shot down!
Vindicated!
Ha! :lol
I said this on the first page of this thread and was shot down!
Vindicated!
Straker
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Yes, you got me there. I honestly didn't think of the type of plating ASP mentioned. I thought of chrome plating or nickle plating but the rhodium plating process is something I could do in my kitchen. I totally did not think of that so yes, you got me on that one. XD
Ha! :lol
I said this on the first page of this thread and was shot down!
Vindicated!
Yes, you got me there. I honestly didn't think of the type of plating ASP mentioned. I thought of chrome plating or nickle plating but the rhodium plating process is something I could do in my kitchen. I totally did not think of that so yes, you got me on that one. XD
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
The problem with Season 1 and the ERA key was the advertising. They had to get rid of the logo. They did the same on close ups of the Converse shoes. So it's no great leap to suggest that they ground down the original ERA keys too. So ground down ERA or Silca keys can be just as accurate - screen used wise.
The problem with Season 1 and the ERA key was the advertising. They had to get rid of the logo. They did the same on close ups of the Converse shoes. So it's no great leap to suggest that they ground down the original ERA keys too. So ground down ERA or Silca keys can be just as accurate - screen used wise.
Straker
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
True, but from what I can understand of Rhodium plating, is that it's an enhancement to the material already under it. I don't know if it can make brass look silver as entirely as chrome can. That may be something I'll have to see if a jeweler can try for me.
True, but from what I can understand of Rhodium plating, is that it's an enhancement to the material already under it. I don't know if it can make brass look silver as entirely as chrome can. That may be something I'll have to see if a jeweler can try for me.
Terrasolo
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Sort of true, but not exactly. The shape of all three keys have subtle differences. For instance the ERA key's shoulder/bump is a different shape to the JMA and Silica key. Where as the JMA's tip (on the flat uncut side) is at a more slanted angle than the ERA and Silica keys.
So while using the JMA key ground down is close to the Silica, it is not indistinguishable. Likewise if you ground down an ERA key.
Sort of true, but not exactly. The shape of all three keys have subtle differences. For instance the ERA key's shoulder/bump is a different shape to the JMA and Silica key. Where as the JMA's tip (on the flat uncut side) is at a more slanted angle than the ERA and Silica keys.
So while using the JMA key ground down is close to the Silica, it is not indistinguishable. Likewise if you ground down an ERA key.
Straker
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Yes, but it also depends on which model number of each brand you use. The CI-DL is very different from the 1A key made by JMA but both do the same lock with no problem. This is why I wanted to know what the model number was for the Silca because I found three easily that COULD work in a 5 pin lock.
Yes, but it also depends on which model number of each brand you use. The CI-DL is very different from the 1A key made by JMA but both do the same lock with no problem. This is why I wanted to know what the model number was for the Silca because I found three easily that COULD work in a 5 pin lock.
Straker
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Interestingly enough there's a seller on eBay right now from Australia that has Silca keys available BUT the is listing them as a replica t t he Blink key on a cord and as pre-cut, not as a blank. When I contacted him about buying two blanks I got a run around about how they weren't sure about the legal or...ethical ...yes, I said ethical ramifications of selling blanks over the internet...as if it could be something ...dangerous? It's complete BS since selling a cut key to the front door of a bank is the only way selling a key could possibly be illegal but a blank?
Anyway, don't both if you see the listing. I don't think we'll get anywhere.
What I want to do now is try to secure some Silca keys if possible just to cover another model for accuracy sake. ASP, do you have any idea what model Silca key needs to be used?
Interestingly enough there's a seller on eBay right now from Australia that has Silca keys available BUT the is listing them as a replica t t he Blink key on a cord and as pre-cut, not as a blank. When I contacted him about buying two blanks I got a run around about how they weren't sure about the legal or...ethical ...yes, I said ethical ramifications of selling blanks over the internet...as if it could be something ...dangerous? It's complete BS since selling a cut key to the front door of a bank is the only way selling a key could possibly be illegal but a blank?
Anyway, don't both if you see the listing. I don't think we'll get anywhere.
What I want to do now is try to secure some Silca keys if possible just to cover another model for accuracy sake. ASP, do you have any idea what model Silca key needs to be used?
Straker
Sr Member
Re: Yale and ERA Tardis Key Research (Info for the 2005-present keys)
Well guys, the eBay seller isn't selling his keys as blanks so whatever. Dunno if they are a member here or just read this thread or what have you but no matter. Good news right now is that I bought the 400 grit belt paper and sanded out a key. It took surprisingly little time on my belt sander though I did take it slow so I'd get as even of a sand as possible. I then followed up by hand with 600 grit to even it out a but and snapped of a few shots.
Here's a look:
And with the new unfinished electronics module:
And here's a look at the edge to show that no, we didn't lose much material in the end.
I will say that this is not the most even sand in the world but it's a lot more even and the material loss is much more gradual with the 400 grit than the harsher 220 I was using before. I may want to see if there's a 600 to use though. For anyone curious, this literally took me ten minutes total to blank the key on the belt sander with 400 grit and that was only because IU was going as gradually as possible to try and get an even sand on it. I managed to lose another key trying to go fast just to see if I could. It definitely pays to take it easy.
Next step, the jewelers to see about getting it rhodium plated. Stay tuned!
Well guys, the eBay seller isn't selling his keys as blanks so whatever. Dunno if they are a member here or just read this thread or what have you but no matter. Good news right now is that I bought the 400 grit belt paper and sanded out a key. It took surprisingly little time on my belt sander though I did take it slow so I'd get as even of a sand as possible. I then followed up by hand with 600 grit to even it out a but and snapped of a few shots.
Here's a look:
And with the new unfinished electronics module:
And here's a look at the edge to show that no, we didn't lose much material in the end.
I will say that this is not the most even sand in the world but it's a lot more even and the material loss is much more gradual with the 400 grit than the harsher 220 I was using before. I may want to see if there's a 600 to use though. For anyone curious, this literally took me ten minutes total to blank the key on the belt sander with 400 grit and that was only because IU was going as gradually as possible to try and get an even sand on it. I managed to lose another key trying to go fast just to see if I could. It definitely pays to take it easy.
Next step, the jewelers to see about getting it rhodium plated. Stay tuned!
Last edited:
Similar threads
