On another web site, someone pointed out that the raygun looks like a Christmas Tree bulb tester they saw in a store's Christmas section. My Mom has been getting a lot of catalogs, and in one of them there is a set of kids walkie-talkies that have the same shape as "The Orivlle" com-scanner. I don't think that the prop was made from the toy, which has an antenna and buttons. But was funny to see.
Have you noticed that in these shows, when people go exploring that, except for their rayguns and radios, they never carry any gear or supplies? No food, water, binoculars, cameras, knives, First-aide kits, ect.. They never even have wilderness clothing. The only exception I can think of was the Star Gate shows.
David.