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TNG Bluetooth Communicator Badge

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[REVIEW] Star Trek: TNG Bluetooth Communicator Badge

One to beam up!

For so many Star Trek fans, like myself, a working Communicator Badge — like those seen on The Next Generation — is something we’ve wanted since the show first premiered 30 years ago. I remember thinking how cool it would be to be able to tap my chest and instantly be able to speak to my friends… you know, like Riker, Data, and even Captain Picard.

Well, you might not be able to speak to them specifically, but with the new TNG Bluetooth ComBadge from the folks at FameTek (along with your smart phone) you’ll be able to make calls, talk to Siri or Google Now and more, just by tapping it.

Front of the Bluetooth Combadge

And here’s the back

The badge itself looks really nice and is a fantastic approximation of what the crew of the Enterprise D wore. You won’t have to put holes in your favorite T-shirt or uniform, as it attaches and is held in place by the power of a Neodymium magnet. The badge connects to your smart phone via Bluetooth 4.2 technology. It charges through a micro-USB cable, which is included. Also in the box, you’ll find setup instructions and warranty information.

“What’s in the box?”

There’s a lot of technology and a tiny speaker packed into this thing, which causes the badge to be a little thicker than the props seen on episodes of TNG. Nothing too noticeable though, especially when you’re wearing it.

Unlike the glossier (non-functional) versions I’ve seen at conventions and online retailers over the years, the Bluetooth ComBadge has a matte finish, which looks more like the ones seen on episodes of TNG.

Patrick Stewart as Capt. Picard wearing a Combadge on TNG | Photo: CBS Home Entertainment

Out of the box, I let my Combadge charge for about 30-minutes, before running the initial setup and syncing the device to my iPhone.

Setup is relatively simple and consists of just pressing the Combadge down for three seconds — until you hear that familiar TNG-era “chirp.” From there, I went into the Bluetooth settings on my phone, selected the device and within seconds I was ready to start making calls or listening to my voicemails, podcasts, or even music through the Combadge. I attached it to my shirt, tapped the badge and told it to call my wife.

While the audio may not blow your socks off, it’s solid for such a small device. It’s definitely a little quieter than I would have hoped, but let’s be honest; something like this is more than likely going to primarily be used for its novelty. It probably won’t be your main source for making Bluetooth calls every day.

Should you buy it?

After wearing the Combadge around for a few hours, I would definitely recommend this device to anyone that would like to get a taste of some 24th-century technology, today. The audio may be a little lacking but this thing is still super cool.

Priced at $80, the Star Trek: The Next Generation Combadge is a welcome addition to my Star Trek collection.

You can order one for yourself at ThinkGeek .

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Founded TrekNews.net in 2011. UX, visual designer, and published photographer based in the Boston area. Connoisseur of Star Trek, sci-fi, '80s horror, synthwave sounds, and tacos. You can follow Brian on Twitter @brianwilkins .

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Published Dec 7, 2012

FIRST LOOK: QMx's TNG Communicator Badge

You want to beam up, but can’t. You want to confer to Captain Picard, but you’re missing something. Well, now that something – a Star Trek: The Next Generation Communicator Badge – is almost within reach. QMx will offer the badge next year, but we thought we’d give you a First Look right now.The upcoming badge is extraordinarily screen-accurate, as QMx crafted it using one of the only remaining sets of original molds, which were painstakingly restored in their artisan model shop. That restoration process enabled them to precisely replicate the prop’s shape and size. To perfect the colors, the design team studied an actual screen-used badge. And then QMx went where no badge-maker has gone before: rather than use painted resin, as was done on TNG , they rendered the replica props in gold- and silver-finished metal. Finally, to finish off the piece, QMx added short-field magnets – rather than a pin clasp – enabling fans to wear their badge without putting holes in their clothes.

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Star Trek  TM : The Original Series

Bluetooth ® communicator prop replica, the wand company is proud to present our star trek: the original series bluetooth communicator. this exceptionally accurate and highly detailed working replica was revealed on thinkgeek’s booth at san diego comic-con in july 2015., our new communicator is an advanced bluetooth enabled speakerphone that is compatible with all bluetooth enabled communications equipment worldwide, such as mobile phones and music players..

Highly accurate: Created from 3D scans of the last known hero prop

Fully functional: Easy to pair with any Bluetooth compatible mobile phone

Authentic function: Use the classic flip action to answer calls

High quality: Die-cast zinc, CNC machined aluminium, iridescent coated jewels

Contactless charging: Built-in lithium polymer battery

Immersive play features:  17 new authentic voice clips and 3 Original Series Communicator sound FX

Gorgeous transit case : Moulded foam lined transit case and leatherette pouch

beautifully presented

The Communicator prop replica is protected from damage and kept in pristine condition (when not on display) in a high quality, moulded-foam-lined presentation case. Manufactured in hard-wearing engineering-grade ABS, the case is also designed to stack as if supplied from the original Enterprise. When on the move, a leatherette pouch protects it from scuffing.

quality materials

High-quality materials are brought together to create an exceptionally well-finished Communicator replica that looks and feels like it means business: CNC-machined aluminium; nickel-plated die-cast zinc; punched, pressed and welded steel; thermoplastic polyurethane rubber; ABS plastic with a digitally created texture.

the ultimate collectible

Whether you have just discovered Star Trek  or have been hooked since you were a kid, this Communicator is something that you just have to own. Researched, designed and built with fanatical attention to detail, the simplicity of its embossed, die-cast, magnetic, wireless charging stand presents and charges this iconic piece with style.

the fantasy made real

Designed from the first 3D structured light scans of the last known hero screen-used Communicator prop, this amazing replica boasts a host of exciting features such as a silent rotating moiré pattern, AB-coated iridescent jewels and, authentic voice clips arranged in sentence fragments for immersive play, while also being a fully-functional Bluetooth enabled handset.

The Wand Company’s attention to detail combined with state-of-the-art technology brings the fantasy to life

This Original Series  Bluetooth Communicator is not a toy: it is an advanced, Bluetooth wireless technology enabled communications device, designed to pair with a mobile phone and thus permit near instantaneous person-to-person communication at a considerable distance. When paired with a device capable of streaming music, the Communicator may also be used as a wireless music speaker.

This Communicator has been developed to give its owner the maximum level of enjoyment; designed using extremely accurate 3D scans of one of the last remaining communicator hero props from the 1960s Original Series television show, dedicated attention to detail, the use of authentic materials, textures and finishes and the tireless support and extraordinarily deep knowledge of HeroComm.com so generously given to us, has resulted in a fully functioning, display grade product that is highly faithful to the original prop.

The Communicator is robust enough to be used in play and cosplay. With its authentic sound effects and original voice clips, the Communicator provides plenty of opportunity for in-universe interaction and fun, and of course its Bluetooth functionality enables it to be used exactly as it was always intended – as a person-to-person communications device. The Communicator is not a walkie-talkie. In order to use it to talk to another person, you will also need a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone (or internet phone) that can make and receive telephone calls.

Pairing and using the Communicator with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to receive and make calls is straightforward

Pairing with a mobile phone is a simple procedure.

Once the Communicator is paired with a phone, just flip open the antenna grille to answer an incoming call.

Press and hold the right-hand button to initiate voice dialling (or to access other functions available via voice-activated assistants such as Siri on iPhones, Google Now on Android or Cortana on Windows phones).

Double-click the right-hand button to pause and play music.

20 authentic Star Trek voice clips and Communicator sound FX can be accessed at any time via the right-hand 5-way jog button.

What people are saying about the Communicator

The Verge The little device was actually designed using one of the original props from Star Trek, and is composed of a combination of pressed metal, aluminum, and textured plastic. Without having actually lived through the 1960s, I thought it felt authentic — weighty and purposeful for people in Starfleet. The grill flips opens with the actual sound effects from the show, and the speaker and transceiver make it look truly like a 23rd century artifact.

The Thrillist That sound you may have heard earlier today? The excited sobs of Trekkies everywhere when they saw that this bad boy is soon going to be a reality. The Wand Company just threw down a certified replica of the iconic Star Trek Original Series Communicator. A fully-functioning certified replica. Yeah!

Gizmodo This Bluetooth-equipped Star Trek Communicator is going to enable my bad habits even further—and my friends will hate me for it. Created by The Wand Company, a toy outfit that has a penchant for designing nerd treasure with actual real-world function.

Pocket Now Here’s where things get intense. The Wand Company wasn’t content merely to kick out a slightly refined version of the communicator toys we’ve seen for years; rather, building on the reproduction expertise it demonstrated with its earlier phaser remote control, it’s made the Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator a fully-fledged, museum-quality replica.

The Trek Collective …it is also probably the best reproduction of that prop ever offered.

Our customers

“It’s so great that you build all that stuff from the original show!!! Thanks for that!! I will buy some!”

“I wish I could high five each and everyone one of you at The Wand Company you all def deserve!”

“This is absolutely amazing. I just got through studying it. Heck, even the diagram is fantastic. I can’t imagine how great it will be to actually hold one of these in my hands.”

“I am very much looking forward to this, if it works like I hope it works, I may never talk directly on my phone again!”

“I’ve never even watched Star Trek and I honestly want this. Looks awesome.”

“This is awesome, Wand Company! Have wanted one of these for a long time and this was a great surprise when I came across it today! Every one of your products so far has been great! Keep it up!”

“I’ve been involved in the Star Trek prop-building community for a long time, and this is the holy grail. Commercially available “replicas” made up to this point have been pretty lackluster…and come in at many times the price of this and had no practical functionality at all.”

“This will look fantastic sitting next to my Phaser can’t wait.”

“Wow. You are spoiling us now….but THANK YOU!!! An already top quality product just got better!”

A Communicator that really works is a dream come true for fans who have waited 50 years for the function of this iconic prop to be realised.

Ever since James Tiberius Kirk flipped that gold-coloured antenna grille, called the Enterprise’s Chief Engineer orbiting 1000 kilometres above him, and asked to be beamed up, every Star Trek fan, in fact pretty much every science fiction fan, has wistfully dreamed of having a working Communicator of their own.

The Communicator didn’t just excite fans with a sense of what the future might hold for them: it actually inspired engineers to boldly go and create that future. Martin Cooper, the engineer working at Motorola credited with creating the world’s first mobile phone in 1973, said it was Kirk’s iconic prop that inspired him to create it.

The mobile phone has changed the way that the human race interacts. Mobile phones now dominate one-to-one and one-to-many communications; but still nothing can compare with the utter magic of putting yourself into the mindset of an intrepid 23rd century Starfleet landing party and flipping that golden antenna grille to answer an incoming call with the classic Communicator chirp, or speaking through the Communicator to your ship’s computer to ask it to dial and connect you with one of your friends.

For all those fans that dreamed, now at last the wait is over – owning is believing!

Where you can order a Communicator

The Communicator is available exclusively from

United States | United Kingdom | Canada | European Union

Is the Communicator a walkie talkie?

Can i receive phone calls on the communicator, can i make phone calls on the communicator, what batteries does the communicator use.

• Is the Communicator a ``screen-accurate`` replica?

Can I use any USB cable to power up the charging stand?

Frequently-asked questions.

Look down this list of frequently-asked questions to find answers that will help you if you are thinking of buying a Communicator and want to learn more about how it works.

No, the Communicator is a Bluetooth enabled handset. This means that the Communicator can wirelessly send and receive audio to and from a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone (or Bluetooth enabled music player) within a range of about five metres. Therefore, in order to use the Communicator to talk to other people, you will need a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone with which the Communicator will have to be paired and connected.

Yes, provided you have a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone and the Communicator is paired with it, within range and connected to it.

When a call comes in, the Communicator will play the hailing beep and flipping open the antenna grille will answer the call.

The Communicator does not have a numeric keypad or graphical display, so calls may only be initiated via the Communicator if it is paired with and connected to a mobile phone that supports voice dialing from a hands-free Bluetooth headset, or by using the ‘last number redial’ function (see below).

To make a call:

Single click the right button to initiate voice dialing.

Once voice dialing is initiated the Communicator will play speech prompts and confirmation tones from your mobile through the Communicator’s speaker and your mobile phone will use the Communicator’s microphone.

For some phones, an internet connection is required for voice dialing.

IMPORTANT: Please check your mobile phone’s user manual to find out if your mobile phone supports voice dialing from a Bluetooth headset, and best way to activate and use it. There are some mobile phones that can only use voice dialing if a key is pressed on the mobile phone to initiate voice dialing. You will not be able to use a phone like this for voice dialing from the Communicator. Also, identical mobile phones may handle remote voice dialing differently depending on what version of operating system software they currently have installed.

Last number redial

Press and hold the right button for last number redial. This can be useful where your mobile phone doesn’t support remote voice dialing, but you would still like to make a call from your Communicator.

What batteries does the Communicator use?

The Communicator has a built-in rechargeable lithium polymer power cell that is recharged via the USB cable supplied with the Communicator. (Any good quality USB to micro-USB cable may also be used). The Communicator handset is charged by placing it on the charging base and held in place by magnetic catches.

Is the Communicator a “screen-accurate” replica?

For most users the answer is a definite “Yes!”. We have spent thousands of hours and taken great care to make this Communicator replica as accurate as possible to the last known screen-used hero prop that Shatner and Nimoy used in the original series of Star Trek. In order to make it so accurate we took high-resolution 3D structured light scans of the “Alpha” original hero prop. To complement the “Alpha” scans we took numerous photographs and measurements, 3D laser scanned the “Epsilon” static screen-used prop, and took castings from (and weighed the components of) the “Zeta” static prop. We also made use of HeroComm.com’s extensive access to samples of authentic original materials, which were kindly loaned to us to make sure that our Communicator not only followed the data of the original accurately, but also captured the nuances of the original prop’s intention.

However, in order to make the Communicator manufacturable and more affordable, and to iron out some of the original’s inconsistencies, we have had to make some slight changes, and as such, this replica may be considered to be an idealised version of the original hero prop.

The original hero prop was made from a range of different materials including thermoformed Kydex sheet material, brass, and aluminium. In order to keep the cost as reasonable as possible we have used the nearest equivalent material that is suitable for modern manufacturing methods. Where metal was used in the construction of the hero prop, we have used metal in the Communicator replica.

The Main Housing

The hero prop’s main housing was made by thermoforming a sheet of Kydex material over a specially shaped tool. The Kydex had a particular pattern designed to replicate a pigskin texture. Due to the process, the texture stretched slightly at the sides, where the sheet was drawn down over the steeper draft angles of the housing. Our Communicator could not be made using thermoforming due to the need for internal fixings, so as a result our replica’s housing is made from injection-moulded ABS. However, the Kydex pattern was carefully reproduced using an advanced 3D laser etching process to create the pattern on the surface of the mould tool. One of the benefits of using this process is that we were able to measure the distortion of the original sheet material and recreate it on the texture of the injection-moulded part.

The Antenna Grille

The hero prop’s antenna grille was made by forming a sheet of perforated brass to give it its distinctive rounded-corner box shape. This was then soldered onto a brass wire that was glued into the turned brass hinge axle. For our Communicator for the purposes of robustness we have used steel for the grille and the supporting wire and coated it in a gold metallic finish. The hinge axle is die cast zinc.

The Mid-Plate

The hero prop’s mid-plate was a simple shape cut out of a sheet of aluminium. While our Communicator’s mid-plate looks identical on the outside, inside the Communicator it has a complex design that is a structural element, providing a fixing for many internal parts and a strong hinge stop for the antenna grille. As a result our Communicator’s mid-plate is manufactured in die-cast zinc, causing the overall weight of our replica to be around 27 grams heavier than the screen-used “Alpha” hero prop.

The Moiré Bezel

In the hero prop, where aluminium was used for the bezel, we have copied this exactly using CNC-machined aerospace-grade aluminium. On the “Alpha” hero prop, the bezel was mounted not quite centrally onto the top of the housing – we have corrected this imperfection for our product.

The hero prop’s jewels were Swarovski jewels mounted on the upturned ends of vacuum metallised slot car wheel hubs. The left and right jewels were sputter coated in gold to give them an iridescent AB (Aurora Borealis) look. The hero prop jewels did not light up and were prone to falling off. Our Communicator’s jewels do light up and need to be fixed permanently in place. The replica jewels are injection moulded – with facets underneath to catch the light. The left and right jewels are also sputter coated in a gold layer to give them that authentic iridescent AB (Aurora Borealis) appearance. Light pipes connect the jewels to LEDs inside the main housing, and chromium-plated injection-moulded mounts house and fix the jewels permanently in position. In the “Alpha” prop, the jewels were not evenly spaced across the housing – this was not an intentional aspect of the design so we have corrected the spacing for our product.

The Buttons

The hero prop had vacuum-metallised slot car wheel hubs as buttons. The original hubs were injection moulded in yellow plastic that was coated in a very thin layer of shiny metal. As a result it wore off during handling, revealing the plastic underneath. Our Communicator uses specially moulded buttons that are more heavily plated (with true chrome electroplating) and will be much less prone to surface wear.

Moiré winder

The “Alpha” hero prop’s moiré pattern rotated, turned by a pocket watch mechanism inside the prop. This was wound up through a brass tube that poked out of the main housing at the front under the mid-plate. After careful consideration, we decided that this aspect of the hero prop was not intended to be shown on screen and as a result was removed from our design. To make room inside the Communicator for the Bluetooth wireless components battery and speaker, the moiré screen is rotated by a miniature stepper motor.

Yes. The Communicator is supplied with with a USB charging cable, but any good quality micro-USB cable may be used to power the charging stand and thus charge up the Communicator.

Look down this list of frequently-asked questions to find answers that will help you if you are thinking of buying a Communicator and want to learn more about how it works.

Is the Communicator a "screen accurate" replica?

The “Alpha” hero prop’s moiré pattern rotated, turned by a pocket watch mechanism inside the prop. This was wound up through a brass tube that poked out of the main housing at the front under the mid-plate. After careful consideration,we decided that this aspect of the hero prop was not intended to be shown on screen and as a result was removed from our design. To make room inside the Communicator for the Bluetooth wireless components battery and speaker, the moiré screen is rotated by a miniature stepper motor.

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Screen Rant

How old is picard's tng communicator in season 3.

Jean-Luc Picard's old TNG communicator reactivates in Star Trek: Picard season 3, but how old is his combadge in the 25th century?

Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) unexpectedly receives a coded message in Star Trek: Picard season 3, but how old is the communicator pin he wore in Star Trek: The Next Generation ? Picard season 3 reunites the entire cast of TNG for one last adventure together, and the kickoff is when Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) sends a distress message to her old friend, Jean-Luc. Naturally, Picard is surprised that a subspace communication would come via his original TNG combadge.

Star Trek: The Next Generation eliminated the handheld communicators (the forebearers of modern-day cell phones) that were used in Star Trek: The Original Series . The new Starfleet combadges worn on the left-side torso were now dual communicators and universal translators . The communicator pin needed to be gently tapped to activate, and this novel tech was standard throughout TNG until a newer version of the Starfleet Delta was introduced in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . The TNG crew adopted the new Delta combadges in their movies, along with new Starfleet uniforms. The original TNG communicator pin hasn't been used since the 1990s.

Related: 2023 Can Make The Enterprise More Important Than Ever

Picard's Communicator Is Much More Than 20 Years Old

The sight of the original TNG communicator pin in the new clip released from Star Trek: Picard season 3 is a jolt of nostalgia, but how old is it really? Jean-Luc says the combadge is "more than 20 years old," and that's correct. But Picard's communicator pin is closer to 37 years old. Star Trek: The Next Generation 's premiere episode, "Encounter at Farpoint," which is the first time the combadge was seen, took place in 2364. Star Trek: Picard season 3 occurs at the start of the 25th century, roughly 2401. Picard could have just as easily said "more than 30 years old," but the writers were possibly counting from the last time the TNG cast was seen together, which was Star Trek: Nemesis in 2002 - slightly more than 20 years ago.

It is impressive, however, that Picard's old TNG communicator pin still works, and it's a testament to how Starfleet technology is built to last. The genius and proficiency of Starfleet's engineers are marveled at by the other species in the galaxy, and Starfleet tech is considered top-of-the-line. In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , even the Dominion's Vorta hailed the prowess of Starfleet's fabled engineers, who can turn "rocks into replicators." Picard's combadge, like the TNG cast themselves , may have gotten on in years, but they're still more than capable of doing their duty when called upon.

Why Star Trek Makes Real-World Timeline Mistakes

While Picard's estimation of his TNG communicator's age was ballpark, Star Trek occasionally does make real-world timeline errors. For instance, in Star Trek III: The Search For Spock , Admiral Morrow (Robert Hooks) justified mothballing the USS Enterprise by citing that it's "20 years old." But this is an error that was likely counting from the first airing of Star Trek in 1966 to Star Trek III 's release in 1984. Yet even then, Morrow made a mistake in counting since the Starship Enterprise was much older, having been commanded by Captain Christopher Pike (Jeffery Hunter) before Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner).

Star Trek III 's miscount of the Starship Enterprise's age , along with Star Trek: Picard season 3's lowball estimation of Jean-Luc's combadge's age, is really meant as a shorthand. After all, it can be confusing to balance both the timeline of Star Trek and the passage of time in the real world, and it's easier to yield to the audience's memory of how much time has passed instead of specifying when events happened in continuity. (Stardates only confuse matters further). What does matter is that Jean-Luc is right, his communicator pin is "more than 20 years old" in Star Trek: Picard season 3, and seeing it is a reminder of how much time has passed since Star Trek: The Next Generation.

More: Picard Season 3 Is The Biggest Star Trek Event In 28 Years

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 premieres Thursday, February 16th, on Paramount+.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Communicator Badge

• Description

Specifications

Qmx caliber metalworks, insignia of the next generation.

Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation : Now your cosplay can be perfect! Just add this gleaming, screen-accurate metal badge with its unique magnetic clasp to your uniform, and you're set.

Our TNG communicator badge was crafted using one of the only remaining sets of original molds, which was painstakingly restored in our artisan model shop. With the restored molds we were able to replicate the prop's size and shape exactly.

To get the colors and paint details, we studied an actual screen-used badge. And once we had the design of the original matched, we took the whole thing a step further – rendering the replica in gold and silver-finished metal (the on-screen props were made of painted resin).

What sets this wearable badge apart from the original is the clasp, which uses strong, short-field magnets that are embedded in the badge itself and in a glossy backplate. No more pinholes in delicate fabric. It can even be worn on leather and suede.

Stay tight with your crew and starship with the QMx Star Trek: The Next Generation Communicator Badge.

Length x Width x Height: 1.5"x2.5"x0.25" Weight: 1.7 oz

Zinc alloy, neodymium magnets.

Advanced tooling processes are the hallmark of QMx Caliber Metalworks, our new line of cast products. Screen accurate and created using laser-cut molds, they boast a higher fidelity and more intricate details than ever before.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Bluetooth Communicator Badge

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PRODUCT DETAILS

Stay connected like is 2364 with the Star Trek: The Next Generation Bluetooth Communicator Badge! Since its debut in 1987 the TNG Communicator Badge has been a sought after future tech we all wish we had. Now available, a few centuries early, connect to your phone, tablet or computer to enjoy hands and ear free phone, text, email, music, apps and even translation with the push of a button. This unit is perfect for driving or the office, talk to SIRI or Google NOW for complete hands & ear free access. The classic "Chirp" sound effect accompanies functions and activates on demand in Cos-Play mode to add to your giddy Trek Tech experience. Until the transporter or working phaser arrives there's not much more you can ask for in a fun and highly useful Star Trek functional collectible.

• Built-in Microphone and Speaker for phone calls and music playback.
• Connects to all phones or tablets that have Bluetooth.
• Plays the classic Star Trek TNG ComBadge chirp sound effect when you press it.
• Charges via micro-USB cable (included).

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Star Trek The Next Generation Chirping Communicator Badge, TNG ComBadge (Non-Bluetooth)

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Star Trek: The Next Generation ™

Chirping combadge  , (for the bluetooth version ---> click here, since its debut in 1987 the tng communicator badge has been a sought-after future tech we all wish we had. the fametek chirping combadge plays the classic “chirp” sound effect that activates on demand with a touch. the perfect addition to your uniform for your cos-play star trek experience. , • instant "chirp" response when tapped • dual pin flat back clutch for a strong clasp • officially-licensed star trek product • on-screen matte gold/silver finish • plays classic communicator chirp sound effect when you press it.

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Communicator

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Captain Jonathan Archer handling a style of communicator used in the 2150s

A communicator was a communications device used by many species for person-to-person, inter-ship communications. A communicator could be either an intercom or a hand-held personal receiver that could be used for person-to-ship comunications. ( TOS : " The Conscience of the King ", " Journey to Babel ") Communicators usually transmitted on subspace frequencies. They were eventually integrated into and replaced by combadges .

• 1 Specifications
• 3 Limitations
• 4 Gallery of communicator styles
• 5.1.1 Origins
• 5.1.2 Developments for Phase II and early films
• 5.1.3 TNG redesigns
• 5.1.4 Retro designs
• 5.1.5 Cultural impact
• 5.2 External link

Specifications [ ]

Starfleet clamshell communicators could link up with certain devices equipped with viewscreens .

Portable communicators were used by Starfleet landing parties and away teams ; occasionally, communicators were used in situations where normal intra-ship communications were inaccessible (or inadvisable), during the 22nd and 23rd centuries . ( TOS : " Mirror, Mirror ", et al.)

Employing a flip-top design, a member of Starfleet spoke directly into the device to give commands and speak with other personnel. ( TOS : " The Cage ", et al.) Once it was flipped open, it locked onto the originating ship's communications system . ( TOS : " A Piece of the Action ") The communicator also had a gain control. ( TOS : " Shore Leave ")

In the alternate reality , Starfleet communicators could also receive text messages . ( Star Trek Into Darkness )

In some cases, communicators served purposes beyond basic communication. By 2152 , for instance, the power signature of a Starfleet communicator could be amplified by an inverse carrier wave , making the communicator detectable by sensors . ( ENT : " The Communicator ") For another example, when accessing a computer , the communicator of the person at the terminal logged in the user information, thereby making it possible to trace back who accessed the computer. ( TNG : " The Drumhead ") Communicators were also often used to allow transporter locks for beaming , thus acting as homing transponders . When used in tandem, two communicators could produce a sonic disruption by using sound beams to create a sympathetic vibration in an unstable object, such as a cliff face. ( TOS : " Friday's Child ") Usage of a communicator, while receiving and outputting a signal, could be hidden from sensors by triaxilating the signal. ( ENT : " Detained ") Communicators could be jammed by a security screen , the like of which was employed at the Tantalus Colony . When the screen was deactivated, the communicator signal was enabled. ( TOS : " Dagger of the Mind ")

By the 24th century , these communication devices were integrated into the standard uniform badges and became known as combadges . Users no longer had to speak directly into the communicator, but rather could activate and deactivate them with the touch of a finger. ( TNG : " Encounter at Farpoint ", " Yesterday's Enterprise ", et al.)

By the 32nd century , the technology for the communicator had been miniaturized to the point where it could be included with other functions in the tricom badge . Activation and deactivation of the communicator was by hand gestures . ( DIS : " Scavengers ")

Other species also possessed similar communicator devices. ( TOS : " A Taste of Armageddon ", " Errand of Mercy ", " Elaan of Troyius "; ENT : " Fallen Hero ", " Marauders ", " Precious Cargo ", " The Catwalk ", " Extinction ", " Rajiin ", " Chosen Realm ", " Proving Ground ", " Storm Front ", " Storm Front, Part II ", " Borderland ", " United ", " Affliction ", " Bound ", " Terra Prime "; Star Trek Beyond ) An Enolian communicator, for instance, could double as a remote control for handcuffs . ( ENT : " Canamar ")

History [ ]

The Vulcans had communicators as early as 1957 . Some of these early Vulcan communicators were among equipment owned by the crew of a Vulcan survey ship . After the vessel crash landed on Earth , the surviving members of the crew secretly used the Vulcan communicators in Carbon Creek , Pennsylvania , a nearby small mining town in the United States of America . ( ENT : " Carbon Creek ")

While the Andorian commander Thy'lek Shran was holding personnel from the NX-class starship Enterprise NX-01 hostage in June of 2151 , Captain Jonathan Archer 's communicator was, after being used by Shran to threaten Enterprise , crushed by him, using the Stone of J'Kah to smash the device to pieces. The destruction of the communicator caused Enterprise to lose the signal connecting them. The ship then tried to make contact with Sub-commander T'Pol and Commander Trip Tucker , the only other crew members from Enterprise who were being held captive along with Archer. However, their communicators were likewise immediately crushed by Shran. ( ENT : " The Andorian Incident ")

When Captain Archer and Ensign Travis Mayweather were enduring imprisonment at Tandaran Detention Complex 26 in about late 2151, a communicator was secretly beamed into their cell from Enterprise . The device's usage was masked, due to Enterprise Communications Officer Hoshi Sato triaxilating the signal between the communicator and the ship, though the Tandaran guards subsequently discovered the device in Mayweather's pocket. The Tandarans confiscated the communicator, and because both Mayweather and Archer were resistant to questioning about where they had obtained the device, they were brutalized by the Tandarans. ( ENT : " Detained ")

In 2152, fears among the Enterprise crew arose regarding how a communicator that Lieutenant Malcolm Reed had accidentally left behind on an inhabited planet might affect the evolution of a pre-warp culture on that planet. In an effort to find the device, the communicator's power signature was boosted by Enterprise . The communicator was finally retrieved, but not without avoiding cultural contamination partly caused by the device. ( ENT : " The Communicator ")

Kirk and Spock used the communicators' technique of producing sympathetic vibrations in a cliff face to ward off a party of angry Capellans on Capella IV in 2267 . ( TOS : " Friday's Child ")

In 2267 , Alice 99 crushed, with her bare right hand, a communicator Kirk had been holding. Her action prevented him from contacting his ship, the USS Enterprise . ( TOS : " I, Mudd ")

In Starfleet, the flip-top communicators were essentially replaced by 2344 , when combadges instead came into general use. ( TNG : " Yesterday's Enterprise ")

In 3189 , the 23rd century communicators of the USS Discovery crew were replaced by the tricom badges. ( DIS : " Scavengers ")

Limitations [ ]

Communicators were susceptible to changes in temperature . In 2266 , Hikaru Sulu believed the cold conditions on Alfa 177 were affecting his communicator. ( TOS : " The Enemy Within ")

Gallery of communicator styles [ ]

Appendices [ ]

Background information [ ], origins [ ].

The communicator has shared roots with the universal translator . The "telecommunicator", the genesis of both these technologies, was originally proposed in the series outline Star Trek is... and additionally appeared in the story outline for " The Cage " (both of which are reprinted in The Making of Star Trek ). Although the device was planned to be used for translating all languages into English, the initial draft of Star Trek is... also described the telecommunicator as " little more complicated than a small transistor radio carried in a pocket, " matching a description of Spock's communicator from the script of "The Cage" as "transistor radio-size." Furthermore, the story outline for "The Cage" regarded the telecommunicator as having some of the later-established capabilities of communicators, such as producing "a maximum radio signal" – which is of insufficient strength to completely cut through "a half-mile of solid balsite rock," but allows a bearing to be obtained (much like how later communicators enabled transporter locks). Communicators aboard the Enterprise were also once mentioned in the story outline, though their specifics weren't made clear. ( The Making of Star Trek , pp. 52 & 60)

According to the book The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (p. 147), Gene Roddenberry knew – at the time Star Trek 's first communicators were designed – that they were too large to be realistic for the future setting of the series, since miniaturization was common at the time and micro-miniaturization was certainly foreseeable for the near future. Since this was not a reality in those days, however, Roddenberry believed the general public would have a better comprehension of communicators that could be more easily seen.

The original look of the communicator, as featured in "The Cage", was designed by Wah Chang . ( The Art of Star Trek , p. 13) Dave Rossi commented, " Inside, all you see are these transistors, but the top of the communicator is very reminiscent of the Captain Kirk style communicator. So, they kept some of that and refined it. " Rossi also described a close-up view showing one of the early communicators as "a great shot." (" The Menagerie, Part II " Starfleet Access , TOS Season 1 Blu-ray ) A communicator prop from "The Cage" was subsequently modified to become the neural stimulator 's remote control from TOS : " Spock's Brain ". ( The Art of Star Trek , p. 13)

Wah Chang additionally created the first working model of communicator for the regular episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series . To achieve the spinning moire effect of this style of communicator in operation, Chang positioned a clear moire transparency atop another moire pattern, the latter of which was powered by a wind-up stopwatch (no batteries). Chang constructed two operational models and eight "dummy" communicators. ( Cinefantastique , Vol. 27, No. 11/12, p. 79) He charged Desilu a mere US$1,019.20 for designing and producing these props. ( Star Trek: The Original Series Sketchbook , p. 239)

A deleted scene from TOS : " Operation -- Annihilate! " featuring a communicator being used by Spock

The sound produced by the TOS style of communicator was a part of the device's success, as Ben Burtt , who designed the sound effects for 2009 's Star Trek , explained; " The fact that the communicator made a cute little chirping sound, as if it were a little animal talking to you, made it all the more interesting and it sold the idea to the audience that it's really a piece of functioning technology. " ( Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek , Star Trek BD ) The communicator's sound effects were redone by sound editor Douglas Grindstaff in the second season of TOS. ( Cinefantastique , Vol. 27, No. 11/12, p. 85)

As written in the final draft script of " Arena ", the Metron communicator that the Metrons provide to Kirk in that episode was to have instead been from his own possession. The script referred to this type of tool as a "transicator device" that was electronic in nature (as well as using more generic terms for it, such as a "translator-recorder" and a "communicator device"), and described the device as "a small box, with dials and gauges." In common with the Metron communicators of the final episode, these devices were to have been carried in their respective user's belt, when not in use.

Developments for Phase II and early films [ ]

The communicator was planned to be slightly revised for the ultimately abandoned series Star Trek: Phase II . In a memo dated 19 July 1977 , producer Robert Goodwin proposed that the device still be a "hand communicator," but updated with several new functions. One of these suggested capabilities was essentially as a conduit of information between a generic tricorder and the Enterprise 's computer banks, enabling landing parties to remotely utilize the ship's profuse analytical equipment. ( Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series , pp. 29 & 30) Both the idea that the communicator remain as a portable hand tool and its capacity to be operated in conjunction with a tricorder – so that the communicator could transmit information directly into the Enterprise computer banks – were adopted into the series' writers/directors guide. ( Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series , p. 96)

With miniaturization in vogue in the 1970s (by which point communicators had shrunk to the size of credit cards), it was readily apparent that the new communicators could not continue to be as large as they had been in the original series. Gene Roddenberry had various ideas for how to miniaturize the devices. One concept was having them become implants, though someone noted it would look funny to see one of the 23rd century people talking to one of their own elbows. ( The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , p. 147) The invention of the wrist communicator was made either shortly before or during the writing of the first-draft script for " In Thy Image " (which was conceived as the pilot episode of Phase II but gradually developed into Star Trek: The Motion Picture ); that script includes not only a wrist communicator that was said to be flipped open and manually closed but also a hand communicator which was referred to as being "old-style." ( Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series , pp. 126 & 218) Wrist communicators were included in Phase II on the condition that they looked completely different from ones that Dick Tracy had been using for decades, in comics. Thus, it was decided to keep all the workings of the new communicator on the inside of the wrist, varying from the Dick Tracy device. ( The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , p. 147)

The design for the wrist communicators of The Motion Picture was created by Andrew Probert . ( The Art of Star Trek , p. 182) According to the book The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (p. 147), the film's wrist communicators could be used to directly contact the Enterprise 's main computer, a capacity that is not shown in the movie. These communicators were built by Brick Price Movie Miniatures , to be worn not only by the principal actors but also by dozens of fans who served as extras in a crowded scene on the Enterprise 's recreation deck . ( Enterprise Incidents #11, p. 5; Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series , p. 230) Each of the units built for the main characters had four different-colored functioning lights on the faceplate, but these were not built into the props worn by the extras. ( Star Trek: The Magazine  Volume 2, Issue 8 , p. 101) Indeed, the units fitting the latter style were only "Cheap $1.98 Specials." ( Enterprise Incidents #11, p. 5) The reasoning for these much flimsier and less expensive copies was to avoid overspending the prop budget, since it was inevitable that some of the fan-exclusive props would be lost to seekers of souvenirs. ( Star Trek Phase II: The Lost Series , p. 230) The prototype of the wrist communicator cost US$3,500, was battery-operated so it could light up and was used for "insert", close-up shots. ( The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , p. 147) 250 communicator props were built, though most of these were the dummy communicators used by extras; only ten units had functioning lights. ( Star Trek: The Magazine  Volume 2, Issue 8 , p. 101) The first time William Shatner used his wrist communicator, he wore the prop backward. Luckily, property master Dick Rubin was on the set at the time and explained the prop to Shatner. ( The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , pp. 144 & 145)

The wrist communicator was replaced by an updating of the TOS design for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan . ( The Art of Star Trek , p. 204) " It's an understandable decision, " commented Michael Okuda , regarding the choice to return to the flip-top style. " You want to do something that's more advanced, and then after you've done it, you realize, 'Oh – we've lost one of our icons.' " ( audio commentary , Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Blu-ray) ) The communicators in Star Trek II were overseen by prop master Joe Longo . ( text commentary , Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (The Director's Edition) DVD ) These were essentially recycled Vietnam War walkie-talkie units, stripped of paint and coated with chrome. " It was what Paramount wanted, " stated John Zabrucky , whose Modern Props facility created the communicators. " We had a really great design that we wanted to build, but they were fixed on those things. " ( The Making of the Trek Films , 3rd ed., p. 29) TOS era Star Trek films produced after Star Trek II have remained with the flip-top design aspect.

For Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , there was some initial discussion about the possibility of replacing the standard Starfleet communicators with watch-televisions that were available from companies such as Sony Corp. of America . " But it proved too expensive, " concluded associate producer Ralph Winter . ( The Making of the Trek Films , 3rd ed., p. 53) The Starfleet communicator that was ultimately developed for Star Trek III was essentially a sleeker version of the TOS communicator and was designed by Bill George of Industrial Light & Magic . ( text commentary , Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (Special Edition) DVD ) The Klingon communicator of the same film was also designed by ILM. ( The Art of Star Trek , p. 218) The prop for the Klingon variant had a small round feature that, although clearly intended to resemble a tiny microphone, was actually the cutting head of a rotary electric razor . (text commentary, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (Special Edition) DVD)

The prop for the Starfleet communicator from Star Trek III was revamped for use in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier , wherein it was modified to include a large light that could illuminate the communicator grill as well as the face of the actor handling the prop. [1] (X) These communicators were one style of numerous props for Starfleet equipment that, during filming of Star Trek V (or at least amid the shooting of the film's interior bar scenes on Nimbus III ), were supervised by prop masters Don and Kurt Hulett , who kept track of the incoming and outgoing props. ( Captain's Log: William Shatner's Personal Account of the Making of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier , p. 154)

TNG redesigns [ ]

The Starfleet communicator underwent more changes, in conversion between the original Star Trek series and Star Trek: The Next Generation , than either the tricorder or phaser. The design team of TNG initially returned to the idea of wrist communicators and Rick Sternbach drew a number of concept illustrations like that, several of which included a digital watch area. A similar concept (labeled an "Archer" Com) was a metallic gray device that covered much of the back of the wearer's hand and was attached around both the wrist and middle finger. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission , p. 39) The first two writers' bibles for TNG outlined the communicator as being of the wrist design. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (3rd ed., p. 11)) Props master Alan Sims commented, " The earliest idea in TNG was to drop the wrist communicator [...] because it just didn't work for television. " ( Star Trek: Aliens & Artifacts , p. 98)

Concept artwork for a "communications pack"

Next, the producers of TNG considered that the characters of the upcoming series wear an unusually large-scale model of communicator. " They said that they should hang a communicator right on the uniform just like the police wear today, " reflected Alan Sims. ( Star Trek: Aliens & Artifacts , p. 98) In accordance with this request, Sternbach created a concept drawing of a large-scale "communications pack", which was intended to contain multiple wrist communicators. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Continuing Mission , p. 40) " That turned out to be too big and not futuristic-looking, " said Alan Sims. " You could see police on the street with shoulder communicators so why should that remain the same for three centuries? They went round and round with the communicator. " ( Star Trek: Aliens & Artifacts , p. 98) Sternbach recalled, " At one early production meeting in 1987 , we discussed many possible communicator designs, mostly handheld widgets with Starfleet emblems. " Gene Roddenberry looked at these and, moments later, suggested the conceptual breakthrough of combining the communicator with the Starfleet insignia as a badge. ( Star Trek: The Magazine  Volume 2, Issue 12 , p. 45)

When John Eaves was assigned the task of updating the communicator for Star Trek Generations , he – never having seen an episode of TNG but being a loyal fan of the original series – at first mistakenly based the look of the revised configuration on the flip-top communicator of TOS, before he found out that the device's appearance had developed since then. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Sketchbook: The Movies , p. 34)

Retro designs [ ]

For DS9 : " Trials and Tribble-ations ", Star Trek fan Steve Horch produced re-creations of TOS-era communicator props. At least three such replicas were built by him. ( Cinefantastique , Vol. 29, Nos. 6/7, p. 77; [2] (X) ) During the episode's production, Miles O'Brien actor Colm Meaney had some difficulty with opening his TOS-style communicator prop. " It kept flipping open and then bouncing closed, " recalled Walter Koenig , who was on the set at the time. He asked Meaney for the prop, planning to open it for him and hoping that it would stay open thereafter. " I took it from him, " continued Koenig, " and I flipped it open and it stayed open. " ( Cinefantastique , Vol. 29, Nos. 6/7, p. 81)

The same organization was also responsible for creating the communicators of Star Trek: Enterprise . [3] (X) Owing to the setting of Enterprise being around a century earlier than that of TOS, regular usage of flip-top communicators was reintroduced on the later-produced series. ( text commentary , Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (The Director's Edition) DVD ) As nobody wanted the communicators of ENT to be clunkier than a modern cell phone, however, the newly created devices were designed to be more streamlined than their equivalents from TOS. (" Broken Bow " text commentary , ENT Season 1 DVD ) Explained executive producer Rick Berman , " The communicators of Captain Kirk [...] a hundred years later, were more clumsy than a cell phone is today. So, we had to, sort of, split the difference. " ("Broken Bow" audio commentary, ENT Season 1 DVD) Property master Craig Binkley related, " Rick and Brannon [Braga] wanted [the new style of communicator] to flip up, but they wanted it to be very modernistic. " ( Star Trek: Communicator  issue 138 , p. 36)

The hand-held ENT communicators were Craig Binkley's responsibility and were designed by illustrator Jim Martin . ("Broken Bow" text commentary, ENT Season 1 DVD) Once Binkley had questioned Rick Berman and Brannon Braga about how they thought the new retro communicators should look different from contemporary cell phones, Martin and Binkley began to conceive of the workings of the futuristic communicators. Binkley recalled, " There were a lot of concept ideas: Jim would do a lot of illustrations, I'd throw my two cents in, and Rick and Brannon would zero in on what they'd like – 'Well, I like this part of the communicator in this sketch, I don't like that.' " ( Star Trek: Communicator  issue 138 , p. 36) Jim Martin's work on the updating of the communicator impressed John Eaves, who remarked, " I so loved [...] the work he did with the reworking of the communicator and translator props. " [4]

The series' art department supplied drawings of the communicators to HMS Creative Productions, Inc. These illustrations had been repeatedly revised, many times, before Michael Moore – a member of the latter team, who created the Starfleet communicators – viewed them. Besides some "hero" props (specifically, numerous working models as well as a range of rubber ones), several wax communicators were additionally built, early in the series. These were made to break apart easily, to portray Shran smashing them to pieces in " The Andorian Incident ". All of the hero communicators had spring-loaded self-opening antenna grids, and each of the working ones had a light-up graphic. The display was drawn by Robert Mannion , inspired by on-screen graphics from colleague Steve Horch 's Motorola Timeport cellphone. [5] (X) [6]

In one scene from ENT : " Sleeping Dogs ", the episode's final draft script described a Starfleet landing party as using, for ship-to-ship communication, the "suit coms" built into their EV suits , while wearing the lower parts of the suits but not their helmets. However, one of the hand-held communicators are instead used in the final version of that scene.

Although one particular writer who was hired onto ENT Season 2 by Brannon Braga tried to fake a foreknowledge of Star Trek , a description which the person gave about communicators made it clear they had lied. " [It] was so wrong. It was... they put it up to their ear, you know, like a phone or something like that, " Brannon Braga recalled, laughing. ("Part One: Call to Arms", ENT Season 3 Blu-ray special features)

The design of the alternate reality communicator, which debuted in the 2009 film Star Trek , was impacted by the fact that – although the TOS-era communicator had elements that seemed futuristic when the device was initially designed – those same elements had become outdated by the time the film was in pre-production. Prop master Russell Bobbitt recalled, " I connected with Nokia , their engineers and we asked ourselves, 'What will it be 400 years in the future?' We did some conceptual drawings. " [7] In fact, at least seven different communicator designs were sketched for the film, before the final one was selected. " We kept bits from the original, like the lid that flips up, " commented Bobbitt. Although many of the potential designs proposed the inclusion of a glass sphere that would provide a holographic display, this element did not make it into the final design. ( Star Trek - The Art of the Film , p. 108) Bobbitt and his team went on to build a prototype model that cost US$50,000. [8] The Star Trek crew also made a communicator prop for scenes set aboard the USS Kelvin in 2233 . The Kelvin -era communicator had an orange flip-top branded with the ship's assignment patch , and a bronze interior resembling its prime reality successors. [9]

Props Master Andrew Siegel , who was assigned to work on Star Trek Into Darkness , considered it fortunate that the previous Star Trek movie had redesigned the communicator. As such, this reduced the amount of work that the props department for the new film had to do to update the device. During production on Star Trek Into Darkness , though, the communicator props did not escape the danger of breakage. " There was a dicey moment with a communicator where an actor chose to use it in a way that definitely endangered its longevity, " remembered Siegel. " I sweated on that one a little bit, but it all worked out. It actually looks great in the finished scene. " ( Star Trek Magazine  issue 173 , pp. 78 & 80)

As regards the design of Starfleet communicator in Star Trek: Discovery , Aaron Harberts described communicators as "super-important [...] key props" that "nobody wanted to really change." [10]

Cultural impact [ ]

The way in which both the TOS-era communicator and its TNG equivalent were operated became pop culture icons, as noted by Alan Sims; " The single chest tap became the signature motion of TNG the way the wrist flip became the signature motion of the original series. " ( Star Trek: Aliens & Artifacts , p. 98)

The Star Trek Encyclopedia  (3rd ed., p. 518) notes that, when the communicator was first invented in 1964 , it appeared to be incredibly advanced and compact, with few believing that Star Trek would still be airing when portable cellular phones were invented. Dr. Martin Cooper , the inventor of the modern mobile phone, credits the TOS communicator as being his inspiration for coming up with the invention in the 1970s (when he was a General Manager of Systems at Motorola). [11] Stated André Bormanis , " Some engineer at Motorola thought, 'Hey it’d be cool to make this look like the communicator, but we need to make it smaller. Or fold it. You can flip it open like Kirk and Spock did, because that was so cool.' " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 32) An exhibit that encompassed information on how the portable phone originated from Star Trek was included in Star Trek: The Exhibition when it moved to London in October 1995 . ( Star Trek Monthly  issue 9 , p. 6) An actual TOS-era communicator was also included in the exhibition but was a part of the touring collection from its beginnings in Edinburgh . ( Star Trek Monthly  issue 1 , p. 20)

Since the 1970s, the influence of the communicator on the mobile phone has continued to become increasingly apparent. For instance, in a 1996 interview, Robert Picardo – actor of The Doctor – commented, " The Motorola flip-phone is simply a communicator turned upside down. " ( Star Trek Monthly  issue 18 , p. 55) In an interview from later that year, Rick Sternbach concurred, " We've done a number of interviews where the typical comparison is made between the communicator and the pocket flip-phone. They're getting very, very close. " ( Star Trek Monthly  issue 21 , p. 29) The text commentary for Star Trek: The Motion Picture (The Director's Edition) (written by Michael Okuda in the early 2000s ) comments that the TOS-era communicators "looked a little like present-day cellphones." In the 2009 book Star Trek - The Art of the Film (p. 108), Russell Bobbitt notes, " Today, everyone has a communicator – it's called a cell phone. "

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s , TOS-era communicators were sold by numerous major auction houses, including Sotheby's , Butterfield and Butterfield , Profiles In History and Christies . [12] Among the items which were sold off on the It's A Wrap! sale and auction on eBay was a 22nd century communicator circuit board from the episode " Shockwave, Part II ", [13] and a Klingon communicator, used in Star Trek: The Next Generation . [14] According to the Star Trek Encyclopedia  (4th ed., vol. 1, p. 427), in the 24th century, the Klingon communicator had been incorporated into small decorative pins which were worn on a warrior 's uniform. They were two styles of pins, with the early versions designed by Rick Sternback and the later versions by John Eaves .

Steve Horch and others from HMS Creative Productions recreated some of the communicators for display (such as at Star Trek: The Experience ). These included the metallic Starfleet communicators from Star Trek II , which incorporated interactive lights and were nickel -plated, and Star Trek III , which featured working LED lights as well as sound effects. To recreate the latter style, Steve Horch used a polished brass midplate. [15] (X)

External link [ ]

• Communicator at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• 1 Abdullah bin al-Hussein

• Electronics
• Portable Audio & Video
• Portable Speakers & Docks
• Portable Bluetooth Speakers

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The Wand Company Star Trek Communicator - Connect To Your Phone Via Bluetooth To Answer Phone Calls Or Play Music On This Sleek Zinc & Metal Replica

• Highly accurate: Created from 3D scans of the last known hero prop
• Fully functional: Easy to pair with any Bluetooth compatible mobile phone / Use the classic flip action to answer calls
• High quality: Die-cast zinc, CNC machined aluminium, iridescent coated jewels / Contactless charging: Built-in lithium polymer battery
• Immersive play features: 20 authentic voice clips and Star Trek: Original Series Communicator sound FX
• Gorgeous transit case: Moulded foam lined transit case and leatherette pouch

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From the manufacturer

The Wand Company

Creators of world-leading pop culture collectibles, combining high-tech functionality with authentic materials to deliver magical, immersive user experiences.

The Original Series Star Trek Communicator

Bluetooth enabled prop replica collectible.

This Communicator has been developed to give its owner the maximum level of enjoyment; designed using extremely accurate 3D scans of one of the last remaining communicator hero props from the 1960s Original Series television show, dedicated attention to detail, the use of authentic materials, textures and finishes and the tireless support and extraordinarily deep knowledge of HeroComm so generously given to us, has resulted in a fully functioning, display grade product that is highly faithful to the original prop.

The Communicator is robust enough to be used in play and cosplay. With its authentic sound effects and original voice clips, the Communicator provides plenty of opportunity for in-universe interaction and fun, and of course its Bluetooth functionality enables it to be used exactly as it was always intended – as a person-to-person communications device.

• Fully functional: Easy to pair with any Bluetooth compatible mobile phone
• Authentic function: Use the classic flip action to answer calls
• High quality: Die-cast zinc, CNC machined aluminium, iridescent coated jewels
• Contactless charging: Built-in lithium polymer battery
• Immersive play features: 20 authentic voice clips and Original Series Communicator sound FX

What's in the box

• Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator
• Magnetic wireless charging stand
• Micro-USB charging cable
• Leatherette slip cover
• Illustrated user instructions
• Protective foam lined transit case

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Bluetooth Star Trek Communicator Review

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Customer Review: If you are a true fan, you need this!

Amazing, practical, replica with SFX and calling ability

Mark J Draper

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Product information, product description.

This original Series star Trek communicator is a fully functioning Bluetooth handset compatible with all Bluetooth enabled devices. With its contact less charging stand, high quality MEMS microphone and large speaker, It doubles as a hands-free kit and a desktop Bluetooth speaker.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, bluetooth performance, sound quality, and fun of the wireless accessory. For example, they mention it's a great replica, works well, and has a nice case. Some appreciate the connectivity, and presentation. That said, some disagree on value and buttons.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the wireless accessory. They mention that it's a great replica, looks and functions as described, and is solid. Some say that the display stand is solid and attractive. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"Great adult toy. Works as advertised, and appears very solid . Tons o' fun -- been waiting for this my whole life!..." Read more

"... High Quality craftsmanship , 5 star, reviews say sound is low, the company must've fixed it cause the sound volume is high as any cell phone, had..." Read more

"...This never feels like it will break .I kept it in my pocket all day.In addition, it is a Bluetooth speaker...." Read more

"...This is NOT a toy. It's made of clearly high-quality materials , but its almost museum-quality devotion to detail and precision manufacturing make..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the bluetooth performance of the product. They mention that it works well, has crystal clear sound, and all the features seem to work pretty well. The product is functional and usable, and it works great with an iPhone. The voice command also works well.

"...and it's crystal clear... it's real, it actually is a very functional piece of equipment , and I find myself using it, even though I have a Note 8...." Read more

"...This worked straight out of the box almost fully charged!! And easily paired up to my iphone7+ via bluetooth...." Read more

"...The bluetooth feature works great . Speaker on the device is fine for a replica Star Trek Communicator...." Read more

"...and the Bluetooth connectivity is simple to set up, and works exactly as one would expect ...." Read more

Customers like the sound quality of the wireless accessory. They say the voices and sound FX from the show are clear, the volume is loud, and the Star Trek sounds are cool. The small speaker proudly shines clear on hearing audio and is decently loud for a bluetooth device. The double call beep and all sounds are authentic, and it makes exactly the chirping noise from the Show.

"Great adult toy. Works as advertised, and appears very solid. Tons o' fun -- been waiting for this my whole life!..." Read more

"...sound volume is high as any cell phone, had to lower it.. and it's crystal clear ... it's real, it actually is a very functional piece of equipment,..." Read more

"... Sounds are authentic ...." Read more

"...And when you lift it up, it makes that chirping kind of noise . It also has a magnetic changing stand that looks really nice, and is easy to charge...." Read more

Customers find the wireless accessory fun to use. They say it has fun features, and nice construction. Customers also say it's a joy to use with Bluetooth and brings hours of pure joy.

" Great adult toy . Works as advertised, and appears very solid. Tons o' fun -- been waiting for this my whole life!..." Read more

"...But it doesn't say that.All in all, it looks really good and is some fun ." Read more

"...Series soundtracks built in to the unit, which adds a dimension of fun and nostalgia ...." Read more

"...it has additional setting where it speaks lines from TOS and it's really fun !..." Read more

Customers find the connectivity of the wireless accessory easy. They say it pairs seamlessly with their phone and connects immediately after powering up. Some customers also mention that the Bluetooth works great and it integrates seamlessly into their Star Trek environment.

"... Paired easily with a Samsung S9+. - Sound Fx of characters and famous communicator double beep.-..." Read more

"...to the world of Star Trek, this would integrate into that environment absolutely seamlessly . The fit and finish are perfect...." Read more

"...It works well as a Bluetooth device, connecting to my phone with no issue , but with one caveat...." Read more

"...The finish is perfect with no assembly or paint flaws as some others have reported...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the presentation of the wireless accessory. They mention that it's accurate in its details, stunning, and perfect for close up shots. They also say that it is more accurate than the TV show and more detailed than ones created for DS9 / Enterprise. Customers also appreciate the attention to detail and the Bluetooth connectivity is simple to set up.

"...that had operating moving parts and were more clean and detailed for close up shots ...." Read more

"...The feel of the metal, rugged, precision made , solid, durable!This never feels like it will break...." Read more

"...but its almost museum-quality devotion to detail and precision manufacturing make this so much more than a toy...." Read more

"Pros- READ the little manual first!!- Excellent attention to detail of Hero prop and references images.-..." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the value of the wireless accessory. Some find it worth the price, while others say it's a little pricey.

"...The selling price is more than fair , as a quick overview of some of the substantially inferior communicator prop reproductions selling on eBay and..." Read more

"... high price 2) You cannot raise the volume on the star trek voices...." Read more

"... Not cheap in ANY way shape or form. Truly a great product." Read more

"...Very pleased with it despite the fairly high price . Seems quite sturdy and well made...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the buttons. Some mention that the connecting is easy and the manual explains the buttons and interface very well. They say the button functions are packed into this, even more than you'd imagine. However, others say that the two buttons fell off, were wonky, and were unattached or broken during transit.

"... Buttons falling off : The buttons on mine seem firmly attached to their stems, but the stems wobble a bit, the only part I found anything less than..." Read more

"... Comes with manual (which you'll need just to figure out the plethora of button uses/functionality)...." Read more

"...Notes... you may see the buttons are slightly out of alignment and the antenna grid is slightly off center, and this is AWESOME because the prop is..." Read more

"...Also because there are only two buttons/directional pads , most of the functions/commands require button combos which can be hard to remember without..." Read more

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