communicator on star trek

Did Star Trek Communicators Inspire the Invention of the Cell Phone?

In the latest TV Legends Revealed, find out whether the communicators on Star Trek were the inspiration for the invention of the handheld cell phone!

TV URBAN LEGEND : The communicators on Star Trek inspired the creation of the handheld cell phone.

The late, great Leonard Nimoy often joked at Star Trek conventions about how, well "flip phones" first became a big deal in the world of cell phones, Nimoy obviously eventually got one himself and he later recalled , "You know, when I first got this thing, I didn't even connect the dots. I was sitting at a stoplight one day and all these people were pointing and laughing, and I realized the great irony of it all."

What Nimoy, of course, was referring to is the fact that the communicators the the members of the Starship Enterprise used on the original Star Trek series look pretty much exactly like handheld "flip phone" cell phones decades later...

Therefore, the communicators on Star Trek have long been noted as being the inspiration for the hand held cell phone, which was first invented in the early 1970s by Martin Cooper at Motorola, although obviously the first actual hand held cell phone was gigantic (here is Cooper holding one of the early models in a photo from a while back)...

In fact, Cooper even appeared in a documentary called How William Shatner Changed the World where he noted the inspiration...

However, in a 2015 interview, Cooper explained the truth...

Cooper explained a couple of things. First off, he noted that he had been working at Motorola for years before Star Trek came out and they had been thinking about hand held cell phones for many years before Star Trek came out. In fact, in 1967, just a year after Star Trek debuted, they released a hand held portable radio system for police department use that was sort of like a cell phone. Obviously, that project started before 1966, ya know?

Cooper said that he was just so overwhelmed by the movie that he conceded to something that he did not actually believe to be true. He also noted that, if he HAD to pick a piece of pop culture that inspired the idea, it would instead be Dick Tracy's famous wrist watch communicator...

Either way, Cooper's main message is that he was working on the technology well before Star Trek, so whether Dick Tracy should get the credit or not, it wasn't Star Trek that inspired it.

I think the fact that Motorola HAD been working on the technology since the late 1950s does suggest that Cooper is believable here, so I'm going with the legend as...

STATUS : False

Thanks to Martin Cooper for the information!

Be sure to check out my archive of TV Legends Revealed for more urban legends about the world of TV. Click here for more legends specifically about Christmas.

Feel free (heck, I implore you!) to write in with your suggestions for future installments! My e-mail address is [email protected].

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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[REVIEW] Bluetooth Star Trek Communicator Is A Trekkie’s Dream Come True

After two years of development, The Wand Company has released the first fully functional Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator, based on the iconic device used by Captain Kirk in The Original Series .

The Wand Company has previously developed several museum quality TV and movie prop recreations, including a Star Trek phaser that doubles as a TV remote and a selection of highly-detailed Doctor Who Sonic Screwdrivers.

Immediately after taking it out of the box, you realize this thing is the real deal. It looks and feels premium. It truly doubles as both a museum-quality prop and a functional way of communication.

Created from a 3D laser scan of the original prop used on the show, the device is made of die-cast zinc, CNC machined aluminum, back-lit iridescent coated jewels, a spinning moiré winder and it comes with a built-in lithium polymer battery.

I setup the communicator up in minutes. It quickly paired with my iPhone 6 and I was good to go.

The first thing I did was scan through some of the pre-recorded messages from crew members of the Enterprise by tapping the right button up, down, left and right. Some of those messages include Sulu answering “Yes, Captain?” Spock saying “Enterprise, Spock here.” Bones responding with “McCoy here.” and of course Montgomery Scott saying “Scotty here, Captain.” in that accent that still warms my heart. The left button powers up and powers down the device. Tapping the left button twice triggers a message from Uhura saying “Captain Kirk, message from Starfleet Command, top priority.”

Next up, I tested out the voice commands. “Read me my text messages” I said after tapping the right button once. Then, through the speaker, the communicator started reading the latest text from my wife. Pretty cool.

So what’s in the box?

Inside the cardboard packaging, you’ll find the hard plastic case lined with moulded foam, the communicator itself, a charging cradle and base with the words “U.S.S. Enterprise Standard Issue Communicator” imprinted on the foot, a USB charging cable and a pleather carrying case.

If I had to make one gripe, it would be the volume of the speaker. It seems a little too quiet for use outside your quarters.

Would I use this to make calls on a regular basis? No, probably not — but let’s be honest, that’s not why Trekkies will want this. The cool factor is off-the-charts. This is the device I’ve been dreaming about for the last few decades. There are plenty of decent prop replicas out there but nothing that matches the quality, craftsmanship and eye for detail and design as The Wand Company’s Bluetooth Communicator.

The Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator sells for $150 and is available now 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 .

10 Comments

August 7, 2016 at 9:22 pm

August 7, 2016 at 10:06 pm

Marmotjmarmot

August 8, 2016 at 6:08 am

Right. When they make a standalone phone that looks like this talk to me again.

August 9, 2016 at 3:31 am

Commander Klutz

August 22, 2016 at 12:45 pm

I bought one from Playmates a few years ago for $15. Just as good.

Dennis Rogers

August 28, 2017 at 9:15 pm

Bullshit. Seen those toys and are crap.

John Zoccano

April 24, 2020 at 9:11 am

Are you kidding??..that tells me you DONT have one of these as the quality is superb and accurate where the playmates is garbage in comparison.

American Patriot

November 21, 2016 at 2:20 am

Saving for this. I wonder what bills can be put aside, in favor of this….Naaaa. Bills first, toys come second for adults I guess. Someday………?

December 26, 2019 at 10:49 am

How ,ong does the battery last?

USed it all day and still good…and the volume is excellent just have to know how to adjust it on the communicator….only gripe is there is no way to ascertain state of charge

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Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator review

Imagine you’re a member of the crew of the USS Enterprise. You are part of an elite away team, along with Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and for some unknown reason, Dr. McCoy. Aliens are attacking your team from all sides. You need suppressing fire power to rain down from above. What do you do? As this scene, or one similar, played out in my 9-year old imagination, I would always reach for and open my trusty Star Fleet Standard Issue Communicator. Unfortunately, the voices and commands were all imaginary as my Communicator was just a toy. Not any more!  43 years later, that “toy” has become reality with The Wand Company’s Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator.

I caught the Star Trek fever after its original run from 1966-1969. I had many Star Trek toys, walkie talkie communicators, trading cards, and of course action figures. I went to Star Trek conventions as early as 12 years old. Star Trek has had a big impact on my life. I am a well-seasoned programmer, partly because of Star Trek. But that’s another story for another time.

To this day, my love for Star Trek has not diminished. My favorite gadget from the show was what came to be the inspiration for the modern mobile phone, the Communicator. That cheesy little device allowed the crew to communicate with the ship and beyond. I always pretended to talk to distant ships and other worlds with my toy Communicators. Although today’s mobile phones can do much more than most computers could in the 1960’s, the Communicator was the one I always wanted to see come to life. Well, today that dream has come true. The Wand Company, a workshop of wizards from the United Kingdom, has brought a real, honest-to-goodness Communicator to the masses. These are the same geniuses that developed several museum quality TV and movie prop recreations, including Sonic screwdrivers from Doctor Who, an authentic Star Trek Phaser with TV remote control capabilities.

The Communicator that Wand has created with over two years of research and development, is an exact replica of one of the screen-used Communicators from the TV show. When I say exact, I mean it. Down to the millimeter. Each piece of this exquisite product was painfully researched, recreated, and assembled with the utmost care. The Wand Team have reached out to top Trek prop enthusiasts and collectors, as well as the website HeroComm.com to get their product as perfect as possible. You can assemble your own authentic Communicator from the parts lists and specifications from that website, but why would you? Communicator replicas on eBay go for hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars, and most of them are just for display purposes. Some toy Communicators include crudely recreated beeps and chirps from the TV show, but that’s all they do. Wand’s Communicator takes it to the next level.

See it in action

With the Wand Communicator, you can actually communicate. Albeit communication requires pairing to a mobile phone, you can communicate through it. You see, The Wand Communicator has Bluetooth built in. After a very simple procedure of pairing the Communicator to your phone, you can perform any number of functions through your mobile device. You can initiate, answer, and terminate calls; listen to music like any Bluetooth enabled speaker, by skipping tracks, fast forwarding, etc. You perform most of these functions by invoking your mobile device’s voice command mode. On the iPhone, you can accomplish anything Siri can do for you. Ask it to call someone, current weather conditions, create an appointment, send a text, etc. It can all be done through the Communicator. The Wand Communicator also plays the same familiar Communicator chirps and beeps, and any one of twenty different dialog clips from the show. Familiar voices from Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Scotty, Sulu, and Uhura are all included.

When I called someone via the Communicator, they had no idea I was using it until I told them. They said the call quality was just as if I was just talking on my phone itself. The speaker in the Communicator is quite loud, and clear enough for use in a room, or in your car. Outside, however, it could have been a little louder. For music, the speaker leaves a lot to be desired. It made me feel as if I was listening to music on a 1960’s era transistor AM radio.

The Communicator includes an attractive stand/charger that holds the device with strong magnets, and displays the device as if it were in a museum. The stand hooks up to any USB port for power, and the Communicator charges while it sits on the stand, wirelessly. The stand has LEDs that indicate charging status. All of this comes packaged in a handsome plastic case, emblazoned with the words “USS Enterprise, NCC-1701, Standard Issue Communicator”. The case is lined with soft cushiony foam for protecting the Communicator during shipping. Ample instructions are included, as well as a faux-leather pouch for protecting the device in your pocket. Although, it would have been nice for the pouch to have some sort of belt loops so you can totally geek out with the Communicator at the ready on your side as Captain Kirk always had his.

If you want to release your inner-Trekkie and have a capable Bluetooth extension to your mobile phone, then the Wand Company’s Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator is for you. Beam one up today.

The Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator sells for $150 US and is available now.

Source: The sample for this review was purchased with my own funds. Please visit the Wand Company for more info and order at ThinkGeek .

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About the author.

Pat Henderson

8 thoughts on “star trek bluetooth communicator review”.

• Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting

Just FYI, with the help of the Wand Company guys, I’m in the final stages of R&D on a carrier for the Communicator. It will be handmade of Kydex (to go with the Kydex texture of the Communicator), and come with either a swiveling belt clip, or with Velcro hook material on the back (for use with costume belts). Best of all (and hardest to develop), it will feature one-hand operation and no latches, buttons, catches, etc. to fumble with, and require ABSOLUTELY NO modification of or addition to the Communicator! Just grasp the Communicator and it will be released from the carrier, press it back in place and it stays, securely and (just like in the series) with the grille facing outward. I’ve done several prototypes, each with minor changes, working toward the final fronti — er, the final design. My target price is $25.

Let me know when it’s ready. Maybe I can review it here on The Gadgeteer.

I would also like more info on the communicator carrier such as price, when/where available, etc…

You can check the review summary box at the end of the review or use the link in the post to go to the seller’s/manufacturer’s site.

Thanks for the reply! I am sorry but I didn’t see either of the options you mentioned.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/iphv/

He was talking about the carrier, not the communicator itself. Did this ever get made?

Yup! https://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Trek-TOS-Leather-Communicator-Holster-/232996632239

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• Cast & crew
• User reviews

The Communicator

• Episode aired Nov 13, 2002

Upon returning from covertly observing a pre-warp culture, Lieutenant Reed realizes he lost his communicator somewhere on the planet. Archer and Reed return to recover the lost technology, o... Read all Upon returning from covertly observing a pre-warp culture, Lieutenant Reed realizes he lost his communicator somewhere on the planet. Archer and Reed return to recover the lost technology, only to find the natives found it first. Captured and interrogated, the crewmen find themse... Read all Upon returning from covertly observing a pre-warp culture, Lieutenant Reed realizes he lost his communicator somewhere on the planet. Archer and Reed return to recover the lost technology, only to find the natives found it first. Captured and interrogated, the crewmen find themselves doing even more damage to the culture, who have scanned the prisoners and know them t... Read all

• James A. Contner
• Gene Roddenberry
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• 7 User reviews
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• Trivia According to the production report, this installment "explores a premise hinted at in the original Star Trek". More specifically, at the end of A Piece of the Action (1968) the "Chicago Mobs of the 1920s" story), when Dr. McCoy confesses to having left behind his communicator on Sigma Iotia II, and Kirk jokes that it "upsets the whole percentage". " 'The Communicator' picks up on this idea, but with a far more serious tone," the production report commented.
• Goofs Having beamed a communicator into a prison for Archer previously, no one even suggests beaming out the communicator this time. However it was explained that the exact location of the communicator was unknown and unable to be located on sensors which explains why it couldn't be beamed back.

[Lt. Reed has lost his communicator on the planet of a pre-warp civilization]

Lieutenant Malcolm Reed : Captain... my carelessness was inexcusable. I'm prepared for whatever reprimand you feel is appropriate.

Captain Jonathan Archer : How about 30 years in the brig? Or maybe a good flogging?

• Soundtracks Where My Heart Will Take Me Written by Diane Warren Performed by Russell Watson Episode: {all episodes}

User reviews 7

• claudio_carvalho
• Jan 12, 2008
• November 13, 2002 (United States)
• Official Site
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• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 43 minutes
• Dolby Digital

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Communications officer

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Communications officer Nyota Uhura at work

The role of communications officer (also known as comm officer ) was a specialized occupation held by crewmembers aboard Starfleet vessels , installations , and bases. Found across multiple divisions , the individuals holding the position were held responsible for managing all incoming and outgoing transmissions, whether they were visual, audio, or text communications.

During the 22nd and 23rd centuries, comm officers such as Ensign Hoshi Sato and Lieutenant Nyota Uhura held distinct positions on a starship's bridge . During the mid-to-late 24th century , tactical and operations officers such as Lieutenant Commander Data and Lieutenant Worf doubled as communications officer. ( Star Trek: Enterprise ; Star Trek: The Original Series ; Star Trek: The Next Generation )

Surprised that Larr was able to pick up the English language quickly on his own, Doctor Phlox commented to Hoshi Sato in 2151 , " Perhaps we've found an assistant comm officer. " ( ENT : " Dear Doctor ")

In 2266 , after Uhura expressed a frustration with hearing the word "frequency" that had nearly driven her to tears , Spock found himself unable to continue her line of conversation, given the illogic of a communications officer possessing such a sentiment. Uhura explained that she wanted him to talk with her about something else for a change. ( TOS : " The Man Trap ")

• 1.1 22nd century
• 1.2 23rd century
• 1.3 24th century
• 1.4 25th century
• 2 List of alternate reality communications officers
• 3 List of mirror universe communications officers
• 4 List of parallel universe communications officers

List of prime reality communications officers [ ]

22nd century [ ].

23rd century [ ]

24th century [ ]

• Chief Pendleton , USS Enterprise -D , 2369

25th century [ ]

List of alternate reality communications officers [ ]

List of mirror universe communications officers [ ]

List of parallel universe communications officers [ ]

See also [ ]

• Communications master
• Communications officer's log

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Forgotten Star Trek: TNG Episode Filled With Original Series Easter Eggs

Posted: April 24, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

If most Star Trek: The Next Generation fans are being honest, they’d rather take a phaser blast to the face than watch the majority of the first season. However, depending on what you are looking for from the franchise, there are some real gems hiding inside some otherwise forgettable episodes. For example, “The Battle” isn’t really a great episode of The Next Generation, but it contains some great Easter eggs (including special effects and a different ship model in Picard’s Ready Room) referencing The Original Series.

Has it been a while since you watched this Star Trek episode, or maybe you’ve never had the dubious pleasure of seeing “The Battle?” Here’s a quick breakdown: in this episode, a Ferengi commander brings Captain Picard the derelict Stargazer, which Picard is happy to receive because this is the first ship he ever captained. It all turns out to be a ploy on the part of the Ferengi, who uses a strange orb to affect Picard’s mind and make him think he’s living in the past and that he must use his famous Picard Maneuver to defeat the Enterprise. 

Shut Up, Wesley

Much of this early Star Trek episode is painful to watch, and it even includes some particularly cringeworthy Wesley Crusher dialogue that Wil Wheaton is convinced turned the fandom against him. However, the episode is notable for giving us plenty of fascinating insights into Captain Picard’s early Starfleet career. If you know where to look, the episode also includes some great homages to The Original Series, something that was a real rarity in the early days of TNG.

What Kind Of Ship?

For example, Picard’s earlier ship Stargazer is a new design, and it is listed as a Constellation-class vessel. Originally, though, it was going to be a Constitution II-class vessel, allowing the show to re-use the Enterprise model from the early Star Trek films. The decision to change what class of ship this was came late in the production of “The Battle”, and the class name “Constellation” was chosen because it roughly matched the lips of LeVar Burton and Wil Wheaton, who are clearly saying “Constitution-class” in some of their scenes.

The Star Trek: The Next Generation producers were very committed at one point to making the Stargazer a Constitution-class vessel, and this was going to retroactively explain why Picard has what appears to be a silver model of a Constitution-class vessel in his Ready Room in “The Battle” and earlier episodes. After the decision was made to turn Picard’s original command into a Constellation-class vessel, however, that model was swapped out for the more familiar golden Stargazer model we see in future episodes.

Old School Warp

There is one more Original Series Easter egg hidden in this Star Trek episode, and it involves the famous Picard Maneuver. In “The Battle,” we find out this is a kind of slick warp speed tactic invented by Picard to win a showdown with an attacking Ferengi vessel. At one point, Picard takes the Stargazer into warp, and if you look closely, this vintage ship has the same warp speed effect from movies like The Wrath of Khan rather than the newer TNG warp effect.

We Never Said It Was A Good Story

Again, if you go into this Star Trek episode expecting great storytelling, you’re likely to be disappointed. However, if you approach “The Battle” as a chance to learn more about Picard’s career and to see some sly nods to the days of Captain Kirk, you’ll find plenty to love. 

By the way, if you love the episode enough to repeatedly watch it, can someone please explain how the heck the Picard Maneuver foils enemy ships’ sensors? I tried to get a former boy genius to explain it to me like I was 12, but Wil Wheaton never picks up the communicator when I call.

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