This is without a doubt the best tricorder I have in my collection to date. It’s also the most accurate. For starters, the body is a genuine vacuum formed shell made by HMS/Prop’er effects. I acquired it recently from a private collector, and decided to use it in a build up, rather than keep it in it’s native state. I compared the shell side by side with a screen used tricorder, and can say with absolute certainty that it is the real deal. The back ring on the tricorder body was cast from an original shop produced piece, making it just about as close to the real thing as you can get. The graphics were created in Corel using a scan of the genuine article as reference. The correct coating was used on top of the graphics to give them their matte finish. The correct paint was used to finish it. Heck, even the hinges are the exact same as the ones used during production. Same with the phillips head screws that keep the back door in place.
One of the great improvements that this kit made is the perfectly cut vinly pieces that are on the top of the tricorder. On every build up I've seen to date, these pieces were either cut out by hand, or cut by a plotter that could not handle such small shapes very well. An online buddy of mine has access to a plotter that does simply brilliant work, and that work is proudly displayed on this tricorder. It's just one of the many tiny touches that make this piece so perfect in my eyes.
The one difference this piece has to the ones used on screen is that it makes sound. When you open the door, it makes the trademark ratchet noise which is followed by the highly recognizable warble. This ling lights up like a Christmas tree! Tons of blinkies, all lighting in the correct sequence. Note that as this is the voyager version, it means that the scanning lights on the back side are yellow. These colors changed depending on the show or the version.
I am very happy with this tricorder. This is a piece that I have been waiting for since I saw it on screen so many years ago. And here it is, sitting on my dining room table in all it’s glory. Definitely worth the wait. Special thanks to all of those people involved who helped make this dream a reality.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to scan for life forms.