Star Trek: Tricorder Mark X - Work in Progress
a 3D design based on the G. Mros DIY assembly guide dimensions
This is a work in progress . . .
Specs
Category: Prop Replica
Genre: Science Fiction, Film/Television
Source: Star Trek the Next Generation
The Project…
Scale: Full size 1:1
Size: about 7" long in open position
Material: Prototype is 3D printed in SLA plastic with laser cut flat parts
Approach: Completely Custom!
Software:
Autodesk Inventor
Specialized Tools: Laser Cutter, Formlabs SLA 3D Printer
Description
The tricorder is one of the "workhorse" instruments of all Starfleet officers. It combines the functions of sensor, computer, recording device, and remote uplink in a single handheld unit (pretty much like a smart phone!). This model is from the middle of the Star Trek the Next Generation era, c.2370.
A talented modeler named Gerhard Mros sells a DIY guide to building your own replica from polystyrene, but when we first got the form printer in our workshop, I knew I had to give it a real workout. It took several months to gin up the 3D object the way I wanted it, but ultimately, it was ready to print.
Construction
I started by redrawing the side, front, top elevations in Inventor then extruded the simple shapes into 3D form. Since the model would be 3D printed, there was no need to worry about undercuts inside the body, unlike resin models which require thick walls and a split across the long axis.
From here, I had to examine the real needs I would have in making this a fully electronic 3D model . To be continued . . .
