{"id":8948,"date":"2017-05-11T00:01:31","date_gmt":"2017-05-11T07:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wambooli.com\/blog\/?p=8948"},"modified":"2017-05-06T10:03:47","modified_gmt":"2017-05-06T17:03:47","slug":"now-i-can-finally-say-gookin-to-enterprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wambooli.com\/blog\/?p=8948","title":{"rendered":"Now I can finally say, “Gookin to Enterprise”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Of all the Star Trek<\/em> props, the communicator is my favorite. I have ample proof.
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\nI’m referring to the original series, or TOS, as it’s known to the Trekkies. That communicator has often been compared with today’s flip-phones. Who would have known?<\/p>\n

Well, the geniuses behind Star Trek<\/em>, of course. In fact, recently, they compare both the communicator and Mr. Spock’s tricorder to the modern smartphone. If your Android shot laser beams, it could be a phaser as well.<\/p>\n

When I was a lad, I spied in a magazine a company that manufactured replica Star Trek props. They offered several versions, including one with an animated moire pattern, sound effects, and blinking lights. The non-functioning replica communicator was cheapest at $16. So I ordered that one.<\/p>\n

It took forever to receive my toy. I probably waited 6 weeks, which is a long time for a geeky teenager. Eventually, the prop arrived. It’s shown on the far left in Figure 1.<\/p>\n

\"communicators\"

Figure 1. From left-to-right: the original replica prop I purchased as a teenager; a realistic toy introduced a few years back; the Bluetooth Communicator from The Wand Company.<\/p><\/div>\n

The $16 prop was just a wood-and-plastic replica. Just a few years ago, I purchased a realistic toy communicator (and phaser and tricorder). This one, shown in the middle in Figure 1, has blinking lights and sound effects. The little moire speaker also animates.<\/p>\n

On the far right in Figure 1 you see my latest communicator. This one is the most expensive, at $150. It’s a Bluetooth speaker\/microphone.<\/p>\n

Yes, I’m really that geeky.<\/p>\n

Not only does the toy feature authentic (and good quality) voices from the show, sound effects (the flip-top chirp), and blinking lights, it connects wirelessly to your Android phone. When my phone rings, the communicator goes beep<\/em>, and I can flip up the lid and chat — just like Captain Kirk!<\/p>\n

I’m so flush with fan geekiness right now!<\/p>\n

The communicator is entirely wireless. It uses a base to charge. I’d like to equip it with some velcro to attach to my belt, which is the only thing missing out of the box; a pouch is available, but it doesn’t include loops or hooks to make it practical.<\/p>\n

Here is the link to Amazon where I purchased the communicator, should your geekiness overwhelm you and you decide to forgo half a car payment to get one for yourself:<\/p>\n