it’s what you’ve been waiting for
The Original Series Tricorder
highly accurate fully functional prop replica
The 23rd century Tricorder developed by Wah Chang was standard issue on Starfleet vessels. A portable computer used to take environmental measurements, record data and display information was a vital piece of equipment aboard an exploratory ship such as the Enterprise.
This Tricorder is not a toy; it is a working display-grade replica developed to give its owner the maximum level of enjoyment. The Tricorder has been designed using extremely accurate 3D scans of one of the last remaining hero props from the 1960s Original Series television show. Dedicated attention to detail, and the use of authentic materials, textures and finishes, have resulted in a fully-functioning, display-grade product that is highly faithful to the original prop.
With its authentic sound effects, real-world sensing, over 200 Captain’s Logs, and the ability to record your own personal logs, the Tricorder provides plenty of opportunity for in-universe interaction and fun.
Highly accurate: Created from 3D scans of the last known hero prop
Fully functional: Multiple ambient and atmospheric sensors
LCD TFT screen: 320 x 240 pixel full-colour screen
Complete log archive: 233 ship’s logs from the Enterprise captain and crew
Immersive play features: Removable discs, controllable moiré, personalisation, and personal log recording
Authentic sounds: The iconic scanning sound is used with various other sound effects from the show for button presses and other actions
Prop display mode: Grey screen, blue watch crowns and a gorgeous plated die-cast metal display stand
Leatherette carry case: Fold flat protective case, perfect for field trips
Authentic materials: ABS body and machined aluminium chassis
attention to detail
Every single part of this this beautiful prop replica has been crafted with the utmost attention to detail – each component carefully designed to match the original as closely as possible in every way without compromise.
quality materials
Authentic material choices and nothing but the best. Engineering grade aluminium precision engineered and finished to the highest standards. Careful colour choices with high tolerance fit and finish.
the ultimate collectible
The tricorder prop is a legend at the top of the sci fi gadget pantheon. This replica offers you the rare opportunity to collect and own a piece of the incredible legacy that foresaw the future of portable computing.
the fantasy made real
Throw the strap around your neck, hold the tricorder at waist level, sense the environment, and record your own personal log while you scan the horizon and are transported deep into another place and time.
The safest way to take your tricorder on an away mission is in its gorgeous leatherette travel case
Product: Fully functioning Tricorder hero prop replica
Box contents: Tricorder replica with rechargeable battery fitted, eight removable function discs, leatherette carry case, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, removable lower compartment dividers
Release date: Invitation to purchase commencing April 2025
Packaging: Lift off lid, paper-over-board merchandising box with internal fluted card and EVA spacers
Original retailer: The Wand Company
Product history: First conceived as a product in 2016 when we started serious discussions with CBS about the possibility of developing a replica Tricorder. However, it would take another three years until the stars fully aligned and we met with Greg Jein in Burbank to scan his screen-used hero prop so that we could properly kick off the development in 2019. After some initial study, the development was announced in 2020. Despite the havoc created by Covid, the initial development work progressed quickly, and by March 2021 we began a series of newsletters with the idea that we were closing in on production by the end of that year. Subsequent unforeseen issues with the development caused multiple delays including redesigning of the electronics and the manufacture of new tooling for some key components. Finally, in 2024 we closed down the last of the development issues and moved to preproduction and then right at the end of the year in the last few days of December we started ordering the components necessary for full production. Full manufacturing finally started after Chinese New Year in mid March 2025.
Accuracy and attention to the smallest detail, has been our guide all through this epic journey
We have taken great care to make sure that this Tricorder is as accurate as possible. We were fortunate to gain access to the one of the last known Tricorder hero props and spend some quality time with it, studying and 3D scanning it under the watchful eye of master prop maker and owner, Greg Jein. We used a Hexagon Metrology system comprising a ROMER Absolute Arm with an RS3 laser scanning head. The arm is balanced to enable the operator to move the laser scanner smoothly around the subject, and contains seven precision encoders to keep track of the exact position of the scanning head. You can learn more about our experience scanning the Tricorder in our Blog post No. 2, here.
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 Tricorder and want to learn more about how it works and what is included in the pack.
Is the Tricorder accurate?
In a word, yes. The tricorder is as dimensionally accurate as we could make it. We were very lucky to be able to visit LA and meet with Greg Jein so that we could study, measure, and scan his hero tricorder so as to get the most accurate reference. You can read more about that here: Tricorder Blog Post #2. During the development, we went to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the original dimensions, surface detail, and design intent were matched as closely as possible. As a result, we believe that this is the most accurate tricorder replica ever produced.
While we had the hero prop in our hands, we weighed it. At 391 g (13.8 oz), it felt light. Of course, that was without the internal disc and moiré components, which could have easily added 150 – 200 g. This Tricorder weighs 681 g (1.5 lb), but then it does have the discs, moiré motor, a hood full of electronics and a rechargeable battery.
What is the Tricorder made from?
The Tricorder is made from a mix of materials.
The many body parts: The main body parts of the original prop were thermoformed from a sheet material called Kydex, a thermoplastic made from a blend of acrylic and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The Tricorder replica body parts are injection moulded in the engineering plastic, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
The chassis and other structural elements: All the Tricorder parts that were aluminium in the original prop have been precision machined from aluminium.
The strap: The hero prop strap was leather, and both single and double-sided versions were seen on screen. The Tricorder replica strap is double-sided leatherette.
The stand: The stand is brushed nickel plated, die-cast zinc, with a soft, rubbery ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) base pad and an ABS locating block.
How much does the Tricorder weigh?
The Tricorder weighs 681 g (1.5 lb).
What does the Tricorder do?
The tricorder has a number of fun and interactive functions. For a full description of all the functions and how to use the Tricorder please look at the paper manual or go here (Tricorder Manual) to see the online version. However, in summary, the tricorder’s functions are:
Basic functions: Time and date, personalisable with name and passcode entry, moiré position and illumination control, internal status reporting, ship’s status reporting, prop display mode with alternative watch crown illuminations, screen and watch crown LED illumination brightness setting, volume setting, charge status display, removable discs, active disc function mode selection.
Information: Complete collection of 233 original Ship’s Logs (full browsable List of Logs), 15 planetary body images and statistics, 12 archive images and animations.
Sensing: Functioning orientation compass, Atmospheric measurement of ambient temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure, electromagnetic radiation proximity sensing, audio level sensing and display, device core temperature measurement, hood open and closed sensing, upper door open and closed sensing, individual disc present sensing, primary disc function sensor.
What is the best way to display my Tricorder?
The Tricorder can be displayed on its display stand. The stand comprises a satin-finish nickel-plated, die-cast base with an injection moulded block on its top surface so that when resting in place, the Tricorder is held just off the surface of the stand. The moulded block contains two magnets which are attracted to a metal bar in the base of the Tricorder to provide extra stability when the Tricorder is in position on the stand.
The Tricorder has a special prop display mode. In order to use or display the Tricorder as it was most often shown on screen, the display may be set to show a flat grey colour. To select the grey screen display, from the home screen, press-click the middle button [PROP].
When the grey screen is displayed, the watch crown lamps are all lit blue, and the screen does not display the button function display blocks. Hold the middle jog button up or down to adjust the grey brightness to suit ambient conditions. Press-click the middle jog button to toggle the classic Tricorder scanning sound on and off. Click the left button to cycle through a further two alternative watch crown illumination sequences. The first click changes the illumination of the watch crowns to red, green, and blue. The second click illuminates the watch crowns with a changing multicolour sequence. The third click returns the watch crowns to the all-blue illumination setting. Clicking the right button at any time returns to the home screen.
If the grey screen is going to be used for display purposes for any time over a few minutes, it is recommended that the Tricorder is plugged into a charging power source via its USB-C cable while on display.
Always display the Tricorder on a flat, horizontal and stable, surface away from passing traffic that might dislodge or knock it. Be careful to place the strap out of reach of being snagged or pulled by anyone, especially children or pets who might see the strap as something to play with. The Tricorder is heavy and may be damaged and will cause injury if it falls on someone or a pet.
Strap CAUTION: Do not allow children to play with the Tricorder. The Tricorder is not a toy and the Tricorder strap could get entangled with them and cause serious injury or death if it became wrapped around a child’s neck.
What batteries does the Tricorder use?
The Tricorder is powered by a rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery. Before first use, please charge your Tricorder for four hours. To charge the Tricorder use a USB-C cable (supplied) via a suitable 5 V power supply.
When the Tricorder is not in use, please charge it at least every six months, to maintain the health of the battery.
Can the rechargeable battery be easily changed?
Yes, the battery can be accessed via the back panel so that the rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery can be replaced easily. The battery should not need replacing for many years. If and when it does need replacing, be careful to choose a high quality 18650 replacement.
How do I power down the Tricorder?
Immediate hibernation
Pressing and holding the middle button for 5 seconds powers the tricorder down and puts the Tricorder immediately into hibernation mode.
Low-power state, then automatic hibernation
Closing the hood powers down the tricorder to a low-power state. When the hood is closed, the screen turns off to save battery power. If the hood is opened again within 15 minutes of being closed, the screen turns back on and displays the screen that was last shown when it was closed. If the hood has been closed for longer than 15 minutes, the Tricorder powers down and enters hibernation mode.
To power up from hibernation, open the hood and click-press the middle button. If you have saved a passcode via the settings menu, you will also need to re-enter the passcode to use the tricorder functions.
A fully charged Tricorder will last for more than six months in hibernation.
Does the Tricorder make the classic scanning sound?
The Tricorder plays the classic scanning sound in [PROP] mode and when in [RADIATION] mode.
To enter [PROP] mode from the home screen, press-click the middle button [PROP]. Press-click the middle jog button to toggle the classic Tricorder scanning sound on and off.
While the Tricorder is in [RADIATION] mode, the classic scanning sound will be played. Press clicking the middle button toggles the classic scanning sound on and off.
