Star Trek: The Next Generation, Starfleet Medical Tricorder TR-580 Mark VII

replica movie prop

This is a hero TR-580 Mark VII Medical Tricorder replica with a deployable machined aluminum hand scanner. This style of tricorder was seen in the 3rd-7th seasons of TNG, 1st-3rd seasons of DS9, and 1st-2nd seasons of Voyager. When opened, it makes the familiar ratcheting sound and screen-accurate LED sequencing. There are active buttons on the face that can change sequencing and modes. The machined aluminum hand scanner can be removed from the top of the medical attachment; it features green sequentially flashing LEDs around the perimeter and a single red blinking LED on the top.

Built from a vacuformed kit by Gary Tierce (Nicksdad); apparently only a handful were made about a decade back. Included with the kit were metal-backed high resolution graphics that were laminated with a UV protective coating prior to being attached to the body. The electronics came from Gerry Mros (GMProps); they are custom upgraded with the sound functions and switching light sequencing options/modes. The build was completed through a team effort between Jarrod Hunt (silverskyes402) and Tim Webber (Mr Webber). Jarrod completed the bulk of the prep work and Tim was contracted to paint and install the electronics. This tricorder is the end result of a mash-up of the best parts available and a collaboration on the final build. Added to my collection in August, 2013.

Description from Memory Alpha: “In service between 2366 and 2372, the Starfleet TR-580 Tricorder VII succeeded the TR-560 Tricorder VI. Medical TR-580s used were essentially similar in design to that of the standard TR-580, with the same available features and interface. The major difference was the addition of a deployable hand scanner. While some standard TR-580s also had removable scanners, the medical TR-580s were much more advanced and could provide detailed scans of an entire individual, or give focus to a single area.”