Starfleet tricorder

TheStarfleet tricorder was the versatile, portablesensing device developed byStarfleet R&D specifically for use byFederationStarfleetpersonnel.

Varying models of the Starfleet tricorder were put into service, beginning as early as the23rd century through the24th century, lasting well into the32nd century.

23rd century[]

2230s[]

In service aboard the early2230s ship theUSSKelvin, the tricorder was a large flat device resembling a briefcase, complete with a handle for carrying the device.In thealternate reality, one was used to monitor the heavily pregnantWinona Kirk's health during theNarada's attack. (Star Trek)

2250s[]

Type A[]

The Type A tricorders were models older than the TS-120 Series (this included the model 120 and the 122). However, due to their sturdiness and dependability, many were in stock on the Enterprise, and were frequently used even when newer models were available.

"They never improved the design. Sure, they were made smaller, and more powerful, and less likely to explode." - Brad Boimler, Stardate 2291.6

Type B[]

By2259, Starfleet introduced a new variant of the tricorder. LieutenantsSpock andLa'An Noonien-Singh carried one during theUSSEnterprise's mission toKiley 279. A similar model (the TS-120) was used during their mission to Krulmuth-B, to examine the Krulmuth-B portal (The favorite portal of Ensign Boimler, USS Cerritos, circa 2370.) (SNW: "Strange New Worlds")

2260s[]

In service during the mid-2260s, the standard Starfleet tricorder incorporated a segmented design. This tricorder, a generally square-shaped device, utilized three sections: a pivoting upper portion containing the display readout and controls; a compartmented mid-section containingdata chips; and an adaptable lower portion, sometimes containing a hand-held sensor as with themedical tricorder. The tricorder of the 2260s was mostly black with silver trim and featured a leather-like strap, allowing one to sling the tricorder over the shoulder when not in use. EnsignBradward Boimler at one point remarked that despite tricorders getting smaller, more powerful, and "less likely to explode" in the future, that Starfleet never had a better design.(TOS: "The Naked Time")(SNW: "Those Old Scientists")

Yeomen serving aboard Starfleetstarships (such asJanice Rand aboard theUSSEnterprise) often carried tricorders in order to record and retrieve information for the starshipcaptain. More often however, the tricorder was standard equipment included onaway missions. (TOS: "The Man Trap", "Charlie X")

These devices could also be set to transmit an automaticdistress call. (TOS: "That Which Survives")

One of theDax hosts owned this version of the tricorder, remembered fondly byJadzia Dax. (DS9: "Trials and Tribble-ations")

Forward view

Profile view

A heavier version of the tricorder was also used by landing parties and aboard ship. This configuration sported a pistol-grip and its controls were located on the top of the unit. It was used primarily to detect contamination caused byores andgases, as well as to register radiation and atmospheric pressure. (TOS: "The Naked Time", "The Enemy Within", "The Doomsday Machine", "Obsession")

See also[]

• Psycho-tricorder
• Medical tricorder

2270s[]

With the widespread redesign of many facets of Starfleet and Federation technology in the early2270s, so too did the tricorder advance toward a new design.

Smaller than that of the 2260s, the new hand-held Starfleet tricorder was blue-gray in color and featured two grips on either side of the body. Controls and readout displays were located beneath a lid at the top of the device. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture)

This type of tricorder was still in use in the2280s. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

2280s[]

As early as2285, Starfleet personnel like those serving aboard therefit starshipEnterprise had at their disposal at least two distinct versions of the Starfleet tricorder.

Type A[]

Among the options was a heavy-duty tricorder, often used duringlanding parties. Bulkier than previous designs, this tricorder featured a handle and a large head featuring a line of blinking indicator lights. (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

Type B[]

Harking back to the designs of the 2260s, a second tricorder option in use during the mid-2280s featured a familiar square, black and silver design.

Much smaller than the heavy-duty version, this model featured a slide-up top studded with controls and indicator lights. Also incorporating a strap, the tricorder could be slung over the shoulder when not in use. Unlike its predecessors, this tricorder possessed control surfaces over much of the body of the instrument. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)

24th century[]

2360s[]

By the early2360s, the Starfleet tricorder had taken on a more streamlined appearance, distinguished by a flip-open design maximizing both portability and interface surface availability.

Incorporating severalsensor clusters, these tricorders featured multi-channelcommunications assemblies, and multiple databank modules. Encompassing visual displays and graphic touch pad interfaces, the tricorder of the 2360s provided easy means for on the spot archive retrieval, the recording of away mission events, and constant scientific measurements including biological, geographical or meteorological.

TR-560 Tricorder VI[]

Standard tricorder[]

In service as early as2361, the TR-560 Tricorder VI model sensing device was available to officers serving aboard such vessels as theUSSVictory and theUSSEnterprise-D. (TNG: "Identity Crisis", "Encounter at Farpoint") With an array of sensors on the front of the device, this tricorder design flipped open to reveal a large number of control surfaces and a square display screen, roughly the same size as those utilized as early as the 2260s.

This version of the tricorder was equipped with a small hand sensor, stowed below the sensors, similar to that of the medical tricorder. (TNG: "Angel One")

The TR-560 tricorder was capable of communicating with non-Starfleetcomputer systems and contained a built-inuniversal translator.Data used one of these tricorders to access and replay the logs of the captain of aPromellian battle cruiser discovered by theEnterprise in2366. (TNG: "Booby Trap")

The tricorder was vulnerable to some computer viruses, even capable of transmitting them to other systems. A tricorder used byData while investigating theIconianhomeworld fell victim to one of their viruses. In order to prevent propagation of the virus,CaptainJean-Luc Picard ordered the tricorder destroyed byWorf, who did so using aphaser. (TNG: "Contagion")

This version of the tricorder was not normally set up to detectneutrinos, nor was it typically designed to interface with aVISOR. Nevertheless,Lieutenant CommanderGeordi La Forge was able to jury rig a tricorder to communicate with his VISOR and provide a bearing on a neutrino source when he was stranded onGalorndon Core in2366. (TNG: "The Enemy")

Medical tricorder[]

Seemedical tricorder.

TR-580 Tricorder VII[]

Standard tricorder[]

In service between2366 and2372, the Starfleet TR-580 Tricorder VII succeeded the TR-560 Tricorder VI. Retaining the same basic shape as the previous design, the TR-580s also incorporated hand sensors, but this feature was eventually phased out by2370. (TNG: "The Vengeance Factor";DS9: "The Way of the Warrior")

TR-580s could be used for a variety of tasks, including recording time trials. (TNG: "Chain Of Command, Part I") This tricorder was also configured to performproximity checks every two minutes (DS9: "Move Along Home") and was able to emit a photoplasmic trail to help locate lost crewmembers. (VOY: "Twisted")

One version of the TR-580 used byJadzia Dax in 2370 featured a larger screen on the upper section. (DS9: "Blood Oath")

TR-580s were capable of detectingdampening fields and if doors were magnetically sealed. (TNG: "Chain Of Command, Part I";Star Trek Generations;VOY: "Phage")

To prevent interference with objects, the TR-580 could be set to perform a passive scan. The model could also be locked into a continuous scan, thereby recording data, even when stowed. (TNG: "Schisms") Capable of communicating with non-Starfleet computer systems, the tricorder could be linked to other units, acting as a small computer network, easily relaying information to other locations. (TNG: "Brothers";VOY: "Emanations", "Heroes and Demons")

Sensor emissions from TR-580s could cause unpredictable changes in certaintemporal distortions, and sometimes includedpolaric fields, allowing a user to scan forsubspace fractures caused by polaric detonation. (TNG: "Timescape";VOY: "Time and Again")

TR-580s were stored in most equipment lockers aboard Federation starships though it was common for personnel to keep them in theirquarters. (TNG: "Disaster", "The Game", "A Matter Of Time")

Starfleet sometimes distributed TR-580 model tricorders to Federation allied worlds, includingBajoran personnel onspace stationDeep Space 9. They could also be used by civilians, and were shippeden masse to areas in need, such as disaster sites. (TNG: "True Q";DS9: "Babel", "Tears of the Prophets")

The standard TR-580 could function as a makeshift medical tricorder if necessary, although not all medical personnel were happy to do this. (TNG: "Time's Arrow, Part II";DS9: "Emissary";VOY: "Caretaker")

Individuals were instructed in the use of the TR-580 by reading thetricorder operations manual. (VOY: "Phage")

Red tricorder[]

A variety of the standard tricorder appeared inUSSVoyager'ssickbay in the year2371. Five tricorders of this type were included in little alcoves behind the threebiobeds and to the left and right of the main entry to sickbay. (VOY: "Eye of the Needle") In2372, these tricorders were replaced byPADDs. Similar tricorders were included in the same locations in sickbay aboard theUSSEnterprise-E in2373.

Medical tricorder[]

Seemedical tricorder.

The medical version of the TR-580 tricorder was able to project holographic information and recordings, including those based on programs composed of algorithmic data collected from varying DNA strands crafted by ahighly advanced civilisation. One such use case was onVilmor II in 2369, where a scan oflichen growing in an ancient seabed resulted in the completion of a previously-stored partial DNA-based program, and its holographic playback from the tricorder. Holographic projection was used rarely, due possibly to substantial battery drainage. (TNG: "The Chase")

2370s[]

TR-590 Tricorder X[]

Standard tricorder[]

Succeeding the TR-580 Tricorder VII, the TR-590 Mark X tricorder was introduced sometime during2371 (VOY: "Relativity", "Fury", "Shattered") and was used alongside the previous version until2372. (VOY Season 1) It featured nearly identical control interfaces. The entire unit, however, was streamlined and made much smaller, featuring a more angular design. (DS9: "The Way of the Warrior";VOY: "Initiations") These tricorders were stored in most equipment lockers on board the USSVoyager. (VOY: "Relativity")

The Mark X tricorder could still function after being underwater. (DS9: "Rocks and Shoals";Star Trek: Insurrection) It could also function in hostile environments such as temperatures of 500Kelvin, (VOY: "Demon") the upperatmosphere of a planet, (VOY: "Rise") and planets sufferingnuclear winter. (VOY: "Friendship One")

The upper component of the TR-590 was capable of interfacing with a Starfleetdesktop monitor and projecting a recorded image from the tricorder onto the screen. (VOY: "Timeless") The Mark X tricorder could also upload data it acquired remotely to a Federation starship. (VOY: "Initiations", "Future's End", "Year of Hell", "Equinox", "Good Shepherd")

The Mark X tricorder could be prevented from attaining credible readings when subjected to concentratedthoronparticles, a trick devised by theMaquis. (VOY: "Basics, Part II")

While theUSSEnterprise was in the year2063, Captain Picard linked aBorgneural processor directly to a tricorder to learn of the Borg's plans to transform thedeflector dish of theEnterprise into aninterplexing beacon. (Star Trek: First Contact)

After an incident with the timeshipAeon threwVoyager back to20th centuryEarth,CaptainKathryn Janeway used a tricorder of this type to to access secured files on acomputer atChronowerx Industries. (VOY: "Future's End")

Thesubspace waveguide in a tricorder of this model could be easily configured to generate a dispersion signal, preventingtransporter lock. While under the influence oferrant subroutines,The Doctor used a tricorder to preventVoyager from locating him after he abductedKes. (VOY: "Darkling")

Scans from this tricorder created anelectrostatic cascade when interacting with chargedmethogenic particles. This would cause the particles to ignite. This occurred when aVoyageraway team boarded a damagedMalonexport vessel flooded with methogenic particles, preventing use of tricorders during the mission. (VOY: "Juggernaut")

The Mark X tricorder was reportedly heavy for its size as indicated byB'Elanna Torres when she received a small gift fromTuvok during aholodeck generatedbaby shower. Torres asked if it was her child's first tricorder as the gift was small yet heavy. (VOY: "Human Error")

Medical tricorder[]

Seemedical tricorder.

Wrist tricorder[]

A model of tricorder mounted in a arm/wrist brace was used in conjunction with holographic isolation suits during theStarfleet mission to theBa'ku planet in2375. (Star Trek: Insurrection)

2379[]

TR-590 Tricorder XI[]

The TR-590 Tricorder Mark XI was used concurrently with a new tricorder design that was also seen in2379. (Star Trek Nemesis)

New tricorder[]

Introduced as late as2379, yet another iteration of Starfleet tricorder departed from the distinct, flip-open style preceding it.

Distinguished by a slim, PADD-like appearance, the tricorder in use aboard such Starfleet vessels as theEnterprise-E in the late2370s featured a large touchscreen interface. Silver in color, it was trimmed with black pads at the bottom and sides, with several buttons at the top. These buttons could be covered by a small hinged door, lined with indicator lights.

Among common data-gathering tasks, this version tricorder could be used to interface with starship systems including force field control.

The medical tricorder of the same make was identical. (Star Trek Nemesis)

2380s[]

Purple-Striped Tricorder[]

The purple-striped tricorder was introduced in2380, and featured a thick purple stripe running down its front and back. Similar In function to other flip-open Starfleet tricorders, these were looked upon as fancier. EnsignBeckett Mariner requested a sentient energy sphere to make one for her, threatening to imprison it in a canister otherwise. (LD: "Envoys")

USS Protostar[]

TheUSSProtostar was equipped with a type of collapsible tricorder. (PRO: "Dream Catcher", et al.)

Alternate tricorders[]

Tricorders have appeared in variousalternate timelines.

Alternate reality[]

In thealternate reality, the tricorder of the2250s resembled its prime reality counterpart but was a smaller handheld device.Spock used the tricorder to activate acold fusion device in the heart of avolcano onNibiru in2259. (Star Trek Into Darkness)

2404[]

In a timeline erased due to the actions ofAdmiralKathryn Janeway, a new version of the tricorder was in use by the year2404.

An extension of the Mark X model, this tricorder featured the familiar hinged cover design, but contained more touch control surfaces in place of toggle switches. The casing was black or dark-gray. (VOY: "Endgame")

2800s[]

During a possible version of the29th century, the crew of theUSSRelativity used a slim and sleek version of the tricorder, labeled a TR-890 Tricorder XV.Seven of Nine was given a TR-890 as she hunted for atemporal disruptor hidden onVoyager by CaptainBraxton. (VOY: "Relativity")

In addition to the TR-890, a smaller, palm-sized device was in use during this period.Henry Starling found one aboard theAeon and carried it with him at all times. He used it in an attempt to escapeVoyager'stransporter when the ship tried to retrieve theAeon in1996. (VOY: "Future's End, Part II")

32nd century[]

Tricom badge[]

By the32nd century, the tricorder had become holographic. The technology for the tricorder had been miniaturized to the point where it could be included with other functions in thetricom badge. Activation and deactivation of the tricorder was triggered byhandgestures. (DIS: "Scavengers")

Appendices[]

Background information[]

In 2012,Scanadu announced the SCOUT, which has been described as the real-life tricorder. The US$150 device can show one's temperature, respiratory rate, electrocardiography, blood pressure (systolic, diastolic), stress and oximetry levels by scanning a person's left temple.[4]

Mike Lazaridis, inventor of theBlackBerry, has set up a fund to make the tricorder a reality using quantum technology.[5]

Apocrypha[]

In the future2400's timeline ofStar Trek Online, tricorders are shown to have a more hinged design reminiscent of the Mark VI through X designs, including removable scanners. To perform various tasks,Starfleet,Klingon Defense Force andRomulan personnel all use tricorders in conjunction with other equipment (both worn and carried) capable of projecting "floating"holographic interfaces.