Starfleet Tricorders (2390s)

Created by Captain Aviram Drell on Tue Aug 6th, 2019 @ 1:01am

Overview

The Starfleet tricorder is the versatile, portable sensing device developed by Starfleet R&D specifically for use by Federation Starfleet personnel.

Tricorders are outfitted with the latest cutting-edge sensory and emitter technology. The basic functions of a tricorder involved collecting data via a variety of sensors, analyzing and processing the data via a compact onboard computer system, and presenting it to the user via a visual display and/or auditory cue.

TR-590 Tricorder Mark X

Over the years, Starfleet has used many different models of tricorder. The standard model in use during the early 2370s was the TR-590 Tricorder Mark X.

TR-590 Tricorder Mark X (introduced cir. 2370s)

This tricorder unit was nearly identical in physical design and control interfaces as the earlier TR-560 Tricorder Mark VI and TR-580 Tricorder Mark VII. However, it was streamlined and made much smaller than its predecessors with a much more angular design. A durable casing of duritanium allowed the TR-590 to function in otherwise hostile environments such as underwater, temperatures of five-hundred degrees Kelvin, the upper atmosphere of a planet, and planets suffering nuclear winters.

The TR-590 was capable of performing a variety of tasks ranging from recording time trials to playing holographic messages. They featured directory structures and built-in universal translators to facilitate organization and analysis of sensor data. Sensor emissions from TR-590s were reported to cause unpredictable changes in certain temporal distortions. To prevent such interference with other objects, the TR-590 could be configured to perform passive scans or even be locked into a continuous scan, thereby recording data even when stowed. Data acquired during both passive and active scans could be uploaded remotely to a Federation starship, starbase, or other planetary installation.

The TR-590 was also capable of interfacing with a variety of other computer systems including non-Starfleet networks and could even be linked with other tricorder units to form a small, independent network.

TR-610 Tricorder Mark XII

The TR-610 Tricorder Mark XII was introduced in 2379 as successor to the earlier TR-590 Tricorder Mark X.

TR-610 Tricorder Mark XII (introduced cir. 2379)

This tricorder unit represented yet another iteration of Starfleet tricorder design. Instead of the distinct flip-open style of its predecessors, the TR-610 adopted a more slim PADD-like appearance as developments in touch screen technology had made them robust enough to deal with field conditions. It was silver in color, trimmed with black pads along the bottom and sides, with several buttons across the top. These buttons could be covered by a small, hinged door lined with indicator lights. A durable casing made of duritanium still allowed the TR-610 to function in otherwise hostile environments such as underwater, temperatures of five-hundred degrees Kelvin, the upper atmosphere of a planet, and planets suffering nuclear winters.

The TR-610 was capable of performing a variety of tasks equal to and even greater than that of its predecessors including the ability to easily interface with starship systems such as force-field control. Like its predecessors, the TR-560 was capable of interfacing with a variety of computer systems including non-Starfleet networks and could even be linked with other tricorder units to form a small, independent network.

TR-620 Tricorder Mark XIII

The TR-620 Tricorder Mark XIII was introduced in the late 2380s as successor to the TR-610 Tricorder Mark XII.

TR-620 Tricorder Mark XIII (introduced cir. 2380s)	TR-620 Tricorder Mark XIII (Medical "Variant")

This tricorder unit marks a return to the familiar hinged cover design while at the same time containing more touch-control surfaces in place of toggle switches. A dark-grey, durable casing made of duritanium allows the TR-620 to function in otherwise hostile environments such as underwater, temperatures of five-hundred degrees Kelvin, the upper atmosphere of a planet, and planets suffering nuclear winters.

The TR-620 is capable of performing a variety of tasks equal to and even greater than that of its predecessors. Like earlier tricorder units, the TR-620 can interface with a variety of computer systems including non-Starfleet networks. It also has the ability to link with other tricorder units to form a small, independent network.

A separate medical “variant” was introduced alongside the TR-620 with essentially the same available features and interface. The major difference between the two versions is the addition of a small antenna scanner capable of providing detailed scans of an entire individual or giving focus to a single area. It is not necessary to use the scanner for the medical TR-620 to function.



Sources

Tricorder Images: from Memory Alpha
Tricorder Descriptions: adapted from Memory Alpha and USS Theurgy Wiki

Updated: 08/05/2019