display – play – control

Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver

Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver universal remote

(This product is no longer in production)

The Wand Company’s classic, Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver universal remote control is a beautifully designed and highly detailed working replica of the Eleventh Doctor’s iconic gadget. It has been carefully fabricated from a mix of copper plated die-cast metal, engineering plastics and soft-touch, leather-effect, thermoplastic rubber to give a truly realistic product.

Its seamless construction mimics that of Matt Smith’s own hero prop and the die-cast metal components make sure that it feels weighty in the hand. Complete with its covered stand, FX Mode with 11 different sonic buzzes, beeps and scanning sounds from the universe of Doctor Who, and its automatic Morse code broadcast every hour, the Wand Company’s Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver redefines the fit, feel and functionality of prop replicas.

The Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is an advanced gesture-based remote control that is compatible with almost all home entertainment equipment worldwide, such as iPod docks, TVs and Blu-ray players.

Hand-polished metal parts: nickel and brass-plated die-cast details

Bright illuminated tip: lights up in use and pulses when in standby

Personal Lock Code: can be locked to prevent unauthorised use

Guided Setup: Speech Teach, tells you how to use it with spoken prompts

FX Mode: Authentic special FX sounds from the Whoniverse at the press of a button

Advanced gesture recognition: 13 gestures in three memory banks means that 39 remote control codes can be stored

Morse coded phrases: automatic broadcast of 11 of the Eleventh Doctor’s special catchphrases

Stand and blueprint manual: High-quality presentation display case with crystal clear cover

attention to detail

11th Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver close up of stitching detail on grip

From the minute you lift the Sonic Screwdriver out and turn it over in your hands you’ll see that it’s finished with the most exciting details guaranteed to make any Whovian’s heart race, from the moulded stitching detail on the leatherette grip to the mix of its copper plated metal and UV lacquer glazed handle, it’s beautiful.

quality materials

11th Doctors Sonic Screwdriver close up bakelite handle

Hand polished, copper plated die castings, an authentic mixture of rubber, precision moulded engineering plastic and stove enamelled zinc are all brought together to create an exceptionally well-finished Series 7+ replica that not only looks great, but really feels like it means business.

extra features

close up of 11th Doctor's Sonic bright tip glowing

Eleven Whoniverse sounds, eleven special Morse coded messages from The Doctor himself, broadcast on the hour every hour and its own display case – whether you have just discovered Doctor Who or have been hooked since you were a kid, this Sonic Screwdriver is something that you just have to own.

the fantasy made real

text detail under the stand of the 11th Doctors Sonic Screwdriver

Have you ever dreamed of owning a real working Sonic Screwdriver? Delve into the manual spread out in front of you, as if by the Eleventh Doctor himself. Study the blueprint to find out the sonic’s vital statistics including its length in light years and its real world temporal dilation factor, and you will realise that at last your dream has come true.

The Wand Company’s unique gesture-based remote control technology brings the fantasy to life

This Series 7+ Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control is not a toy: it is an advanced, gesture based universal remote control, designed to control almost all home entertainment equipment worldwide such as TVs, DVD players, Blu-ray players and iPod docks, using infrared codes learned from conventional remote controls by the means of gestures rather than by pressing buttons. A total of 13 different gestures and three separate memory banks enable this Sonic Screwdriver to learn up to 39 remote control functions. At the press of a button, the Sonic Screwdriver’s tip illuminates and the Sonic Screwdriver produces one of eleven different sonic beeps, buzzes and scanning sounds from the universe of Doctor Who.

In FX Mode, if the Sonic Screwdriver is left motionless, it flashes its tip every two seconds. After one minute it runs a system diagnostic and broadcasts a Morse coded message to say that it is alright. After that, as long as it remains motionless, every 1963 flashes (that’s just about every hour or so) the Sonic Screwdriver wakes up and broadcasts one of eleven different catchphrases of the Eleventh Doctor in Morse code.

The Sonic is powered by AAA batteries which deliver months of fun between changes.

Programming the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver by learning the codes from a standard remote control is easy

programming 12th Doctor's sonic

To program the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver, enter Programming Mode and perform the desired gesture; the Sonic Screwdriver will say which gesture has been done, then the emitter will glow steady green to signify that it is waiting to receive the IR code (that’s button press) from a normal remote control. Hold a normal remote control about 1” (2.5cm) from the tip of the Sonic Screwdriver while it is glowing green, and briefly press and release the original remote control button for the function you want to program on to that gesture. It’s that easy!

What people said about our Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver

The Press

Pocket-lint: A true show stopper

One of the stars of Comic-Con in San Diego this year [2102] was quintessentially British, built with love, care and attention to detail, and a fully functional gadget to boot. The Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control was a true show-stopper…

Possibly most important thing to talk about is the build quality of the device. It’s no word of a lie that when we first picked one up for real, we were more than pleasantly surprised. There is nothing tacky or cheap about The Wand Company’s latest product…

Considering the number of Doctor Who fans worldwide, The Wand Company has crafted a winner here.”

Radio Times: This is a quality replica

There’s a sound Doctor Who fans will make when they first pick up the new Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver universal remote control – halfway between an “Ooh!” of pleasure and an “Ah!” of revelation. The heft in the hand; the smooth grip of the Bakelite handle; the solidity of the metal frame: this is a quality replica. If it wasn’t a TV remote control, most Doctor Who fans would still want one. But it is…

MTV: An essential tool for watching Doctor Who

When we heard we’d have the chance to demo one this morning at BBC America’s booth at San Diego Comic-Con, we dropped our fish sticks and custard, and whooped a happy “Geronimo!”. The Screwdriver, first of all, is an incredibly detailed and authentic recreation of the Eleventh Doctor’s favorite tool. Not only has each piece been lovingly recreated, this thing has heft. It doesn’t feel like a shoddy plastic toy, and given the nearly $100 price tag, that’s a good thing. But the care doesn’t stop there… We got a cool tease that pretty much pushed this from awesome, usable collectible into the geeky stratosphere. Beyond the basic functions, this Sonic Screwdriver has tons of Easter Eggs you’ll find the more you play with it. You can imagine fans can spend hours figuring this thing out… And I think this just became an essential tool for watching Doctor Who.

SlashGear: Be prepared to be greatly impressed

If you’re a fan of Doctor Who, be prepared to be greatly impressed.

Blogtor Who: Hours of unabandoned pleasure this little beauty

I think the question of what every Who fan is getting for Christmas this year has already been answered….

Hello, Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control!

… For any Who fan the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control is the ultimate gift – a sonic that can actually do something useful. The unadulterated joy and hours of unabandoned pleasure this little beauty will bring is immeasurable. It’s not a toy, but a tool; a tool that will light up your entertainment area no end with movement and imagination.

Engadget: The Wand Company have you covered

Ever wished you too could make use of the awesome powers that lie within Matt Smith’s Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver? … The Wand Company have you covered if an IR-packing replica universal remote sounds good enough.

CNET: Sci-fi magic happens

The sci-fi magic happens when you use the remote’s gesture-based command system… You’ll certainly feel like an advanced alien with two hearts and a strong British accent when you wield your mighty sonic screwdriver to turn up the volume on BBC America.

Mashable: It's dead-on perfect

Sometimes a product tie-in with a TV show or movie is pretty poorly thought out (Star Trek waffles, anyone?). And sometimes it’s dead-on perfect, as in the case of this gesture-based remote control modeled after the “sonic screwdriver” that the title character on BBC’s Doctor Who carries around. I found the sonic screwdriver remote control to be a genius pairing of fictional item with real product. It’s clear the creators took great care to emulate the screwdriver in the show, and it has a great metallic build.

Doctor Who TV: Wonder no more

Have you ever looked at your TV remote and thought “Ooh, this could be a little more sonic”? Well wonder no more.

Our customers

Even Better than what's seen on the show

My hobby is restoring sci-fi sets and props, and it’s a constant battle to respect the art of the original non-interactive “on set” prop while adding enough electronics to make the restored piece as impressive as what was seen on screen with post-production sound effects and graphics.

With this Sonic Screwdriver remote, the Wand Company has really done the impossible; they have a prop that is about 95% accurate to the hero hand-built brass pieces on set, while the electronics inside make for a piece that is EVEN BETTER than what’s seen on the show.”

First off, it's beautiful

First off, it is BEAUTIFUL! The plating is flawless and the sonic has a nice weight to it. It looks and feels like a Gallifreyan tool! I have had endless hours of satisfaction using it as a remote for my DVD and TV. My 13 year old daughter thinks it’s the coolest thing ever to have a “working sonic screwdriver”!

The most amazing invention since the fez

The most amazing invention since the fez! Easy to program using a remote, tricky but not too difficult to learn the gestures as the screwdriver is sensitive to movement. Multiple modes including a Practice Mode and FX Mode. Multiple sound effects and works flawlessly.

If you are a Doctor Who fan, then this is a must

If you are a Doctor Who fan, then this is a must. The Sonic Screwdriver by the Wand Company exceeds on all fronts. The craftsman ship is great and it really does what it is supposed to do. When you take a fictional prop from a fantasy show or movie and try to make it real, it rarely ever works out the way it should. I am happy to say that this is the exception. The screwdriver is constructed out of metal and plastic. The copper on it is real copper plating! It is heavy and feels like a real tool, rather than a toy. I would even say it is heirloom quality.

I've wanted this since it came out

I’ve wanted this since it came out but put it on my Christmas wish list. This remote does not disappoint – very high quality materials and technology – what else would you expect from “The Doctor”

A real work of advanced technology

The look and weighty feel of this device lets you know it is not merely a toy. With copper, rubber, and seemingly porcelain parts, this could easily pass as not only a prop, but a real work of advanced technology. It takes a little practice to get the motion controls down, but once you do, it becomes second nature. This is beyond “playing Doctor”, this isn’t make-believe, this is a fully functional tool, just like the real sonic screwdriver. If you can afford its price at all, I would highly recommend it! You will not be disappointed.

This has to be one of the best items I have ever seen

This has to be one of the best items that I have ever seen, not only a faithfully reproduction of the Good Doctor’s favourite device, but it really works as well !! DVD, TV, Stereo, iPad dock … the list goes on, for the purists out there, the copper coating does appear a bit to flashy, but do not let that detract you, buy one !!! I absolutely love it !!

My Timelord is pleased, so am I

I bought the sonic for my boyfriend as a one year anniversary gift. Listening to him gleefully changing the channels on our TV was worth every penny. Every Timelord must have her or his sonic. My Timelord is pleased, so am I.

THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER BOUGHT

THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER BOUGHT!!!!! It is so cool, I feel just like a time lord! I want another but I don’t need one because this remotes has 3 memory banks! Just a tip write out what each motion means before you program it so you don’t forget them.

The Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is packed with features that enrich the owning experience, making it perfect for Whovians of all ages

In FX Mode the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic screwdriver is always ready for action. It’s tip flashes while it is motionless, but push it forwards (push gesture) and it automatically makes the classic sonic buzz and the tip lights, just as if The Doctor was using it. Use any of the motion gestures or a double button press to access another twelve buzzes, beeps, scanning sounds and Formasi words from the universe of Doctor Who, or leave the Sonic Screwdriver on its covered display stand to send out one of 11 Morse coded phrases from the Eleventh Doctor.

The Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver has an electronic locking facility and can be locked to prevent unauthorised use. Pressing the button rapidly four times activates the Locking mode and allows a three digit code to be entered. After the code has been entered the Sonic Screwdriver will lock and the code will need to be entered each time it is used. Whilst the Sonic Screwdriver is unlocked, the code can be erased and the Lock Code function disabled.

Image gallery

Frequently-asked questions

Even though we don’t make the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver any more, you might still be able to buy one from some retailers, or you might already have one and want to find some answers to a question you have about it. Of course you can always get in contact with us, but as we’re a small team and busy developing the next products, why not look down this list of frequently-asked questions to find answers that will help first.

For further information on the features and operation of the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver please see our online version of the full user manual, or you can download a printer friendly PDF version of the manual.

Will the Sonic Screwdriver work with my equipment?

The Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is compatible with almost all makes of home audio-visual equipment around the world, such as TVs, DVD players, hi-fis and set-top boxes. Please note that the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver only works with infra-red (IR) remote controls, not radio-frequency (RF) remotes, and that the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is not compatible with Bang & Olufsen equipment.

Can the Sonic Screwdriver perform all functions of my remote control?

No, the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is not a full replacement for your standard remote control. However, with 13 gestures and three memory banks, it can learn the infra-red (IR) codes from 39 of the buttons on your existing remote controls. This is enough for you to have some fun performing controlling your home entertainment equipment. You can over-write any of the 39 functions with new IR codes at any time, if you change your mind about the functions that you want the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver to perform.

Is the Sonic Screwdriver easy to use?

Like any sensitive instrument, it takes a bit of practice to master the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver. Some trainee companions seem to be natural time lords and fair well without the psychic interface and can zap TVs and iPod docks into silence with it straight away, but for most trainees, about ten minutes’ practice is required to get the hang of the different movement gestures. Please note that the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver does require quite precise hand movements to perform the gestures, so we do not recommend it as a remote control for the elderly or infirm.

What batteries does the Sonic Screwdriver use?

The Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver uses two AAA (LR03) batteries. Batteries are not supplied with the product and must be inserted before first use. Always use Alkaline batteries and never mix old and new batteries. Do not use zinc-carbon batteries (which are often labelled “extra heavy duty” or similar) are much less powerful and don’t cope well with the large bursts of energy used when transmitting infrared (IR) codes.

Make sure to insert the batteries the correct way round, i.e. with the positive pips facing into the Sonic Screwdriver battery compartment, and make sure that you align the two white dots on the housing halves when you reassemble the Sonic.

Note that this product will not work with rechargeable batteries, which have a reduced voltage (1.2V compared with 1.5V for alkaline batteries).

Is the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver a “screen-accurate” replica?

No, although the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control (URC) is close to the real thing, it is not a fully accurate screen replica. There are detail differences between the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control and the prop that is used on the TV show which help make the Sonic Screwdriver URC more manufacturable and considerably less expensive than the accurate replicas, which can cost as much as $4,000 US dollars. The most noticeable differences are:

Tip material swirl

The Sonic Screwdriver URC tip is made from a solid translucent colour injection moulded polycarbonate. The colour is a close match to the prop, but does not have the original lighter swirling pattern in it.

The shape of the clasp assembly, and the upper and lower cage

The metallic parts are manufactured using a diecasting process rather than being individually hand machined, as a result the shape of the clasps, the upper and lower cage have been changed slightly to make them possible to cast.

The lack of brass rivets

As rivets were not needed in the Sonic Screwdriver URC design, to keep manufacturing costs down, fake brass rivet features were incorporated into the lower cage moulding.

Shape of the cover ring

This is perhaps the most noticeable difference between the hero prop and The Sonic Screwdriver URC. The Sonic Screwdriver URC has to come apart so that the batteries can be changed. To avoid unsightly parting lines and fixing screws showing on the outside of the Sonic Screwdriver, the ideal place for this was in the middle, and the cover ring was used to hide the join. This provides an elegant solution but means that the cover ring has to taper less than this feature on the original prop.

The handle isn’t made from leather

Due to cost constraints, the handle could not be made in leather. The real prop also has a protruding button which Matt Smith uses to make the tip glow. The Sonic Screwdriver URC does not have this button, because as it is never shown in the TV show we did not think that it was intended to be part of the overall look of the device.

There is no end cap with secret button

The end button of the Sonic Screwdriver URC is a key part of its operation and we considered that covering it with a cap would make it awkward to use, so the end cap was removed. As the button is also the power button and users may want to carry their Sonic Screwdriver in their pockets, the design was modified to make the end button flush with the handle end so as to avoid accidental pressing.

It is slightly lighter than the prop.

Although the Sonic Screwdriver does feel nice and heavy in the hand, it is in fact lighter than the screen prop (218 g compared to around 283 g for the original prop). This is because the original is a more solid construction, without the space inside to house the electronics and batteries.

Can I program my Sonic if I have lost my original remote?

No. The Sonic Screwdriver is a learning remote and you have to teach it the infra-red (IR) codes from your original remote control(s).

Will the Sonic Screwdriver forget the programmed codes if I let the battery completely run down?

No, the codes are not erased when the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver batteries are run down nor when the Sonic Screwdriver is opened to change the batteries. The Sonic Screwdriver will retain the remote control codes it has learned even if it is left with no batteries in it for a long period.

Can I buy an Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver universal remote control?

We no longer make the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control. We have stopped restocking our retailers. That doesn’t mean that some Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Remote Controls might not be available to buy out there somewhere, so if you want one, do a Google Search, and let’s hope you get lucky.

Frequently-asked questions

Even though we don’t make the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver any more, you might still be able to buy one from some retailers, or you might already have one and want to find some answers to a question you have about it. Of course you can always get in contact with us, but as we’re a small team and busy developing the next products, why not look down this list of frequently-asked questions to find answers that will help first.

For further information on the features and operation of the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver please see our online version of the full user manual, or you can download a printer friendly PDF version of the manual.

Will the Sonic Screwdriver work with my equipment?

The Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is compatible with almost all makes of home audio-visual equipment around the world, such as TVs, DVD players, hi-fis and set-top boxes. Please note that the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver only works with infra-red (IR) remote controls, not radio-frequency (RF) remotes, and that the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is not compatible with Bang & Olufsen equipment.

Can the Sonic Screwdriver perform all functions of my remote control?

No, the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver is not a full replacement for your standard remote control. However, with 13 gestures and three memory banks, it can learn the infra-red (IR) codes from 39 of the buttons on your existing remote controls. This is enough for you to have some fun performing controlling your home entertainment equipment. You can over-write any of the 39 functions with new IR codes at any time, if you change your mind about the functions that you want the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver to perform.

Is the Sonic Screwdriver easy to use?

Like any sensitive instrument, it takes a bit of practice to master the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver. Some trainee companions seem to be natural time lords and fair well without the psychic interface and can zap TVs and iPod docks into silence with it straight away, but for most trainees, about ten minutes’ practice is required to get the hang of the different movement gestures. Please note that the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver does require quite precise hand movements to perform the gestures, so we do not recommend it as a remote control for the elderly or infirm.

What batteries does the Sonic Screwdriver use?

The Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver uses two AAA (LR03) batteries. Batteries are not supplied with the product and must be inserted before first use. Always use Alkaline batteries and never mix old and new batteries. Do not use zinc-carbon batteries (which are often labelled “extra heavy duty” or similar) are much less powerful and don’t cope well with the large bursts of energy used when transmitting infrared (IR) codes.

Make sure to insert the batteries the correct way round, i.e. with the positive pips facing into the Sonic Screwdriver battery compartment, and make sure that you align the two white dots on the housing halves when you reassemble the Sonic.

Note that this product will not work with rechargeable batteries, which have a reduced voltage (1.2V compared with 1.5V for alkaline batteries).

Is the Twelfth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver a “screen-accurate” replica?

No, although the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control (URC) is close to the real thing, it is not a fully accurate screen replica. There are detail differences between the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control and the prop that is used on the TV show which help make the Sonic Screwdriver URC more manufacturable and considerably less expensive than the accurate replicas, which can cost as much as $4,000 US dollars. The most noticeable differences are:

Tip material swirl

The Sonic Screwdriver URC tip is made from a solid translucent colour injection moulded polycarbonate. The colour is a close match to the prop, but does not have the original lighter swirling pattern in it.

The shape of the clasp assembly, and the upper and lower cage

The metallic parts are manufactured using a diecasting process rather than being individually hand machined, as a result the shape of the clasps, the upper and lower cage have been changed slightly to make them possible to cast.

The lack of brass rivets

As rivets were not needed in the Sonic Screwdriver URC design, to keep manufacturing costs down, fake brass rivet features were incorporated into the lower cage moulding.

Shape of the cover ring

This is perhaps the most noticeable difference between the hero prop and The Sonic Screwdriver URC. The Sonic Screwdriver URC has to come apart so that the batteries can be changed. To avoid unsightly parting lines and fixing screws showing on the outside of the Sonic Screwdriver, the ideal place for this was in the middle, and the cover ring was used to hide the join. This provides an elegant solution but means that the cover ring has to taper less than this feature on the original prop.

The handle isn’t made from leather

Due to cost constraints, the handle could not be made in leather. The real prop also has a protruding button which Matt Smith uses to make the tip glow. The Sonic Screwdriver URC does not have this button, because as it is never shown in the TV show we did not think that it was intended to be part of the overall look of the device.

There is no end cap with secret button

The end button of the Sonic Screwdriver URC is a key part of its operation and we considered that covering it with a cap would make it awkward to use, so the end cap was removed. As the button is also the power button and users may want to carry their Sonic Screwdriver in their pockets, the design was modified to make the end button flush with the handle end so as to avoid accidental pressing.

It is slightly lighter than the prop.

Although the Sonic Screwdriver does feel nice and heavy in the hand, it is in fact lighter than the screen prop (218 g compared to around 283 g for the original prop). This is because the original is a more solid construction, without the space inside to house the electronics and batteries.

Can I program my Sonic Screwdriver if I have lost my original remote?

No. The Sonic Screwdriver is a learning remote and you have to teach it the infra-red (IR) codes from your original remote control(s).

Will the Sonic Screwdriver forget the programmed codes if I let the battery completely run down?

No, the codes are not erased when the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver batteries are run down nor when the Sonic Screwdriver is opened to change the batteries. The Sonic Screwdriver will retain the remote control codes it has learned even if it is left with no batteries in it for a long period.

Can I buy an Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver universal remote?

We no longer make the Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote Control. We have stopped restocking our retailers. That doesn’t mean that some Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Remote Controls might not be available to buy out there somewhere, so if you want one, do a Google Search, and let’s hope you get lucky.

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