(This news update was first emailed on May 13th, 2025 to fans who had registered an interest in finding out more about our Tricorder.)
Captain’s Log supplemental, star date 0512.25
“Spock has discovered the Bessent-Lifeng protocol which we understand has significantly diminished the subspace tariff anomaly. We don’t know exactly how long the reprieve will last, but our information suggests that there is a 90 day window of opportunity. Scotty is preparing to beam down supplies to the desperate inhabitants of the planet below.”
Scott, four (master cartons) to beam down
Back on planet Earth once again
What a difference a weekend can make.
I have a question that is not answered here, should I email you?
Err… please try not to, we are a small team and working hard to bring this gorgeous product to you. I understand that you are desperate for more information, but please carefully read all the emails that we have sent and hopefully the picture will be clear as to what we are doing.
What does the reduced tariff on bulk imports mean to me?
If you live in the US, quite a lot. The 145% tariff on goods manufactured in China imported to the US has been temporarily reduced to 30%. This means we can start shipping in bulk to the US immediately and, as soon as we are able, make the product available to our US customers through Amazon US.
If I live in the US, can I still buy the Tricorder from Amazon UK?
No, at the moment none of our products are available for US customers from our Amazon UK listing. While the de minimis tariffs for shipments under $800 in value has reduced to 54%, Amazon UK has currently paused shipments to the US. Due to the fact that it will not be possible for Amazon UK to ship our products to the US, when we send out our next “invite to purchase” email, we will not be sending it out to any of our US customers.
I live in the US – when will I be able to get my Tricorder?
The reduced bulk tariffs come into force tomorrow [Wednesday 14th May]. As you can imagine, companies worldwide have had their shipments on hold since the tariffs were increased and are now all going to want to ship to the US at the same time. We will do our best to start airfreighting Tricorders to the US as soon as possible. Once they arrive there will be a wait while the stock is loaded into Amazon US.
I live in the US – will I actually ever be able to buy a Tricorder?
YES. We will be diverting the next few shipments to the US and we believe that there will be enough Tricorders for everyone that wants one to buy one. All our customers are important to us and we are doing our best to ensure that everyone gets their chance to purchase a Tricorder at the best price we can offer.
With the reduced tariff how much will my Tricorder cost?
The margins we have on the Tricorder manufacture are already thin and so we are not able to absorb the entire cost of the 30% tariff. As a result the cost of the Tricorders in the US will rise to $415.
But I don’t live in the US – when can I get my Tricorder?
We have now loaded the first wave of Tricorders into stock in Amazon UK and are ready to turn on the listing again for all our non-US customers worldwide. Please stand by for the next “invite to purchase” email, which we will be sending out later today. As mentioned above, since Amazon UK is not able to send our products to the US at the moment, we will not be sending out the invitation to any of our US customers.
I don’t live in the US – how much will my Tricorder cost?
If you are buying a Tricorder from Amazon UK, the price remains the same at £270, plus taxes (such as VAT), shipping and any relevant import duties if you live outside the UK.
What can I do while I wait?
Well, if you missed it last time, the Captain’s Log archive is still waiting for you to browse.
Also, why not look back at the Tricorder Blog which started way back in 2021?
Until the next email, live long and prosper.
Thx
Chris
Fans who register with us will be the first to read our news and the progress of this exciting Tricorder development and, later, where and when to purchase it. You can catch up with the story so far here on this blog, but if you haven’t already done so, why not register your interest in the Tricorder – you’ll then receive a personalised registration certificate and early access to these updates (before we publish them on our website).
Thank you for keeping us informed.
Got the email and was sold out when I went to site. Notice a lot on ebay. On Amazon is there something in place to stop people buying more than one per person.
We are loading more stock into Amazon. There are a few on eBay. Don’t buy one from eBay, wait for our stock to be ready to purchase again
Is it the same email link?
It’s June now and each time I’ve gone to Amazon UK to purchase and have went to DE, it’s been sold out. Scalpers and snipers are selling them all over eBay. Will there be another run? Or did we miss our window?
You did not miss your window. There have been delays getting our stock into Amazon ready to send out another invite. Have a scan down this thread to see the story so far. Only <1200 or so Pip-Boys have been sold and we have many thousands more complete and many of them have already been delivered to our warehouses in the UK and the US. We have been experiencing severe delays in the product showing as stocked on Amazon. A few of the tricorders sold are being sold on eBay, do not encourage those resellers by buying at inflated prices while the product is still being made and will be available shortly voa our approved channels. Thx
I had had the Phaser and 55th Anniversary communicator a couple of years back- but sold due to the fact I had a Space 1999 collection and didn’t want loads of merchandise- but my Space 1999 I sold off last month and lucky for me, this week, found what look like mint Phaser and 50th Anniversary communicator on Ebay and hope arrive tomorrow. The Phaser and Comm are works of art- my driver for sourcing and replacing the item I had but sold last year, is that the Tricorder looks amazing- how can you not buy one. I pre registered ages ago and like everyone else am waiting for stock. I would not go to Ebay and buy from someone profiting from Wand Company’s release of their product. Now that the Tricorder is out, I bet Phasers and Communicators are going to be like gold dust soon. I wonder if Phasers ever get re- released – the features on the Tricorder look totally amazing. When all three arrive, the boxes are going to be stored away very safe and all three will be out on display. Looks like a lot of hard work and time has been put into the product and Chris and the Wand Company have contributed to the legacy of Bill Shatner and the rest of the casts legacy, in a very important way and to the TOS fans, they are an amazing team, making and supplying their products.
Am I still registered?
Yes… everyone that registered is still registered unless one of two events has occurred, a) they have actively unsubscribed, b) they have pissed me off so greatly that I have summarily personally unsubscribed them*. If you don’t fall in to either of those categories, then yes, you are still registered… but just to make sure I checked, and yes you are.
*err… I am probably joking here, just saying!
lol! Thank you
You know what is insanely disappointing?
I was driving and when I got back to my desk and checked my email, I saw the email saying I could order the Tricorder. I saw this email at 1:24pm EDT. It had arrived in my inbox at 11:58am EDT. I followed the link only to be told it was sold out.
My question is, what was the point of sending us “certificates” letting us know where we were in line if it does not matter and someone elses can purchase the Tricorder.
I am seriously disappointed now.
many thousands of people registered their interest, so far we have only sold about 2,700 units, DSo it is likely that whenever you registered if it was a few days after we opened registration, that there were a large number of people that registered around your time or before you. More stock is coming in and I know it is frustrating, but you will get your chance.
The same thing happened to me, received the email to purchase time stamped this morning 1117am, saw message at 1158am, clicked the link only to be told there were none available.
Chris,
I really appreciate all the time you put in keeping us informed. Thank you, sir!
Eric.
Hi, I live in Canada. Will I be able to order the Tricorder from Amazon UK?
Thanks
goJetsgo
Yes, you will. Please ignore any nonsense from Amazon claiming otherwise, it’s just lack of stock that is causing those slightly unhelpful auto replies… we have had many units ship to Canada from Amazon UK
When I got my email to purchase the tricorder, I was very excited but I was unable to order to canada from the site, will this be rectified? how will this work?
🙁
I’m sorry about this. When Amazon says it can’t deliver to your country, what it really means is that it is our of stock. Amazon has delivered plenty of Tricorders to Canada and as soon as there is enough stock in Amazon, we will turn the listing back on and send another email out. Sorry you’re having to wait, I know that it is frustrating but we are moving more stock in as it is being made.
Thanks again Chris for your & your teams tireless effort. I was lucky enough to be sitting at my computer when the invite email popped up on Tuesday morning (May 13th). To my surprise, there was still stock and I promptly placed the order. My wife however not as lucky with the timing as 10 minutes later they were sold out so she will have to wait till the next batch. I suppose if I was a good husband, I would let her have mine 🙂
I just got the DHL confirmation it has shipped from the UK with an estimated delivery date to BC Canada of May 30th.
For any other Canadians who are interested in the final cost in CND dollars, here was the break down on my specific order:
Order Summary
Item(s) Subtotal:GBP 270.00
Postage & Packing: GBP 25.18
Total Before VAT:GBP 295.18
VAT: GBP 0.00
Total: GBP 295.18
Import Fees Deposit GBP 32.40
Grand Total: GBP 327.58
Payment Grand Total: CAD 619.78
Go up tho the bathroom now and take a long look at yourself in the mirror and repeat after me… “I am a good husband, I am a good husband”… you know it makes sense, you really do.
It’s not working Chris. When I look in the mirror, the guy looking back has manifested a tricorder, slung over his shoulder with a big stupid grin on his face. I’ll keep practicing, but Tricorder mania knows very little husbandly generosity thus far.
I ordered my Tricorder immediately I received the email and I’m glad to say I was able to purchase a Tricorder from Amazon UK. I’m based in the UK and it arrived the next day so I’m over the moon – what a fantastic collectable and I can see there has obviously been a lot of work put into the development of this fine piece of Star Trek history. I think I’ve pretty much managed to work out what does what and find all the hidden Gems lurking under the hood. However I have one small comment and that is the hood. There is a ratchet system employed to allow the hood to click open and close. Unfortunately what I’ve found is the hood doesn’t appear to fully close all the time and tends to pop open by a few millimetres. A gentle push down eventually holds it closed but this issue is more pronounced when inserting the Tricorder into the case and then it pops up when trying to close the flap. I’m very happy with my purchase but thought I’d just mention the above as it might perhaps just be a slight fault that is specific to my unit. Finally, it might be worth putting some information in the manual about the USB update in the service section. Was this included as future proofing for possible updates? It would be nice to understand what this feature is and whether it should be avoided at the moment – to avoid any unnecessary curious clicks! Many thanks Chris & the team for all your efforts of the last few months & years!
Thank you Chris. Do you have a rough time frame for US availability?
Please, please, please get someone to Shatner’s voice for “Captain’s Log supplemental, star date 0512.25” I could just hear the Captain’s voice in my ear as I read that up top. Thanks guys.
V/R
Dan
Canadian customer:
“This item cannot be dispatched to your selected delivery location. Please choose a different delivery location.” from Amazon UK
:'(
I though non-US customers was ok to go….
I am also really sorry that Amazon has confused the situation by rather unhelpfully telling you that they can’t ship to you. Amazon UK has shipped plenty of Tricorders to Canada and many other non-UK countries that are getting the same response, so that comment from Amazon is not accurate – it just means that the Tricorder is out of stock at the moment. We are loading more stock into Amazon UK to refill their warehouses and will be emailing you once again when the stock is ready for you to make your purchase at that time. I am really sorry for this added delay in your Tricorder ownership.
Thanks Chris it’s always difficult dealing with Amazon as a vendor. Great job with the updates to keep us informed
Hi Marin, fellow Canadian here who was able to place an order for the short time they were in stock on Tuesday (see comment above). Just another little tip when they are back in stock shortly and you try to place your order again; if you happen to have a PO box as your default shipping address in your Amazon account, that same “item cannot be dispatched to your selected delivery location” will pop up.
I got that message too originally and only once I changed my shipping address to my physical home address did the order go through. Amazon UK are sending it with DHL to my location in BC so I suspect that is the same for all Canadian addresses? Good thing since there is another Canada post strike looming next week.
I’ve never ordered anything from Amazon UK into Canada, so this is all new to me. I just hope DHL doesn’t also charge us some ridiculous import brokerage fee like it seems they always do on top of the Amazon UK Import Fees Deposit of 32.40 GBP (about $60 CND) that was automatically added onto the order?
Ok thanks for the info!… yeah I didn’t think about the customs brokerage fees…
Canada Shipping Update: It arrived a week early (May 22nd). No additional import charges – YaHoo! Was worried when DHL sent an update beginning of this week stating it had been handed over to Canada Post for the last leg of the journey to our remote area with the looming postal strike that is suppose to begin at 12:00 AM tonight! Got in just under the wire 🙂
No point stating how outstanding the Tricorder is; but honestly, until you have it in your hands and are able to appreciate it up close with tactile interaction, no video or photo does it justice. Outstand job Chris & your team. Can’t thank you enough for all your time and tireless efforts put into this monumental undertaking on such an iconic sci-fi prop. So worth the wait.
Canada is notorious for charging consumers an import duty for the smallest item. I once ordered a book ($25 study guide for an exam) from the US (10 years ago) and I ended up paying 100% import tax…paying $50 total. Instead of concentrating on big ticket items Canada post will allocate resources to go after every day consumer on small products.
You sure that was Canada post? That certainly doesn’t sound like any Canada Post import service I have ever received from the US or worldwide and I do a lot as a small business owner. Canada Post is actually very lenient with their import fees and won’t tack anything on an item that is under $40. Over $40, it’s hit and miss if they add on GST / PST but most of the time, if it’s under $100, they let it slide. The same can’t be said for any of the courier companies that bend us over backwards 100% of the time with charges on top of charges including GST, PST, processing/brokerage fees, and even fuel surcharges lately in our remote area regardless of the amount of the item.
Regardless, the Tricorder arrived safe & sound today as you can see from the above comment and no extra import fees were attached either by DHL or Canada Post so kudos to Amazon UK for getting that all sorted upfront, with no unpleasant surprises at time of delivery. Nicely packed too 🙂
It’s worth the wait, I promise! And if you have an accurate McCoy scanner, it fits perfectly in the tricorder’s cradle, even with the door closed. This thing is amazing. Some of us have been using the barometer and humidity sensor to track local weather!
It’s also frustrating to see more of them (6-7 today) appearing on eBay ranging in price from $800 – $2,000. So some of the recent batch seem to be making their way there, if people are willing to pay the eBay “tariff”.
I agree – I think it’s appalling that stock is being syphoned off to make some people a little richer. As Chris has said before there will be enough for everyone – we just have to be patient. Perhaps if everyone holds off for a legitimate Tricorder the ebay sellars will struggle to sell there overinflated goods. It’s fair enough to pay over the odds when something is no longer manufactured as you have no choice but at this point we all have the opportunity to do the right thing and order through the appropriate channels.
Scalpers gonna scalp. And they never get my money.
Chris, it’s been 2 days since you stated above that you’d be sending airfreight to Amazon here in the US. I don’t know how long it takes once Amazon receives the tricorders until they post them for sell. I’ve been checking several times a day and, as of now, they still don’t have any listed. Do you have any insight as to a guess of when Amazon will have them for sell? I’m worried that all will get sold, either by scalpers or customers before I find out they’re for sell.
Well, airfreight is not like sending a FedEx parcel. It is bulk shipment of one or two thousand Tricorders at a time. Freight has to be booked and then unpacked at the port of entry transit through customs, then trucked to the different Amazon warehouses before being finally loaded into stock in each distribution centre. This is not something that happens in a couple of days. Please allow at least a couple of weeks, maybe more. After the disruption caused by the fluidity of the tariff situation it will likely be a few weeks before things get back to normal. Everyone is working as quickly as possible to get Tricorders shipped and into place so that we can sell them.
It will be worth the wait, it will be worth the wait, it will be…
Best. Mike.
Thank you so much for that information, and for keeping all of us updated.
I had order 2 from Amazon UK and the were refused entry in Ohio and returned. DHL changed the tracking # which I gave to Amazon but as of yet I still have not been refunded anything
Apparently this happened to a few who purchased from the US. I would wait for an official invite next time. I’m sure you will get your refund eventually.
Missed the first UK batch of Tricorders, as I didn’t see my email until 6 hours afterwards.
Waiting patiently for a new invite for the next UK batch.
Waiting. Waiting…
I know we here in the USA are supposed to be getting a chance to buy a Tricorder eventually. Its just deflating to see all of these Tricorders all over ebay. More and more every day….
I’m guessing it’s people ordering more than one I’m sure Amazon can put something in place to restrict to one per customer. But guess some think they have more right than others and profit from fellow trekkies.
We have restricted the purchases to two per person after fans asked us to do this as some fans want to legitimately buy two. In the end though it is impossible restrict purchases as there are a number of ways anyone can confound a restrictive policy; registering multiple times, using different email addresses or even different family members. In the end the only way to stop people buying products and reselling them at a higher price is not to purchase them from third party sellers while they are still being stocked by the original retailer or manufacturer. If there is no market for the third party sellers then that activity will stop. It looks like a lot of product, but compared with the stock we have sold and the stock we have coming that is being made and shipped as I writre, it is a tiny amount of product.
In my opinion, the entire shipment/release should be placed on hold, until this Trump Tariff roller coaster debacle settles down. We’ve waited 5 years…whats a few more months.
The world is (happily) not US centric. There’s a (bigger) wide world out here. Why should we (UK consumer here) be penalised for America’s bad decisions?
Ok…let me clarify…all shipments imported to the the US should be on hold penalizing US for their bad decisions. Happy?
Funny comment coming from a Brit. Rule Britannia….Britannia Rules the Waves.
I forgot US parted ways with Britain for their bad behavior.
guys, I thought we called time on this type of exchange. We are all working with very a difficult and fluid situation. No one here is punishing anyone else here. We are wrestling with the situation and working within the envelope we have available to us. Well all are
Typical comment from a Yank, though. Not surprising in the slightest.
Yes, but the U.S. and China are a couple of the biggest economies on the global scale. Are we forgetting the tariffs the Chinese government were imposing on American imports into China? Trump was able to get them from 125% down to 10%. Trump, in turn, reduced the tariff on Chinese imports into the U.S. from 145% down to 30%. The news is, this is only “temporary” for 90 days. So, no, I absolutely disagree anything should be put on hold “until this Trump Tariff roller coaster debacle settles down.” Well dude, it just settled down and it isn’t all Trump. Tariffs are a two way street and Xi Jingping had a hand in exacerbating this “debacle.” I think we’re in good shape now. Like Chris said, they are on a fast track to ship large amounts of inventory directly to the US. We just have to be patient while the current backlog works itself out.
There never was a 125% tarrif into China, until Trump put in a random 145% tariff. Trump didnt bring down anything. Now there is a 30% tax for “90 days”. Let see how long Donny can hold the 30% tax. In the US sales tax is measured in 1/10 of a percentage point. Pre trump if sales tax went up by a half percent, let alone by one percent Americans would be sh*itting their pants. But now Trump has suckered many into being grateful for only 30% tax…because it came down from 145%. Trump is playing you and you are falling for it. BTW…lets call it it a TAX instead of Tariffs…because a significant percentage of Americans still don’t know WTF a tariff is.
Yeah…trump always wanted Tricorders to be made in the US. That was the intent.
Tariff or manufacturing cost actually weirdly at a 145% tariff the tricorder would still be cheaper being made in the Far East than if it was made in the US. The issue is that living in the US or the UK for that matter, we are the people that would work in those factories… it’s not some magical other person… but us… we know how much we have to earn to live in the US or the UK, so in order to pay our salaries, the tricorder would have to be three possibly four times the cost at retail. This would actually be more than the current cost plus 145% tariff. but then that is maybe the real cost of the product and that is before we factor in the cost of recycling it at the end of its life, or the cost to the environment of the transport and disposing of the packaging. The truth is, we have become hooked on cheap products and not paying the full cost of buying and owing them.
This isn’t a zero-sum game. Trump didn’t impose the tariffs on China just because he’s an “evil capitalist.” His first administration conducted an investigation on Chinese trade policies and found they were costing the American economy hundreds of billions of $$$ due to unfair trade practices. The Chinese Communist government is far more complicit in this trade war than anyone cares to admit, or even educate themselves about. Trump is definitely “America First.” Don’t conflate that with the incorrect narrative of the uninformed that call it “America Only.” It’s just basic business. You want to maximize your profits and lower your bottom line, you go where the labor is cheap. Just don’t get in over your head or look the other way when that “cheap labor” is borderline illegal or outright oppressive to the poor workers pushing the buttons and pulling the levers on those machines. The high tariffs had the desired effect. It got the attention of the higher-ups running the Chinese economy and forced them to the negotiating table. That’s how business works.
We are certainly in better shape. The issues the administration and all the world’s governments are dealing with has taken multiple decades, I would say almost a generation to develop… personally I think it is beyond a human to solve it to short order
There is a big world out there, but unfortunately for this awesome group of fans, Star Trek is a heavily US biased IP. Every fan though is as important as every other fan and we will do our best to service the fans that want to buy a Tricorder… it’s just a little lumpy. I keep saying it but if nobody buys from eBay that issue will evaporate… it’s simple it will just get choked off, or the prices will come down to the retail price.
The interesting thing is, I just looked at ebay and a scalper located in Green Bay Wisconsin has one for bid.
eBay item number:335966431439
Wow, Its really the silly season. Yes, Im just feeling left out and envious of all the new Tricorder owners. The anti USA stuff seems out of place on this forum.
it is out of place. Actually we should take a moment to realise that “the US” gave us this wonderful adventure in the first place
The material used by Amazon for packaging is really similar to what one would use in an outhouse. When I saw my package, I was worried. However, thank you, thank you, for putting a proper box around the Tricorder. I have mine now, and it is exactly what you described it to be, and it’s awesome. It is so rare that a product description is exactly what you get. I live in NL and the Brexit tax hurts at checkout, but I don’t mind it now I have it. Thanks.
We designed that outer box as a mailing carton, but later decided on the additional protection of the Amazon box and its very little dunnage. Still the combo does its job as you have seen
I’ve seen multiple posts now of internationally shipped Amazon boxes arriving quite mangled, some with gaping rents in them, but the inner shipping boxes are invariably pristine. You guys absolutely made the right decision there.
Yeah, that’s what I meant. No matter what happens to the package during shipping, the tricorder will arrive pristine because of your excellent packaging. And then a double unboxing experience, the last box feels like you got a tricorder from Starfleet.
Why wont Amazon UK let us here in the USA purchase a Tricorder from them? You guys said that the tariff thing was sort of settled and that getting them sent here from China will take more than weeks. I saw a report on the news here last night that it takes a container ship 45 days to get to NYC and 30 to LA from China. It sounds like we could be waiting for months??????????????
I do not know exactly, but I suspect it is to do with the way they have to collect and account for and then submit payment to the US government for the new tariffs. As that situation is very fluid and subject to massive shifts from one policy to another in some cases overnight, Amazon can’t be sure to adjust their policies and thus meet the latest current regulations quickly enough. A product sold at one price could easily be very much more expensive by the time it reaches the US.
We are shipping Tricorders in to the US by air, so it will not take months for the product to arrive. However, as airfreight is not instantaneous, it might take a few more weeks. As you can imagine, as the chaos of the last month or two of tariff escalation and then partial deescalation, every manufacturer and shipper is scrambling to get products from their factories to the US and thus the whole supply chain is very congested from the origin port right the way through to the actual retail sales channels. We are working as fast as we can to bring the product in and stock Amazon for you to buy it. And as that will sell through quickly, we have a number of shipments coming behind it to restock.
That was SO MUCH great info! Thank You…. And I think the retailers here are scrambling. In my area here in NY we are starting to see some empty shelves for things like garbage bags and other random stuff. Its NUTS!!
A shame that US customers that have been on the waiting list have no means to get first crack at purchase before the general US public does. Or am I missing something?
Firstly, really there has been no waiting list as such. Originally people signed up to be the first to know information about the Tricorder and then when it was going on sale. That will continue to happen. Currently the listing is turned off and when there is enough stock in place for a first batch email, we will send out the email to those people who registered to let them know that the stock will go live so that they can buy it.
So pretty much what I said in the previous blog. All we get is a notification that it is available. Once it is in stock at Amazon, it’s pretty much a free-for-all stampede like Walmart opening its doors on Black Friday.
Hey Hey Hey, Three Cheers to Chris !!!
Chris my Disc Override screen doesn’t stay on when i return to select different functions. I have to press disc override in settings every time to switch discs(pressing back first). Is this a bug? I’ve done a factory reset and it still happens.
I think that’s just the way it’s set up. You have to navigate back to Settings to access the Disk Override. Mine works that way too. It’s just two more clicks.
Yes in the Demo it wasnt happening though. I havent checked without the disks inserted though. I think if they are it resets so maybe thats why.
Hi Chris – do you know roughly when the next batch of Tricorders will be available on Amazon UK for non US buyers – many thanks
We were hoping to have the stock of the next 1000 units loaded in by this Friday, but it is taking longer than expected. Hopefully, we’ll be ready next week.
Many thanks for the update Chris – much appreciated
Cheers, Chris. (Sorry, already asked this question further down. Please ignore, and…thanks!)
Hey,
I know you guys are extremely busy, any indication when you will restock on Amazon UK. I missed the sale last week and desperately trying to budget and keep the funds available to purchase one next restock.
Thanks
We were hoping to have the stock of the next 1000 units loaded in by this Friday, but it is taking longer than expected. Hopefully, we’ll be ready next week.
We all want the McCoy scanner, Chris! (Alhough I was heartened that you were musing on the phaser again. I have one, but will gladly stump up again for one with a removable battery.)
Hi Chris,
Not to beat a dead horse, but the next 1000 you are referring to are going to Amazon UK, not Amazon US?
Are we in the US are still looking at early/mid June?
Thanks
Mark
1,200 units are already in our warehouse and being picked up to make their way to Amazon on this coming Monday. Another 1,200 untis is scheduled to arrive in the US next week.
And…the situation for those of us in the UK? (He says, crossing his fingers.)
Yeah, Privately Im devastated. Sounds like its now not an *invitation to buy* but a *notice of stock availability*. The situation seems very fluid. This whole trade situation is absurd. Amazon UK wont sell to US customers. And yes, its frustrating to see literally everywhere on the planet able to purchase except for the USA.
Hi Chris. I apologize, this is off topic. Since I don’t see a place to ask questions about the Fallout Veribird, do you have a blog for that? Very curious (and excited) to hear more about its development.
OK… I won’t ask here again.
Thanks
jim
We have paused the development of the Vertibird for the time being. It was already a very expensive product and with the current 30% tariff and the tariff uncertainty we are just holding fire for a moment. We have a very nice preproduction model of it and a lot of the manufacturing CAD and function has been worked out. We are waiting to start tooling until we think we have a clear run to do it and have significant interest from retailers and fans of course to justify it. I am really keen to do it as it will be a lovely piece. We have a lot of focus on this year so it is very very unlikely to be restarted this year. But after the second season we will reconsider this position.
Hi Chris, I appreciate that you take the time to answer questions.
Those of us in the US, once stock is ready for purchase here in the US, will we be buying from Amazon US? Or will we need to purchase from Amazon UK?
Thx
In the US our US customers will be buying from Amazon US. The 1,200 units of US stock is in our Chicago warehouse and is scheduled to be picked up on Monday next week to be moved to Amazon and we the second air shipment is scheduled to arrive in the US next week. So things are moving now.
Thanks Chris!
Thank you so much for the regular updates.
This would make a good update to send via email for the US customers. I had tried to order from Amazone UK during the last batch posted there and was waiting to hear from a friend about an Amazon UK dropbox near him, but by the time he replied the stock had run out in Amazon UK. It has given me time to finish my functional Medical Scanner, so that will be ready when my Tricorder finally arrives.
Hi Chris, thanks for taking time to answering questions. Will we in the US be purchasing from Amazon US? Or Amazon UK.
Thx
This has been answered many times by Chris and others. US customers will purchase from Amazon US.
Thanks very much for the information Chris!
Thats good news!
hi Chris Barnardo i just want to thank you. i received my tricorder i’t Wonderfull now i have the complete landing party set. the phaser the communicator and now the tricorder and also the mood rock. Chris you and your team at the wand Company do fantastic work. it would be great if sometime in the future you would make dr McCoy scanner or the tricorder and phaser from Star Trek the next generation or even better a transporter device so I can transport my self back to Vulcan that would be logical just a thought. anyway thank you and your team and all Star Trek fans on the forum that support the wand company’s great props live long and prosper.
Thank you for your kind words. I think a transporter is a bit beyond us and if we could develop one of those… well I think we would be using it for more than cosplay. We have thought about making a McCoy scanner, but we are busy right now with quite a pipeline of new projects, so it’s something that we might do in the future, but have no plans to make just yet.
I’ve joked over the years that perhaps the tricorders would be available on a Tuesday, and I see all of the replies from Chris with hopes they are ready next week. I’m secretly hoping Tuesday’s the day so I can yell out, “Harriman!”
Anyway: thanks Chris for all the information and transparency. My excitement is growing. These updates have become fun to follow. I’m loving the Instagram posts. I’m enjoying the comments from those of you who have received a tricorder.
Almost.. there..!
Chris,
Will the tricorders from Amazon US be Amazon Prime?
Thanks
Every other Wand product I can find on Amazon is Prime–the Pokemon balls, the Fallout stuff, the Kymera wand, all of it. It would be very surprising if the tricorder weren’t.
I don’t see how not having a Prime membership should exclude you from buying one if you want. Chris never said that was a requirement.
As far as I know, Amazon “Prime” membership applies more to access to streaming media sources and grants discounts on shipping. I’ve never seen products restricted to “Prime members only.” That would be stupid.
Nobody asked about exclusivity of availability, nor was I talking about that in my answer. I’m pretty sure Mr. Alterio just wanted to know if it was subject to Prime shipping–that is, free shipping for Prime members.
Well it seems obvious that if you pay for Amazon Prime membership and you buy a product on Amazon, then the features you paid for would apply. What in world would make think they wouldn’t? I have it and, yes, I know how it works. Hence my perplexity at your odd inquiry. Or does Captain Obvious need to whack you over the head with a large banana?
I think you may be misunderstanding the thread.
However, just to address what you’re talking about: there’s often singular deals for Amazon Prime members, not to mention early bird access on Amazon Prime Days. So, yes. It’s a “thing”.
Banana
OK Fellas, I dont know anyone who doesnt have amazon prime. Prime just means that you pay a flat monthly fee and you get free delivery on all items listed as *prime*. Also you get access to amazon prime streaming platform. Its well worth it.
Yup,
I was just asking because of the shipping benefits.
The free/fast shipping is great! Being able to watch Clarkson’s Farm is just the icing on the cake.
Hoping to get my invite email for US purchase before things change again with tariffs and shipping from China.
So, Does anyone think we will get a live listing here in the US and be able to buy a Tricorder this week?
Chris said there’s 1200 ready to hit Amazon on Monday. With another shipment right behind it. Assuming that would be another 1200, does it seem reasonable there are 2400 of us fans that have been following the blogs for 5 years? Perhaps more? Perhaps a great deal more? Only time will tell. I only added my name in the last couple of years. So, I’m guessing if they go in date order, I’m near the end of the list.
Chris actually said the 1,200 units are in a warehouse in Chicago and are scheduled to be picked up and trucked to an Amazon US warehouse. Seeing that Monday is a holiday, I doubt they’ll get into Amazon inventory then. Chris also said it takes time for Amazon to unpack, sort, categorize, get into inventory and turn the sale on. I think it’s a stretch to think they’ll be available in a week. But here’s hoping I’m wrong.
Quit being a nit-picky buzzkill. If they’re in Chicago as of Thursday and they’re scheduled to be in Amazon’s hands by Monday with another shipment due to arrive in the coming week, I’m thinking some of us might have our tricorders before next weekend. But go ahead Mister Ackshually. Dash everyone’s hopes on the sharp rocks below a 1,000 foot dropoff on a planet with 10 times the gravity of Earth.
Apparently, the tricorders left our warehouse on Friday bound for Amazon… but it is a little more complicated than that. In the US internally the shipments are traditionally moved by truck. As you know the US is a big place. The first stop is the Amazon main warehouse hub, after that it is further distributed by Amazon to specific warehouses round the country. This also takes time and is beyond our control. As soon as the stock is ready to be purchased we will send out an email. It is actually unlikely to be this week, even though last week i was hoping that we would have it ready this week.
It looks like nit-picky buzz killer Mister Ackshually wasn’t wrong… although in this case I wish I were.
Here’s hoping. Maybe.
Amazon is lightening fast. I have Amazon delivery’s coming tomorrow. They never close. I bet we do get to order this week!!!
The reason they are lightning fast is because they have delivery centres all over the country. However, the stock has to get into the warehouse near you for it to be delivered quickly when you order it. Normally you are not aware when that stock arrived in the country and how long it took to get the the Amazon warehouse near you.
So Chris, Do You Think we will get to order this week? I knew I spelled *lightning* wrong!!
Sorry, I see you already answered that. THANKS!!!
Bonjour Chris,
Je suis en France et voudrait aussi acheter ce tricorder.Ils seront mis en vente sur Amazon.fr ?
Bonjour, je suis vraiment désolé, mais nous avons récemment découvert une restriction empêchant Amazon UK d’expédier des produits vers la France. Nous livrons certains Tricorders sur Amazon.DE. Dès qu’ils seront en stock, nous vous enverrons par e-mail, ainsi qu’à tous nos clients français, un lien spécial permettant d’acheter le Tricorder et de le faire livrer en France depuis Amazon.DE.
For everyone else:
Hello, I’m very sorry, but we recently discovered a restriction preventing Amazon UK from shipping products to France. We deliver certain Tricorders to Amazon.DE. As soon as they are in stock, we will email you and all our French customers a special link to purchase the Tricorder and have it delivered to France from Amazon.DE.
Dear Chris and Co,
I just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work on getting the Tricorder out in the wild. I’m stuck in hospital at the moment, so mine’s sitting at home waiting to be opened, but I know it’s going to be a joy to behold. You and the team have done the fans proud
On every computing device in my life, I have incoming mail from you on the highest alert, this blog and amazon.co.uk are in a tab group, and I’m constantly checking it all. Thanks for the excitement Chris and Co!!
I’m doing the same thing!
same!
Im literally refreshing my emails every hour I know at the end of last week they were aiming for Friday but then said it would be this week. So with the bank holiday yesterday im hopeful today is the day
Techmoan posted a wonderfully objective review of the tricorder. Most impressive he apparently ignored all information that was out there – until now. Oh, the anticipation!!
https://youtu.be/-iMAzdfu1Ms
That was a good review, and certainly the best produced out there, but he had a couple of minor errors. For instance, in complaining about the tricorder’s speaker not being loud enough, he neglects to mention that the tricorder has a volume control on the Settings screen. I have mine at 100%, and it’s quite loud.
Hi Chris,
I know your sick of this question and I can see you’ve responded to alot above but unless ive misread that is on US stock. Is there any news on the next batch of UK stock?
Thank you in advance
Seconded. Keep looking fruitlessly for emails and stock updates. (Some of us also have work to do!)
I was sure we here in the USA would be able to buy a Tricorder this week. Bummer…..
Any updates Chris? You confirmed the shipment left Chicago on its way to Amazon main hub last Thursday. They have a major distribution center in Chicago and several others within a couple of days travel from there. We should be seeing it become available to purchase any day now, right?
no the Stock is not quite ready in the US yet. I have no idea how they load it in to the warehouses, but it seems like it is in the Amazon system but not yet ready to be offered for sale. We are monitoring the situation hour by hour. I don;t want to say any more because I have a history of saying when something will be ready based on my best guess and invariably it takes longer and I am wrong.
Thank you for the update. This will probably go down in history as the most anticipated and stressful product release ever. I remember stories from years ago of parents beating each other up over the last Cabbage Patch Doll on the shelf. Hopefully, us Star Trek fans are a bit more civilized than that. I hope this whole thing works out to a positive experience for The Wand Company. I look forward to more products in the future. Like maybe a re-release of the phaser with a user replaceable battery? Hint, Hint. 😉
It’d be great if future phasers could maybe take onboard design comments from the fans. I had a friend replace my Wand Phaser Ten-Turn dial with a (very cool) aluminium one, as the printed numbers came off the dial. I’d also want the correct longer length handle, and the Watch Crown Winder added on the Phaser One.
Peter Briggs: I wasn’t aware of those details. When the phaser came out, I had the presence of mind to get two. When the speaker in the phaser-1 blew out, I was able to pry it open without any damage and was able to replace the speaker. Then I saw the tiny LiPo battery inside and wondered how hard it would be to replace. My second phaser-1 must have been assembled differently. It is just a press fit, sandwiching the central metal ridges between two plastic halves with registry pins. These were epoxied pretty solid. No matter how careful I tried, I wound up destroying the upper shell getting it open. The communicator battery was easy to change and there are after-market sources for the actual LiPo battery they used. It is held together with conventional torx screws and access to the internals is easy. Why couldn’t they have done the phaser the same way? I said all that to say that’s why I’d be very interested in an updated phaser.
Yes, there’s an instruction page on Ifixit.com showing how to replace the Wand Communicator battery. It looks fairly straightforward, for when mine inevitably bites the dust.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Wand+Company+Star+Trek+Communicator+Battery+Replacement/85401
I’d like to know how easy it is to replace the communicator buttons. The chrome rubbed off one of mine. I know Mike Reader makes turned aluminium buttons…no idea how easy they’d be to replace.
Chris, you and company are doing the best you can under these most unusual and bizarre circumstances. There is only so much you’re able to manage with product literally not in your hands but with Amazon. As you’ve said, the US is a big, convoluted place!
Sorry it is a bummer, but the stick is now flowing into the distribution channel so it shouldn’t be too much longer.
OK… I need to vent….
My Tricorder got “stuck” at DHL Dangerous Goods in Heathrow for over a week because it got damaged/crushed during shipping.
So, AFTER WAITING 5+ YEARS what is undoubtedly the coolest Star Trek Tricorder prop, I’m still S.O.L.
And of course now, Amazon is out of stock, and who knows if/when there will be any more.
I’m truly pissed off.
Thanks for letting me vent.
More are coming, a lot more and definitely we will be sending out an invite to purchase early next week for both Amazon UK and US. The stock is not quite ready in the US yet and we want to synchronise the invitations a bit. I can understand that you must be disappointed, but please try not to worry, it will come and it will be soon.
Im a little saddened by this news after being told last week UK stock would be this week. Its just difficult in modern economic times when you have to budget to keep money available for luxury purchases like this. But I appreciate your doing what you can
I feel you! I couldn’t believe my luck that I budgeted this month and had the money for the tricorder sitting there, as I wondered if it would hit when my account was flatlined. And it’s sitting there. And sitting there. And now there’s some new headphones out that I REALLY want, but I’m being a good boy and keeping my hands off the money because I’ve been waiting years for this tricorder, but the wait is killing me!
I got even luckier–I’d set aside the money for a steep tariff which didn’t happen (my tricorder arrived before the deadline), and between the tariff money left over and my tax refunds coming in, I was able to comfortably splurge on a med scanner to go with it. Timing is everything…
Since I already got my invitation weeks ago, can you include my email address in the next batch of invites so I know when stock comes available?
I missed the purchase window on the invite previously. I think we’re all cursing and waiting…
So I was just on Amazon UK and in my orders as I was tracking an item and under recently viewed items what the tricorder which now says expected 31st May and has allowed me to add one to my basket and pre purchase one so hoping we will finally see the release in the coming days.
So after posting about being let to add one to my basket ready for restock. Amazon have now dispatched my Tricorder so stock must be floating somewhere
I’m envious! I wonder if they jumped the gun with the new stock, as you managed to get your order in last time?
Hopefully my Second Invite will come next week. Crossing everything…
I unfortunately missed out on the last batch due to missing the email. Having gmail meant that the email got shunted to the promotions folder and I didn’t get the notification. Only found the email by chance and by then they were sold out. Can’t wait for the next batch, hopefully just in time for my birthday next week.
White list our email and make sure that your email client does not filter our emails. Look out for an email from us next week.
I’ve disabled my promotions folder and made sure it will come through. Who knows what I’ve missed in the past due to gmails automatic filtering.
So…today US Federal Court blocked Trump’s tariffs. (https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-trade-court-0392dbd59f548e49ad4f64254ae3f94a) Does this mean that when the tricorder goes on sale in the US, it will be back to it’s original price???
No, not immediately. We have brought two shipments of tricorders in to the US and tariffs applied to those products and they are already almost in position to start selling. Please see my answer to Antwayne in relation to how tariffs are applied and how we will respond when we can to any chnage in the tariffs charged.
This looks like another stopgap measure. Indeed. it looks as if the fight will be long and drawn out. In today’s Guardian, Mark Haefele, chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, said of the Tariff situation:
“In our view, tariffs are unlikely to disappear completely, as the administration could rebuild some of its tariff agenda through certain sections of the Trade Act of 1974. For investors, we continue to highlight volatility in the near term as more headlines emerge.”
And then these guys:
Joachim Klement and Susana Cruz, of the broker Panmure Liberum, say
“Indeed, we expect that tariffs have been delayed, but not cancelled. Instead, the Trump administration will likely use other legal authorities like Section 301 of the Trade Act to impose similar tariffs, but with a slower and more deliberate approach.”
So, waiting out for the Tricorders to “drop” in price on the expectation that Tariffs will go away might be a bad choice. It’s a bad situation, with this Government’s chaotic irresponsibility and amateurism causing problems for everybody.
Please don’t be quick to judge and attribute this to “Government irresponsibility and amateurism…” Trump is legitimately attempting to address the trade deficit issue with China. To sit back and do nothing is the actual irresponsibility and amateurism of the previous administration. When radical, leftist judges interfere with those policies, that is also irresponsible and amateurish in my humble opinion.
I thought we agreed that lectures on trade policy and politics in general dont belong here. Were just a bunch of guys excited to get a Tricorder!! 🙂
I don’t recall ever signing such an agreement. Being Star Trek fans, we should all embrace logic. And I have an aversion to the illogical, emotional arguments and ad-hominem attacks on our Commander In Chief and his efforts to bolster the American economy. Yes, the situation is complicated. Yes, it affects us and our anticipation of this particular product because of where it was manufactured and the process of making it available for us to purchase. I’m just trying to stay focused on the fact that in the Grand Scheme Of Things, a $350 Tricorder prop replica is insignificant compared to the bigger issues the current Administration is trying to tackle. The irresponsible and amateurish remarks by all the Monday Morning Quarterbacks thinking they are experts on international commerce and finance is exhausting. I want one of these things as much as the next guy. But this constant “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is putting my Kolinahr mastery to the ultimate test.
It wasn’t a signed agreement, just a request from me that these arguments should be taken outside this arena. Regardless of whether the imposition of tariffs is a good or bad thing as a concept, ignores the fact that the lightning speed and fluid way the situation has unrolled has made it impossible for businesses to plan or modify their behaviour to achieve what is obviously the desired outcome. The result is unarguably chaos. It really does remain to be seen if that was a good or bad strategy. We won’t solve these issues here, and as this blog is about our love of Star Trek and specifically the Tricorder, but more specifically our journey to develop it and launch it into the world, I ask that we leave deeper divided political opinions at the door. I agree there is a now a crossover of fan replica ownership and the tariff situation which affects us all. Us, that is, The Wand Company in selling something we have spent over five years working on and you, that is the fan and loyal customer, buying the thing you want that you have spent more than five years dreaming of owning. Both suffering due to situations almost entirely outside our control.
So I would ask if you could limit your comments, insofar as it is possible, to lamenting the lack of Tricorders in the wild, or uplifting stories of Tricorder shipping triumphs beating the odds, or even the more standard, rabble rousing call… “come on Wand Co, why aren’t you doing better?” 😉
I only ever speak to logic. Cause and effect, and blame where it’s very obviously originated. There’s no “ad hominem” here. The only ongoing effect to me is a kink in the supply chain. Tariffs are a tax on the homegrown consumer, not a foreign Government manufacturer, and it doesn’t affect me in Britain in the slightest. I hope everyone gets to eventually enjoy watching their Tricorder’s “City On The Edge Of Forever” goosestepping footage in the appropriate 1960s Trek spirit.
“Aye. And if my grandmother had wheels, she’d be a wagon.”
— Mr Scott.
Frankly, I never really understood that remark. Grandmother + Wheels = Wagon ??? It makes no grammatical sense. Plus, it seems out of character for Scotty. I realize he had a certain affection for the Enterprise. But, as an Engineer, you’d think he’d be excited and impressed at the “Great Experiment” and its transwarp drive specifications. To me, it was just a convenient plot point that was poorly written. They had to set up his assignment by Starfleet as Captain of Engineering on Excelsior and his subsequent sabotage. In my opinion, the Enterprise-A should have been an Excelsior class ship.
Just keeping the conversation lively while we wait for the Amazon / Ferengi stock boys to get their act together. I’m starting to wonder if the shipment got infiltrated by Tribbles or intercepted by Orion pirates, or something.
Hi Chris. Wanted to bring this to your attention, but even without this post no doubt you’d hear about it soon. – it Appears that a U.S. court has deemed many of the Trump tariffs to be illegal… https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/business/trump-tariffs-blocked-federal-court.html
Maybe this will mean that sales to the U.S. will not be subject to the tariff tax?
Best regards and good luck navigating the mine field.
Randy
Agreed, hopefully it is a good sign, but please see my reply to Antwayne.
A federal appeals court was unfortunately successful at halting the ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade that the criminal trump tariffs are in fact very illegal and unconstitutional. So we are still stuck with them for the foreseeable future. I’m sure the petulant child will take the U.S CIT ruling to the now corrupt SCOTUS which based on their past rulings, I don’t hold much hope. As a small business owner, these import taxes are killing my business too so I have great admiration for Chris / The Wand Company for working through and finding solutions. In other words, don’t wait for the price to hopefully drop back to $350 USD any time soon. Get your tricorders while you can before the unhinged orange clown fills his diaper and does something even more criminal to destroy our economy and our small businesses.
Chris- Given the recent Judgment regarding tariffs, will your shipping plans and price for US consumers change? Thanks
Well, right now there is still confusion over how this situation will play out. The tariffs are traditionally charged on the date of arrival. The tariff situation is changing so rapidly that the recently tariffs have been charged based on the date of leaving the original port. There is confusion as to which scheme will apply at the end of the 90 day tariff pause. Once tariffs have been charged and paid there is no changing them even if later the tariffs change to be greater or lesser. However, we will be reactive. If the tariffs reduce then obviously for those products that get the benefit of the tariff reduction, we will adjust the price accordingly. Finally, despite this court ruling, there is a long way to go before the tariff situation becomes clear, but certainly it might be viewed as a good sign that tariffs might stabilise or reduce.
Thank you, Chris.
Like A Tank Of Circling Sharks 🙂
The District Court decision will be appealed, and it’s quite possible that either the 2d Circuit or SCOTUS will grant a stay pending appeal. Don’t get too excited yet, these things take a very long time to play out.
Chris,
Quick question, do the invitation to purchase emails go out over the weekend, or only during the week and during normal business hours (your local time)? Just asking so I don’t hover over my computer this weekend when I should be at Wonderfest here in Louisville checking out the amazing models and miniatures.
Stand down, smoke if you got ’em, at ease soldier… etc. etc., We will not be releasing any emails over the weekend. We will be emailing out next week… provided the stock is ready in the US. We are pretty much there in the Uk but the US is still catching up and I want to synchronise the emails so that we can get back to the order of our list.
Can you tell us how what the figures are for the UK tranche of the Amazon.co.uk pie that will be available next week, Chris? Thanks.
In terms of registrations roughly 80% of registrations came from the US. About 10% from the UK, about 5% from Canada and the rest from all over the globe. There is no doubt that Star Trek, and maybe this sort of prop collecting, is a heavily US biased thing. Our shipments will be split between the US and the UK in broadly proportion to the registration by country breakdown. This is another example of how registering helped us get the Tricorders to you in enabling us to get the right amount of product to the right place.
CHRIS, I AM SO EXCITED (to get a Tricorder) I CAN HARDLY STAND IT!!!!! You must be a pretty special guy. I mean your outreach to your customers the most exceptional example of customer service I have ever seen. I have been a waiter in a hotel restaurant for 20 years so I know a little about customer service. Not everyone is cut out for it. So as you guys say over there- Cheers To You!!!
Thanks for your kind words. Just as you most certainly do, I start with the premise that customer of ours have chosen us and our product and invest their timer and money in owning something that we have made. In return we take a great deal of care in every part of the process, thinking up what we can do, developing it to the best of our ability, making it to the highest standards we can and of course taking all reasonable steps to ensure that each customer is treated how we would wish to be. Indeed, cheers to you and thank you for being one of our customers.
Sorry, Chris. I don’t think I was being very clear. What I meant was – in terms of actual numbers, how many actual units are going to be available through Amazon UK next week?
I’m actually a little surprised that the UK percentage isn’t a little higher than that.
Enough, we think
I’m seeing that it’s back as available in the UK Amazon store, but not the US, another glitch on Amazon’s part? Others mentioned it below and on Facebook props groups.
Chris, thank you for all of the patience you’re showing in your responses! I’m sure the entire situation with the U.S. tarriff and Amazon situation is just as frustrating to you all as it is to us
U S. fans! Keep up your great work!
Patiently waiting,
Capt. Dunsel!
Just had my Tricorder delivered from Amazon UK thanks for such an amazing item I shall be getting it charged and on
Thanks for your kind words. I hope you enjoy using it.
Will this be available in physical stores eventually like the Communicator?. I picked that up from Best Buy. I’m still buying this online but was curious if they would be out there in the physical world.
Doubtful as no brick and mortar retailers have expressed an interest in it. We were lucky with the Comm and Best Buy. But that might change.
Did you reach out to Entertainment Earth, Forbidden Planet, Sideshow, and the like, Chris?
Chris – I am not clear about how the ordering process and email invitations will work. I suggest an ordering FAQ posted on the Wand Co. tricorder web page or in the tricorder blog. I would welcome the clarification.
I took a shot at some potential FAQ questions. Feel free to use these or change as you wish.
-Randy
===============================
Tricorder Ordering and Shipping FAQ
1) How do I place an order for the tricorder?
2) Who will stock and sell the tricorders?
3) Is preregistration and an order email invitation needed?
4) If I missed seeing or acting on an invitation to order, will additional invitations be sent to me in the future? When?
5) If I placed an order for only one tricorder how can I place a follow-on order for an additional unit?
6) If I missed placing an order before inventory was exhausted, can I use the original email invitation to place an order in the future?
7) Is it expected that after the initial demand has been satisfied, there will be sufficient inventory to allow purchase at will? Say six months or so from now?
I just placed an order for my tricorder. Luckily I was up and my browser informed me the change in the listing in Amazon UK. Can’t wait to get my hand on it in 10 days
Greetings, I watched a tricorder review vid where the reviewer, among other things, plugged into the tricorder usb-c his laptop. He said nothing showed up on his laptop screen, and that was the end of that.
Questions about the Micro SD slot. Is that slot active? What would happen if I inserted a Micro SD card with files having the formats of JPG, PNG, GIF, MP4, MOV, AVI, MPEG.
Will any of those file types be recognized and displayed on the tricorder screen, in let’s say some form of menu format that can be read by the tricorder and selectable by the user using the button functions of the tricorder.
If anything, once inserted, will the display in the engineering screen indicate that the card is physically inserted and present, even if it’s a blank Micro SD card or a formatted blank card?
Thx
Yes. It changes from EMPTY to INSERTED on the engineering screen, but you still need code to read/write to it.
You are correct, the engineering screen is reporting the state of a mechanical switch that is closed when the SD card is inserted, that has nothing to do with its function other than to tell the CPU that an SD card is present
They are back up for sale on Amazon UK but still unavailable on Amazon US.
Ohmigod! Thanks for the heads-up, Mark! I just checked, and there we were! I was in shock: I wasn’t expecting any progress until Tuesday, earliest.
Just ordered. Fingers crossed, it’ll be here later Saturday!
Just ordered one as well.
Correction — I see now that there IS an FAQ on the tricorder web page, but it is light on information about the ordering process. It would be helpful to add details about ordering of the kind I suggested in my post from earlier today.
Thanks much,
Randy
Ohh noooo!!!!
Complete disaster. Checked Amazon at 08:30 this morning, saw there was stock on promptly purchased one.
It was delivered in super quick time just 30 mins ago. Have just now opened it and….it’s MISSING the function discs. How could this happen???
Now will have to repackage it, go out of my way to return it for a refund and go through the whole process again.
What should have been a happy and joyous occasion after a such a long wait, sees me feeling rather depressed.
Contact TWC customer service before you deal with Amazon. They might be able to ship the disks directly to you. Charlotte is very good at correcting issues.
Well, there really is no need because I am a half witted congenital idiot. I revisited the package later and yes, there they were under the stand. Mea Culpa. In my defence, I purposely didn’t watch any unboxing videos as I wanted to create my own excitement and now, embarrassingly, I wish I had. Words fail me at the moment, but needless to say, this has far exceeded my expectations and is a beautiful work of art. Chris, you really should drop one off at the V&A as this should be displayed as a design classic. Bravo!
Well, in all fairness .. you did create your own unboxing excitement 😉 Truth is without my reading this, I may have caused my own self a bit of excitement, thanks for the warning 🙂
Here we go again…. UK getting to buy Tricorders again and USA customers, nothing.
Pretty sure Chris said next week. Be patient bro. Sadly a few impatient US customers bought from the UK site.
All thanks to our ignorant, power seeking kleptocratic potus who by comparison, makes the Packleds look like geniuses.
They are also going to Australia. Right next to the Heard and McDonald Islands where the Orange Jesus tariff is only 10%.
Im probably going to faint when I finally see it listed here in the USA….
Hi, Chris
Well, I’d been watching the Amazon tracking all day. Finally, my Tricorder arrived.
Unfortunately, that’s where my happiness ended.
Got it out, set it up. Gorgeous. Let it charge, switched it on. Unfortunately, it looks like I’ve got a lemon. The Moire Disc is static, and its motor makes a grinding/hum. Went into the setting menu, switched it from Automatic to Locked. Hum Stops. Switch the light on and off. Okay. Switch the disc back from Locked to Automatic – same grinding hum. Looks like the motor’s seized in place – it’s not moving.
What’s my procedure (and timeframe) for swapping it out? Pretty gutted.
Thanks
You should start with an email to:
support@thewandcompany.com
Already talked to Charlotte years ago with a phaser issue (she was great). Sent a message to her via Wand directly, plus contacting Amazon directly through the Amazon Bot tells you it shunts an mail to Wand Company also.
Didn’t want to initiate a regular Returns Process, as I didn’t want to find myself at the end of a Queue, or end up missing-out on stock. Just want a replacemen unit!
The Tricorder service menu is actually pretty comprehensive and allows you to manually test/adjust settings. I discovered that my Moire Disc will run anticlockwise (albeit VERY noisily), but sticks and eventually seizes-up when running clockwise. I compared the Tricorder motor to the motor in my Communicator. That one is pretty much silent, but this one makes a racket. Hope it’s just because I’ve a malfunctioning motor.
Years ago I had a communicator moiré motor fail. Charlotte sent me a new communicator with prepaid return packaging for the defective one. Their customer service is the best I’ve ever dealt with. Definitely go through them instead of Amazon.
I am not surprised to hear that their customer service is above reproach just from the care shown here in the blogs by Chris Barnardo (Thank you so much) .. I have no qualms about ordering when I get the opportunity to do so 🙂
Charlotte dropped me a message this morning with some suggestions about the malfunctioning Moire disc, but I confirmed that I’d already done the two-way motor test from the diagnostic menu (SO glad that Wand left that in!), and that the clockwise motor direction wasn’t working properly. Just waiting to see what the next step is (she already said if it wasn’t working, it’d be replaced, so I guess some more thumb twiddling is in order until I can permanently add this baby to my Phaser and Communicator.)
Chris
I was going through the “System Test” function and two of the devices in the Tricorder are Hood and Body Accelerometer. What exactly are those used for? While testing them, if you move the tricorder sharply, the X, Y & Z gauges twitch
The Hood Accelerometer literally…indicates when you move the Hood! They’re likely just implementations of some preprogramming in the chip.
I’ve had a LOT of emails from Charlotte and Andrew at Wand in the past 24 hours. I have a replacement Tricorder coming out to me, should arrive tomorrow. Here’s hoping Second Time’s the charm!
Hello Chris, having registered my interest back on the 2nd of August 2020 and having received my Tricorder just this afternoon, what can I say?, except that it really was worth every minute of the wait, you’ve all done an exceptional job, the thing is just fantastic, my landing party set is complete at last!, hang in there everyone still waiting, as I said, it’s worth it. Cheers.
Thanks for your kind words, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
So Chris, Here we are. Tuesday. Any news for US buyers???
Randomly refreshed the Amazon page (UK) and noticed they were available – ordered one early, and it arrived about an hour ago.
Was originally going to purchase it on behalf of a friend, but given there’s enough stock and now I’ve got it in my hands – I’m keeping it.
I registered my interest a couple of years ago but have yet to receive any email updates or the link to purchase. How can I make sure I’m on the list?
I am afraid I can’t find your email address or name on our registrations list. Please contact us on support@thewandcompany.com with the name and email address you registered with I can check again.
Hi Chris I’m just curious if you have any news for us today. Today is Wednesday anyways I hope you guys are all doing well and not pulling your hair out. We here in the US are looking forward to joining our UK friends and shopping for our tricorders very soon. You got any news for us?
Any news on when emails will go out for amazon USA? I had a little nervous breakdown over the weekend hearing all about how happy everyone in the UK is with their new Tricorders 🙂
Same!
i thought it would be today
Look What I found!!!
https://www.amazon.com/Wand-Company-Star-Trek-Tricorder/dp/B0DZY1J8NN
So its listed. Unavailable but listed!!!
Thanks Kevin .. it evidence of progress. 🙂
I logged into Amazon and added it to my shoipping list.
Oh happy day!
Kevin,
I keep the page open in the background as I’m working, and just refresh it every so often. Just hoping that it will become available at some time. Fingers crossed it will be today.
V/R
Dan
Im doing the same thing Dan… Maybe Today!!
Same!
It is the exact same listing that I was linked to when I received the email to purchase a Tricorder in the UK only changed to .com rather than .co.uk. AI is not the best thing to rely on as there are many UK listings that also show on the US site.
They would have a new listing for Amazon US as the UK listing won’t allow you to purchase if you are in the US.
That is the listing for the Tricorder for Amazon UK. Change it to .co.uk and it shows up there. I would guess that the US listing page would be a different link in order to keep them separate. That is how I would do it anyway so as to keep the US stock just for the US.
Hoping that’s not jumping in line. We were told that those of us who registered would get a specific invite to have first crack (or at least in the order we registered) at ordering ahead of the general public. I’m patiently waiting based on that so hoping that link you found is for the general public and we’d be getting a different one for those of us who registered.
I was wondering if that was a US amazon listing.
No it is not from amazon u.k. If you google *The Wand Company Star Trek Tricorder amazon us* you will get this response :
AI Overview
Learn more
The Wand Company’s Star Trek Tricorder is a highly accurate prop replica that is not just a display piece, but also a fully functional device. It’s based on 3D scans of a 1960s hero prop from the Star Trek television show and includes features like a full-color LCD screen, environmental sensing, and a complete log archive. You can find it on the Amazon US store, but it may be temporarily unavailable.
If it was from amazon UK it would have taken me to amazon UK. Also Scroll down to the reviews and the headline Top Reviews From The USA: It says there arent yet any reviews from the USA so heres a few from OTHER countries. Its only logical to assume that there wouldnt be any differences with the main body of the ad.
Maybe it will go live tomorrow!!
Who knows at this point. Im all confused now.
Kevin,
Amazon changed the link, now it goes to a single mpicture and not the unavailable listing.
V/R
Dan
Hey Dan, I just clicked on the link and it looks just like it did before. What did it do when you checked? I imagine since we didnt really hear from Chris today that they arent ready yet.
There are.. two.. links!
Seriously though, if I’m understanding the message:
Here’s a link to the US store.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/901D2F14-3DFC-4567-97C1-D482BCA9118F
And the direct link to the product page.
https://www.amazon.com/Wand-Company-Star-Trek-Tricorder/dp/B0DZY1J8NN
Hi Chris I’m just curious if you have any news for us today. Today is Wednesday anyways I hope you guys are all doing well and not pulling your hair out. We here in the US are looking forward to joining our UK friends and shopping for our tricorders very soon. You got any news for us?
We are pulling our hair out… I have just had a chat with our COO and we have a large quantity reported as inbound at Amazon, that means we have delivered it but it is being processed. That normally takes a few days but right now it is taking a lot longer. I can only assume that with the relaxation of the tariff situation a lot of stock that was being held back while the tariffs were over 100% have now been released into circulation and the system is struggling under the strain and we are all caught up in that.
Chris,
I’ve seen your videos, and like me, you don’t have any hair to pullout. LOL 😉
V/R
Dan
yes.. indeed it all fell out from the stress of this project! It has grown back now though although this latest FUBAR icing on the cake that is the Tricorder project is certainly reversing the regrowth at an alarming rate… no pulling out necessary!
Well here we go with rumors… A person I know said they had been in touch with The Wand Company Peeps and was told it will probably be several weeks before amazon here in the USA is ready to start selling…. Im unhinging myself from this saga for a bit. My nerves are bad 🙂
I’m not sure how that could be. They got 1000 almost two weeks ago and another 1000 a week after that. So they should have at least 2000 bumping around there distribution centers.
They can surely start to sell soon.
Well… Wand Company had 1000 two weeks ago in their Chicago warehouse, with 1000 more expected shortly after. Which was then picked up by Amazon and taken to an Amazon distribution center, where it had to be checked in and divvied up for shipment to all of Amazon’s satellite warehouses round the country. If you’re in Minneapolis and you order a product from Amazon, it doesn’t usually ship from a warehouse in Florida, it ships from a warehouse in Minneapolis. Getting the product to those satellite warehouses is done by truck, which takes several days, and then it has to be checked in once it arrives. That can take a few more days. Only when the majority of the product reaches the satellite warehouses can it be made live for sale. That whole process can take a couple of weeks. And if Wand wants to let both shipments feed into Amazon’s system to have enough units to meet demand and avoid the frustration of quick sellouts, that can take additional time. So patience! We’ve waited years. Another week or two isn’t going to kill us.
Thank you, that is right. We are as keen as anyone to get these selling. In the US we have 12 pallets delivered and no one knows when they will be moved from “receiving” to “in stock” and ready to sell. We have been checking the systems that we have and have contacted Amazon and as this is a process that is affected by many things and of which no one seems to have a handle on, we can’t tell when that will be. I have tried estimating time to delivery all through this project and whenever I do I am invariably wrong. Also our Amazon inbound product storage is at capacity with the tricorders we have shipped in so new shipments are flowing into our warehouse in Chicago ready to be loaded on into Amazon as and when the stock is available and starts selling through again.
Who can say. I thought those of us in the USA would have had the chance to buy one by now. And for the last or 7 days ebay is again littered with new Tricorders selling for 3 times the price.
How did this dougl-forsy guy in the U.K. get his hands on so many Tricorders??? He sold 11 on eBay and currently has 3 more listed.
This is not right that 1 person ordered 15 Tricorders.
Just wait until these go live in the USA, with all of the greed over here and these POS scalpers know how much coin the phasers and communicators are bringing, you will have scalpers buying all of them. I will give an example, when the Disney Star Wars C3PO electronic head came out, the POS scalpers went to the Disney stores and bought tons of these things. 1 POS had over 20 of these for auction, so may be a long time before we get 1. I am so glad TWC is selling these Tricorders like hot cakes, maybe they do a phaser re-issue in the future. Just my .02
Agreed, the best way to deal with scalpers in both the short term and in the long term is not to buy anything at inflated prices while the product is still being manufactured.
I nearly broke down and bought one of those today. Soooooo glad I didnt…
Kevin,
It’s back where it was. I may have just been a server glitch at the time tried it. Works as it should (just nothing available to buy). And I LOVE DMT’s comments below, especially where he reminds us that “doesn’t cure cancer, increase the size of your member or detect Romulan warships in Earth orbit over the Pacific Ocean.” It’s like being hit with Douglas Adams’ Total Perspective Vortex from the Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.
Thanks DMT.
V/R
Dan
I’m just about done with this nonsense. All the reviews are glowing for the first few minutes, then quickly change their tone as they realize, “Is this all it does? Well, at least it looks nice on the shelf.” I’m dealing with some fried audio components in my home sound system that have been out of commission for some time. I may have to put this whole Tricorder thing on the proverbial “shelf” and concentrate on my stereo setup. I know I’ll get much more enjoyment out of that. Sorry, but the drama with Amazon, tariffs, the constant “hurry up and wait” notifications has me aggravated beyond what I can handle. I’m checking out on this one. Have fun with your Tricorders guys. (if you ever actually get to buy one). I have a new vintage tape deck to set up.
“All the reviews are glowing for the first few minutes, then quickly change their tone as they realize, “Is this all it does”?
I haven’t read a single review that says that, and I’ve watched and read dozens.
So what you’re saying is, “I haven’t seen any negative reviews, therefore they do not exist.” Check out: Techmoan, Captain Foley, Blast Process. You’re guilty of confirmation bias. Its a good practice to go outside of your “comfort zone” and seek out opinions that don’t confirm your preconceptions. Otherwise, you’re just another monkey imitating everyone else. Even Adam Savage when he and Norm were doing their unboxing commented on features they wished it had. Not disparaging the product for what it is. Just realistically looking at the fact that just like the communicator and phaser, it will be a novelty for a short time and then be a forgotten “display piece” in the long term. Albeit a fairly expensive one. I’m just reevaluating my choices right now.
@(･o･)@
Dude what did you expect it to have?? ITS A REPLICA PROP and does more than the actual prop. Could it have done more ?? Sure. But people would still just keep it as a display piece. There is nothing they could put on it that would keep it from becoming that. Props are not to be handled and played with all day. Mine will probably go into a closet after I check it out. When I have more time I will set up an area to display.
No true bad reviews out there bro. Everyone likes it for what it is. Don’t get one. There are plenty of people who will. I bet you will change your mind though. I can wait for this. People moaning about how long it’s taking is getting really tiresome. PATIENCE PEOPLE….
I’ll tell you what I’M just about done with: the constant whining and complaining. It’s a toy. An expensive toy, no doubt, but it doesn’t cure cancer, increase the size of your member or detect Romulan warships in Earth orbit over the Pacific Ocean.
If you guys had prepaid for this, and were still waiting years for it to ship, I’d totally understand. Had this been the case, I think we’d all be inclined to think that TWC was pulling a scam. But there’s absolutely no evidence of that. Scam artists collect your money and vanish. TWC is still here, providing the latest info every step of the way.
As for the reviews so far: TWC has made every single function of the Tricorder known, and collected in one easy-to-find place (this very website), for literally years. I’m not sure what the hell the bad reviewers were expecting; maybe they DID expect it to increase the size of their members, I dunno. But if you’re expecting features that nobody promised, you can’t bitch if those features aren’t there. Just based on those lukewarm reviews, it looks like every single feature promised has been delivered.
Do I want this thing? Hell YES, I want it. But I have much better things to do with my life than fret and moan and whinge and bellyache about it. I’ve lived this long without one. If it never comes to pass, I’ll be very disappointed, but… you know. Shit happens.
I also have better things to do than keep imploring you guys to act like grownups. I’ll keep checking for the latest news, but trying to talk sense into you guys is a lost cause. This was my final try.
Glad you got that off your chest. Feel better now? But if I ask myself, “Do I want this thing?” My answer at this time would be “Meh, not so much anymore.” I have a limited budget when it comes to “disposable income” and I have much more enjoyable things to spend my money on rather than yet another shelf-queen dust magnet that frankly, seems to have been interphased out of Tholian space along with the U.S.S. Defiant. If it ever actually materializes, I’ll consider it. But I’m done with the drama.
I have one sitting beside me package back up in a box, waiting to be returned to the Wand Company because of a fault in the Moire Disc. It’s minor, really, but I want one that works perfectly.
Charlotte and Andrew have a second one coming to me by courier now: it arrives tomorrow. Am I excited? Hell, yes, Because I’ve held it in my hands already. I’ve played with it already. And I want to play with it some more.
Will you regret it if you bow out? Well, cast your mind back to when the phasers were being sold on reduction and you didn’t pick one up. And then cursed yourself and paid WAYYYYYY over the odds for one from eBay later because you were a doofus. Like I did.
I’m thrilled I got this. Sign me up for the Medical Scanner, and the Second Coming of the Phaser. Viva La Wand Company!
Oh how considerate of you to try one more time..
Thank you DMT and Peter. VIVA LA WAND COMPANY, indeed!!!!
To those who no longer want it or are done with the process please don’t rain on our parade. Many Thanks!
RAIN RAIN RAIN
Get an umbrella.
Correct. It is raining. The Barometric readings on my Tricorder and the humidity correspond..
Oh, hey: my status is telling me about a Tribble infestation.
I’m loving my Tricorder.
These comment threads sure have become, shall we say, fascinating.
Between all the speculation here from all of us, the information from Chris and company, and Internet searches about Amazon we all sure have learned a lot, haven’t we?
Hello out there Wand Company. Anything you guys can share about how soon your USA customers will get to buy a Triorder.??
Dude ….. …Read the responses. It’s been said like a dozen times now ..
Hopefully we will get something soon.
My guess, and it is just a guess, is the TWC wants adequate stock ready to ship to customers in many of the over 1100 Amazon Fulfillment centers.
As to what is “adequate” your guess is as good as mine.
What we know.
The first 1200 on Amazon UK sold VERY fast. (the firsts 200-300 in minutes and the last 900 in hours). The next group (1200 or 2400?) took 2 days to sell out.
Chris has said that 80% of the certificates came from the US, Its very reasonable to assume that 80% of the demand will be in the US. He also said the the certificates have given them a good idea where we are in the US, so hopefully Amazon can stock accordingly.
Chris has said (the end of May) that 1200 were here moving through the Amazon system with another 1200 coming the following week.
Thats what we know.
Over on the facebook site it has been posted that TWC are producing “500 tricorders a week”. I don’t know where this came from or if it is true, but its out there.
So 500 trics a week, But Chris has also said that they are shipped in blocks of 1000 to 2000 units. We can assume that production has been moving along with out interruption since at least
mid March. So maybe 5500-6500 tricorders of the 10,000 have been built and are in route to Amazons.
–
My guess is TWC wants at least 3000-4000 trics in stock and more in the pipeline to avoid these periodic sell outs.
At least 2400 appear to have gone to Amazon UK. I have no idea if Amazon DE gets a separate shipment.
So, by my logic Amazon in the US probably is approaching the numbers in stock that they want to see for a pleasant purchasing experience.
But I could be completely wrong in my assumptions.
There were close to 300,000 people who signed up for the list. It will take months, if not years, for TWC to meet demand.
there were not 300k people who signed up. Sorry for the confusion the numbers, while sequential were never designed to be an actual reflection one to one of the number of people who signed up. We believe we are making enough tricorders for the fans that want them.
Pretty good speculation. But Chris specifically said we would be getting our emails EARLY THIS WEEK. I don’t know the inner workings of Amazon inventory. But we all know Amazon US has several of them. How many? We truly don’t really know. It’s like I’ve been saying all along. Once the “availability status” is updated, it will be free-for-all unlike any Black Friday Walmart stampede you’ve ever seen. I foresee trouble, and I’m getting out of the way.
I don’t have a DS medical scanner, but I did build one myself and the clear scanner end of mine is a little larger than the divider provided with the Wand Tricorder.
I’m working on a 3D printed replacement divider, I have it pretty close. Once it’s done I’ll post in on thingiverse, so anyone who wants it could download it and 3D print it themselves. It would be pretty easy to modify in something like tinkercad for either the grip end or the scanner (clear) end of the med scanner.
Hi Guys I know your all busy at the moment and rushed off your feet. But had an email to purchase tricorder but sold out on Amazon as soon as I had the email did send the reply to say I could purchase one(I do have a certificate) Hope your all well at the wand company hope there in stock soon.
It will be back in stock soon. We are checking the Amazon loading-in site hourly… what more can be said?… We are all waiting and saying there is no news, which is the same not writing anything. Normally this process from inbound to in stock takes a few days, it’s now been two weeks since the stock was inbound (I think Amazon parlance for delivered to the warehouse). This issue is that they are swamped with everyone shipping stuff in after the tariffs were relaxed temporarily. There is nothing more we can do. We have phoned our contacts in Amazon and they (apparently) are looking at the same information that we are. All I can say is that after two weeks inbound we must be close.
What about the UK then?
Has anyone tried putting the Diamond Select medical scanner in the Wand Co. Tricorder?
Wondering how it fits.
Hopefully I’ll get to try it myself in a few weeks, fingers crossed.
Hi Marty. I’ve been meaning to check so thanks for the push…and since I’m working from home today. Yes…sort of. The scanner side fits in its cradle pretty good. The grip on the Diamond Select is a little larger than the divider for the grip. It does sit in there and the lower door closes but ithe scanner does rub against the top of the lower compartment. The DS scanner from the sciences tricorder is mostly the same diameter from top to bottom. It fits in the larger divider and not in the smaller. Same results when you close the door. Both will move around if you tip the tricorder upside down. Hope this helps.
Thanks for checking, Looks like I might end up 3D printing my own that fits properly. Or find a hunk of aluminum large enough and try making one on my mini-lathe.
I created some dividers for the Medical Scanner tray, they’re posted on Thingiverse – https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7057875
So, Any news for us here in the USA? Emails, Amazon???
Not yet. Hopefully soon though, seems like the trade deals are starting to develop so maybe things will settle down a bit. The Amazon page is starting to burn into my screen after checking so often.
This absolutely cracks me up: “All the reviews are glowing for the first few minutes, then quickly change their tone as they realize, Is this all it does?” LOL you mean like the phaser? 😉 .. We have been shown exactly what it does for a long time, no surprises there and I’m pretty sure that it’s not all reviews stating that. .. Besides, we all know it goes on a shelf somewhere.
Over and over again The Wand Company and most importantly Chris Barnado has shown integrity and been updating us as to the reasoning behind delays, if it’s not this week for the US, I can understand that the entire situation is in flux , maybe a shipment was unexpectedly delayed, whatever .. I trust that they will be available and am waiting for it with I guess unusual patience.
Don, that is what I think as well. Though I am excited to see it I know it will eventually end up on my shelf with the communicator (I don’t have a phaser… hint hint).
I’m just glad they made it, I believe they were not sure at first if they were, because of what was involved with producing it. Little did they know at the time what it was going to be like upon rollout LOL, or we might not have seen it at all.
No. The phaser is also a fully functional universal remote control. And the communicator a fully functional bluetooth communications device. With the tricorder’s display, why couldn’t they add in some sort of bluetooth or I.R. remote function? Heck, why not at least an F.M. radio receiver like in the PipBoy? From what I’ve heard the two devices share some of the same internal components.
The things you mention (or similar complaints) have been brought up before and addressed here in the blogs … I am happy with the functionality as it stands now, and especially so at the price they achieved … I will not be dissuaded in getting one because it lacks this or that, because what it does have, and does so well, is enough for me
well… just adding different tech does many things. It extends the development time, it adds to the complexity of the software which in turn causes more areas that need robustly checking against unexpected issues, it adds cost. We did want an FM receiver in there and it was initially designed in, but due to the large amount of metal in the design and the size of it that restricts the size of antenna you can have, and the issues we had getting the radio to work where the signal was not strong and the additional time sorting all that out would have added to the development schedule which was already very delayed, we decided to abandon the FM radio. In the end when designing a prop replica, you have to make a trade off between what it could do and what it can realistically can do and what it actually needs to do. I have a strong view that more features don’t necessarily make it better. In fact in many cases, more features actually make something less focussed and worse and more prone to misbehaving. Sure it might be nice for a few folks to be able to watch a Star Trek episode on their tricorder, but why. The quality would not be as good as a phone or a TV, it’s display size to device size ratio is not good, and what does that really give you… a prop that has a TV on it, which in any case totally breaks the feeling that it is an inuniverse device. So for the simple reason that we wanted to get this product done and in your hands before we all passed away, we did not include all the tech that it was humanly possible to cram into it.
Chris:
Here! Here!
Technical matters aside, one of the guidelines for content on the TR-637 tricorder simulator content was whether or not it was something that would actually appear on the TOS tricorder.
Practically, I enjoy watching the original series on my flat screen from my comfy chair.
Now, video record and playback would certainly be in keeping with a mythical original function. As much as we all probably would have liked to have seen that feature incorporated, it was probably best not for the reasons that you cited above.
Best. Mike.
Well Chris, I honestly didn’t expect such a detailed response. It tickles me that you actually considered an FM receiver. And yes, I can see how the overall design would have made that feature less than optimal. There is still the issue of the mysterious and undocumented SD card slot. Perhaps some software enhancements or added features in the future? With all the nonsense regarding what is or is not happening behind closed doors at Amazon US, how hard would it have been to get Amazon UK to sell to US customers? That was the original intent, but no one foresaw the Keystone Kops routine that would ensue once the merchandise hit their loading docks. I appreciate your patience with me, being one of the more snarky commenters. 😉
And there you go 🙂
Thanks Chris for the superhuman effort you put in here 🙂
Thank you for your superhuman patience. I sincerely hope to have some good news next week (now where have we heard that before?)… mmm, well let’s see
This has reminded me of what it was like when I was a kid waiting for Christmas to arrive. Counting down the the days was torture!! I hope Chris and them arent dealing with some sort of import issue we dont know about. And before anyone replies to complain about my whining try to restrain yourself. Were talking about Tricorders here. Lets hope maybe today is the day!!
So another week and really no news. Does anyone know why amazon uk will not ship this item to the USA?
Does anyone think it may be caused by some convicted felon?
Tariffs, importing a tricorder as an individual is spendy. Someone bought one off uk eBay for about $500 USD, and incurred $207 in additional fees and taxes. So buying one off uk amazon would run you (swag here) about $600 usd all said and done. But that can change at a whim. Personally I am just waiting impatiently so not to get any surprises.
Yes, because of the fluid tariff situation.
Wand Company Team.
I was wondering what you used for an IMU. It appears to be a 9-DOF device and in order to keep such a low price point, I suspect it’s something like the BNO055. Also, the barometric sensor seems to be as responsive as the BME280 but what did you use for the EM sensor? The manual mentions a “sensor plate” in the bottom of the unit, and this strongly suggests you achieved this with a capacitive circuit, possibly custom built. In any event you’ve all done a fine job of creating this device, and I applaud your efforts in repeatedly answering all the ‘odd and generally off-topic’ questions I’ve seen here.
Well done!
I have no idea, well that is not strictly true… I have an idea, but not sure of the exact part numbers. I’ll put this to my colleagues and see if I can get an answer for you that makes sense.
Michael, here’s an updated answer… There isn’t a single 9-DOF IMU but instead the Tricorder has two 3-axis accelerometers (KXTJ3-1057) and a 3-axis magnetometer (GMC303); the Barometer is a HP303B; the EM sensor consists of a metal plate held about 3mm from the PCB ground plane, with the plate is connected to the input of a transimpedance amplifier. So now you know.
Thank you for taking the time to verify the inner workings, Chris. I truly admire the craftsmanship and engineering that you and your team have put into this.
I think I’ll buy another. Why? Because I can.
Wand Co, some of us believe you’re doing your best. I genuinely mean that.
Hey Amazon, can’t you do any better?
*backing away quietly*
Do you really think Amazon is reading this? “Oh look. Leonel isn’t happy. We should all do better”.
Wand Company Team,
I have another quick question, this time about the Planetary Data. I noticed that Jupiter appears inverted compared to the views I typically see. Was this an intentional design decision?
Either way, you have done an amazing job!
THIS IS DIRECTED TO AMAZON:
Yo Bezos, have you seen what Chris and his folks have been dealing with because you are too busy playing Spaceman Spiff, to straighten out your fulfillment centers. Try getting off you billionaire butt and do some shipping and receiving. The Wand Company here is putting you guys to shame, developing and producing products during a global pandemic, getting production up and running while everyone else is still complaining about supply lines, and then in the middle of a self inflicted trade war they still managed to ship thousands of units to you, but somehow you can’t even manage to update the availability for over a week. Maybe we could convince Elon to buy your company, he’d couldn’t do any worse then you’ve done this past month.
Bezos, get to work!
V/R
Dan
Then go to Amazon
A big public “Thank You” to Andrew and Charlotte at the Wand Company, who swapped-out my Tricorder in Super-Fast time, when I had a clockwise direction sticking-issue with the Moire Disc rotation. A replacement Tricorder arrived before the second was even arranged to be sent back via Evri in the UK. Chris, this is why your company’s the best. Please don’t leave us hanging with the compartment Medical Scanner tease…let’s get one of those suckers in there, please! (And that re-engineered Phaser would be great, too.)
I now have the superior version of the 1974 AMT Exploration Kit, that I used to stare forlornly at in comic book adverts, never for sale in Britain!
Dammit, I’m going to have to buy a replica blue tunic now, aren’t I?
That’s awesome that you got your issue taken care of so quickly! We, here in the US are still waiting for the Amazon stock boy to wake up and do his job. We know from Chris, they’ve been in their hands for nearly two weeks now. As of today, Saturday June 7, 2025, “STATUS: UNAVAILABLE.” Still waiting….still waiting….
I second that. I mean this is absurd. How is it possible that both amazon UK and amazon.com wont sell a Tricorder to us in the USA ?. Its starting to feel like theres something else going on more than a logistical issue.
Here, here; I echo that wish for the medical scanner! Even if we can’t get a sickbay style vital signs screen to use with it; it would be the perfect accessory!!
I don’t know if will make any difference, but I just went to the Amazon “unavailable” page and lodged a complaint under “Report an issue with this product or seller.” I was very polite and professional, but stated there are a great deal of customers who know this has been in the supply chain at Amazon for two weeks. What’s the delay?” Maybe if enough of us start bugging them this way, they might at least offer some explanation or at least see the overwhelming demand and get busy with their primary job of shipping and receiving. A shot in the dark.
You know what would make a difference Tony? Compulsory voting.
Remember how hard it was to get the Playstation 5, trying to buy one while all of the scalpers were buying 10 plus and putting them on ebay. I remember talking to a kid that worked at a big box store and she told me they knew when a shipment was coming in and they would call their buddies to come and buy all of them. I live in the eastern USA and I can say with all of the greedy re-seller scalper scum we have over here, it will be a while before we get to buy one. I hate to say that, but it is very true. Another item that was really scalped was the Disney C3PO premium electronic head. All the greedy scalper scum were going to the Disney stores and buying them right up and putting them on ebay. Disney only made a limited number that sold out very fast online. The only way TWC could have done was to reserve a tricorder or 2 for each registered person and then sell them direct when the time came. Would have been a headache for TWC. When these go live on amazon, they will sell out quickly, but we will all eventually be able to get one once the POS scalpers do their thing. Hopefully TWC will do a phaser re-issue because those will sell just as well as the tricorders, if not better. I loved it when they did the communicator re-issue and that made those pos scalpers stock lose value for a little while, until the re-issue went out of stock.
How many second-run communicators were there? I had the original, and didn’t feel the need for another (especially as I then knew how to change the battery), despite the change in sound effects.
A new phaser, though. I’ll be all over that. Especially as I’m sure that the Wand Company will update it. (As well as fixing the battery issue). A longer handle, a metal ten-turn dial, and a watch crown LED in the Phaser 1 fascia would be very welcome.
Peter, I do not know how many they produced, but they were packaged in the same black boxes as the tricorder. I was able to buy one but they eventually sold out of them. You can see the black box communicators on ebay. TWC had a 55th anniversary communicator edition release.
The one thing I do miss with the Tricorder, is a plastic clamshell/foam case, like the ones with my original communicator and phaser. I’m guessing the cost for the large case was a sticking factor for the Wand Company (Chris?), although I would happily pay for a version of a matching clamshell case if TWC were ever to make one in limited numbers.
We won’t be making one of those. I understand that for some it might be nice to have, but a big transit case is very expensive to make and even more expensive to tool up for. The PU foam trays are very tricky to make perfectly, and are themselves heavy to ship and expensive to make. All in all it is not a good use of the development money, nor the as a fraction of the final product cost is it justified in this case. Obviously we did consider it… For the Phaser it made sense as an analogue of a gun case and it felt like the right thing to do. For the Communicator we were divided as to its relevance. There was one camp in the Wand Company that wanted a camera case a bit more like the Tricorder’s transit case, but the argument for the hard transit case won out after the success of the Phaser case. The Tricorder transit case is the right thing for the Tricorder. It is certain in keeping with the style of the device and fits the look of the era (1960s retro futuristic) so it’s going to be left like that.
This thing is great and another run of the phaser and communicator would be nice to complete the set. I know, late to the party but I can still hope.
I searched but didn’t find a reference so sorry if it’s already been mentioned but the word “archive” is spelled with the “e” except for the engraving on the edge of the disk. My disk has the word without the “e”. Is this intentional for some reason?
If not, are they all like this?
Thanks,
Andre
It looks like they limited the number of laser etched letters on each disk to six. Any more than that and the word would wrap around the disk and not be readable. Another example is “ORIENTATION”, which is etched O R I E N T.
It’s kept short so that you can rotate the disks and not have any text shown 🙂
Exactly
That too!
So smart. I love that small feature! I cant begin to imagine all the thought and planning that has gone into this incredible project!
of course, so that you can display it as the prop replica it should be
yes it was tricky deciding on the short form
Still NO Tricorders for the United States….
You know they exist. You know what the situation is. Chill. You’ll get one.
I have mine sitting here. It’s nice. It lets me complete the set I’ve always wanted. (Well, it will be once I get the Wand Company Medical Scanner! And then he Wand Company Hypospray. And the Wand Company Phaser Rifle, and…)
Regal Robot do a lovely line of Indiana Jones replicas. Unfortunately, they can only sell in the United States because of the license. I’m a huge Indiana Jones fan, and have had to gnash my teeth while the Nurhachi Urn and other lovelinesses have been and gone. Imagine what that’s like for us in Europe. On this rare occasion, circumstances have dictated we’ve a slight jump on you. I’m sure, provided we’ve still a planet left to us in the next month or so, you’ll be guaranteed a unit on your own shelf.
Also, Why does the Wand Company seem so relaxed. Their hair should be on fire. I mean were going on 3 weeks with Tricorders supposedly in the hands of amazon USA and still no way to buy one. What is really going on??
Regarding the Amazon situation your guess is as good as TWC’s. Clearly from Chris’ responses to nearly all comments including yours there is only so much they can do.
Their hair is on fire. They are doing everything in their power to get those of us in the US our tricorders but a certain person I won’t say here is trying to stop us from getting them with his “beautiful tarriffs”! He’s in our damn way and it should make all of us here angry, especially when the extra $75 is (metaphorically) going into his wallet. I think I can see how stressed Chris is in his responses. We just need to be patient for a bit longer until Wand Company can find a way trump his attempts to stop us. Chris, thanks so much for all your efforts and I look forward to getting a tricorder when you guys are able to move forward!
STFU!
I agree with you completely and think patience is the name of the game.
100%
Are you serious! Just think how much extra stress, time and money this nonsensical tariff fiasco has cost the Wand Company and turned what should be a fun and exciting product release into a stress-fest. Now they are being blamed for something they have no control over – unreal!
As a US based business owner who us dealing with this tariff debacle daily, I know first hand how the power hungry orange baboon is playing havoc with our US businesses and economy. The Wand company thankfully being located in the UK has gone above and beyond, doing what they can to circumnavigate this tariff disaster more than any US based company in the same situation could. You must realize, selling through Amazon was certainly not the original plan, it was a forced one. While not ideal, it’s at least a workable solution considering the mayhem and constantly moving goal posts involved in importing goods into this country now. Just think, if that POS con-artist kleptocrat wasn’t stinking up the Whitehouse, most of us would be admiring our tricorders right now.
100% agree with you.
100%
Chris Barnardo, shout out from the US!!!!! You guys are doing an awesome job and none of this is TWC fault. I am patiently waiting like everyone else over here, and I know that I will get to buy one sometime. You are in it to sell tricorders and as many as you can, EVERYWHERE possible, and I know that there isn’t a conspiracy to not sell them to the US customers. LOL This situation does suck, but it is what it is!! You and your team keep doing what you do exceptionally well, making Star Trek TOS works of art
Life doesn’t revolve around a toy no matter how much we all want it and frankly I wish all the brats and crybabys would leave political views out of this thread. You all like to call names and whine and don’t understand that you are doing the very same thing you say this person does. There is much more behind the tarriffs and the embedded career politicians that have been there 30 years plus are the true ones to blame.
Keep it to the subject or go to Facebook where you can complain all you want to.
You guys are right. Chris and The Wand Company have excellent customer service!! However Im not so naive as to think they share with us everything going on behind the scenes with internal company business. Thats all I was saying. These posts sound hysterical. Lecturing. Its absurd.
Here’s an interesting take on this whole situation. I’m sure many of my fellow Star Trek fans are familiar with the YouTube channel “Smarter Every Day.” Well, Destin, in an exercise in coming up with a handy back-yard grilling accessory that he thought was missing from all the store shelves, set out to see actually what it would take to invent, design and manufacture a simple grill scrubber 100% in the USA. It touches all the issues we’ve been bickering over the last few weeks. And no! It isn’t ALL BECAUSE of the “Orange Baboon.” I grow weary of responding to the daily T.D.S. rant. I’m not even going to address it anymore. It is actually very complex and nuanced. Check out the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZTGwcHQfLY
Hey Wand Company, Were starting a new week. Is there any good news on the horizon for us here in the USA?
So have you stopped shipping? I have no idea how low on the list I am but I was told that everyone who signed up would get one. Except vultures on the internet are scooping them up the moment they hit Amazon and selling them for 3x the price on EBay. Your distribution system is broken. And the people who have stuck with you for years are disappointed.
The issue right now is with Amazon. The wand company it suppling them as fast as they are made.
I believe there is a limit of two, but scalpers will always find a way around that. Amazon gives no shits. There has been regular stock on Amazon UkK, but they do sell through fast. We are all waiting for Amazon to get its shit together in the US.
Don’t buy them from eBay. We have stock in Amazon waiting to become ready to ship we have more stock flowing in to that bottle neck. As soon as we have more information about the stock we will send out another email, while we have no information we will not be constantly updating everyone with messages to say that we have nothing to say. As soon as we have some news we will email and message with that wonderful news.
Chris, is it possible to share exactly what the issue, bottleneck is with Amazon US in particular? We know you and all the Wand folks have definitely done your part. You air-lifted at least a couple of thousand for Amazon to eventually distribute, with them arriving initially in Chicago.
We also understand that Amazon wanted to further preposition them in down line, more local distribution centers.
We also know tariffs were out of your control and that the slightly higher price point is strictly tariff related.
What we don’t understand is why it’s taking Amazon US so long to release them to market for you? Especially since additional ones became available quickly, weeks back,via Amazon UK. We also know they’re being made available via Amazon, Germany, and even Spain.
I think if we knew a little bit more of what exactly the problem is with Amazon US, that might eliminate a lot of folks frustrations. With a company the size of Amazon, especially right here in its initial US base, we can’t fathom why it’s taking weeks to get them into the hands of the US market, for Wand.
Since Amazon US is supposedly providing the fulfillment service for Wand, surely they owe you some type of explanation as to why they have failed, so far, and what their issues are?
If you could share any of that, it would be great! Thanks for all Wand has done so far.
We do not know what the issue is, and when we talk yo Amazon, which we have done numerous times, they have no idea either. As I have said, I am guessing that the Amazon system is struggling under the pressure of the influx of shipments after the hiatus caused by the prohibitive tariff escalation, but that is only a guess. We have got additional capacity agreed and we have loaded another shipment in. So like you we have no idea what is holding it up. We are as keen as anyone to get this moving. I am sorry but there is no more to know. You mention the size of Amazon, in our experience that makes it even harder at times to find out what is going on in such a huge organisation. However, we have heard from other retailers that they have and are experiencing similar issues with new stock. As far as owing us an explanation… simply, yes, but then again David and Goliath … err, not actually. Our contacts are very nice and helpful, but as I understand it they are all looking at the same computer feed we are, and as that has no updates, there is nothing that we can co to that $2.31 trillion company that that will encourage them to get a move on with our few thousand tricorders.
The question can keep on being asked, but in the end, all I can say is that when I have news, you guys will be the first to hear, *until then* contrary to the apocryphal saying, no news is bad news.
Hi Chris,
Since you nor any of us know when Amazon will be releasing the tricorders in their stock for sale in the U.S., should we then assume there will no longer be an “invitation” email from The Wand Company to purchase? I know the original plan was to send the e-mail to buyers gradually to give everyone a chance to purchase but considering the nebulous communication from Amazon, will TWC even know ahead of time when they will be posted for sale?
I’m not trying to stir up trouble but I’m wondering if I should still be monitoring my inbox. Thanks.
We are in control of when the listing goes live, once the stock is in place. Currently we have the listing turned off in the US. We also have it turned off in the UK even though the stock is ready there. This is to hopefully mitigate against the distortion of third party resellers buying up stock in the UK and offering it at very high prices to desperate US customers. Once the stock is in place in the US and and we are sure that we have enough for another invite in the US, the UK and some other amounts in Europe, we will turn on the listing everywhere and send out another invite. The listing will not just go live when it wants.
Thanks for your explanation, Chris. I look forward to purchasing one.
Hi Chris, I know you said you didnt want to give out news until you have real news. I was thinking maybe you could kind of telegraph that theres a hint of progress for US customers if indeed there is any?
I would love to, but my crystal ball has been worn down to a nub over the course of this project and my predictive, and, dare I say it, telepathic powers, are fried to a crisp.
Thank You………. 🙂
Chris, you keep mentioning the US and UK. What about other countries and, especially Canada. Will it also be on Amazon.ca? In Canada will we have to order on Amazon UK or US? That will certainly affect shipping and or duty costs. Just curious. Thanks.
Im not seeing any on ebay right now. There was several. But still none on amazon here in the USA as far as I can tell. I cant wait until I can buy one.
And just how would you suggest they distribute them? There never was a list, and if the link was not posted for everyone to use when it was initially announced they wouldn’t be so easy to find now would they? Go ahead and look. Don’t use the link, just search on Amazon. See what you get.
Yes and No… yes for the moment there are no shipments, but no that situation will not continue indefinitely. Vultures on the internet are not scooping them up. A few made their way into the hands of people that wanted to do nothing but sell them on eBay. As I have commented many times… the way to stop that dead is to NOT BUY them from eBay while they are still being manufactured. Star Trek is rocket science, but really stopping “scalpers” or ticket touts is not rocket science… if there is no market for products sold at more than there list price, while they are still being manufactured, then people that buy them not to collect them but to sell them as an increased price, will find there is no market for them. About 1200 Tricorders have been sold in total so far and about I’m guessing 20 or so made their way on to eBay (sorry… update, apparently 41 have been sold on eBay). It’s annoying and really we can’t stop it happening and also there is no law against some one buying something and selling it for more, so there is no reason to get cross about these activities, just don’t encourage them, that’s all.
Chris, good advice to cut off the eBay sellers, it’s the only way to stop them. To date, 41 have been sold on eBay, 21 of those from a single seller out of the U.K. He’ll probably buy more when the U.K. Sales open up again. I’d call that guy a vulture.
So I was just reading up on amazon receiving. Its all over the internet. Some things are taking in excess of 24 days to get logged in and made available for sale. Heres what I was reading..
https://forceget.com/blog/how-to-cut-amazon-fba-receiving-time-from-24-days-to-4-days/
We seem to have in common curiosity about Amazon’s process. 🙂 I’ve been looking too.
I found this. No idea if this process is still the case but it is quite interesting!
https://youtu.be/zERrqLFotSY
So if theres a huge bottleneck the Wand Co stuff could still be waiting to be checked in. It is very interesting. I get amazon stuff several times a week and it is always on time etc. So from the outside amazon looks like an incredible operation. Ive spent the last 2 weeks laser focused on this. I need to take a break 🙂
That’s the thing, isn’t it? Assuming that video I found is still relevant I’m imagining a massive influx of incoming product and workers playing Tetris with individual boxes throughout their inventory system.
I too need to take a break from this. (Yeah right that’s not going to happen. 😉 )
My gosh, people. This is getting tiresome. As Jason York said the issue is with Amazon. There are only so many ways TWC can rehash that. It is very likely they have no information to provide us. Can’t we accept that?
I’m not a fan of President Trump, Republicans and Democrats – and I’m very tired of this back and forth name calling.
What will it take for a truce here already?
What it will take is for folks like you to quit responding to questions not directed toward you. Especially so rudely. Nobody is name calling. What a bunch of busy bodies. And Chris asked to keep politics off this forum. He even wrote an entire post regarding that very subject.
There’sres a good chance Lego is releasing a large-scale set Enterprise this summer according to rumours. Now I have the Tricorder, this would be a great combo to have on display,
Do you know which Enterprise? I’d like to see either TOS or Refit.
Do you know which Enterprise? I’d like to see either TOS or Refit.
Its the original one.
You missed the German company Bluebrixx who had the license for Star Trek brick kits for many years. My mid scale TOS Enterprise, TNG Enterprise, TOS Shuttle and full scale Defiant await their brother Tricorder.
Sadly all that’s left now is a full scale DS9. Who know what and when Lego will do anything.
Oh if you’re so inclined AliExpress has plenty of Star Trek IP kits.
Three cheers for Chris, I totally understand the complications and support Chris and team 100%.
I believe this is old news but I received my Trek Classic Mark 1 Medical Scanner today and I can confirm that it does fit nicely in the lower compartment of the Tricorder. It’s a very nice prop replica and while I hope that one day Wand will make one the Trek Classic is a very well made prop accessory. I did not think that this gorgeous tricorder could be improved but opening and seeing the scanner in the lower compartment is a wonderful Easter egg of sorts.
In anticipation of getting the Wand Tricorder I’ve been looking for a quality standard (science) hand scanner, since this isn’t a medical Tricorder, but I’ve yet to find any.
In anticipation of getting the Wand Tricorder I’ve been searching for a proper science hand scanner, since this isn’t a medial Tricorder. Reading all the comments I’m curious why so many people want the medical hand scanner instead.
A couple of years ago, I was fortunate enough to purchase both the MoPop medical scanner kit and the science scanner kit. As far as I know, both kits are out of stock and the sellers were not interested in renewing their stock. Since the coming of the Wand Tricorder, I would think that would open up a new market and maybe the sellers would reconsider offering new scanner kits.
Michael,
It’s so they can play doctor (Star Trek TOS style) of course.
v/r
Dan
Guilty!
Greetings all. Has anyone purchased a Tricorder in the last few days, on Amazon UK or US?
I wonder how many people like me there are. I am so focused on this Amazon/Wand Co. situation that everything else is just a distraction. Im looking at my phone hourly at night when I should be sleeping. Im also wondering if the Wand Co. has sent anyone to the U.S. to get a look at whats happening at Amazon? I am not criticizing or making any judgements. If I am this stressed out by this I can only imagine what the folks at the Wand Co. are experiencing!!
Checking multiple times per day on Amazon US and Canadian websites. Nothing.
There has been so much hype, that I’m guessing non-fan scalpers are buying up stock, before those who signed up years ago can grab one.
NO… no fan scalpers are not buying up stock when it comes into stock. Since the last email we sent out the listing has been turned off and after the units sold through no more have been sold. We will not turn it on anywhere until we have enough stock for the next email mail out. Any that are appearing on eBay or still on eBay are from those first two shipments. Please look down this thread and read the various ins and outs before making any statements about hearsay over scalpers and what stock is or is not available. I know that it is frustrating waiting for something but that’s all we are doing… waiting and it certainly isn’t all over by a long chalk!
CHRIS, PLEASE, PLEASE GIVE US HERE IN THE U.S. SOME GOOD NEWS. ITS ANOTHER NEW WEEK…..
What do you expect him to say?!
They are already in North America. Just because a convicted felon wants to play king and see everyone dance certainly isn’t the fault of the Wand Company, now is it?
Chris has already said the email will go out when they are ready to send it.
Chris,
Considering the type of people doing this eBay price gouging/scalping would you be surprised if they were selling a knock off and just saying it was one of yours. Then they just copy the best photos from across the net, sticking them on their advertisement and when a sucker bites they ship out the crap and PRESTO! Another dissatisfied customer.
It doesn’t take much imagination to picture that scenario, does it?
V/R
Dan
I got impatient and purchased from a scalper. I paid double the retail price for the device after factoring in shipping and taxes. I don’t feel great about it, but I can say with 100% certainty that the device is genuine. I don’t think very highly of scalpers, but at least the person I did business with wasn’t fraudulent.
I do however blame Amazon 100% for this. The product was in stock for a couple days and they wouldn’t let me make the purchase. I tried using an Amazon UK account. I tried using a VPN. I tried using a UK delivery address. No matter what I did, Amazon did everything they could to prevent selling the device to me just because I am an American. I would STRONGLY advise The Wand Company to sell their products directly on their own website from now on, or at least use a different third-party website to sell their products.
Did it ever occur to you that the ‘can’t deliver’ message was simply another way of saying ‘there is no stock available to sell, and the listing is currently turned off’?
It was in stock. It shows you whether it is in stock or not if you have a UK delivery address, which I have.
Im just waking 650am on 6/13 (great Friday The 13th). Came here first, then amazon/US and finally ebay. No changes.. 🙁
BRO!!!…. …….it’s impatient people like you who fuel resellers. You could not wait a bit more? Lol I guess It took guts admitting that in these forums when Chris has said repeatedly don’t buy from them there will be plenty. Did you not believe that??? The communicator and phaser were available for a long time. You will feel silly when you will be able to buy it easily later this year…smh
Yup… Amazon hates Americans!
Here I go again Chris.
Why do people work overtime concocting elaborate conspiracy theories about this? Something to pass the time, I guess.
DMT,
No conspiracy, but I can just picture the same sort that came up with “Sea Monkes” to be behind this too. And yah something to pass the time before going home for the day. Infact it was so good today, lets all come back and do it again tomorrow. Eventually they will be here we’ll get them, and the blog here will be a time capsule of impatience and humor.
V/R
Dan
I am properly chastized, Dan. 🙂
A used one came up on Amazon UK yesterday for a few hours. The seller was Amazon reseller, and it was 264.50 GBP.
After 5+ years of one excuse after the other (whilst most other commerce continued as usual or rebounded at a respectable speed) which one will Wand use next for poor product delivery: Amazon, the global riots, Russia/Ukraine, the current US administration, El Salvador, the middle east, bird flu, tsunami? Or, let’s place the blame where it belongs squarely on Wand Company. Their poor choices for failing to put in place a successful customer procurement process which required infinitely more time while very few people inside the original que of interest can get their hands on even a single unit. Well done Wand.
And selective comments on the blog to boot, as a few other posts of mine which were rightfully critical of Wand were not published here. We shall see on this one.
Well, this is our website and it is intended to promote our products. While we really enjoy engaging in the conversations that our product inspires amongst the fans and of course, interacting with fans to understand and respond to their concerns and thoughts about our products, we are under no obligation to publish derogatory comments about us and our efforts to develop and deliver any product, if we choose not to. This is not a public forum. So while for now I have allowed this particular post, I reserve the absolute right to remove or moderate comments that I think are unsuitable, for whatever reason, on here… our own website.
I don’t want to get involved with a long argument with you explaining or supporting our decisions, which we took in good faith and executed to the best of our ability, with the resources we had at our disposal at the time, and flexed given the changing conditions that went along with global events… all I will say that we have a very small team, we have invested our own time and money at our own risk to develop this product. You are under **no obligation to purchase the Tricorder** and in truth, **we are under no obligation to deliver a tricorder product to you** or in fact to anyone, until that is, they have paid for it.
So, this is a polite request that you please keep your posts on topic, or positively encouraging, or genuinely enquiring and I will do my best to answer them. Thank you.
Bravo
I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t shut this blog down Chris. Nobody would blame you.
jim
No, we wouldn’t do that, this interaction is making the waiting bearable. I will moderate comments that lead us into blind alleys of needless recrimination.
Thank you!
I want a Waldorf salad
Well aren’t you a pleasant little troglodyte bobo.
I’ve got mine. Looking at it right now. Feel lucky to have got an early release, but I would have been perfectly content waiting another month or more. It took us five years to get to this point. Now, I’ll wait for the next phaser release and the medical scanner. Such is life.
Good job you’re a Star Trek fan, because as a Jedi you’d never cut the “patience” part.
Hi Chris,
Excited for US availability.
Now that the product is released, could you shed any more light on potential use of the SD card? (An old subject for me.)
Also, for the images of Balok, the Klingon ship, etc., did Wand have to license those individually, or could you add more down the line under a blanket licensing arrangement?
Like the lie detector, there are more animations and stills I’d love to see: the Zetar approach to Memory Alpha, the brainwave scan from that same episode, the interphase diagram from The Tholian Web, etc.
Assuming SD capacity and licensing are not limitations, you could do an incredible slideshow using many TOS-era graphics.
And ideally, Tricorder owners could roll their own image playlists, too.
Appreciate any insights you can share.
Imagining these possibilities is a nice diversion from the waiting game.
Jim
I would be happy to get one just the way it comes…
There are so many great possibilities. Ship blueprints/interior layouts spring to mind. Fingers crossed that they are realized.
What SD card? The user manual does not show an SD card reader slot. The USB slot is a power only slot (not for data communication). I know this subject was briefly discussed about a year ago, and I thought that the answer was that this capability is not included in this version of the tricorder. Please correct me if I am in error.
you are in error.
I stand corrected. A close-up view of when the hood is open does show a slot (presumably SD card). The user manual does not show how to access the SD card, nor the data types that it would recognize.
As Chris has stated elsewhere, the SD slot doesn’t do anything yet; it’s there for possible future updates. He didn’t elaborate (probably because he doesn’t want to make any promises, which is wise), but the slot has to be there for a reason. Otherwise, why include it?
So are we, it’s taking way to long!
We initially put an SD card into the electronic design (at an early stage) with the intention of having a repository for large files such as animations or videos. The main issue was development time. However, it was too late in the project to remove the SD card, due to the tooling already having been made and the electronic circuit having been finalised, we left it in there with the thought that we might update the software at some stage in the future to enable the SD card functioin and thus unlock some new features. We are busy right now, so that is a way off, and we have no plans right now to enable its function.
Chris, Is there maybe a glimmer of hope you guys will be able to start selling here in the US soon? Your stock here in the USA has got to be close to being in place by now. Hopefully 🙂
There is more than a glimmer of hope. We **will** be selling the Tricorder in the US soon, we have stock being onboarded, there is some small amount of stock already in place, the issue isn’t if but when, and that is the question that I can’t answer right now… Soon is all a matter of perspective… I guess soon or even instantaneously might be accurate on a geological scale, which is not much use to us now. But anyway, soon I hope, whether that’s days or another week or two I, and it seems nobody at Amazon can tell.
So perhaps they are busy playing Tetris box-by-box after all? Along with everything else coming in from other suppliers? Could you imagine if their warehouses only have space on upper shelves and racks? The world will never know. I’m feeling sorry for the little people. 😉
Thanks for the hopeful update!
I would love to know if it will be on Amazon.ca. Some item on Amazon.com are listed as not shipping to Canada. Just would like an update on that. Thanks
It will probably not be on Amazon Canada. But Canadian customers will be able to buy it from Amazon UK.
Chris, I just read your reply to my glimmer of hope. Another week or 2 you say. We will adapt…
Chris,
I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to clear up my questions about the SD card. The possibilities are awesome, but that’s way down the road. Thanks again!
Chris if you get a free min today could you verify my email is on your list. I signed up in FEB 2021 I think. Dont worry about it if you dont have time. Kevin
No worries, indeed you are still on it and for anyone else wondering, unless you intentionally unsubscribed, you still be on the list.
Thank You!!!!
Release the kraken!!
Appreciate the response on SD, Chris. It’s an exciting possibility and I hope you have bandwidth at some point to consider it, perhaps as a crowd funded or open source effort. It would take an already amazing product to a whole other level.
All quiet on the home front. No Tricorders here yet. Im so depressed.
SD Card slot is located in the side of the rotating hood.
It’s on the left of the hood with a blank in it.
Chris,
I’m just making sure I understand where things stand today.
A quantity was shipped to Amazon in the US for sale and distribution.
They have had them since the end of May (when they started appearing on the Amazon web page (but showing as “currently unavailable”).
For the past three weeks or so they have been piling up in Amazon warehouses awaiting the completion of some secret voodoo ritual (known only to Jeff Bezos and his Amazon minions).
And once Amazon is good and ready, they will turn off the sign that says “currently unavailable” and then we can start ordering them, but for now it’s all in their hands, and they’re not saying anything to anybody.
Does that about cover where we are at today?
Thanks.
V/R
Dan
Chris has previously indicated that Wand decides when to push the “release the kraken button” (when there is sufficient stock to not cause a bad customer experience). What Wand does not control is when Amazon stages the product for shipment in their DCs.
100% correct
“To not to cause a bad customer experience”
Sorry, the boat has sailed on that one.
They’ve already caused a very bad customer experience.
They (The Wand Company) … have not been the cause of a very bad customer experience, Only two places deserve blame, The current tariff situation and Amazon (unless you are talking about their waiting the UK release to coincide with the US , I personally understand and agree with their reasoning for this )
Chris Barnardo has kept us all informed as to what is happening and what the plans are, and that it is all in flux at the moment.
thanks Don, I think that actually Amazon is also struggling to keep up and that is what has caused the latest round of delays. The world of manufacture and commerce works on such a tight, just-in-time principle that when some thing disrupts it, it goes wrong very quickly. Given the sheer volume of components and products moving round the world, there is very little contingency. After the tariffs effectively blockaded product shipments for a couple of months, the window of lower tariffs (for products made in China) has created a tsunami of shipments all wanting the same freight and inbound services and for most companies, this is overwhelming. This is clearly what has happened at Amazon US. We are looking at a pioneering service that Amazon is offering that will ship products directly fromt eh factory into their warehouse. We are one of the first to try out this new service and we hope it will speed things up for the next couple of shipments.
If amazon is struggling it doesnt show. I mean not a day goes by that I dont order something from them. It really is fascinating. Almost anything I want can be at my door tomorrow morning with free shipping. Not only that but theres prime tv. The 12 bucks monthly prime membership fee sooo worth it.
Chris .. I actually agree with you about Amazon, but I was just throwing the blanket out there to cover anything that others could have a complaint with in this whole thing. Really cool that you are going to be fist users of a potentially better way to do things. Thanks Chris for keeping us updated as is humanly possible 🙂
all correct… apart from the bit where they get to turn on the listing. They tell us when it is ready to be turned on and then we get to choose when to turn it on. Due to this option we have been holding back the UK listing so that we can synchronise the listings and avoid US/ROW heartache.
Could I ask what number of tricorders you are hoping to have in stock before the trigger is pulled, and about how many are on hand now?
I think Chris has mentioned a number at one point but I suspect that number is in a bit of flux at the moment and probably has gone up over time. I think having a very large number of tricorders to release is probably the best way to go to avoid an almost instant “product unavailable” situation.
Chris, I was up at least 3 times last night checking your blog/amazon (and other concerning news).
Hey this is way off topic but how popular is Heinz Salad Cream over there? I tried it for the 1st time recently and I liked it but it is very similar to Miracle Whip which I love. Salad Cream is like $12 here because it is an *import*.
OK something HAS to break soon with amazon. I briefly considered going over to the big amazon facility here in Western NY and doing a little investigating of my own. That would be a little out there I know 🙂 !!
Hello Chris,
Let me begin with Thank you.
Thank you for keeping us posted.
Thank you for being the liason between a desirous clientele that behaves like an angry mob and a hard place.
I’m sure you don’t hear it nearly enough, so Thank you.
That being said, I have not received any of the last updates here in email like I used to,. Do you know if there is an existing issue with Gmail servers or something ? I checked my spam settings just in case a you didn’t get shifted there.
Obviously I know how to find this page and check manually but since I was getting the emails originally I did want to miss my invite when that becomes available.
Patiently yours,
David
Thanks for your kind words and patience, the current situation is certainly fraying the nerves everywhere. Looking at our records, it seems that you did manage to open Sales Update #3, that was the last one that I sent. I have avoided sending new updates to say that there is no update as every time I send out an email no matter how carefully I word it, I get a massive wave of incoming emails that swamp us. As a result it is easier to answer the odd question here or deal with the fans that randomly email with a query. I know it is tough on everyone, but the fact is, when there is no news, there is no news, it’s that simple.
It’s weird that your email client has suddenly started filtering our messages , if that’s what happened, but as I say, Update #3 was the last one we sent out.
Hi Chris, I’ve kept quiet awaiting the U.S. release. I thought I’d like to say that while the wait is frustrating for us, it must be extremely difficult for your team. I just want to let you know that I am both confident in The Wand Company to bring us the very best, and I know the wait will be over soon enough. Thank you for your continued commitment and dedication to delivering outstanding products in the most difficult of situations. You guys are the best!
Eric.
thank you, I understand everyone’s frustration and of course share it
Hello again,
Thanks Chris.
That is all.
Wand Company Team;
I suspect since all three (3) devices are capable of using the I2C bus, I was wondering; Are both the GMC303 and the KXTJ3-1057 configured for 14-bit resolution? If so, was there any noticeable impact on performance?
Again, great job on bringing this product to reality. I’m finding many uses for it here in the real world.
I’m not being sarcastic: please tease us. Can you list some examples of how you’re using it? Inquiring minds want to know!
It’s able to easily capture pre-flight environmental data including background noise and vibrations, and time stamp them with recorded notes, and it also forms a good calibration reference.
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!
A couple friends at work want to see the tricorder so I have mine with me. It suddenly occurred to me: I can now track temperature changes in the office.
We’ve joked around about the temperature. (Yes I know – first world problems.) My cube is right below an A/C vent. After serious consideration, I began an honest effort to track the data and my team leader appreciated this!
Wand Company Team,
Since both the GMC303 and the HP303B only handle pressure and temperature, I’ve been searching *unsuccessfully* for a publicly available photo that shows the sensor array.
I suspect you are using the I2C bus, and the engineering screen shows T. Core, T. Bar and T. R.H., all with different values.
Q: did you choose the Sensirion SHT3x or 4x?
I found the “Property of Starfleet” notice, and a couple of other surprises your team left for us to find. Nicely done!
Michael.
“Property of Starfleet” notice? Is that stamped in the plastic some place (like on the interior surfaces of the doors or inside the travel cover)? Just trying to enjoy the vicarious experience of having one like you do.
V/R
Dan
Hey Dan, I keep thinking today will be the day. Got any predictions?
Kevin,
For some reason my predictor, and my crystal ball ar both shouting Tuesday July 1st. No reason,just something keeps feeling like that’s the day my order goes in and it goes through. I can break out the tarot cards and try to confirm that date, but I’ll need someone to help me if you want me to use my Ouja Board, it doesn’t work with just one person. That’s my best prediction for now. (Now where did I put that rabbit’s foot, my 4 leaf clover has got to be with it…)
Best of luck.
V/R
Dan
Hey Dan, Very Good! When I was reading your reply it reminded me of something *Garak* may have said to *Dr. Bashir* had he asked *Garak* the same question while they were having lunch at the Klingon Restaurant on Deep Space Nine.
As for me, I have no idea what to expect now. This situation has gone on much, much longer than I would have expected. July 1 sounds as good as any other day.
Maybe today???
From the photos I’ve seen, it’s on the backside, directly behind the access panel to the battery compartment up top beneath the hood. Wish I could say from firsthand experience, however, still waiting, waiting, waiting…
I found it when I was installing a low temperature 8Ah battery in mine, and David described pretty well where it is. It says more than that, but I’ll let you find out for yourself.
I also found a stray Starfleet ‘shield’ symbol tucked away, and there’s an Engineering logo that you probably don’t want to access. I’m not sure what else the Wand Company team left for us, but there you are.
Dan, if you want to see the Engineering logo (the one on Scotty’s uniform) inside your tricorder – without disassembling it – you can:
– Open the back door to change the battery, then
– open the the lower door and look inside at the very bottom of the unit.
In there – in the center – is a small logo as seen on Scotty’s uniform.
Oh, and with an 8Ah battery installed – your tricorder will run continuously even with the moire motor turning for about eight (8) hours. I’m planning on testing my second tricorder alongside this one and see how long the stock battery will last.
Someone mentioned something related to an sd card earlier in the comments here, saying it’s located by the hood. So apparently that is in the design but not functional nor intended to be used? From a design perspective, isnt that for future proofing? I’m not a product designer but I’m just curious and super confused as to why thats here but not functional. I don’t think these tricorders can have firmware updated since the usb-c connector is just for charging right? The SD card will be usable in the design if the next generation of tricorder comes out some day with a refined design.
Chris said above:
“ We initially put an SD card into the electronic design (at an early stage) with the intention of having a repository for large files such as animations or videos. The main issue was development time. However, it was too late in the project to remove the SD card, due to the tooling already having been made and the electronic circuit having been finalised, we left it in there with the thought that we might update the software at some stage in the future to enable the SD card function and thus unlock some new features. We are busy right now, so that is a way off, and we have no plans right now to enable its function”.
I just fear I will never see the Tricorder. I didn’t read all 447 posts but is the plan still to send individual emails to the people who signed up first? Will the notification be for those people or will the stock just be dumped to Amazon and it’s “good luck” if you purchase in time? I understand the frustration and all the work The Wand Company is doing and appreciate it. I have the Phaser (wish I had the communicator). I really hope this works out well. I certainly think the people that signed up early should be provided the opportunity to purchase first before scalpers and others. Thanks for all you are doing. I know it’s hard.
Here’s the key point to note:
“…to receive this information by email before it is published.”
That’s all it is — just early notification via email.
No queue, no preferred status, no early sales, no priority access — simply information by email before it appears publicly here. It’s even stated clearly at the top of the page: “…registered an interest.”
In summary Glenn:
1. If you’ve registered interest, you’ll receive an email — unless you unsubscribed.
2. If you’re located in the southern part of North America, or in Alaska or Hawaii, Amazon US is the way to go.
3. For everyone else (at least for now), use Amazon UK.
One key point to note is: USA customers will be buying from amazon/US.
I wonder if Chris will tell us on this forum that stock is in or if we will just get an email alerting people who registered.
As summer is now here, I soon expect the customary message indicating Wand expects orders to start fulfilling before Christmas. At which time, we will then receive the standard indication noting sometime in spring, etc, etc……….
Hi. I wanted to check if I was still registered and was under the impression, if I already were, I would get a notification as such. However, it treated it as a new registration and hope it didn’t bump “my place in line”. I registered a year ago and got registration # TC-211812. But now I got a new registration #. TC-352062. Has this messed me up? lol
I too reregistered ( after I didn’t get a few updates) and asked Chris about it, your first registration is what they will go by 🙂 DB, TC-38090 🙂
Thanks for the info Michael. I’m in the southern US and have my TC-xxxxxxx registration number. I guess I will just wait and see what happens like everyone else.
Wand Company Team,
Thank you for leaving the Engineering screen accessible — it’s a genuinely thoughtful inclusion.
Since installing the 8Ah battery, I’ve been monitoring it closely over the past few days. I wanted to share how impressed I am with the voltage stability: VDDA remains absolutely steady to two decimal places, even as VBAT gradually tapers off. Very nicely done.
I also noticed the temperature reading associated with the relative humidity sensor. I still suspect it’s a Sensirion SHT3x – either way, your choice delivers a beautiful fusion of creativity and engineering precision.
And that starfield screensaver? A delightful touch.
So another week with no new information.
On the bright side… stock is building up so there should be minimal fiasco. When it becomes available hopefully we will all be able to order without stress. Hopefully.
John,
I like your brand of optimism. Fingers crossed and hoping you’re right.
V/R
Dan
I was thinking the same thing a few days ago, if 500 or 1000 have been shipping into Amazon every week, by next week there should be 3000 to 4000 units in stock.
Its very hard to keep reading over and over how everyone loves their new Triorder. All the great features. How gorgeous it is and still a month later it not available in the USA unless you break down and buy one on ebay for a couple thousand dollars.
Thats All
As an Indiana Jones fan, I wasn’t able to purchase the Regal Robot Indiana Jons props because the license is U.S. only.
So, imagine what it could have been if the Tricorder was only licensed by the UK company, for the UK. At least you’ll be getting them eventually.
I love my Tricorder… 🙂
And what are you doing with it you ‘love’ so much?
Is Edith Keeler a grandmother yet?
Yes. Joan Collins ( aka Sister Edith Keeler ) is a grand mother.
Im sorry I was wrong. The going rate for a Wand Company Tricorder on Ebay here in the USA today 6/20 is $1500
Only if someone pays it
Im sorry I was wrong. The going rate for a Wand Company Tricorder on Ebay here in the USA today 6/20/2025 is $1500
Wand Company team,
I’m currently comparing my tricorder with other field instruments and need to confirm the operating mode of the GMC303. Could you please let me know which mode it’s set to?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Ok. I figured out where Wand Company went wrong on the Tricorder delivery. They should have first built a transporter and then they could have beamed one to each person in return for the correct number of galactic credits or Tribbles of equivalent value. Oh well live and learn.
My Tricorder beamed to me perfectly.
The rest for you guys seemed to have had a hiccup, and are apparently stuck in a Transporter Pattern Buffer.
There are some fellas elsewhere wearing dagger badges and with pointed beards who can’t believe their good luck, though…
Hmmm. There was this weird guy knocking on my door who said his name was Trelane and that he was blocking my transporter beam? WTF? I should have bought his Girl Scout cookies
Hi Chris. Wondering if you can share more about development of the Tricorder’s interface?
The tools you used for prototyping, approach to coding, design style guide for a TOS-era UI, etc. Totally understand if that’s proprietary and you can’t share, but in this era of smartphones and digital tablets, the challenge of designing from a 1960s POV on a small screen with limited controls is fascinating.
As always, appreciate the consideration — it helps with the waiting. 😉
You do realise that the first thirteen blogs detailed things like:
Scanning, modelling, 3D printing, functional blocks, tooling, data discs, moire etc.. it’s all right there. They even listed how many days / hours each operation took.
Have you read all of them? I have.
You know, Its easy to respond to someones query without being so snarky.
Hi Michael. I have read all the blogs as they’ve been released, though I don’t recall one that addressed the specifics of my questions about the underpinnings of the interface development.
In any case, though my question was directed at Chris, I welcome any insights or even speculation about this topic from anyone.
Though there are a lot of different opinions expressed here, I figure the one thing we all have in common is a love for Star Trek. You can sit at my table any time you’re inclined.
Best,
Jim
While I understand your question was directed to Chris, I felt it could have been answered simply by acknowledging the enormous effort the Wand Company has invested in this project—particularly with this latest update.
The thread now has over 400 entries, many of which cycle through the same sentiments: frustration with Amazon, impatience, accusations over logistics, and blame-shifting. It’s become a familiar refrain.
Frankly, taking a moment to review the information already shared—or just waiting patiently for the next update—might be more constructive and offer the team a bit of breathing room.
That’s all I meant to say.
If my message came across as anything more than that, please know it wasn’t my intention, and I apologize if it caused any offense
No offense. I’m consciously encouraging discourse about topics that have nothing to do with Amazon, delays, etc. I figure that has been addressed and will sort itself out.
The existing blog entries are marvelous, but to my knowledge they don’t address my questions specifically.
Are there any unexplored aspects of the Tricorder that interest you?
‘Unexplored aspects’? None come to mind.
I’m not particularly concerned with how the company built all my lab equipment—I care about the specifications, the performance, and the fact that it does what it claims to do.
What IS remarkable is having access to the co-founder of a company who takes the time to answer what, to them, must sometimes feel like trivial questions.
That kind of transparency and dedication? That, to me, is priceless.
This device is a work of art. You can feel the care and craftsmanship in every detail.
Indeed — Chris and the Wand team are exceptionally generous with their time, a testimony to the brand they’ve built.
What I find most intriguing about their version of the Tricorder is the potential (assuming a sufficient ROI) that the software might be updated to provide new functionality or even unlock additional capabilities of the sensors. If conditions are right, they’re in a unique position to add value to the device over time.
But as-is, yes, it’s a work of art and I’m excited to experience it first hand after all the vicarious opportunities. Cheers to Wand!
When it comes to “additional capabilities of the sensors,” I’m not convinced there’s a lot of untapped potential.
From what Chris has shared, the GMC303 supports four different configuration modes, though it’s unclear which one is currently in use. That could be a possible enhancement—giving users the ability to switch between modes, if that’s supported.
As for the HP303B, we already see a “T. Bar” value in the Engineering screen, but it doesn’t seem to appear elsewhere. Since that’s a separate sensor from the one handling Atmospheric Readings, maybe there’s a case for exposing that data more clearly in the interface.
There’s also “T. Core,” which is shown in the Engineering screen and appears to be cleverly converted to Kelvin and shows up on the Status Screen. I’m not certain which sensor it’s sourced from, but it’s clearly distinct from the relative humidity data. “T R.H.”, on the other hand, looks like it’s coming from a Sensirion SHT3x—though we’re still waiting on confirmation from Chris.
Then there’s the KXTJ3-1057 accelerometer. It, too, has four configurable modes, and while that flexibility isn’t front and center in the UI, the device is already using its data effectively—for detecting door open/close and the hood tilt. So, while the user may not be able to tweak those modes directly, its output is clearly integrated into meaningful functionality.
Lastly, the electromagnetic sensor and its transimpedance amplifier seem pretty well explored at this point. I don’t see much they haven’t already tapped into there.
Thanks for sharing, Michael. Appreciate you and your insights.
Initially, I thought the Wand Company’s two-unit purchase limit was generous, and expected one Tricorder would be plenty.
However, after exploring its real-world applications—particularly around field data collection and environmental sensing—it’s clear that my second unit will be just as valuable.
If you’re of a mind to document your efforts via video, that would be an amazing demonstration. Easy to suggest, I know.
Kevin Schiedel June 10, 2025 at 11:11 am
What it will take is for folks like you to quit responding to questions not directed toward you. Especially so rudely. Nobody is name calling. What a bunch of busy bodies. And Chris asked to keep politics off this forum. He even wrote an entire post regarding that very subject.
Fascinating… 🙂 🙂 🙂
Okay, playing devils advocate here. First, I agree with everyone. Chris communication and outreach to customers is amazing. I so appreciate their products and cant wait to get a Tricorder. For almost 5 years I have checked on the progress of the Tricorder almost daily.
Having said all that, its been over 5 weeks since Chris said there was a bunch of Tricorders in the hands of amazon/US and it shouldnt be too long before we here in the USA can buy one. No recent updates. Yes Im impatient and Im letting all sorts of possible scenarios creep into my head. Its all probably nothing and we will all buy a Tricorder any day now.
Have finally figured it out. After a couple years passed, I was beginning to think Wand was just stupid. One excuse, poor decision after the other. Now, I wonder if maybe time dilations are responsible. They cause much trouble in several episodes of TOS, STNG. So, my apologies Wand. I’m sure you can try this one next.
Hadn’t thought of that, but will keep it up my sleeve. Thx
Humans . A necessary part of doing business, I guess. I hope you make a zillion dollars to make it all worth it and produce the next awesome product for us.
Hey Chris, just wanted to say: Hang in there brother! Don’t let the trolls get you down. You’re almost at the finish line and the vast majority of us really appreciate your efforts. Can’t wait to complete my exploration kit with the Tricorder. But I can be patient. 😉
Same thought, trolls begone!!
I just really want to know from Chris and the wand company what stock numbers they are aiming at before they open up sales.
Twenty bazilliom
I just found this on an amazon related site…
Some Amazon Fulfillment Centers have over 1 million square feet of floor space and have over 100 loading docks for semi trucks to drop off trailers.
The loading docks could be full of trucks either loading or unloading and there is no space for the trailer your stuff is in right now so it is sitting in the parking lot. FC managers may have assigned higher priorities to employees to get done before they unload the trailer your stuff is in.
It is not unusual to take 2-3 weeks after the trailer arrives at the FC before your items are put into your available inventory..
SHOUT OUT TO CHRIS, THANK YOU FOR WORKING SO HARD ON THIS PROJECT AND BEING AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS!!
Chris, just out of curiosity, how many Tricorders have you sold? I’m assuming that Amazon is selling them for you for a commission and then remitting proceeds shortly thereafter.
About 1,200 so far. We are using Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon). They don’t buy them off us, we pay them a fee for handling them and selling them. They remit the sales receipt minus the fee a few weeks after the sale. There are plenty more to come.
Hi Chris, So have any emails gone out yet? (for the USA) I found this on google today in a simple search under shopping in the USA. The website says they are taking pre orders for your Tricorder for $432. It also says projected release date is August 31 2025. Its called ozziecollectables.com Heres a link
https://www.ozziecollectables.com/products/star-trek-the-original-series-tricorder-replica?variant=43995526955130¤cy=USD&srsltid=AfmBOoro8DoC43QRxHxpyRE0W98i5OfrAks7C88mOcneHK-wJbiWKeGHprY&gQT=2
Just wanted to share this info with you
yes, once we have sold to all the fans that registered that want to buy from us, we will send some stock to Australia (although we haven’t sold it to Ozzie Collectibles, but a company called Ikon Collectibles. They only have a few units. It will have been on Amazon a long time before then. In fact expect some exciting news tomorrow!
Well,
It’s tomorrow.
Hoping for some good news.
(sorry, after reading my previous post is sounded snarky. It was not)
no worries, we said that we would release more information and or invites at 4pm ish UK time, so that most people would be awake… I think that counted as tomorrow (from last night that is) 😉
Good news indeed!
Hopefully I’m one of them I’m in the 31000 range.
Thanks Chris, from ALL of us U.S. fans! LLAP
Well, it didn’t take long to sell out! I’ve waited this long, I guess I’ll have to wait a little longer. For those lucky enough to place an order, enjoy!!
LLAP
Yes! Unfortunately for me, I’m not updating my email on a minute to minute basis, so when I did click my link (45 mins after my email came), I was SOL, so hopefully, I’ll get another and be faster on the clock? Faith in my chances is restoring… 🙂
Can I Email you a few questions about how precisely FBA works? I can tell you why in the Email. You’ll find it interesting.
yes sure, just write to me on support@thewandcompany.com
OK sorry Chris, I didnt know it was an Australian website.
TOMORROW????!!!!????EXCITING NEWS?????!!!!!WOW!!!!!!!!!I CANT WAIT!!!THANKYOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wand Company Team,
I’ve noticed that the VBUS, CHARGE LO, and CHARGE HI signals don’t appear to be directly accessible during the system test routine.
Could you clarify whether these are meant to be user-verifiable, or if the “all green” result is expected without directly testing these lines?
These signals are related to USB charging. Try plugging and unplugging an active USB-C charger during that part of the test sequence and you should see them change.
4:00 pm in the UK is 8:00 am here … I think my work schedule is going to affected 😉 Thanks Chris 🙂
Phew! Done & done,at last. It’ll be here tomorrow. Thank you, Chris et.al at Wand.
Just got my invite and placed the order! (US)
Same! Got my invite, placed the order. omg omg it’s really happening!
Just got an invite to buy a Tricorder from the Amazon UK store. Only, I already have my baby sitting here!
Good luck to all you guys!
Woo Hoo – just got my invite!!!
And just like THAT, ORDERED!!!!
Hi Chris,
I received my email invite today and unfortunately I missed the opportunity to buy a Tricorder from the initial USA stock. Very disappointed, I didn’t think I was going to be one of the first ones contacted.
Will the emails notifying us more Tricorders are available be sent around the same time as the first one so I can set a reminder for myself to check my email for the invite.
So surprised and disappointed and the same time.
Thanks
CUT TO: INT WAND COMPANY OFFICES – DAY
THE ENTIRE STAFF is seated or standing at a computer, watching the Amazon sales numbers mount.
CHRIS
(low whisper)
Don’t move, everyone. Don’t even breathe.
OMG I placed my order and a few minutes later I get an email from amazon telling me my card was DECLINED! This was a brand new card I was holding off on using until we got the go ahead to purchase. Panic sets in and I quickly change the method of payment. Order placed. Tricorder arriving between 4am and 8am tomorrow morning. So then I called the credit card company and they quizzed me on a bunch of personal info and said any new card with a large 1st time transaction requires verification from the card holder to protect against fraud.
They are selling FAST. As of 1 minute ago the fastest delivery is now July 15!!!
Due to our capacity limit maxing out, but this time we have units in the middle of a fulfilment center transfer (the delayed delivery ones) and more actual units inbound in the Amazon system, so the restocking this time should be much quicker
Im so happy for you guys (The Wand Company)! I hope you sell tons and tons of Tricorders!!
Great news today. I got my second invitation and opened hailing frequencies to Amazon.uk and as fast as subspace would allow from Canada, was able to place my order for shipment by July 11. I’m 64 and I’ve been watching Star Trek since the early 70s when it went into syndication at the time I made my own Star Trek props out of Lego and masking tape and have just completed my own original series Captain Kirk Bridge chair now along with my Wand company communicator I will have this beautiful tricorder to display as well. Alas, I never did get the phaser which I hope you bring back one day so so I can replace my diamond select phaser. It’s been an incredible five year journey following your blog and the production of this amazing device. Thank you to Chris and the entire team for bringing this to life. It’s quite an accomplishment.
I opened my email invite only about 30 minutes after it came to my inbox and they’re already sold out. So frustrating. Do you know how soon they will be back in stock so I can try again? Are we talking hours, days or weeks? I feel like I have to try right when the notice hits or I’ll lose out again. eBay already has them for sale in the US, lousy scalpers.
days, definitely maybe a week or two… do not buy from scalpers its simple, we have loads more stock coming in. The best way to fight scalpers is to not buy from them. You don’t encourage a bully by inviting him to hit you!
Thanks for the swift reply. Trust me, I don’t plan on buying from those leeches! I’ll just try to be patient a little longer.
Hey Chris, I finally got my email invitation ! Thanks. But when I click “Buy a tricorder” I am told they are out of them, I can’t even see the pictures like the UK site. Just nope no tricorder too baD too late.
I can’t even save for later when it becomes available. its like they were never there to start with.
I had a panic moment myself as well! It had been a long time since I looked at my Amazon wallet. It showed old card info (my partner does all the Amazon purchases, I seldom use my account). I fumbled for the card to use so I could update the wallet. Didn’t want to mess up the order. Nevertheless once everything was all set? Smooth sailing! So excited! My estimated delivery date is July 3.
$400.00 = large?!?!
Well, round 1 and I didn’t get one. 🙁
Already gone when I went in to purchase. I hope I get one on the next go around (and I hope that’s soon)
At last! Got my notification this morning and placed my order! Just 1- Not being greedy or inconsiderate of the rest who have been waiting like I have. It’s been a long 5 or so years so am relieved that I can stop checking on amazon and this blog for it! Best of luck to the rest of you and nuts to the scalpers!
It looks like the Amazon store for the US sold out in less than an hour from the time I received my invite. Fortunately, I was able to get my order in before they were sold out. There was only 1 shipping option with Prime, and it said July 2nd for delivery. 20 minutes after I ordered, delivery changed to July 3rd -July 10th. Hopefully, it gets here sooner.
Grrr. I came here to check the status, see that emails went out so went back to my gmail and there it is buried in my “promotions” folder, never seen..and now they’re out of stock. Can’t win with technology.
Just got the email, and out of stock already! Ouch this is beginning to hurt.
LoL. Got an invitation this morning and before I could get to my office to order they were sold out ~15 minutes or so. Hopefully this system works: Thanks for trying to buy a Tricorder
Unfortunately the Tricorder has already gone out of stock again, but please don’t worry – we’re working hard to get more Tricorders into Amazon as quickly as possible.
We’ve updated your records, noting this issue, and we’ll email you again when the Tricorder is back in stock.”
I’m not really much of a collector but I’ve been unreasonably excited for this since I saw it on Tested.
I got the email 45 mins ago they are already out of stock in the us
got my notification, clicked on the link and it says sold out…;-(
more stock is coming and we have a system now that has recorded your failuer to buy and we will email you when it is in stock again. We will hold back the listing until we have enough stock for another invite.
Hi Chris – thanks for all these updates! And happy there has been movement on the US Amazon end. Obviously the Tricorder sold out very quickly on this first US go around. Out of curiosity, how many units were up for sale on this round?
about 1,600 in the US
Wow! Apparently there are a LOT of us Tricorder lovers here. Glad you’ll be doing a brisk business (brisk meaning volume, not speed – due to Amazon). Thanks for the info!
Well, didn’t see the email until an hour after it was sent. By then they were all sold out. Sigh. 🙁
Out of curiosity, for those in the US who were lucky enough to buy one, what was the total cost? And was there Prime (aka free) shipping or did you have to pay for that as well?
$444 with Prime membership.
That’s tax and everything?!
Mine was $449.24 with tax and Prime free shipping.
I presume the difference between you and Duane is due to the two of you being in different states which charge slightly different tax rates. Thanks for passing along the info!
$439.49 with tax and free shipping, with Prime membership
So somewhere between 440-450ish, depending upon one’s state taxes. Good to know and more reasonable than I had feared!
They are still 270 GBP. Your mileage may vary.
270 GBP plus VAT in the UK, 415 USD in the US due to the tariffs
Thank you for the invitation. I am pleased to say that I’ve ordered my first Tricorder and it’s scheduled to arrive in a week. I will order my second Tricorder once the rest of the fans have been able to order theirs. It’s been a long road, Wand mates, and I’m very, very happy to have been here. You deserve much more praise than I can eloquently articulate. Needless to say… Cheers!
I accidentally hit was able to buy and went back and hit was unable to buy , will I get a email when they are back it stock?
“Thanks for trying to buy a Tricorder.” This would make an excellent thesis on how to brainwash/manipulate/hold hostage/string along a large group of rabid trekkies. Pretty amazing really.
You’ve seen rabid Trekkies, right? We’re not that hard to upset. 😉
Got my invitation……..SOLD OUT????? l was working and couldn’t check for an hour. Oh well.
more are coming
Haha yeah I know. Happily I’m extremely patient .lol
Yeah I know…:) happily I am patient….
Once the emails went out, the link was plastered all over the internet groups and FB. There were enough to sell to everyone that got an email, but it was a free-for-all once it went live.
Of course. Despite the fact that TWC’s email specifically *asked* that the link not be shared out.
Well that’s annoying as all heck 🙁
Chris, Is there a way to track who’s link is being used publicly and smack their hands with a ruler?
Unfortunately I didn’t check my emails until 4 hours after I got my notice, but I’ll sure to be more vigilant when they send me the next one. Thank you Chris for all you do here
“Is there a way to track who’s link is being used…”
From what I’ve read on the RPF, people were simply using the previous link to the page (heck, I myself had saved that “currently unavailable” page so as to be able to check it from time to time just in case). In fact many of the RPF peeps just happened to check around the right time and were able to buy the tricorder. For some, it was only after they had made their purchase that they actually received their email. So it appears that the tricorders were available to the public before all the emails were sent out (and I don’t fault TWC for this – I’m certain they sent out the emails as swiftly as possible).
That’s likely what happened the first time too. Even the YT ‘reviewers’ are posting both the US and the UK links.
Was working on my laptop about 11’sh this morning, and the thought popped into my head that I should check the Amazon link, and there it was, in stock. I ordered one faster than Superman outrunning a speeding bullet. I really wanted two but only ordered one for now. It will be here Tuesday with free standard shipping. Cost me $439.90 w/ tax. Thank you Wand Co.
Drat, I too only saw the email 45 minutes after receiving it, as I too am at work, and don’t have the luxury of being able to sit in fron of my emails and see them the minute they arrive; (Law enforcement). I’m not sure how I can rectify this so I can press “buy” the minute I get my next email invite, because I’m in one of those jobs where I don’t sit in fron of a computer all day, and can only check email infrequently……I’m happy for those who were able to get theirs, and upset at thopse who posted the link on SM to the world, despite the language in the email asking not to…….I’ll keep waiting, and trying….Chris, thank you for all of your patience and I hope things are looking more positive for you and your Wand Team!
So glad I was on my computer when the email arrived and I ordered immediately, says shipping will take a week but I got in before they sold out.
Really looking forward to getting it.
Amazingly I refreshed my email right when the invite was sent. Mucho thanks to Chris for including the link so I instantly clicked right into the item page and was able to order.
After the order processed I was curious and refreshed and it was already out of stock. Wow.
Hope folks that weren’t able to get one can on the next round. I know plenty were purchased by outsiders which makes me sad and confirms my suspicions that scalpers would have a strong response
I guess Wand won’t have another item with such a fervent demand.
Thank you so much Chris for the heads up. I was ready as soon as my email came and snagged one right off. The delivery says tomorrow!!!
Mine went through ok and it also says tomorrow delivery. Thanks Wand crew.
Drat, I only saw the email 45 minutes after receiving it. I, too, am at work and don’t have the luxury of being able to sit in front of my emails and see them the minute they arrive; (Law enforcement). I’m not sure how I can rectify this so I can press “buy” the minute I get my next email invite, because I’m in one of those jobs where I don’t sit in front of a computer all day, and can only check email infrequently……I’m happy for those who were able to get theirs, and upset at those who posted the link on SM to the world, despite the language in the email asking not to…….I’ll keep waiting, and trying….Chris, thank you for all of your patience, and I hope things are looking more positive for you and your Wand Team!
Wow, went to order right after I received the email and they are all gone…disappointing! I guess I’ll have to wait another month. Based on past comments I thought there would be enough supply to last a couple of minutes…LOL
Not when people ignore Wand’s request to not post the URL and invite online. I bet 1/2 the stick went to people that didn’t pre-register.
Ordered mine today, it will arrive Saturday. Thanks guys!
I wonder if there could be any thought given to an earlier release time instead of 4pm UK, how about 1:00 pm UK , that would put it very early to early morning here in the US and maybe that would allow more registered users to obtain one (or it might make it harder , just tossing ideas around in my frustration at myself for not setting an alert for 8:00 and missing the gun) BTW you KNOW that won’t happen next time 😉
Ordered mine today as soon as I got your email. With one-day shipping, it should be here tomorrow- cannot wait.
The 5 year mission is completed.
Amazon delivered the tricorder at 8:15 am today.
I hate bringing downer news, but…
My tricorder was supposed to arrive today. Ten minutes ago, they informed me of a “problem” shipping my order. My new date is July 3.
I’ll believe it when I see it. 🙂
I got the “invitation to purchase” email yesterday.
My tricorder is here, and it’s LOVELY!
Thank you so much!
Happiness for all US folks that were able to buy it. I didn’t see my email invitation to buy until ~5 hours after it was sent. I missed the window and now am waiting for the next batch to be in stock…..
Hopefully it will come and quicker this time… thank you for sharing your generous thinking
Echoing others : I got my invite, ordered from Amazon and it arrived this morning.
The tricorder is a thing of beauty and super fine engineering.
Thanks Chris and all the talented folks at TWC for the hard work, love and respect put into this prop.
Cheers !
Lou
Hi Chris .
To my surprise and disappointment I missed the opportunity to purchase a Tricorder in the first round of USA emailed order notifications. I didn’t know where my place was in the queue and genuinely surprised to see the email in my inbox.
Will these email invites be issued at around the same time of day and day of the week when the stock is available again?
It is difficult to be at work during the day or quite frankly anytime of the day and be constantly refreshing and looking for the email invite and only have minutes to obtain a Tricorder that has been made available me.
Hoping to narrow down the times I need to be on alert for the email and nimbly click and buy one.
You all have my utmost respect and appreciation for want you have done with this brilliant recreation and the patience you have had dealing with all of the recent logistical issues.
Many Thanks
Rich
Chris gave almost a day’s notice when the emails would go out, and that happened almost to the minute.
I acknowledge that Chris did give that 4:00 PM GB time hint. However, I received my email invite at 12:15 PM Pacific time, which is 8:15 PM GB time. If the floodgates opened and emails went out at 4:00PAM GB time as Chris hinted to, I should have received my invite at 8:00 AM Pacific time. I wonder if the mass emails were sent in groups by the email client, thus delaying receipt of them to the destination emails.
All the emails were sent out at about 4pm UK time. The system we use takes about 15 or so minutes to get them all out, or so I thought. I guess that might not correlate exactly to when they arrive in each in box. Following the profile of the sales in the UK and grossing that up for the sales pull from the US, subsequent shipments will sell through less and less quickly and people who can not purchase as quickly as the first few will get a chance to purchase. Looking at the figures we can see, we are still confident that there will be enough for everyone. Please do not buy from any third party at an elevated price, unless not having to wait a few weeks is worth the enormous extra cost those people are chancing their luck with.
I am also not reading the vlog religiously. I try to keep tabs an how things are going but there are some days when I don’t check in and try to catch up on what’s transpired. When I do log in there is often a lot to take in and can easily overlook something important. Like all parties involved, just want to give the loyal followers of this wonderful company the best opportunity to get to the head of that line when the line opens.
Again, my hats off to the Wand Company for doing something quite amazing and navigating through a very unique distribution situation .
Thank you Chris and the rest of the gang at the Wand Company.
thank you for your kind words. This has been an amazing project and one that has also been amazingly frustrating in almost every possible way, so it is very gratifying that it is at least getting into fans hands and that generally the response is good.
Yes we will aim for the same time of day, but might be a different day of the week. Next time I expect there to be slightly more stock and slightly less of a rush, so hopefully it will all work out for you next time
Chris, I was kinda hoping for an earlier time of day release time thinking that might catch those scalpers that are trying to buy it unawares. At any rate, thank you and the whole Wand team for all they do and all the stress it’s caused
Any notes or messages we give will give everyone who follows these discussions a chance to be ready to buy the Tricorder. If you were a person intent on buying a Tricorder or multiple Tricorders to benefit, wouldn’t you register, possibly multiple times with different email addresses and then follow all the discussions to be ready to purchase? Well as I have said many times it’s only you… yes ONLY YOU, the fan, together with all the other fans that can stop these scalpers… by not buying off them. If they can’t sell to anyone, then they will reduce their prices or stop doing what they are doing. The product is still in production and still shipping out to retail, there is absolutely no reason to pay stupid money for it. Also when I last checked it was a free country and thus we can’t stop people buying the Tricorder and selling it for whatever price they like.
I agree with your thoughts about not buying from the scalpers as it only encourages more like behaviors. The earlier time suggestion comes from my frustration at only myself for forgetting to put an alarm set to 8am at your latest US release 🙁 .. rest assured that WON’T happen again 😉 I can wait a week or couple of weeks for new stock to arrive. Thanks again Chris for your commitment to this blog and keeping all of us informed 🙂
Any update on when the us will have a send wave on Amazon? I hate checking my email every 30 minutes lol
Amazon told me that mine was delayed because the fulfillment center ran out. They need to get another one from another fulfillment center. It’s now supposedly arriving next Thursday, so it’s possible they’ll have the stock replenished by then.
When the stock goes into the system, Amazon reserve some for shifting around at the last minute as the stock runs low, your order was probably one of them.
It’s no problem, Chris. In fact, I was very pleased that I was able to ask Amazon a straight question about this (why the delay?) and get an immediate and straight answer (because they had to shift stock). I completely understand that. It happens. It hasn’t killed me to wait this long, it won’t kill me to wait longer. 🙂
do not be checking your email every 30 mins… although that’s what I do pretty much every waking hour anyway… always! lol. I would say a couple of weeks, but then I have been wrong about timescales all through this project, so all I can say is I hope quicker than last time… we have stock coming in via a number of routes this time, including a new Amazon “from factory to Amazon” shipping service that we are one of the first to trial, and according to them, amazingly the current Tricorder is the largest shipment they have handled so far in this new program
Hi,
I sucessfully placed an ordered on Amazon US with a delivery date of the next day. On the delivery date, I received an email from Amazon asking to approve the order with the following message:
There is a delay in shipping your order because of a supply chain issue. We’ll make every effort to get the delayed item to you as soon as possible. If you still want this item,
please confirm below. We apologize for the delay.
New estimated delivery date:
We will email you as soon as we have a delivery date.
I still want this item
Cancel Order
Thx,
W
Don’t cancel the order, stick with it, we are shipping more stock in, hopefully it will be quicker this time.
Hi Chris,
Yes I have read your multiple replies to people stating there will be plenty to go around for everyone who wants one. This is of course good news to the many patient (and some not-so-patient) loyal fans! I am almost afraid to ask, if there is a hint when the next batch will be available, because apparently they sell out within the first hour of being posted.. I really want to do something in life besides hitting refresh every 20 – 30 minutes.
Asking the hard questions.
David
Chris, I purchased the communicator and phaser at Comic-Con San Diego some years ago (I believe that you were there and sold me with your presentation, if I am not mistaken). Any plans to attend this year’s Con on the merchandise floor?
I won’t be there but Richard and Andrew Stockdale will be there representing The Wand Company… but it is a huge place and as you know absolutely packed, so good luck finding them… they are wandering about and not on a booth like we have been in previous years
Thank-you for the update. Hopefully if I don’t get my own by then I’ll be able to find them and see it personally!
Will everyone who listed their name to buy a Tricorder have the chance BEFORE people who name isn’t on the list.
I have missed out on the last 2 shipments’ because I didn’t see the email fast enough & BAM Amazon was sold out
There will be enough Tricorders to go around, we are restocking and next time I’m sure it will take longer to sell through. Many many people registered and by far the largest number of orders were from people on the list who we emailed.
I appreciate the optimism of the posters here. I share in hoping to obtain a couple tricorders to complete a couple phaser and communicator sets I own. However, aside from the few and random fans that have been and will sporadically continue to secure a tricorder here and there, you can bet the farm that the scalpers and their many comrades are ready to pounce each time Wand uploads and Amazon goes live. Those scalpers are not going to stop and something will eventually arise that will force production to cease. Once that happens, the statement that all who want a tricorder will get one because we are making enough, will not come to pass. With all of the ridiculousness that has occurred so far, trust me, they will not make enough for all who want one to get one. Maybe if your are willing to buy from the few who have them and for a substantial premium. All of this could have been mitigated had Wand set up a store and honored their registration commitment. Sorry for the reality check and if you are fortunate enough to get yours, remember there are 5x more who won’t be so lucky.
we’ll see. There have been detractors all the way through this project who started by saying that we would never finish it, then that we had cancelled it, and no one would get one and then that we had abandoned the US… so predict away, but why not just wait and see?
“All of this could have been mitigated…”
Have you given any thought to the person or persons who posted the link everywhere and caused all this mayhem in the first place? Or – and here’s a big one for you ‘bobo’ – the tariffs.
And by “…registration commitment” you really meant to say: “Follow it with us here as we take you behind the scenes and show you some of what it has taken to bring this iconic hero prop to life. Register here to receive this information by email before it is published”.
Did you notice there is no ‘COMMITMENT’ written anywhere there?
Hi, Chris; I was fortunate to successfully get mine ordered and delivered, an it is an absolute marvel. I am astonished at the detail and function and faithful reproduction you and your team managed at such a price point for buyers. I know the sales process has been brutally frustrating, but I want to thank you for all you and your team have put into bringing this prop to fruition. I hope you can find the energy to bring the medical scanner to life as well. Wishing you some rest and a well-deserved glass of something….green. Cheers!
Thank you for your kind words, I am so glad that you like it and I am mightily relieved that at last we are starting to get into the swing of things on the shipping front
Mine arrived from Amazon, as promised, in one day.
Curious to know if there’s a way to switch the temperature readings to fahrenheit. I love it so far, but have noticed that the far-right button often has to be pressed several times before it responds. It’s a bit annoying.
Try pressing it harder. There is a knack but the right button seems to click before the actual button engages
Yeah, I noticed that about the right button, but I just press and hold and it engages within a second. Less than that actually. I’ve had mine since the first lot went up on Amazon UK, and I still haven’t stopped playing with it. My wife says I’ll go blind. :p
Fahrenheit and Rankine aren’t used much in science or engineering anymore—Celsius and Kelvin are the standard, and the Tricorder shows both.
Celsius is intuitive because it’s tied to water’s freezing and boiling points. Kelvin, starting at absolute zero, is essential for thermodynamic equations and precise measurements. Both scales integrate naturally into scientific formulas—unlike Fahrenheit, which lacks those physical reference points and complicates the math.
So, switching them in your tricorder? Probably not. At least not that I’ve found on mine.
I was very excited to get my new tricorder yesterday. It looks fantastic. However, I was crushed to find that the scanning sound effect has a defect. Approximately once every second it plays a clicking sound along with the tricorder scanning sound. To me, the classic scanning sound is the most important part of the tricorder. I am VERY disappointed with this and I will have to exchange it for a properly functioning one, or return it for a refund if they all do this.
Does anyone else have this issue their tricorder?
Glad you were excited. That click once every three seconds varies in prominence from Tricorder to Tricorder. It is a result of how the software processes the scanning loop. We have a software fix for it and we are testing it prior to rolling it out for all fans who want to update their Tricorder. If you have any other issues with your Tricorder experience the best place to contact us is through support@thewandcompany.com. It will help us to track the issues and work with them in a coherent way rather than trying to respond across many different types of communication vectors.
Thank you for the information, Chris. I timed it with a stopwatch, and the click sound on mine is approximately once every 1.5 seconds.
I am thrilled to hear that you are working on a software fix for this problem. Will the fix completely eliminate the clicking sound? Also, do you have an estimate for when the fix will likely be available for fans? I really appreciate your promptness in addressing this problem.
Mine is barely noticeable–in fact I hadn’t noticed it at all till I read about it here. Can’t wait for the software fix, sounds very cool! I suppose it’ll go through the USB-C port and be done in the USB Update screen from the Service screen? OMG this thing is an actual computer you can update!!!! OK, Ima change my shorts now…
Chris, I’m excited to learn how software updates will work. If USB is power-only, maybe a downloadable patch transferred to an SD card?
The software will be delivered through the USB connection which is power and data
That’s good information Chris, there has been a lot of discussion on the forums on how this will be accomplished. Will you have an update site similar to the Pip-Boy’s?
jim
That sounds great! Will it be possible to update the graphics via the same method? (I’d happily swap out a couple of the pictures to get a “Starfleet Command” Logo with the scrambled egg/wreaths around it, like on the cover of the TOS Starfleet Technical Manual (or the “Wrath Of Khan” Genesis Device presentation.)
I was wondering why we didn’t get the McCoy Sickbay Sounds and a mini medical scanner, but I’m guessing you were holding that back for upgrade implementation in the eventuality you create the Medical Scanner for the Tricordr lower bay?
Mine does that but I think it’s kinda cool. I consider it a type of “pulse scan” that the tricorder sends out every 3 seconds, and the main scanning noise is analyzing the return pulse for results. I will however download the software fix when it comes out.
Chris, I don’t know if the software fix can also address the clock. It looses about a minute every day. No big deal because I don’t use it as a clock. The Pip-Boy does the same thing.
jim
Tricorder showed up yesterday! Very impressed by the build quality. Would love if there was a slide show mode to cycle through the archive pictures while it was plugged in for display. Thanks for all the hard work and especially your willingness to communicate with the community!
Waaaa! I got my email notification and they had only been up for an hour but they had already sold out by the time I got to Amazon. Waaaaa! Nope I have to pretend to be patient and not at all envious of the people that were able to get one already. Acting like an adult and being mature stinks. I want MY tricorder, now please, damn it.
V/R
Dan
Hey Dan, Got it. It is super cool. Im sorry you missed it this time!! When you finally get it I can tell you you will be relieved. No more checking this blog every 15 mins!
Hope you get one soon!!
Chris,
I’ve had my tricorder for a day and I have to say it’s very cool. Well done to your team! It looks and feels great. The user interface is intuitive and pleasing to use.
I’m glad you kept at it for all these years!
If its not company confidential can I ask a manufacturing question? Is the final assembly done by hand? The fit and finish on mine is excellent.
Thanks
Thanks for your kind words. Yes in fact the whole assembly is done by hand. you would be surprised how little automation is used in the construction of electronic goods and especially low volume, niche products like the Tricorder. The only part that is machine assembled is the PCB. Pick and place processes are needed for the hundreds of tiny surface mount components. Even the injection moulding tooling is finished by hand when it is polished. The metal work is CNC machined… it has to be for cost and accuracy, but then hand finished, and everything else is built up totally by hand. Of course the line workers use specially made jigs to align and assemble, but they are very skilled and the factory’s attention to detail is incredible. In the thousand or so components that are used in the construction of the tricorder if one is not put down correctly or assembled correctly the whole product fails.
Chris, it would be very interesting to see the assembly line process laid out in photographs, if you have that type of documentation. Maybe in a “BONUS” Tricorder update.
Thanks very much for the answer! Wow! almost all by hand, thats got to be a busy assembly line!
A week in and I’m still using my Tricorder every day! Its a very engaging “toy”, but so much more than just a toy.
Dang I wonder if I missed that fact from the blogs? Very cool to know that assembly is done by hand!
Hi Chris, So the volume seems to be turned all the way up. The scanning sound is really low and really the rest (logs) seem on the low side. Is this usual??
ThANKXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Truly love how the lucky few who are enjoying their new Wand Tricorders are nit-picking some of the functions that the “Wonder Prop” is or isn’t doing. I realize it’s an expensive investment but come on, give the rest of us…still waiting…a break. I will probably receive some nasty responses but there are probably thousands of us, going back to 2020, still waiting and many like me who received an invite that was sold out already. Enjoy your acquisition(s) as will I if and when I obtain one. But until then, as Stan Lee use to say, “Nuff Said.!”
Hi Chris,
It was a 59 year wait, but I finally have a working Tricorder! Amazon delivered it today and I have been having fun checking it out. You and your team did a great job.
Thanks,
Pat
If you don’t mind saying, what was the final price in the US for the tricorder?
V/R
Dan
According to others in this blog, it ends up being ~ $440 to $450 depending on your state sales tax rate.
Dan,
The price, on US Amazon, was $415 before state and local taxes.
Pat
Mine was $415 plus state tax
I received my Tricorder yesterday (3 days earlier than Amazon first quoted) but I didn’t open it until this morning (no explainable reason for hesitating other maybe wanting to make sure I didn’t over expect). I’ve been reading many of the reviews here, so I was a little over prepared for the unboxing which may have added to my procrastination. Anyhow, all is good. Having a Master Replicas Tricorder for all these years to compare it to may have lessened the impact a little but Wand Company delivered on its promise. I wouldn’t doubt that this is probably the last Star Trek product that they get into (what with all they went through on this device), not to mention how long in the tooth TOS (as well as myself) is getting. To be fair, out of all the props TOS had, the Tricorder was the most complex for them to tackle so should have been expected to be a tall order. When going over this replica, keep in mind all the hurdles they went through as well as the tightrope they had to walk with CBS for the rights before slipping into the temptation of “armchair quarterbacking” as to what they could have added. What they produced is head and shoulders above the Master Replicas version (especially in the functional areas!) and I’m very satisfied that it was worth the wait! Thanks Chris and your whole team.
Thanks for your kind words. We are very happy with the end product, but it was an epic climb!
I’m guessing that there was a change to the orientation function from what was shown on the early reveal like Adam Savage’s video. The calibration graphics aren’t as 3d.
Yes, We weren’t happy with the way the 3D graphics responded and I was sure that they weren’t adding anything and definitely not anything properly functional. The compass is a replication of the compass “!” as seen on the bridge of the Enterprise, and so it not only makes sense but has some real world use.
I have to say I love my Tricorder. I have it on display right now in prop mode and I’m happy it isn’t set to go into screensaver in this mode.
I am wondering though if it would be possible to add a cosplay mode. Right now when the hood is closed for over 15 minutes it shuts down and needs to be restarted. A cosplay mode would be nice if you could set it so than when it is closed in prop mode that it doesn’t shut down until you leave prop mode. This would mean you could be carrying it at a convention and it will open to prop mode no matter how long you leave it.
With the battery life it would easily last for the length of a convention in low power mode.
(properly -> prop, typos corrected)… great idea. We’ll pass it to the dev team and see if there is anything that can be done. I know there was a lot of work put in to get the hibernation to work properly as it is more complex than you might think, pausing everything and yet keeping track of all the states, ready to wake it up again after. But It seems to me that it should be possible to have a mode that is similar to the status when it is charging. Although having the display on constantly would drain the battery and might heat up if it was in a bag, so there may be other considerations to take into account.
The community suggests something (reasonable) and It gets serious consideration to be implemented 🙂 I hope The Wand Company gets all the accolades and profitability it deserves for this iteration of Star Trek’s legacy. And Chris for his seemingly untiring support here 🙂
When you close the hood the screen and lights shut off and it drops into low power mode so there are no worries about the screen being left on. It just needs an option to disable the shutdown after being in standby for 15 minutes. It would drain a tiny amount of power but nowhere near as much as if the screen and lights were on.
Coding isn’t my thing but I really appreciate all the work the software designers put into this.
I just wanted to say that there is a potential workaround to scalpers. I don’t think it would be that difficult to implement:
Amazon’s Single-Use Promo Code System
How It Works:
Amazon allows sellers to create single-use promo codes through Seller Central’s promotion system. These codes can only be used once and include an option for “One redemption per customer” RepricerExpressGetReviews Blog, which prevents the same Amazon account from using multiple codes.
Step-by-Step Process:
Create the Promotion:
Go to Seller Central > Advertising > Promotions (or Inventory > Promotions in some regions)
Select “Percentage Off” promotion type
Set “At least this quantity of items” to 1, select your product, set discount rate How to Generate Coupon Codes for Amazon in 2025
Under “Claim Code” select “Single-use” and check “One redemption per customer”
Critical: Uncheck “Detail page display text” to prevent the master code from appearing publicly on your listing How to Create Single Use Amazon Promo Codes
Generate Individual Codes:
After creating the promotion, click “Manage claim codes” and enter the number of codes you want
Amazon generates a downloadable TXT/CSV file containing all the unique single-use codes
We looked into a promo coupon. There are several issues with it that prevented us doing it.
1. It is a discount, so for it to work we have to make the price high and then give a coupon as a discount, that would distort the price of the ASIN and then that kicks in issue two…
2. Amazon have to approve the promotion.
3. I think it is not something that you can offer for collectibles
All in all we did evaluate each of the options for selling individual tricorders to individuals and given the way the project panned out, this route was the best taking everything into account.
Okay, it wasnt clear to me/ I misunderstood the distrubution stragegy through Amazon. I signed up ~ 5 years ago…and I received an email with an invite link to purchase through Amazon early last week (June 23), and I received the unit on the Friday (June 27) of the same week. All the while Wand did NOT list it on amazon to the general public. So if you pre-registered/signed up you should be okay, as Wand goes through the list in sigh up order.
I am thoroughly happy with it. Even at $415 USD, it is still a bargain. I would have paid that for a screen accurate NON functioning prop. Thanks Chris.
Sigh. Can I say FUCK AMAZON. Buy the Tricorder on June 23. Get the shipping date July 2. Today Amazon changes the date to July 14. This is nonsense.
We’re not talking about thousands of items. How hard can it be to keep track one batch at a time?
/vent off
Wow.
I bet Amazon doesn’t do THAT again. 12 more days! What could they be thinking.
You sure told them.
If there’s ever any intent to update with any added features (as mentioned in the provisioning of the SD card), am hoping that adding media like images and/or gif clips is in the thought process. I’m sure that even if it would involve some kind of added purchase it’d be worth it.. Since it already allows for a number of audio recordings it would stand to reason images to be a logical progression. Crossing my fingers but not holding my breath.
Chris, I am happy to say that I have received my Trickster and it was worth the wait. I just want to thank you and your team for making this a reality. I look forward to your next project. Cheers, Eric.
Tricorder – spell check keeps messing with my words.
Wand Company team,
Is the Tricorder employing capacitive, or resistive humidity readings?
MEMS semiconductor capacitive humidity sensor element. While the temperature sensor and humidity sensor will be affected by the microclimate inside the hood mostly dominated by the heat of the main processor and thus not be that accurate, the atmospheric pressure sensor is quite accurate and very responsive and will show the pressure change resulting from gusts of wind or measure the difference in pressure on different floors of the same house.
Thanks for confirming it’s a MEMS semiconductor capacitive humidity sensor element.
My Tricorder began with readings well above the actual humidity and is only now settling to within +14 % RH.
Since it’s a capacitive device, I checked Sensirion’s notes on the one I use (SHT3x)—they point out that VOCs from packaging, adhesives, and tapes can cling to the sensing element and prolong drift by 24–72 hours (or more). Perhaps that might explain the slow stabilization.
Hi Chris, So the volume seems to be turned all the way up. The scanning sound is really low and really the rest (logs) seem on the low side. Is this usual?? It is louder when i open the top door.
Kevin
That’s where the speaker is – behind the moiré disc. The one up in the hood is the sensor grille.
This is the wrong venue for this discussion. It is very hard to manage and respond. Please write to us on support@thewandcompany.com include a video of the issue if you can please, as loud and soft are very subjective words.
Tricorder arrived yesterday.
No notes. No questions. No issues. Couldn’t be happier!
My compliments to The Wand Company, and my heartfelt thanks to Chris for sheparding us through this.
great! That’s a relief
I sincerely hope you and your team get to go on holiday after all this. (Whatever “after all this” turns out to mean.)
I missed the first round of invitation emails and was wondering when the next round would be. I do not want to miss out on the next purchase. Or when is a good US time to be checking my email. Thank you very much for any information
I would start looking at or about 4pm today
Thanks Chris, just for giggles, I went to Amazon website and searched for it and BAM there it was. Thank you very much. Super excited to get it!!
My invitation email arrived 2 min after I ordered my tricorder. Perfect timing!!, thanks again
Chris is trying to become the 21st Century ‘Scotty,The Miracle Worker’! 🙂
Has anyone found this reported Easter egg on their Tricorder? “Kirk Sound Clip: There’s a hidden Kirk sound clip that can be activated by holding the first button and then pushing the second button upwards. After a few seconds, an unlisted Kirk soundbite will play.” I’ve been trying on mine but no dice.
That is the Easter egg on the first release of the Communicator.
That’s AI for ya! Ask Googleand get bad info. Thanks
Woo Hoo,
I just got my email, and Placed my order with Amazon. I can’t wait. Amazon says it should be here in just under 2 weeks (due July 14th). Fingers crossed, and I’ll keep you posted.
V/R
Dan
YES!!! Just received my e-mail and was able to place my order for one. To be delivered between July 16-July 21st. So excited!!!
I missed answering my e-mail by twenty minutes and was able to place my order. Chris, thank you and your entire team for this tricorder.
JUST RECIEVED MY EMAIL TO BUY THIS MORNING AT 11:11. THIS IS MY SECOND EMAIL AFTER I RECIEVED ONE LAST WEEK AT THE SAME TIME, BUT, BY THE TIME I SAW IT, ABOUT A HOUR LATER, AMAZON WAS SOLD OUT. THIS TIME IT WAS 8MINS LATER AND I PURCHASED IT. IT COST ME $439.00 WITH TAX AND I HAVE AMAZON PRIME. IT SHOULD BE ARRIVING NEXT WEEK . I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 5YRS AND FINALLY GOT ONE. TO ALL THOSE STILL WAITING, HANG IT IN THERE ,THAT EMAIL WILL COME. THE SAYING THAT GOES PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE AND GOOD THINGS COME TO HE WHO WAITS IS TRUE IN THIS CASE. THANK YOU CHRIS BARNARDO AND TO ALL THE PEOPLE AT THE WAND COMPANY FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE.
Cool! Got my email – happened to be sitting at my desk and completed my order within a minute. I saw something about the delivery data being extended because Amazon is still loading inventory and that the date would probably be sooner, but I wanted to get th Amazon and place my order so I don’t recall exactly what it said. My current delivery date is July 15 – July 20 by I think that it’s going to be sooner based on what I think I read? Doesn’t really matter, I’ve waited this long and 2-3 weeks it perfectly reasonable if that’s what it is.
Need to calm down and get back to work!
Just got it ordered I don’t mind the wait for shipping, thanks Chris for that option
That was a surprise email to get! And there were even enough Tricorder left to purchase! So, like Craig, I will be the proud owner of a bouncy baby Tricorder sometime between Jul 15-20th.
To quote Kermit the Frog “Yaaaaaah!”
I got the email, Tricorder ordered, my wife is going to kill me. When is Wand going to release the Transporter??
Just got my order in…..YAHOOOOOOOOO !!!!!
Just got the email to order and was successful! will ger here around the 18thJul.
Anyone having trouble with the moire gettimg hung up on part of its rotation? Just caught mine dragging to a stop then jittering back to anothee turn before gettimg hung up ahain. Tried working it through its rotation usimg the manual adjustment but no fix. I just put in a support request so hope to hear something back.
Update- I think the issue is more a break in for the motor and/or the pattern discs not being cut round enough. Seems like letting it run for several cycles it works itself loose and runs smooth but stopping (like turning off or closing the door) it seems to go back to hanging up. Will try to let it run more to see if that breaks it in.
Hi Donald,
My Tricorder was doing the same thing when I first got it, but has been working well the past two days so hopefully it just needed a little bit of break in time.
Pat
If you go into the service menu, you can change the direction of rotation, both ways. My first tricorder the moire disc worked fine in an anticlockwise direction, but juddered, then seized-up (with a stressed sound on the motor) going clockwise. Wand excellently swapped out for a new tricorder within days.
actually stumbled on how to get thru the other test selections by selecting FAIL. I didthe Moire test but afterward it still hangs up (no noise nor does it permanently changes the direction- just in the test). I guess I’ll have to wait for the tech support to answer back on my request but thanks for this tip.
Mine also does this. Thanks for posting how to access the other test selections. I also have reached out to support and have tried the device menu. Definitely is not hindering my enjoyment of the tricorder!
Got the infamous email again, and again out of stock.
Dang I missed it again due to work. Apparently non invited people are gobbling them up quickly. Oh well. If people are stupid enough to pay more for it I don’t blame resellers as much. I can do without because i won’t pay $800 for something that will be primarily a display piece.
So, I wonder how many trics have been sold so far?
I think Chris said the 1st wave on Amazon UK was around 1200, and the 1st US stock was around 1600.
Wasn’t there a 2nd and now a 3rd UK group? and now the 2nd US group.
Are we up to 5000 units sold yet?
Just curious.
BTW over a week in and I still use mine every day.
Ok, I guess I’ll have to start checking emails at 8:am every day, kinda hard to do when your an auto mechanic and already working by that time ( I also didn’t think it would be this soon) I was hoping Chris might let on the day before .. missed it again 🙁 .. I’ll try for the next one 🙂
OK Chris, now that I have finally ordered my tricorder, let’s talk about re-issuing the Phaser! You guys don’t have anything to do now… Right?
I also, missed it while at work, and my email time stamp shows thechances invite only arrived at 11:11 Pacific Standard Time. I’m not sure what the delay is in the email arriving in my email inbox .Again, 4:00 PM Great Britain time should translate to 8:00 AM PST. I’m uber frustrated and can’t depend on even receiving the next email invite at the time when the store opens. I don’t have any idea how to get my next invite without it being delayed, and how to betsuggestions chance next time…….any duggestions from the group or Chris would be appreciated.
Mine is time stamped 8:10 am PST .. I have had issues in the past of emails arriving long after they were sent with no rime or reason for it so maybe that is the issue you had … Not having any better ideas I plan to check both my email and the Amazon site every day for a bit after 8:00 am
Both Amazon UK and US links have been widely shared across various sites, including YouTube descriptions.
Just find one that suits you and refresh the page occasionally. Note also that the 16:00 UK send time doesn’t reflect its delivery path—emails pass through multiple SMTP relays (the hop path), so 16:00 UK time won’t necessarily line up with 08:00 PST.
That’s what I plan to do, but far more frequently than “occasionally” as there are too many comments bemoaning the fact that is was only a few minutes after the email notification that it was already sold out 🙁 I set an alarm for every day at 8:00 am PST for me (my 2 email notifications have arrived at 4:18 pm and 4:10 pm UK time and even that might be too late to obtain a tricorder if they were sent at 4:00 pm)
Michael brings up a good point .. “Both Amazon UK and US links have been widely shared across various sites, including YouTube descriptions.” Can Wand change the release time to a different time, at least 1 hour earlier that the expected 4:00 pm UK time so as to make it that much more difficult for the non-registered buyers to scalp purchase because maybe like me they now have set alarms to check every day at 4:00pm UK time ? I’ve missed out on every US release 🙁
The 1st group (June 26) of Amazon US tricorders were on sale for about 30 minutes before going out of stock.
The second group (yesterday) were on sale for almost 2 hours before going out of stock.
So hopefully the next group should be available for longer than 2 hours.
Can you imagine how many phasers they would sell if TWC decides to do a re-issue at some point. Fingers crossed!!
They will probably decide to re-release it about 5 minutes after I finish rebuilding & “accurizing” my Diamond Select phaser.
I have my phaser, but will jump immediately if there’s a new one with a user-replaceable battery.
https://bsky.app/profile/thepeterbriggs.bsky.social/post/3lsruomt5hs2v
But also holding out for the Medical Scanner to go in that Tricorder drawer!
Chris- Can you ask your team if there are any issues with, say the Logs audio clips or archive video clips, can they be corrected by way of the USB update (whereby user can connect and apply versus having to return it for repair)? I think there was some errors in the transfer of the programming where some of the log clips have cross over of other audio clips when playing. Also, thought not sure if the original source has this, the Harry Mudd wave form oscilloscope video clip has a white line on the left side edge of the screen (like the video wasn’t quite in frame of the screen).
Chris- Though the question about the USB update is still relevant, I just wanted to update on the log audio cross over issue mentioned. Either it was self corrected (as I did get a forced reboot error when it first happened) or I mistook one of the clips having background audio original to the audio as cross over. I went back through to find the one in question and/or recreate that reboot error but only ran across one clip with some background audio mixed in. Anyhow, just want to keep the record straight. Still would like to know about the USB update being usable for any other glitches that we may encounter.
Finally! It arrived today, I’m over the moon! Y’all did an AMAZING job on these! Please please please do a re-issue of the Communicators and Phasers!
Wahoo!!! Was finally able to order one! Can not wait for it to arrive.
Am not able to do much on the Service menu. After going thru the tests, i see the grid of selections for several modules including Moire but dont seem to be able to select anything of them.
I actually stumbled on how to get thru the other test selections by selecting FAIL. I didthe Moire test but afterward it still hangs up (no noise nor does it permanently changes the direction- just in the test). I guess I’ll have to wait for the tech support to answer back on my request but thanks for this tip.
When doing tests the left button is used for ok. On one of the pages they test the usb port and you need to plug in a charger for it to register. Other tests include taking out and putting back in all the disks as well as opening and closing doors and the hood. For the SD card test you need to insert an SD card for it to register. Once all tests on that page have completed you can then select ok to go to the next page.
One of the tests is for the colour sensor. To pass this one you need a piece of white card and you place it between the right hand disk and the sensor.
USB updates will be used. There is already a patch in the works to fix the popping noise with the scanning sound.
sorry this belonged to an earlier post. Still waiting for answer to the USB question
Hello Wand Company. I received my Tricorder earlier this week and absolutely love it! the functionality, the build quality and attention to detail are all perfect. I did, however, have an idea for a future update I thought I would share. I think it would be great if you could add in the OVERRIDE section a BIO screen. It could look just like the bio readouts above the beds in Dr. McCoy’s sick bay, and be animated to match how it functionally looked on the series. It would go great with the medical scanner that many of us may have.
Mine is scheduled to arrive today, according to the updates available on Amazon! woo-hoo!
Two things:
Without the dividers, my Samsung Flip fits inside the lower compartment. That’s pretty awesome.
I’m a weather buff. The first thing I did this morning was to get an atmospheric reading. So, I’ve decided to keep the atmospheric disc in the first position. So fun!
I’ll have to take my Flip 4 out of its Picard tricorder case just to see how it goes
Chris since 2009 your commitment to excellence has shown through on all of the wand companies projects,Thanks Mate !
thanks for your kind words
Chris any idea on when the next invite might go out? Just want to be prepared since last 2 happen while Im a work away from my computer.
I’ve resorted to setting an alarm to go off at 4pm UK time every day and look at my emails and on the Amazon link for about 15 to 20 minutes (The two US email notification I got were received at 4:10 and 4:18 pm UK time) I’ll be danged if I miss it again 😉
We will be releasing more stock and sending the invite at 4pm UK time on Monday 7th July
Thank you! Calling in sick right now
We will be releasing more stock and sending the invite at 4pm UK time on Monday 7th July
Hi Chris!
Can we get these announcements in a regular basis, so those of us who can’t click fast enough can get one (just one!)? Thanks!
We can only make announcements as quickly as we can. I will try to give some warning but we will be only making listings live at about 4pm UK time each time we do it.
we are bound by the time it takes Amazon to place enough stock into their fulfilment centers. If we had the stock available then we would have made it all available at the same time.
Finally Ordered, thanks for the heads up Chris!
Since there is a micro SD card reader built in to the Tricorder hood. Would it be possible for Wand to sell micro SD cards with color coded ‘Data Discs’ that could contain extra content? Something like Starfleet ship information cards or alien information cards. Maybe more archive clips or episode list and summaries of series. I’m sure with some thought there are a lot of possibilities for extra content. Would make a nice revenue stream for Wand and keep the Tricorder interesting.
possible but unlikely. We need to write more software to get the SD card functional and right now we are busy catching up with other projects that the tricorder development put on hold.
Addressing this… I hope that you will eventually release the API (?) for the unit and give the community an opportunity to contribute new and innovative features where possible. I’ve no doubt that you’ve squeezed all you can into what’s being released but as famed scientist Dr. Ian Malcomb likes to say “nature finds a way.”
That sounds like a great idea to me. There’s plenty of crazy hobbyists out there with time on their hands. In much the same way as “Fallout” Mods, it could be a great way for Wand to get some free software developed. You could grant their output “official” status later, cherrypicking the best of the material. Make it a “signup” program. Out of the thousands of Tricorder owners, there has to be a couple of dozen anxious and talented software guys who’d love to tackle it.
Chris, I just wanted to thank you and your staff for this excellent piece of art you’ve created. I was finally able to order one and I am excited with the prospect of holding it. I would like to ask…are there any plans for a new TOS phaser? Perhaps you could create one like I saw someone modified on YouTube. He changed the crystal and internal components to create one that fired a blue laser pointer with sound fx. To have a phaser fire a blue beam of light…I’d buy one now. Thanks again for all your hard work. Best wishes.
Just a thought …
Since the cat/tribble is clearly out of the bag – maybe Chris would consider posting the next email send / Amazon available to purchase date/time on a dedicated Tricorder Blog page on this site when he is prepared to hit the button. Say, 24 hours ahead of time. He could use the existing email notification to send that advance notice. That would bring almost everyone on an even playing field. Sure – people will still compete and have to wait until the next round if they miss out – but they’ll have a fighting chance just like with other high demand preorders. Bonus is a lot of noise/frustration reduction here and in the wild on other forums. I have mine – so no skin in the game.
While a scheduled heads-up sounds reasonable on the surface, it’s worth noting that The Wand Company has already been more than fair with how they’ve handled releases.
The real issue stems from individuals posting early links and news drops—likely some reading this now—which fuels the frenzy and undermines the intended rollout. If we want a more orderly process … that’s the behaviour that needs addressing.
Unfortunately, we’re way past addressing the original root cause. That ship has sailed as they say. Humans will behave as expected. The only constant in the universe you can rely on lol.
Isn’t that what Chris did by posting the date/time of each release here, including the one for today?
did
Wand Company team,
Is this kind of disruptive behaviour — arguments, entitlement, and general hostility — something you’ve come to expect with each product launch? Or am I witness to a unique event simply because of the tariffs?
People are upset and frustrated that they can’t get what they’ve been waiting for now, and that frustration plus the relative anonymity of posting on a forum = most of the general argumentative and hostile behavior. People say all kinds of things on line that they would be too embarrassed to say in meatspace. It’s kind of like being drunk – the cloak of anonymity allows people to be who they actually are.
Thanks for your kind words, I know it is frustrating for everyone
It’s disheartening, really.
The notion that anonymity “allows people to be who they actually are” paints a bleak picture—and one that stands in stark contrast to the future Star Trek envisioned.
I want to believe most people are better than their worst impulses. But if this raw, unfiltered version—marked by hostility, argument, and contempt—is what emerges when accountability fades… that’s not liberating. That’s just sad.
Maybe it’s time we rethink what we mean by authenticity.
I just ordered mine , estimated July 15
My order completed at 4 minutes past the hour , this was done by constant refreshing of the Amazon site starting at 4:00pm UK time after Chris’s notification here that the next release would be today .. I think monitoring this blog for a notice from Chris of a release day and then refreshing the Amazon site might be the best way to stay on top of things
Greetings all :
I was playing back Log entries and ran into an oddity : Episode 18 ..log # 04. Kirk’s log entry is truncated at the beginning .. playback starts with “.. prise is dead is space ”
Anyone else find this problem on their tricorder? Just wondering if it is all tricorders or just mine …
Good catch Lou D! Mine does the same thing for the Season 1, Episode 18, Log # 4. Truncated exactly like yours. Perhaps something Wand will correct in their next update? You should probably go ahead and report it to the Wand “Support” page.
Hi David ..
Thanks for confirming .. I had wished it was only mine .. seems it is possible this audio glitch may be on all tricorders. 🙁
Put in a contact form just now .. l will update here with TWC Support reply ..
LLAP,
Lou
Look guys, I have dealt with Amazon logistics for both FBA and FBM for numerous clients and what I can for sure tell you is that Amazon is a gargantuan, a huge bureaucracy, and they do what _they_ want to do when _they_ want to do it, and they will generally not commit to any timeframe except extended ones, especially given the huge mess that the tariffs caused – whole container ship bookings were canceled in May and June and the ripples of that huge backlog are still working their way through the various supply chains. Basically, the way Amazon does things + the tariffs = all the delays we’re seeing. As to the scalper issue, this is the way of the world because there are always going to be bottom feeders looking to make a quick opportunistic buck, because… people. There are some technical ways to _possibly_ mitigate that, but those have their own issues and are not perfect. TWC does not have any input into how Amazon runs their website, and FBM, for example, isn’t an option because TWC isn’t located in the US. The solution is to be able to identify scalpers from orbit and transport them to Star Base 80, and to NOT BUY SCALPED ITEMS.
Hi all!
Is there a limit to the number of fails we get? I’m on 3, but still trying (tried to post earlier, but didn’t see it)?
No, we initially thought that people would only need three goes, but that appears not to be the case, so we will keep inviting you until the stock runs out or you click that I have already bought one box in the email invite
Missed out on offer #3 today. I thought I had a good chance this time, I was able to respond to the invitation email within 20 minutes of arrival, but no joy. Typically, I don’t see the email invitations for several hours, until I get home from work. It is a bit disheartening, but I remain steadfast and enthusiastic, I will keep trying. I’d live without one rather than line the pockets of a scalper on eBay.
Sorry about that, each time the purchase rate is slowin, so hopefully soon the stock will last a day or more, or longer, as has happened in the UK
That’s great feedback!! I was curious if the feeding frenzy would eventually calm down a little bit.
Hopefully it drives the price of scalped items lower to make it less attractive to the bottom feeders…
Here’s something else regarding log entry playback. Jog up/down appears to control the volume. Unless I’m missing something, I don’t see that in the manual.
Something else I found: holding down the jog button for about five seconds appears to force hibernation.
That is correct. It’s mentioned in the online manual, though not in the printed version.
Chris and TWC, thanks for remaining steadfast in making this dream come true for all of us fans! I saw your heads-up message one hour before the release and was checking the Amazon link at 0805 PST. I was able to get my order in easily and now have a delivery date of the 18th. I was also watching my email for the invite, and it finally arrived 1 hr and 50 minutes later.
I recommend people who were unable to get one this time around continue to watch this blog for “clues” about the next release, and also their email. That way, they might have better luck.
I’m excited to receive my tricorder, and will provide an update after it arrives.
I should give more warning in future. We sent out all the emails at the same time, but I guess that it takes time for them to be processed by our email marketing program. Looking at our records I can see that there was a long lag between us sending it and it being delivered. Others obviously got their email immediately… how frustrating.
In future I will do my best to give a day’s warning on the blog to let people know that a new delivery is going to be in stock the next day. I can say for definite that we will not make any future announcements on a Friday as that means we will be fielding (many) emails all over the weekend. Best days to check would be Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 4pm UK time)
Finally! Got mine today a week ahead of Amazons second estimate. It’s a work of art. It will sit in an honored place next to the equally amazing Phaser and Communicator.
My complements to whoever decided to package it ready for shipping. It saved the product from Amazons usual careless shipping. They just threw it into a bigger box loose with no packing.
Anyways anyone looking to put together a wiki to collect all the interesting facts and advice from these threads. They’re impossible to browse now due to their length.
As a side question anyone have worked out the process to remove the strap? It’s kinda in the way displayed on a shelf.
The strap is secured to the aluminum sides of the frame by a common slotted screw.
You first need to remove the side panels – also secured with a common slotted screw, then open both the front door, and the back, slide the panel down, and remove the screw holding the strap.
Thanks. I did see some video of a guy taking it apart but I didn’t trust it was non destructive.
Wondering if other folks will be removing the strap as well?
It’s not destructive, but you need to realize that the side panels are keyed into the frame. Once the front and back doors are open, the panel is able to slide down and release. Don’t pry them off … slide them free.
here is a quick explanation on how to increase the detent strength, but the first part describes and shows how to remove the straps. I will add this to the Tricorder online instruction manual. If you follow these instructions, taking off the side panels to adjust or replace the strap is not destructive and was part of the design intent.
1. Unscrew the single side screw that holds the panel in place
2. Unscrew the screw that holds the back door closed
3. Open both the front and back doors. This is important as there are features on the doors that lock the side panel in place
4. with the front and back doors open, slide the side panel down a few millimetres
5. it should easily lift off. You do not have to unthread the strap, just lift the panel to one side to reveal the hood hinge axle and detent mechanism
6. Unscrew hood locating axle and detent mechanism using a T6 torx screw bit
7. Hold the mechanism between thumb and forefinger or with a pair of pliers
8. Bend the detent spring away from the front face. You can be quite brutal with this as we have never managed to break one
9. Bend it enough to make sure that it stays bent after you let go of it, basically you have plastically deformed it
10. Put the detent mechanism back and secure with the screws and then the reassembly is the reverse… be careful to make sure that a) you use the correct screws for the correct parts and be careful to remember that the front and back doors must be open when you slide the panel back in.
Check that the detent is stiffer and then if you want it even stiffer do the same to the other side.
Replying to Chris’s instructions below … That’s brilliant! That will easily correct something that others have commented on and that I was worried about , that the hood was not retained from rotating by the detents well enough to resist button presses. Thank you so much Chris
Amazing. Wonderful tutorial. Thanks. I’m not super bothered by supporting the screen but this is great.
Just in case – should we break the retention spring will you sell a replacement? I know that’s hard since the parts are in China at the factory but I was wondering?
I don’t think you’ll break it, but it you do I am sure we could supply a replacement
As I posted before, I resorted to looking at the US Amazon site every day at 4pm UK time (although this time I saw Chris’s notification for release the next day) The Amazon site had them for sale pretty much right at 4pm UK time, and I was done with my purchase by 4 minutes past , my email notification to buy came at 28 minutes past the hour (but they were still available for purchase) I think waiting for the email might still get you a tricorder, but I would just refresh the Amazon link to check. I can’t give enough to praise to the whole Wand Team and especially to Chris.
I hope these blogs, and the reasonable discourse occuring here compared to other social media forums, continue for good, long time. I find comfort and comradery in being one of the ‘insiders’ for this, our first 5 year misson together.
Yes I agree. But I hope Wand starts a new blog entry as this one is ponderously long.
Yes, strap info is correct. Look up John salt Tricorder on u tube
So, I wasn’t hallucinating when I thought I saw something about Amazon loading inventory and that delivery wouldn’t take as long as indicated. Mine went from July 15-20 to today. Along with all the other crap I ordered for Prime day.
I got mine a week earlier than their revised estimate from the original purchase date. So 2 weeks after purchase rather than the 3 estimate (update from the original 1 week). Clear as space.
I advise folks unbox it immediately as mine was just thrown in a shipping box loose with no packing.
So, something weird is happening, I got the email and ordered on the 7th, Amazon said my delivery would be next week, I noticed a used the wrong card for purchase and since it had not shipped or charged I changed the payment and now I do not have a ship date, when you ask through the App it says September 21st. I am hoping this is incorrect, I would hate to think just because you change the payment it causes you to loose your product for 2 months. Anyone else have this issue?
Yes. Changing the payment method with Amazon starts a new purchase cycle.
Chris and team, I got my tricorder and started playing with it last night. You did a fantastic job. Worth every penny. Thanks!
I received the notification email about 11:13AM DC time on July 7, had it ordered from Amazon by 11:17AM. I thought I had missed out because it was past 11:00 when I checked my email, but I think I checked it right when it came. Now I have to wait about a (long and miserable) week. I missed out on the phaser and communicator when those were released because I didn’t have a lot of disposable income then, but really happy I was able to jump on this. This will go nicely next to my TOMY TOS Enterprise.
Very impressed with the Tricorder – excellent blend of accuracy and functionality. Any one still on the fence, check out my little review video: https://youtu.be/28PnnZxhNq8
Recommend getting hold of one if you are able to.
That is a great review, thank you for sharing
I received my tricorder yesterday afternoon (ordered 6/26 from Amazon US and delivered 7/9). This thing is absolutely fabulous. The finish and detail is exquisite. I’ve been going through all the functions and no issues found. I have also just discovered something I haven’t seen mentioned in the instruction manual. I had it on the ship status screen and at some point it shifted into a warp speed star field “screen saver”. This is so beyond any expectations I could have had. Thanks again for making one of my childhood fantasies come true. I now have a communicator and a tricorder so I will beg one more time to please consider another production run of phasers.
p.s. your shipping packaging is superb. I’ve rarely seen anything packed as well as this.
Yes! New phaser run, please!
There are a few things that are not in the manual … happy hunting!
Chris and company, thank you so much for such a fun and engineering marvel. I love what the Tricorder finally became. Do you have any plans for software development that enthusiasts can use to extend the tricorder’s functionality? It would be fun to tinker with it and see what is possible.
well we don’t have any plans, just a few ideas. Having worked on it for nearly seven years, we are just glad it is out there. So right now we don’t have any plans beyond a couple of software patches, as we are focusing on the next few projects.
I think given all the coverage that this Tricorder replica has received that TWC has probably reached a lot of new folks – I found out about you guys from the Tested videos. I strongly suspect that there is probably enough demand for the Phasers and Communicators to support another run. I’d get both to complete my Science Division cosplay for sure.
Chris Barnardo, Can you tell us about the SD card slot, it’s purpose. Also, will the USB cable be used for software upgrades in the future.
I’d like to see items from the Federation Handbook added to the Tricorder, especially the instructions on building the Communicator.
lots has been said about it already. It was in the earliest designs as a way to add storage, but as the design progressed the additional software to manage the SD card was beyond the scope of the project if we were going to deliver it any time soon. By then it was too late to remove the SD card from the mechanical design. There is a chance that we will enable it in the future. Yes the USB socket will be used for upgrades or patch fixes as and when we can do them or the Tricorder needs them. We are very unlikely to include material from the Federation Handbook, as that is not considered canon.
Chris, if you’re at liberty to say, does your license to produce the Tricorder cover any canon TOS image you might want to include, or do you have to negotiate usage on a per image basis? Curious how you arrived at the stills included in the Archive.
I think it covers most images that were seen in the Original Series. Although I am not so sure about straight photos of the characters. We originally had a license that covered multiple things, but at each iteration of the license the scope was reduced. License only last for three years (sometimes only two). A significant upfront signing sum is needed to renew and then there is the additional risk of the minimum guarantee, which is an estimated amount of royalties that have to be paid whether or not you sell any product. This used to be typically 25% of the royalty from the estimated sales revenue. Nowadays companies are asking for 75%. This is very risky for manufacturers like us. Lowball the estimate and then the license isn’t interesting, overcook it and then you end up losing money, if you can’t sell that product. Typically the royalty ranges from 10% to 15% of revenue (yes revenue, not profit). In most cases the up front sum is recouped against the royalties payable. So before considering a product, you not only have to think about whether there is enough market demand to justify the development and any very expensive tooling costs, but also whether the unit sales will be strong enough to pay all the costs involved in acquiring a license in the first place. If it takes multiple years to develop a project then it make make that process all very fraught.
Holy crap that’s expensive. Wondering how much they got from Lego for the new Star Trek License. Guess the Enterprise D kit will cost more than the Tricorder. Sheesh.
Suggestion for next kit – full size Nomad probe. {wink}
And just managing through all that red tape makes your head spin, on top of the engineering effort. Making this thing real for the fans is a feat on so many levels. Thank you, Chris.
yep… but it’s not so much the red tape as the difficult to quantify financial risk that can sink a company in one wrong project choice. We are not really big enough, our premium products are not mass market enough and we do not have a wide enough range of products to smooth out all the inaccuracies in the typical forecasting process. If, as a company (like us) you rely on a small number of niche premium products, then correctly estimating the size of the market for any product and then being able to access that market are vital.
Thanks for your insights into the licensing! This answers several questions I’ve had for some time.
I’ve never heard of the Federation Handbook. Where can I get one?
Chris, Thanks for posting instructions to tighten the hood. The right hand button takes a much harder press to function than the other two, forcing me to hold the hood open with my other hand or it spins shut. I’ve read
in a review about that small quirk with the right button so I am not concerned about it. That button will get the most use as the selecting key so being able to tighten the hood is great. Thanks again !!!
Same. Must be in the production of every unit
Chris, several people on here have encouraged you to do new runs of the Phaser and Communicator. I don’t have the Wand Phaser (I have the Master Replicas version) but I do have the Wand Communicator. I also have the MR Communicator. The Wand Communicator is so much better. With all the great work that has been done by HeroComm, and with the discovery of the alpha and beta heroes, it would be great if, should you do another Communicator run, you could make some minor tweaks. Maybe I’m picking nits. I had the AMT Exploration Set as a kid, which was complete crap, and I knew it at the time but I didn’t care. The Wand Communicator is nearly perfect, but the Tricorder is unbelievable. You have spoiled us. Just a thought.
Chris, any update on when Amazon may get more stock? It appears my order has been held up till September even though I ordered on the July 7 minutes after I got the email. I assume its because of stock.
I don’t think September can be accurate, it’s probably their internal algorithm playing it ultra safe
Amazon update, last night it went from “we’ll email you” to out for delivery, fingers crossed!
Chris has said they are catching up working on other projects (leaving no time currently for a reissue) .. With the knockout results of their Tricorder effort, I can’t wait to see what is next on the list :heart:
Hello Chris,
Any idea when the next batch of tricorders will be hitting Amazon? I’ve received two emails so far and missed out both times (out of stock). Just hoping for a little heads up.
Thanks for all your hard work.
We are loading more stock in and when we have enough stock we will send the invite but it will only ever be on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and only at 4pm UK time.
But in the meantime however, this Friday, 18th at 8 AM Eastern time, the Star Trek Shop and IGN Store will launch their stock of our Tricorder, so you could be ready and waiting for that opportunity to purchase.
Thanks very much for that information, Chris. It’s very appreciated!
I see the tricorder on amazon Canada but not for sale yet , will you be sending a lot to Canada ?
I was browsing the log entries on my tricorder last night when it suddenly crashed. A black screen with green text appeared- very much like an old character based terminal. I took a picture of it, but I have no way of posting it here. Here’s an abbreviated transcription of the text on that screen:
SYSTEM FAILURE- …
CORE TEMP.: …
AMBIENT TEMP.: …
^^^ ASSERTION FAILED! – FILE: TRICORDER.CPP, LINE: 215 ^^^
NUMBER OF ERRORS: 5
ACCELEROMETER FAILED SELF-TEST
HOOD ACCELEROMETER FAILED TO INITIALISE
ACCELEROMETER FAILED SELF TEST
BODY ACCELEROMETER FAILED TO INITIALISE
FAILED TO INITIALISE THE SENSOR SYSTEM
———————————
PRESS AND HOLD RIGHT BUTTON TO RESET THE TRICORDER
I reset the tricorder, and all appeared normal afterwards. Has anyone else experience this?
sometimes the software gets its knickers in a twist and then a reset either by the reset pin on the side of the hood or the long button press sorts it out
Ha! At first I thought I had triggered some hidden Easter egg. A reset did the trick.
I was playing around with my Tricorder today and I wondered about possible date related Easter eggs. I tried setting the Tricorder Date to the date of the first broadcast date of Star Trek TOS 09/06/1966, but I discovered that when I hit Set, the year changed from 1966 to 2066, so I guess the Tricorder isn’t going to be useful when Time Traveling to pre-2000 dates. 🙂
I have mine! I’ve only just barely browsed it, have it plugged in and charging now but what a piece of functional art this is. And at the $350 price (pre tariff) that’s only $50 more than your projected cost from 5 years ago (and not my expected price of $500 after seeing the blogs here and the features it has) kudos to everyone that had a hand in it’s making. And thank you Chris for all you do here .
It took us so much longer than expected, but at last we managed to get it into production. It feel really good that fans are enjoying the Tricorder. Discussion as bout us making one started nearly a decade ago!
Chris, piling on to the messages of appreciation from those who’ve received their Tricorders.
We have a nerd household, so my wife and daughter were present for the unboxing.
My wife’s comment once I started flipping around the interface: “Oh, it does things!” 🙂
Indeed.
Again, thanks to you and the team for sticking this one out and delivering the goods.
It does indeed do things. I am so glad your family supports your passion 😉
“It does things” has become my favorite way to describe this tricorder. A number of friends have really enjoyed seeing it in person. I really can’t stop gushing over it and yes I’ve been using it almost every day.
Dear Chris and Team,
The five-year mission you embarked upon has not only yielded an incredible piece of art but also a remarkable instrument. While some may view it simply as an expensive toy, for true fans—especially those who grew up watching the original series during their formative years, before the advent of TNG, DS9, and others—the chance to own a prop from a beloved television series that has profoundly shaped our lives is nothing short of a dream come true.
What you have created is truly extraordinary. As I unboxed the piece and finally turned it on, I was struck by the sense that what I held in my hands was the real thing. I was thoroughly impressed with the communicator when I first received it, and I now use it daily with my mobile phone. It proudly occupies a prominent spot on my desk in my home office.
Thank you and your team for this incredible work. I eagerly await what you might create next—perhaps the Mark I scanner or even a universal translator, now that technology allows for language translation through mobile devices? Just a thought!
Warmest Regards
thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. It’s great to hear that you like it. There are so many cool props to make out there, we have to pick carefully given the length of time it takes us to develop a new product and the cost involved in getting a license and then making the tooling.
I hope that this Tricorder turs out to be an astounding success for The Wand Company and for all who had a hand in it , it is certainly deserving of all the praise and recognition it has garnered , and thank you Chris for keeping us informed all along it’s journey 🙂
I have seen mention of a scanner in this blog so I did a search for “MoPop Star Trek science scanner kit” and right at the top of the results is that someone at the RPF forums is making complete Science Scanners available , aluminum, lights and sound, .Kits and Complete .. just missed the current release, I joined at put myself on the backup list … Might be a way to fill out your Tricorder with what looks to be equally good kit
After a period of thermal stabilization in a controlled environment, I’m pleased to report that both of my Wand Company Tricorders have matched their atmospheric readings with remarkable precision:
– Temperature agreement: within 0.1°C
– Relative Humidity agreement: within 0.1% RH
– Barometric Pressure within 0.2 hPa
This level of consistency confirms their suitability for field deployment, and speaks highly of the internal environmental sensors and thermal equilibrium design.
It’s reassuring to see this kind of reliability across multiple units—especially for enthusiasts planning outdoor missions or scientific demonstrations.
I’m curious if you’ve compared to other thermometers? If yes what was the outcome?
Here’s a side-by-side test with other field instruments. I think you’ll find the results quite interesting:
– Sper Scientific: 18.9 °C
– REED Instruments: 18.3 °C
– Teledyne FLIR: 18.7 °C
– Tricorder #1: 18.6 °C
– Tricorder #2: 18.6 °C
All readings were taken under consistent ambient conditions to ensure fairness.
Although the Tricorders aren’t marketed as scientific-grade tools, they tracked remarkably close to the certified lab gear. Of course, for anything requiring strict compliance or high-precision calibration, I’d still defer to certified lab equipment.
Feature request for your firmware update: The system clock will not let you set the year to the 23rd century. If I try to set the year as 2265 it will save as 2065.
Notes on tightening the hood rotation detent spring: I did both sides to look something like illustration #10 in Chris’s post above with the point bent down equal to the pivot, I used a cigarette lighter 1/2″ away from the part I wanted bent for about 5 seconds, be very careful that you are not pointing it at the plastic, you want the flame parallel and just long enough to give a bit of heat to it (I did it mainly for peace of mind when bending it) … The end result of bending both sides quite a bit is that it is just enough to hold the hood from rotating while pressing the right button .. I did notice that due to the orientation of the springs that the hood is harder to rotate open than it is closed, too bad it wasn’t the other way around … At any rate this corrects what was an annoying trait on the Tricorder. Thank you Chris so much for putting this into the manual. Heh, I also noticed that evidently it’s property of Starfleet 🙂
In Update #11, the Wand Company notes the hinge is made from POM; heating the polyoxymethylene detent prong in an 80–95 °C water bath until it’s pliable, then bending and cooling, provides a gentler, more consistent way to set hinge tension with better accuracy.
Thank you, I didn’t even think of doing that, a water bath is much safer than applying heat any other way .. as the detent is just barely adequate now I may try that technique when take it apart again to install my real leather strap I have coming (not that there is anything wrong with the appearance of the strap on the Tricorder) I saw it in another forum and I’m a tinkerer by nature 🙂