Presented below are some detailed photos and videos of a screen-used Star Trek: TNG working Science Tricorder prop that was made by Ed Miarecki for the 3rd Season of the series. Amongst the enhancements built into this TR-580 Tricorder VII model are a series of 8 cascading green LEDs on top to represent a built-in sensor scanner; as well as a highly detailed backlit LCARS screen. The first and second season Mark VI tricorders had a detachable scanner and much less sophisticated graphics. The silver speckled paint scheme was maintained for the 3rd Season Tricorders, as well as the use of an internal magnetic switch to initiate the light effects when the Tricorder is opened. After almost 19 years, most of the lights and LEDs in the prop continue to operate; however, the LCARS screen no longer illuminates. The prop is powered by a 6 volt Type J battery (which has been replaced a couple of times); and does not feature any built-in sounds. For Star Trek: TNG; it is believed that all sound effects for props were added as part of the post-production work. Some of the props on Star Trek: Enterprise are known to have built-in sound.
Etched onto a circuit board; and somewhat obscured by a tangle of red and white wires, on the left side of the image below is the year 1990 and the letters SFMA (Science Fiction Modelmaking Associates) the name of Ed Miarecki's prop company at the time.
