New Guide: Talking Computer from Star Trek
This build was inspired by an episode of Star Trek, the animated series. It’s basically a powerful alien weapon that could change its shape and function. These particular props are from Episode 14. They’re called the Total Conversion Weapon and the Talking Computer. Both off these builds feature the Adafruit Feather M4 Express running CircuitPython. This is a really great dev board for projects that need lights and sounds.
Much like a sci-fi inspired blaster, it goes pewpew when you press the button. Twisting it’s widdershins won’t make it actually change shape but it does make a distinctive clicking sound.
Pressing these buttons sure is fun, and the LED goes blinky along with the funny voices! This is basically a custom soundboard with mechanical key switches.
Hidden inside are all its secrets, and if you know how they work, magnets are present to magically keep these halves together. The electronics are cleverly mounted the same in both props.
Like most of our projects, the code is almost always written in Adafruit’s CircuitPython. This lovely code was written by that dragon guy. It’s got readable comments, which is great for humans. It still blows my mind that these days you can just plug in the board and upload files like a USB drive. We worked really hard on this and we’d appreciate it if you check out our guide on the adafruit learning system.
It’s a simple matter of economics that retail mass-produced costumes and props will always be the popular main characters.
3D printing and electronics affords us the opportunity to faithfully cosplay the “deep cuts” — supporting or background characters with little screen time that never got a Funko POP! of their own. Everyone has an odd favorite…Willrow Hood from The Empire Strikes Back is now a cosplay staple, eventually earning his own action figure. But most remain obscure.
Learn Guide – Star Trek Kzniti Props
https://learn.adafruit.com/talking-computer-from-star-trek/
YouTube video – Star Trek Kzinti Props
https://youtu.be/OHqMBf6Bk7k
Star Trek Kzinti CAD files on Thingiverse
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5110767
Star Trek Kzinti Code on GitHub
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/tree/main/Trek_Kzinti_Prop
Feather M4
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857
PAM 8302 Amplifier
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2130
Slider Potentiometer
https://www.adafruit.com/product/4272
Mini Oval Speaker
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3923
2200mAh Battery
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781
Every Thursday is #3dthursday here at Adafruit! The DIY 3D printing community has passion and dedication for making solid objects from digital models. Recently, we have noticed electronics projects integrated with 3D printed enclosures, brackets, and sculptures, so each Thursday we celebrate and highlight these bold pioneers!
Have you considered building a 3D project around an Arduino or other microcontroller? How about printing a bracket to mount your Raspberry Pi to the back of your HD monitor? And don’t forget the countless LED projects that are possible when you are modeling your projects in 3D!
The Adafruit Learning System has dozens of great tools to get you well on your way to creating incredible works of engineering, interactive art, and design with your 3D printer! If you’ve made a cool project that combines 3D printing and electronics, be sure to let us know, and we’ll feature it here!
