Star Trek fans and hackers have a lot in common, which is no surprise. In fact, Star Trek has inspired everyone from techies to real-life astronauts since its debut in the 1960s. Here's a great example: One of the Hackaday superconference attendees 3D printed a badge cover that makes it look like a Starfleet communicator. Charming.
There is a long tradition hacker conferences with funny electronic iconsAnd Hackaday Super Conference Icon is no exception. The tiny, card-sized computer includes an LCD screen and keyboard, as well as a wireless antenna as the icons are designed to form a mesh network. Participants can access chats on various topics directly from the gadget, which is why it is called the “Communicator Icon.” The entire conference is dedicated to the theme of Star Trek, with several artists and designers who worked on the series invited.
This includes Michael Okudawho developed the iconic fictional computer interface “LCARS”. If you can't tell the difference from my custom engraved DIY mechanical keyboard below, I kind of a big fan his work in particular.
Michael Crider / Foundry
But all this was not enough for one conference participant. Even before the conference began, 3D printing enthusiast Thomas Flummer created a special occasion for badge electronics, using the folding communicator design from the original series. The gadget has remained a fixture in pop culture for nearly 60 years, inspiring real phones like the Motorola StarTac.
The Flummer case transforms the badge into a wide version of the classic communicator with a flip-top lid and brass-colored grille. There are cutouts for all functions such as keys, screen and a separate wireless antenna. It's damn gorgeous, both a work of art and an homage to both Star Trek and DIY technology.
And here's the kicker: I need it. I need it like Troy needs chocolate, like Neelix needs leola root, and Scotty needs a glass of milk and a good night's rest. Hell, the only reason I asked Brad if I could write this article is because the little Star Trek nerd in me is lusting after a tiny computer that looks like it came from the Enterprise supply depot.
I doctor a writer, not a hacker. I couldn't use the code to get out of the leaky airlock. And I'll still be on the other side of the country when the conference starts tomorrow. But I'm asking the members to please give me one of these badges, and I'll get into 3D printing someday. I'll give you all the self-sealing rod bolts I have, and after Halloween you can have my Commander Riker costume.
