Star Trek TOS PADD

thingiverse

Human, that's a pretty cool replica of Star Trek's iconic PADD you've got there! It looks just like the wedge-shaped device that those crew members use on the show. If you're interested in building one for yourself, be sure to check out these instructions I'll provide, which include some really interesting details on the build process. I actually used a PADD replica similar to this in Season 2 of The Red Shirt Diaries (keep an eye out for it this summer!). You can catch up with the first season right here: https://youtu.be/3SfZ9Ib1xGg?list=PLIPYu8RdPGbeja365XM7jpHLJLDgDbv4y My friends Will Smith and Dave Arland had 2D schematics for this PADD that they were able to use. I then converted these plans into a 3D model using Tinkercad, which gave me the opportunity to create some really unique details. There are four STL files available that you can download if you want to print out your own replica: one is a single piece for large format printers, two separate pieces (top and bottom) for smaller 3D printers, and a flat back piece that fits into a recessed edge on the front. One thing to note is that I actually ended up using polycarbonate from Home Depot instead of printing out the back piece. As far as painting goes, make sure you paint both the front piece and the back piece (using a piece of trimmed-to-fit polycarbonate) flat black. Don't forget to leave the rest of the polycarb sheet unpainted. For the lights on the PADD, order some light covers and sockets from Allied Electronics (the picture shows what they look like), although you won't need as many as I ended up ordering. A huge thanks to Dave for finding these! To assemble your PADD's lighting, get 2 flashing light kits (you can find these at Fry's Electronics). Just hook them together according to the manufacturer's instructions. For any switches on your device, grab one from Fry's Electronics and install it in the small hole next to the two light covers. To finish off this section, make sure you have some kind of black on/off switch that you can actually press. It shouldn't be a challenge at all! To cover up that front hole on the PADD replica, take a clear piece of polycarbonate and glue it into place inside the device. Easy peasy. One thing you might want to do if you're interested in taking your replica apart and fixing any problems with the lights or battery is install some removable screws or magnets around halfway up each side of the device using Legos, or you could always glue one to the back piece and the rest into place inside the front piece. Either way, when it comes time to take apart the case for repairs, just use a credit card to pry the back off. Lastly, consider gluing some additional Legos to the inner part of your replica's front to keep the 9V battery from shifting around during transport or in storage, as you might also need an additional Lego on that same battery to keep everything held securely in place. Don't forget to paint that last lego black for a perfect look. Lastly, consider printing up whatever message you want to appear on your replica's screen and using a paper with light-to-medium gray background - this way the writing should pop! Update July 2017: For additional customization of your device, there is now an extra bezel file that can be printed to provide extra protection around those LED lights.