Talking Computer from Star Trek

This weapon may well mean the end of mankind!

published November 09, 2021, last edited January 22, 2025

posted in 3D Printing CircuitPython Feather/ Feather Boards Programming/ MicroPython / CircuitPython Breakout Boards/ Amplifiers/Sound

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Intermediate

Project guide

Talking Computer Handle

These steps apply only to the talking computer prop. For the total conversion beam, you can go back.

Install Handle

Place the half of the melon over the top of the handle.

Insert the various cables through the large hole in the half of the blaster.

The trigger button on the handle and the speaker grille in the melon-half should point the same way — this is the front of the prop.

Installing Handle

Line up the mounting holes from the handle and melon half.

PCB Mount

Get the PCB mount ready to install into the half of the melon.

Install PCB Mount

Place the PCB mount over the mounting holes of the melon and handle. Feather’s USB port should point away from the speaker grille.

While holding in place, insert and fasten 3x M3x12mm long screws to secure the PCB mount.

The screws secure the PCB mount, melon and handle together.

Note: there is a fourth mounting hole, but it’s obscured by the Feather PCB so we’ll just skip it. Three screws should suffice, or you can use a few small dabs of glue to help reinforce the body-to-handle connection.

Secured PCB mount

Double check the PCB mount is properly secured to the blaster and handle.

Install Speaker

Peel the adhesive tab and press the speaker face-down into the cavity inside this half of the melon.

Install Slide Switch

Insert the body of the slide switch to the slide switch holder.

Secure Slide Switch Holder

Place the slide switch holder into the melon half. Line up the mounting holes. Insert and fasten 2x M3 x 6mm screws. Use matching hex nuts to secure the slide switch holder to the melon half.

Install LED

Insert the 10mm LED through the hole in the top half of the melon part. It might not press-fit firmly, but the next part will help hold it in place…

Secure Key Plate

Place the key plate over the top half of the melon. Line up the mounting holes. Use 4x M3 x 6mm long screws to secure the key plate to the top melon half.

Connect Components

Connect the cables from the various components to their accompanying connectors.

Join Melon Halves

Bring the top half of the melon to the bottom half to join them together.

Test Circuit

Use the slide switch to power on the circuit. Use the push button and key switches to test the circuit.

Install Pommel

The pommel snap fits on to the bottom of the handle.

Final Build

Your build is ready! Congratulations!

USB Connect

It’s pretty cramped inside the case, and you might need a right-angle or particularly small USB micro-B cable to charge the battery or update the code and sounds.

Remember that to update code or sounds over USB, the switch will need to be in the “on” position.

Page last edited March 08, 2024