Scanner
A scanner is a generic term referring to a hand-held sensory device. Scanners were common during the mid-22nd century and used by a variety of space-faring cultures and institutions such as Starfleet, the Earth Sciences Institute, Ferengi privateers, the Suliban Cabal, and the Vulcan High Command.
Scanners were the presumed precursors to the tricorder of the 23rd and 24th centuries.
Hand scanner[edit]
Sometimes referred to as a hand scanner, the Earth Starfleet scanner was common during the 2150s. Distinguished by a square-shaped body lined with black grips, this scanner featured a display and interface that could be closed, making the device more compact for storage. (ENT: "Broken Bow")
Capable of performing general sensory functions such as generating floor plan views, and locating bio-signs, these scanners were also equipped with quantum dating technology, yielding at least generally accurate results. (ENT: "Dead Stop", "The Expanse", "Carpenter Street")
Under certain circumstances, the scanner could be converted into a communications device, even transmitting through time, from the 31st to the 22nd century. (ENT: "Shockwave, Part II")
These devices were also capable of interfacing with and potentially overriding vastly different computer systems. Sent back to the 21st century, Earth Starfleet Captain Jonathan Archer successfully tampered with a 2004 ATM and overrode the automatic locking mechanism of a Dodge Ram truck. (ENT: "Carpenter Street")
The hand scanner could also be used to deactivate explosive devices, though with varying results. (ENT: "The Forge")
Despite its versatility, the hand scanner was, at times, somewhat inaccurate. It sometimes could not separate Human (or even humanoid) bio-signs from that of other species. It was also susceptible to certain forms of temporal interference. (ENT: "Doctor's Orders", "Broken Bow")
When it did locate lifesigns, they were generally displayed as a blinking, red indicator. (ENT: "Carpenter Street")
The internal circuitry of the hand scanner could be accessed by removing both the back panel of the body, and by removing the interface viewer portion. (ENT: "Shockwave, Part II")
Medical Scanner[edit]
Also in stock aboard Earth Starfleet vessels such as the NX class Enterprise, a small medical scanner was available during the 2150s.
This palm-sized scanner was distinguished by a large, blue-glowing display screen and interface, with two rows of blue-glowing lights opposite. The medical scanner was able to perform simple diagnostic functions such as reading vital signs and internal scans. It could also be used much like the Starfleet hand scanner, used to scan a specific area for general bio-signs.
The medical scanner's range was generally close, though it could get accurate scans from a few feet's distance. (ENT: "Broken Bow", "Dear Doctor", "Hatchery")
Heavy scanner[edit]
Larger in size than either the hand or medical scanners, a heavy-duty model was also available aboard Earth starships during the 2150s.
Characterized by a thick, rectangular body held horizontally, this scanner also featured a metallic handle to the left of a rectangular display screen and control buttons. It could be used to view graphic representations of the inside of devices such as the Romulan mine that struck the NX-01 in 2152. (ENT: "Minefield")
A stowed hand scanner
A heavy Scanner used for EVA
A close up of the Hand Scanner Display
Earth Sciences Institute[edit]
Standard scanner[edit]
Available to members of the Earth Sciences Institute including researchers part of the Arctic Archaeology Team and the A-6 Excavation Team during the 2150s, was a small, angular scanner. Dominated by a large, rectangular, green-glowing display screen, this scanner included a long, irregularly shaped input area with a number of button controls.
The device could be used to identify technology buried beneath snow and could differentiate organic matter from inorganic matter. (ENT: "Regeneration")
Medical scanner[edit]
Also utilized by the ESI and Arctic Archaeology Team was a large, oval-shaped device used for medical scans.
Distinguished by a small, circular readout and several circular buttons lining the periphery of the device, this scanner could detect, among other things, changes in bio-functions.
An ESI Medical Scanner
A standard ESI Scanner
