A transtator was a piece of technology which formed a basic part of numerous devices, including communicators, transporters, and phasers.
History and specifications[]
Specifics[]
The transtator was, in fact, the fundamental component in almost every piece of Federation technology. (TOS novel: The Starship Trap TOS episode: "A Piece of the Action")
It was a necessary component for detecting and manipulating subspace energy. (TOS novel: Prime Directive) In particular, long-range sensor scans and subspace communication were dependent on it. (TOS comic: "Prisoners")
Contact with small amounts of antimatter fused transtator equipment, a reaction called the Roykirk/Abramson Perimeter Effect. (FASA RPG module: Where Has All the Glory Gone?)
History[]
Initial investigations into transtator physics began at a research station on Deneva. (FASA RPG module: The Romulan War)
In the 23rd century, William Abramson invented the physics behind transtators and shared a Nobel Prize for his work. (TOS episode & Star Trek 5 novelization: Requiem for Methuselah, ST reference: Spaceflight Chronology, FASA RPG module: The Federation)
In 2268, Captain James T. Kirk was concerned, after Leonard McCoy left his communicator on Sigma Iotia II, that the Iotians might learn how the transtator worked, and replicate this technology. (TOS episode: "A Piece of the Action")
Miles O'Brien accidentally caused a power outage on the USS Enterprise in 2268 by disconnecting a shipboard transtator. (DS9 episode: "Trials and Tribble-ations")
Transtator II technology enhanced Starfleet phaser banks beginning on reference stardate 2/15. (ST reference: Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise)
Established on reference stardate 2/1608.12, Starfleet Intelligence maintained a front organization that produced transtators called Arcadia Transtators Et Cie. (FASA RPG module: Star Fleet Intelligence Manual)
24th century[]
A 23rd century ion-transtator was among the items discovered in an Andorian chest aboard a derelict freighter in 2373, and later auctioned off at Quark's. (DS9 episode: "In the Cards")
Transtators continued to be used into the 24th century, aboard the Intrepid-class and Defiant-class of starships and the Starfleet personnel on AR-558. (VOY episode: "Time and Again", DS9 episodes: "Rejoined", "The Siege of AR-558")
In 2375, the Orion Syndicate mislabeled a fifty-two L transtator as a fifty-two J as a way to sabotage the Tigan Mining Consortium. (DS9 episode: "Prodigal Daughter")
Appendices[]
External links[]
- Transtator article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.