Nitpicking Star Trek – The Most Important Device in the Universe

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Nitpicking Star Trek
Enterprise “Cold Station 12” S4 Ep5
Star Trek V The Final Frontier
The Next Generation “The Quality of Life” S6 Ep9
Lower Decks “Crisis Point II: Paradoxus” S3 Ep8
The Most Important Device in the Universe

“Modern Props designed and fabricated dual medical / lab / control room generator with rotating neon lights inside an acrylic tube; light-controlled panel with knobs and buttons.”

Guild Members, the reality is the reuse of Modern Props #195-290-1, a movie prop originally built in the 1970’s. It has seen use in plenty of other SF shows and movies.

I’m wanting to do a future nitpick following this prop across the universe. I need your help. If you’ve seen the prop let us know. If you have a screen shot, drop it in the comments.

In the background on Cold Station 12
Enterprise “Cold Station 12” S4 Ep5
In the foreground on Regula 1
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
In the shuttlebay of the Enterprise A
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
On the bridge of the Talarian ship
The Next Generation “Suddenly Human” S4 Ep4
As part of the particle fountain mining facility
The Next Generation “The Quality of Life” S6 Ep9
At Project Pathfinder
Voyager “Inside Man” S7 Ep6
As part of Boimler’s holodeck program
Lower Decks “Crisis II: Paradoxus” S3 Ep8

Andrew B. from the Facebook group speculates this device is used to assemble Self Sealing Stem Bolts.

What is The Most Important Device In The Universe, then? It’s the Modern Props #195-290-1, a movie prop originally built in the 1970’s. It’s a product of the creative mind of [John Zabrucky] who founded Modern Props in 1977 to serve Sci-Fi television and movie productions that wanted to invent the future with their props. Known for their high quality and impeccable craftsmanship, Modern Props’ products were in demand until the day they closed the doors so that [John] could retire.

This particular piece is called The Most Important Device In The Universe due to its ubiquity in modern productions that we’ve all heard of: several Star Trek franchises, The Last Starfighter, Knight Rider, Airplane II, Austin Powers, and countless others. The next time you sit down to watch a Sci-Fi show, see if you can spot it! Be sure to check the video below the break to see several examples.

Modern Props #195-290-1 image is borrowed from Ex Astris Scientia by way of the now defunct Modern Props website.

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