Psi-Scan [Back To Earth]

A proficient and somewhat reliable scanning device, the Psi-Scan is to Red Dwarf as the tricorder is to, I dunno, Blake's 7. Nah, just kidding. I love Star Wars.

This particular iteration of Kryten's iconic handheld beeping thing can be seen during the exquisitely marketed three-parter Back To Earth from 2009. In reality, the base for the real-world prop is this Sorin Laser Targeting Range Finder 10075 measuring device. A yellow warning sticker on the reverse side advises the product was made in China, March 2000. So, just into its 3,000,000 year warranty.

You might notice the screen-used version features black trim bordering the rubber-buttoned, red, inner control panel. This was possibly added to ensure the logo of the device was covered. I reckon the 'BIT CRAP' graphic was rotoscoped. I don't like the typeface used, but also don't like to complain, so am completely stymied.

What I don't understand is why odious TV salesman, Mike Mellington, so vociferously critiques the simple device and its blatant usefulness to Jon Glover during the second episode that ushered in the show's Dave era. Not least of which, as he presents as some kind of hypothetical non-fan of the series, and therefore shouldn't know that much about it because reasons.

Back To Earth [Part One]

This version marks at least the third iteration of the gadget. Arguably the most iconic 'joystick' Macdyne Model 345 type was introduced in Quarantine, and described by Kryten as, "best budget model, three years running." Other scanning devices can be seen in such episodes as Backwards and Polymorph that, to me, mostly resemble those old black talc tins that used to live in the bathroom cupboard for eons and eons (or less).

The term 'psi' here likely refers to 'psionic' which suggests some kind of extrasensory perception may be at play in the future world that Red Dwarf inhabits. We know that holograms are capable of contracting psi-viruses that can "stimulate the dormant psychic areas of the brain which, until now, humankind has been unable to harness."

With Kryten later adding, following Rimmer's RF malware infection...

"Almost certainly, like Lanstrom, he will be capable of telepathy and possibly even telekeenywhatanoosis [...] the ability to move objects purely by the power of the mind." hinting that pertinent and/or practical reference material may reside somewhere in his random access memory.

So, was the Psi-Scan an earnest effort by Tucker Industries to augment and enhance mankind's perceptive range? Was it a classified Z-Deck corporate prototype designed to control the minds of perceived threats to the Space Corps? Or was it a failed attempt at preparing kulcha naan on the move that turned out to be infinitely less useful than first envisaged? Who knows?

Also, just to be absolutely clear - that 'tricorder' line above is just a joke. I actually really like Star Trek. Particularly that Deep Space Five.

Measures approximately 147 x 75mm