Doctor Who
Object

Android Time-Regulator Device

A small metallic regulator resembling green-cased scientific equipment, embedded in the wine cellar wall. It feeds soliton fumes into cages of captive rats while its segmented controls pulse with erratic rhythm, releasing chronometric distortion fumes. Initially dismissed by the Doctor as simple environmental regulation equipment, its true function is temporal manipulation. The device is described as failing by the Doctor, with deteriorating environmental systems (green light emission, soliton gas release) marking its critical state. It is later revealed as part of the android's hidden experiments with Adric and Tegan, serving as a key component in its temporal manipulation agenda within the wine cellar of Richard Mace's estate.
2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments
S19E14 · The Visitation Part 2
Rats reveal hidden device threat

The Doctor identifies the wine cellar’s failing regulator as an alien contraption whose decay heralds the soliton gas release. This device’s malfunction directly triggers the environmental collapse and exposes the cellar’s purpose as a trap and experimental site.

Before: Operating at partial capacity, failing silently
After: Fully inspected and deemed critical, its failure confirmed
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S19E14 · The Visitation Part 2
Android ambush and violent capture escalate conflict

The time-manipulating regulator device pulses erratically, its green casing flickering as it emits sickly violet soliton fumes into the cages. Its failure heralds the android’s approach and underpins the cellar’s descent into chaos, its malfunction rendering the environment both a prison and a battleground.

Before: Actively emitting soliton gas at an increasing rate, its controls flickering but previously functional.
After: Likely overloaded or destroyed by the android’s advance, reducing to a non-functional husk amid the cellar’s ruin.
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