Doctor Who
Object

Bogus Distress Signal Scanner

A small, rectangular device placed near the Zeos Transmat’s entrance, its flashing light emitting the artificial pulse of an intergalactic computer distress signal. The beacon mimics emergency patterns with deliberate erratic flashes, designed to trigger K9’s programmed threat responses while remaining unobtrusively anonymous—its casing bears no identifiable markings. The Doctor identifies it as a suspicious variable amidst the unfolding trap.
4 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments
S16E24 · The Armageddon Factor Part 4
K9 thwarts the forged distress signal

The bogus distress signal flare emits rapid-pulse strobes near the scanner, designed to mimic emergency distress patterns triggering K9’s programmed response to threats. Its artificial origin is concealed by plausible signal characteristics, making it indistinguishable from legitimate calls without sensor verification.

Before: Flash remains dormant, activated only upon K9’s approach by an unseen mechanism linked to the planted scanner
After: Signal continues its deceptive pulse, now acknowledged by K9 as requiring identification and response
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S16E25 · The Armageddon Factor Part 5
Doctor balks as Shadow claims Romana

A bogus distress signal scanner emits an intergalactic computer distress pulse near the TARDIS exterior, triggering the Doctor’s curiosity and drawing K9 into an investigation path that likely serves the Shadow’s strategic trap.

Before: Undetected hidden device emitting false distress beacon.
After: Still active outside the TARDIS, unnoticed despite the immediate temporal crisis.
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S16E25 · The Armageddon Factor Part 5
Romana walks into Shadow trap

The Bogus Distress Signal Scanner is discovered by the Doctor upon leaving Romana and Astra. Though not physically activated in this event, it serves as a critical distraction that prevents the Doctor from noticing Romana’s abduction in real time. The signal’s artificial nature subtly underscores the Shadow’s orchestration of events.

Before: Placed near the TARDIS entrance, emitting a repetitive, suspicious pulse mimicking an intergalactic distress pattern to trigger K9’s responses and mask Romana’s capture.
After: Detected by the Doctor as odd, confirming the presence of an unnatural variable in an otherwise controlled environment.
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S16E25 · The Armageddon Factor Part 5
Doctor risks loop to pursue shadow

A bogus intergalactic distress signal scanner, placed near the Zeos Transmat, emits erratic pulses mimicking emergency patterns. The Doctor identifies it as a suspicious variable, using it as an excuse to leave the TARDIS and create a momentary distraction to investigate—gambling time and security on a shadow of doubt.

Before: Placed unobtrusively near the Zeos Transmat entrance, flashing erratically to mimic a genuine distress pattern without visible markings.
After: Activated and noticed by the Doctor, drawing his immediate suspicion and catalyzing his decision to leave the TARDIS.
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