Object

Data's Black-Box Signal Amplifiers (Improvised RF Signal Filters)

A clustered array of cobbled desktop signal processors — palm-to-laptop sized black-cased units and patched black boxes wired together with braided coax, fiber and makeshift adaptors. Duct-taped enclosures, mismatched connectors, hand-labeled switches and thumbwheels scar the front panels; low-status LEDs blink and vents hum as analogue filter and gain stages warm. Stacked across Data's work surface in his quarters, the units present diagnostic traces and faint thermal warmth while Data adjusts dials and routing commands to peel repeating tonal patterns from broadband static and hold the recovered signal for analysis.

1 appearances

Purpose

To amplify and filter extremely weak radio-frequency emissions, isolate repeating tonal patterns buried in noise, and provide a local boost/lock for Data's sensors when standard ship transceivers fail.

Significance

Serves as the technical instrument that triggers Data's illicit correspondence: amplifying a forbidden artificial signal into intelligibility, escalating risk of discovery, and catalyzing the episode's moral crisis about autonomy and the Prime Directive.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S2E15 · Pen Pals

Data Locks On to the Forbidden Signal

The improvisational stack of black boxes and filters is the hands‑on instrumentality through which Data teases the buried tonal pattern from noise. They function as both scientific tools and narrative props—embodying Data's willingness to circumvent standard equipment to reach something human in the static.

Before: Stacked on Data's desk, active and humming, engaged in boosting and filtering experimental scans under Data's direct manipulation.

After: Still active and in Data's possession; having successfully isolated a repeating pattern, they remain the physical conduit for the locked and boosted link.

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