From: noel@umbc2.umbc.edu
Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc
Subject: Phaser Toy (consumer report)
Date: 21 JAN 93 15:35:00 EST
Organization: University of Maryland Baltimore County
NNTP-Posting-Host: umbc2.umbc.edu


		ANALYSIS OF PLAYMATE'S PHASER TOY


	Since nobody else looked like they were going to do it, I figured why
not.  This is based on the Phaser Toy Numbered 033392 purchased at the Toys R 
Us in Tysons's Corner, VA.

	NOTE FOR TOYS R US SHOPPERS:  Every Box I encountered at 2 separate 
stores have cuts across the bottom of the box.  The manager explained that 
the boxes are opened and priced at a warehouse and they have no control over 
that.  So if you are planning on keeping it in the box as a collector's item, 
shop elsewhere.

	The Box has a cut-out square that allows people to hear the two 
sounds.  "Disrurptor" is short and sounds funny, but the "stun" sound is 
longer and sounds very close to the actual sound effect.  My complaint is 
that this Phaser doesn't have a volume control, so what you hear while its in 
the box is what you get when you open it.

	The Phaser comes secured to a cardboard insert with plastic-wrapped 
wire to keep it in place.  The front and back of the Phaser are covered with 
plastic bags.  It also comes with a bag including stickers, directions, and 
"blueprints" which I will describe later.

	The Phaser itself is a little on the small side compared to the TV 
props.  The trigger button is placed a little too close for an adult to rest 
their thumb easily on the trigger--but I am sure for a child its just fine.  
The major disappointment is that the main Phaser body is gray plastic and has 
that "marbled" look to it.  Otherwise I am impressed with the detail, fit, 
and finish

	Once opened, there is the matter of applying stickers. Basically,
anything that has a number on it on the box is a sticker in the package.  The 
only differeence between the box and the toy is the "Power Level Indicator", 
which is six raised bands with yellow and red bars painted on the top

	The instructions say there is an on/off switch underneath the 
batteries for the light.  The switch was a bit hard to move with a finger so 
you may have to use something like the tip of a pen.  The included batteries 
are plain "general-purpose" (read: carbon) batteries.  As soon as they die in 
my phaser, I plan to replace them with alkalines
	The light from the phaser is rather bright, and stays on as long as 
the sound effect.  Replacing the bulb requires removing two Phillips-head 
screws.  The very tip of the red cone is clear.  

	The clip which allows you to hold hte Phaser on your belt is built-in 
to the back and is very tight.  At least you don't have to worry about it 
slipping out.

	The enclosed "Blueprints" show a normal sketch and then a ghost 
sketch to show internal parts of a real phaser.  Since I do not have my 
Technical Manual handy I can't say if the information is repeated there.  One 
thing that did make me chuckle was the disclaimer at the bottom of the 
blueprints that read:

   "This bluepeint is a blueprint of the Phaser as used in the Star
   Trek(R) T.V. show and does not depict the acutal function or the 
   internal components of this toy"

	The intersting thing is the that the blueprints list the two setting 
buttons just above the trigger as "Beam Width" (left) and "Beam Intensity" 
(right); while the box lists the respective buttons as "Stun Control" and 
"Disruption Control"

	Overall, its a nice and well-made *TOY*;  For $10-15 it makes a great 
addition to a uniform costume and it neat to play with.  Considering that 
actual props and resin kits go cost far more and the fact you can't play with 
them.  Its a darn nice package; and if you want to take the time to add 
alkaline batteries, a krypton bulb, beef up the weak sound, and paint the 
thing then go for it.  But out of the box its okay.