1 THE UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR(INTRODUCED IN 2151 IN SERIES)

This was a device used by Ensign Hoshi Sato known as the communications officer on the
Enterprise in Star Trek: Enterprise. It was used to translate any foreign language even non-
biological life-form languages into Standard English. However it was known that there were still
some languages that the Universal translator was not able to pick up. The Klingons, a type of
alien race in the series used a language which could be translated by the translator sometimes.
That is, they used two languages, one which could have been translated and the other which
could not.
The universal translator works by analysing the patterns of an unknown foreign language starting
from a speech sample of two or more speakers in conversation. In some episodes of the Star Trek
series, an extraterrestrial species, Cardassian used the translator. However in those episodes it
was seen that when they began to speak into the translator, it did not initially understand the
language but the more the conversation continues, the computer eventually learnt the language
and was able to translate the foreign language into Standard English.
2 THE COMMUNICATOR
This was used in the Star Trek: original series episodes which allowed for communication
between members on board the ship of allowed for communication to other star ships in orbit.
This communicator worked without a satellite to relay the signal.
In the star trek episodes, these communicator signals were made to bypass EM interference and
allowed communication at distances that would require more time to traverse.
These communicators not only were used as communication purposes but also as a plot device to
place persons in challenging situations when they malfunctioned. These communication devices
were used as hand held devices (as shown in picture) or were found on communicator panels on
desks and walls.

3 COMBADGES
Later on in the series, a Combadge was developed. These were worn by the star ship’s members’
uniforms on the left breast. These devices were activated with a light tap and deactivated by
tapping twice. It also included features of the universal translator. They were used for onboard
communication, for accessing the onboard computer and for direct communication to another
combadge.
They also had other uses such as acting as a subspace distress beacon or tiny power cells.

4 VOXTEC.
Founder- Ace.J. Sarich
Voxtec is a company which specialises in translation technology. They have been researching
and developing translation devices for over 10 years. Their main aim was to clear language
barriers for the military users in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. They developed a device
called the Phraselator P2 and also SQU.ID SQ.200. they have extended the use of this device to
fields of law enforcement, first response, corrections, construction and Native language
revitalization.
After the September 11, 2001 crisis, the development of this device was accelerated as troops
had to deploy overseas immediately. Having cleared language barriers between military
personnel made their missions a lot simpler and feasible.

4.1 Some features of the phraselator P2 are:

( Take directly from http://www.voxtec.com/phraselator/features/)

4.2 Translates Three Ways:
The P2 offers three translation modes: Voice-activated speech input using the PUSH TO TALK
button; tap the desired phrase on the touch screen; or use the TOGGLE button to scroll and select
the desired phrase.

4.3 No Voice Training Required:

Language translation can be conducted right out of the box – the P2 does not require tedious
voice training before use.

4.4 Clear Communication:

High fidelity acoustic technology ensures clear translations in high-noise environments; or easily
connect the P2 to an external speaker for broader audible coverage.

4.5 Full-color Touch Screen:

The P2’s touch screen offers quick access to translations, settings and advanced features such as:
the ability to add new phrases and translations directly on the device, and keyword searching.

4.6 Create Custom Language Modules:

If you have access to an interpreter, you can create and record your own custom language
modules using the optional Module Builder PRO™ software and download the newly created
module to your P2 via USB cable or removable SD card.

4.7 Record Mode:

The P2 is equipped with auto digital recording with timestamp capabilities, allowing users to
record several hours of foreign-language responses to selected open-ended questions for later
translation.

4.8 Foreign Language Text Display:

Several language modules include foreign text that displays on the touch screen, which may be a
preferable translation method in situations requiring silence or for language learning purposes.

4.9 “My Favorites” Category:

Commonly used or mission-specific phrases can be grouped into a “My Favorites” category for
quick access and sequenced "looped" playback in multiple languages.