Star Trek Question - can the replicator...

Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
12,755
3
0
Replicate dilithium crystals? Or the Ferengi's favorite currency (gold/latinum)?

Seems like they can replicate anything - but what they needed in some episodes. Just wondering... :)
 

DurocShark

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
15,708
5
56
No and no.

I forget the reason why the replicator/transporter can't do dilithium, but gold pressed latnum was specifically designed NOT to be replicatable. Quark spent a few episodes of DS9 trying to do just that. heh

As for the holodeck, yes, they can.
 

brnbngls

Senior member
Feb 12, 2001
418
0
0
<nerd>If I remember correctly, the lattice structure of Dilithium is too complex for the replicator to create. </nerd>
 

guyver01

Lifer
Sep 25, 2000
22,135
5
61
Originally posted by: brnbngls
<nerd>If I remember correctly, the lattice structure of Dilithium is too complex for the replicator to create. </nerd>

actually...

replicators manipulate matter at the molecular level to reorganize existing (or supplied) elements into new materials. For instance, food products can be manufactured out of the "raw food stock" which is used as raw material for Federation food replicators. This food stock must contain all of the elements commonly found in food. If the replicator is supplied with more exotic elements, it could theoretically be used to manufacture items like weapons and starship parts.

However, a replicator cannot economically create dilithium (for example) unless it has a supply of dilithium to work with. Since a replicator would need latinum to create latinum, such an operation would be pointless. A replicator would only be useful for changing the shape of a latinum bar (eg. creating a sculpture without having to do all the work, although true artists would undoubtedly be quite offended at the idea of replicated sculptures).

Starships need to return to port for certain critical components. Those critical components undoubtedly contain numerous exotic materials which are not normally carried aboard a starship as replication supplies.


 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Originally posted by: Orsorum
Can they use the holodeck for... you know... :eek:

Of course you can, the real question is what happens when you leave?

Let's say Riker's had his way with one of his virtual girls, & forgets to shut down the simulation.

18 years later he comes back & he has a virtual child. If he then shuts off the simulation, what's left behind?

What if it were only a few minutes after the fact, would the leftovers still be the same?

Oh, and who's job is it to squeegee the holodeck?

Viper GTS
 

ScottyB

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2002
6,677
1
0
Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Originally posted by: Orsorum
Can they use the holodeck for... you know... :eek:

Of course you can, the real question is what happens when you leave?

Let's say Riker's had his way with one of his virtual girls, & forgets to shut down the simulation.

18 years later he comes back & he has a virtual child. If he then shuts off the simulation, what's left behind?

What if it were only a few minutes after the fact, would the leftovers still be the same?

Oh, and who's job is it to squeegee the holodeck?

Viper GTS


They have self cleaning floors.
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
5
81
Originally posted by: guyver01
Originally posted by: brnbngls
<nerd>If I remember correctly, the lattice structure of Dilithium is too complex for the replicator to create. </nerd>

actually...

replicators manipulate matter at the molecular level to reorganize existing (or supplied) elements into new materials. For instance, food products can be manufactured out of the "raw food stock" which is used as raw material for Federation food replicators. This food stock must contain all of the elements commonly found in food. If the replicator is supplied with more exotic elements, it could theoretically be used to manufacture items like weapons and starship parts.

However, a replicator cannot economically create dilithium (for example) unless it has a supply of dilithium to work with. Since a replicator would need latinum to create latinum, such an operation would be pointless. A replicator would only be useful for changing the shape of a latinum bar (eg. creating a sculpture without having to do all the work, although true artists would undoubtedly be quite offended at the idea of replicated sculptures).

Starships need to return to port for certain critical components. Those critical components undoubtedly contain numerous exotic materials which are not normally carried aboard a starship as replication supplies.

That's a great explanation. Makes sense now.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,035
442
136
I would NEVAR leave the holodeck.

Unlimited Staples coupons, Dell deals galore, 3 foot blondes and more!
 

dquan97

Lifer
Jul 9, 2002
12,010
3
0
Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would NEVAR leave the holodeck.

Unlimited Staples coupons, Dell deals galore, 3 foot blondes and more!

Now I know what gets Ross going...add Outpost's free overnight shipping policies
 

Rufio

Banned
Mar 18, 2003
4,638
0
0
Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would NEVAR leave the holodeck.

Unlimited Staples coupons, Dell deals galore, 3 foot blondes and more!

3 foot blondes? midget fetish? :D
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
No, it's all a matter of economics & convenience.

They don't have to kneel, so no need for kneepads, & if you replicate them with a flat head it's a great place to set a beer.

Viper GTS