STATION DISPLAYS

The computer-library station and communication station comprise five different panel types.  From top to bottom they are: strip panels, poster panels, display panels, control panels and access panels.  The strip panels and poster panels (top) are simple light boxes with clear stickers mounted on white acrylic.  The display panels (upper center) were the most difficult part of our themed room project.  Each one was constructed with individual LED compartments to match the cover mask, and there is a dedicated sequencing circuit for all of the LEDs in each display.  The control panels (lower center) were constructed with black acrylic and jewel buttons glued on top.  Each jewel button has a small whole beneath it, allowing lighting from below.  The access panels (bottom) are simple light boxes with clear red stickers mounted on white acrylic and plastic mesh.  They are removable, allowing access to the transformers and LED sequencing circuits.

 

Back in 1966, there were no integrated circuits or LEDs.   Large, old fashioned circuitry comprising vacuum tubes and hot incandescent bulbs were used to light these displays.  They would frequently overheat and stop working, but due to time constraints, filming would continue.  Consequently, in many original episodes, a lot of the panels are seen not to be functioning.