The Federation has used a variety of communications devices over the years. In the 2200s the typical device was a handheld unit; often with a flip open panel covering a set of controls. These devices had sufficient range to allow shore parties to talk to one another, or with the ship in orbit above.1 Over time the Federation introduced smaller, sleeker handheld units.2 These were a standard part of the equipment issued to shore parties.2By the mid to late 24th century Starfleet had built communicators into the standard insignia of their uniforms; Starfleet personnel thus carried one around with them at all times.3 The standard Starfleet 'combadge' issued in 2364 had a casing made of gold.4 The underlying components were made of silicon, beryllium and carbon-seventy.5
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