Proximity detector

Proximity detector

A proximity detector used by the Coalition on Turkana IV

Proximity detectors were devices which glowed and pulsated when near others of the same devices. They could be configured to only glow in the presence of a certain group of other devices.

Proximity detectors were developed by the government of the Turkana IV colony in the early 24th century and implanted into the chests of members of the rival factions Turkana IV Coalition and the Turkana IV Alliance. They were meant to deter trespassing on enemy-controlled territory and therefore violence. Furthermore, these implants were equipped with a micro-explosive inside that would explode on contact with air in order to prevent the colonist of the planet from removing the implants. The Coalition used yellow implants, the Alliance's implants were green.

Activated proximity detector

An activated Turkana IV Coalition proximity detector

Similar devices were also used on Manu III. (TNG: "Legacy")

A different kind of proximity detector was also used by Starfleet. Lieutenant Commander Susanna Leijten suggested installing proximity detectors and infrared sensors on Tarchannen III to locate her former colleagues of the USS Victory. (TNG: "Identity Crisis")

The Star Trek Encyclopedia, 4th ed., vol. 2, p. 186 described the proximity detector as a "two-centimeter-square, jewel-like, magnetic device that was implanted into a humanoid body, making it easy to accurately track and identify that individual."
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