Anatomy
of a Dalek
KEY TO ILLUSTRATION
1. THE
EYE STICK - This incorporates a wide-angle lens that transmits images
to a screen within the control chamber. It is mounted on a pivoting arm that
protrudes from the Dalek's head section. The head is capable of turning a
full 360 degrees providing the Dal mutant with complete all-round vision.
The eye is capable of using different types of visual perception, including
night and heat vision.
2. INSULATORS - These
discs, behind the eye lens, protect the delicate 'eye nerve' mechanism from
the harmful effects of cosmic rays. These are essential when the Dalek is
in space flight.
3. ENERGY DISPENSERS -
Housed in the head section, these dissipate any excess energy, which often
builds up in Dalek cells. Acting like safety valves, they release the energy
in the form of red heat and supersonic squeals, beyond the range of human
hearing.
4. TRANSLATOR UNIT -
Daleks have no vocal cords so this unit amplifies the Dal mutant's thoughts
into speech patterns acceptable to the listener's brain. This process is reversed
when the Dalek is spoken to.
5. SUPER-SENSITIVE STATIC
RECORDING SCREENS - All light and static electrical waves are picked up
by these photo-sonic screens and transmitted through a power transformer to
a network of storage cells. This is the Daleks main source of power.
6. THE WAR COMPUTER -
A memory bank in which the Dalek stores its war knowledge, containing every
fighting maneuver, or dangerous situation, known to Daleks. It can select
a course of action in micro- seconds.
7. THE OUTER CASING -
This is made of Dalekenium, a metal alloy developed by the Dals, which is
ten times stronger than steel, yet it is only a quarter of the weight of
aluminum.
8. THE MANIPULATOR ARM
- This provides the Dalek with consideraable manual dexterity. The suction
cup produces a tremendously powerful vacuum. This, together with the hydraulic
strength of the telescopic arm enables the Dalek to lift enormously heavy
weights. It can be replaced by various other attachments.
9. BLASTER-GUN - The
Dalek is armed with a blaster-gun, located at the front of the mid-section
to the left of the manipulator. The blast-gun moves on a ball and socket arrangement
and is connected to a dynamic unit within the casing, which provides it with
its power. The gun produces electrical discharges, which are similar in intensity
to a bolt of lightning. The gun is also interchangeable and different types
of weaponry settings can be used.
10. THE CONTROL CHAMBER
- This is the very 'heart' of the machinne. From here the Dal mutant operates
all screens, controls and instruments.
11. SENSE GLOBES - Fifty-six
of these are positioned around the Dalek's lower casing. These globes react
to changes in external conditions and relay data on temperature, humidity,
movement and the presence of animal life to the control chamber for analysis.
12. THE GRAVITY COMPENSATOR
- This compensates for relative changes in external G-forces, ensuring
that the gravitational forces acting on the Dal mutant are kept constant.
13. THE ATTRACTAVON -
This can compensate for any angle of movement, in addition to housing the
levitation jets, which are capable of lifting the machine off the ground.
14. MOTIVE POWER SOURCE
- This large metal bearing rotates the DDalek and can change direction easily
at any speed. On the planet Skaro, all floors are metal and charged with electricity.
The motive bearing picks up current transmits it to the energy cells at its
center and converts it into motive power.
Adapted from "The Doctor Who Technical Manual" by Mark
Harris.
Text and diagrams ©
1983 Random House, Inc. New York.
Layout © 2004 John Rocco Roberto/Visagraph Films International.
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