In late summer, 1996, PROPOLOGY (then known, as Molnar Motion Picture Props) was assigned the task of building a novel and futuristic computer system for the "Viper's Lair"—one of the shows most frequently seen sets.  It was used throughout the entire series run which occurred between 1996 to 1999.
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"Viper's Lair" Computer System
It had many operational features, such as switches with illuminated indicators, LED status indicators, and various types of removable memory media.

Design Process

By Lead Designer—Richard Molnar

​"I the time of this writing (may, 2018) I am really unable to recall all of the details surrounding the design process for this assignment.  What I do remember however, that I was provided with pictorial reference from VIPER Production that described the design language they wished to pursue.

It was a colour photocopy, depicting a "concept computer" from a recently published industrial design annual.  The most striking feature, was the overall form factor...  a low slung, gently curved, main console, that was populated with novel, discrete, subassemblies.

Each appeared to be some kind of modular computer peripheral.  The shapes of each, were all quite distinctive, making for a kind of eclectic, yet pleasing  grouping of interesting objects.  I remember it was finished in various pastel metallic colors... a stark departure from the ubiquitous "beige boxes", that were the computers of the day.

While the finished product was not copied verbatim, it did incorporate all these design elements.  In addition, at the client's request, it featured every conceivable memory media compatibility, and included some operational switches, and illuminated indicators.

​Some of these indicators were controllable remotely, via a cabled remote control, that also provided power to the device.  Each indicator had the option for steady or flashing operation."

Major Components Described

"Don't laugh, when you read 'Floppy Drives'.  ​Remember...  this was 1996!"
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  1. ​Stereo Speakers.
  2. Memory Card Reader (two slot).
  3. Floppy Disk Drives (three disk capacity).
  4. DAT Deck (with pushbutton opening, dampened, cover). 
  5. Swappable Hard Drives (x3).
  6. Optical Drive.
  7. ​Microphone and Speaker Volume Control. 

Construction

"The 'backbone' of the design, was the curved console, into which the requisite peripheral devices were installed.  Due to the desire to adhere to a very specific look, it became the most ​labour-intensive element of the build.

It also had to be physically robust, as it served as the chassis for all the added subassemblies. Moreover, it needed be made well enough, to endure the rigours of continuous use, throughout the series.

​For this reason, sheet polycarbonate plastic (LEXAN) was chosen as the build media.  This material has well known strength, and impact resistance characteristics.  In addition, all joined surfaces were 'solvent-welded', as this provided ​the strongest possible construction."

Found Objects used as Subassemblies

As is often the case, purchased devices were incorporated into the design:
  1. Portable Stereo Speakers.
  2. ​Air Freshener Device.
  3. ​Telephone Autodialer Device (x4).
  4. Compact Cassette Autowinder.
  5. ​Disposable, Label Maker Tape Cartridges (x3).
  6. Compac Disc Hard-case.
  7. Garage Door Transmitter.
"Each was chosen, not only for their appearance, but also, for any useful functionality, that could be utilized.  Some of this functionality, included operational hinged covers, on both the compact cassette autowinder (which opened slowly at the push of a button) and the compact disk, hard-case.

These objects were modified as required, to ensure proper integration into the overall design. This included, the addition of small detail elements, such as roundels, and the application ​of design appropriate colours."  
"This prop was built to last, and incorporated many versatile features, as it would appear almost weekly on one of VIPER's main sets."