From our PADDs to our burgeoning replicator technology, we're almost living the dream of a full Trek lifestyle. Thanks to Makezine.com and a link from Gizmodo, we can now take another step closer to that dream.

Over at Makezine.com is a full tutorial on how to turn a toy TOS communicator into a functioning bluetooth handset. Spock just called and said "Holy Crap!".

Check out the description and video below.

Usually I write about ham radio. But looking at communication devices of the future from the past, I thought it would be fun to have a Star Trek: The Original Series Bluetooth communicator for a cellphone. I worked with Dave Clausen to hack one together from a toy Star Trek communicator, a Bluetooth module, and a microcontroller. Following are the directions and program to make your own. And of course a video to show how the Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator works.

And if you really want to geek it up, the Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator can also be used with the Yaesu VX-8R ham radio. It also makes an awesome gift. Read on for the full tutorial. (source Makezine.com)