Recommended Free Tools
First published on September 8, 2016—the 50th anniversary of Star Trek’s first television broadcast—Make: highlighted seven fan-made projects that turn the franchise into things people can build, wear, crochet, bake, or display. The phrase “live long and prosper” is playful: these are creative tributes, not charitable programs or official franchise initiatives.
Builds inspired by the starship Enterprise
A modular Enterprise bridge playset
Instructables maker D_Weiberg designed a bridge playset for his son after the boy began making simple cardboard play pieces. As D_Weiberg told Make:, the idea began when he gave his son old Star Trek figures; he then set out to make a modular wooden playset that could be arranged into different rooms aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. The project is a family-scale interpretation of the ship, built around imaginative play rather than exact screen reproduction.
A scratch-built Galileo shuttle
Make: contributor Roger Garrett took a more engineering-focused route to a model of the Galileo shuttle. He researched photographs and diagrams, prepared CAD work and engineering drawings, then used a laser cutter and CNC router at a local makerspace to fabricate it. The bridge playset and shuttle model show two different ways to make Star Trek tangible: one creates a flexible setting for play, while the other follows a reference-led design and fabrication process.
Wearable Star Trek crafts
Victorian-style uniforms
Cosplay artist Genovefa imagined a Star Trek crew in Victorian-style uniforms aboard a wooden ship navigated by the stars. The concept shifts the familiar uniforms into an alternate historical setting, using costume design to suggest a different kind of voyage.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Crocheted Spock ears
Croshame shared a crochet pattern for Vulcan-inspired ears. Make: described the project as one that “works up in under a half hour”; that is the source’s estimate, not a verified timing for every crocheter. The roundup does not specify yarn fiber, weight, or quantity, so makers should consult the pattern itself for materials and instructions.
“Spocks” socks
Ravelry user gurmanfravor’s knitted socks feature a portrait of Spock. The idea is a small, wearable tribute rather than a costume: a familiar character worked into an everyday textile.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Food and seasonal decorations
A gingerbread USS Enterprise
Blackmarket Bakery made a gingerbread version of the USS Enterprise, translating the recognizable starship into an edible centerpiece. It brings the franchise into holiday baking through shape and decoration rather than a conventional model-building material.
The Wreath of Khan
Annie Shapiro’s “Wreath of Khan” combines a holiday wreath with Ricardo Montalbán’s performance as Khan in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Its title and subject turn a seasonal decoration into a character-based joke for fans of the film.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the seven projects have in common
The projects range from detailed fabrication to quick, personal tributes: a modular play environment, a researched shuttle model, an alternate-universe cosplay idea, two textile crafts, gingerbread baking, and a holiday wreath. Their shared thread is not a single technique or skill level, but the choice to reinterpret Star Trek through making.
These are examples featured by Make: in 2016, not a current directory of patterns or build plans. The article establishes who made each project and its basic concept, but does not establish whether every original pattern, plan, or maker page remains available today.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
