Talk:Laser generator/Archive 1

It's from different episodes, but I get the feeling that the "laser generator" is related to the "Laser pump". They could even be the same component. Especially when applying real science (which can be a dangerous thing with TOS, I know). Still, one article and a note about the different terminology might be enough --Serenity 06:54, 11 January 2007 (CST)

I wouldn't be too opposed to a merge and redirect. If you go by episode references, though, it's a tie. Laser pump is mentioned in "Lost Planet I" (laser pump is broke, you take the shot) and the "Young Lords" (Specter has ordered a suspicious number of laser pumps). Laser generator is mentioned only as it relates to swapping out parts on a Viper, in "Long Patrol" (swapping the laser generator for a pulse generator) and in "Fire in Space" (swapped for mega-pressure pumps and storage tanks of boraton in order to fight the titular fire). To that end, I'm not sure which I'd keep, with the laser pump being the potentially more realistic name and the "generator" convention being more consistent with the "pulse generator". --Steelviper 07:19, 11 January 2007 (CST)

It could be a definition matter. One could say that the "laser generator" is a somewhat larger unit containing a light source which is directed at the "laser pump". Maybe even lenses to focus the beam further. I don't think the writers thought that much about it, but interestingly the reference to laser pumping is one of the rarer examples of correct science in the series. --Serenity 07:32, 11 January 2007 (CST)

Discussion has kinda stagnated on this... Would it be right to assume that we should just leave things as they are and remove the merge tags? -- Joe Beaudoin ^{So say we all - Donate} 12:14, 14 May 2007 (CDT)

I don't really feel strongly either way. I'd be fine with leaving them both (since both have on-air references to back them up), or merge them (using redirects, etc). Maybe a disambig line above each would solve the issue? --Steelviper 12:43, 14 May 2007 (CDT)

Yeah, I seem to be the only only who cares about this. A disamiguation at the top is fine with me. Or better, maybe, a note describing the similarity. --Serenity 12:53, 14 May 2007 (CDT)

Sounds like a plan. -- Joe Beaudoin ^{So say we all - Donate} 13:00, 14 May 2007 (CDT)

Original Series definition: a liquid that extinguishes fires ^{(TOS: "Fire in Space")}