# Quadcorder

> Futuristic scanner simulator with animated graphics and sound effects for entertainment. (iPhone/iPad app by Adam McElhaney.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quadcorder/id298654660 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Adam McElhaney](https://appshunter.io/developer/298654663)
- Category: Entertainment, Games, Role Playing, Simulation
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 3.90/5 from 80 App Store ratings · 127 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 9 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2008-12-16
- Data updated: 2026-09-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quadcorder/id298654660/reviews.md

## What is Quadcorder?

Turn your iPhone/iPod touch into a futuristic scanning device!  Has three scanning modes, with animated graphics and sound effects! No sci-fi fan should be without it! 

If you have a phaser and a communicator, then all you need is Quadcorder and you will be set to explore the galaxy! 

Check out a video of Quadcorder in action, click on my website below!

To access the other animations, press the Library AB button once. Then press one of the DEVICE INPUT buttons that is not currently active. 

Special Note: Under the Settings application, there are  controls for background volume and background sound. The background sound is off by default.

This app is intended for entertainment purposes only and does not provide true functionality.

## Key features

- Futuristic scanning device simulation
- Three distinct scanning modes
- Animated graphics
- Sound effects
- Customizable background volume and sound

## Chart rankings

- #137 in Top Paid · Entertainment (US App Store)

## What do users think of Quadcorder?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎮 Fun and entertaining novelty app for Star Trek fans
- 🔊 Authentic sound effects and beeps
- 🎨 Colorful and visually appealing graphics
- ⚡ Responsive button interactions
- 💰 Affordable price point ($0.99-$2.00)
- 🎭 Great for cosplay and conventions
- 😄 Effective for pranking and amusing friends
- 🖖 Nostalgic appeal for Trek enthusiasts
- 🔄 Developer actively maintains and updates app
- 📱 Works across multiple iOS devices

**Cons**

- 🐛 Sound functionality breaks with iOS updates
- 📱 Not optimized for newer screen sizes
- ❌ No actual functional features or real sensor integration
- 🔇 Muted by default, confusing for new users
- ⚠️ Inconsistent audio across different iOS versions
- 🎬 Emergency button animation stopped working
- 📊 Limited to single screen with variations
- 🔌 Crashes on some iOS versions
- 🎯 Buttons lack meaningful functionality
- ⏱️ Limited replay value after initial novelty wears off

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Sound stops working after iOS updates
- Emergency data upload button animation broken
- App crashes on iOS 9 and later versions
- No audio on iOS 14.2 and newer
- Intermittent sound functionality
- Library button no longer switches input categories
- GPS and decibel readings show random numbers
- App not appearing in Settings for sound control
- Screen ratio not optimized for iPhone 5, 5s, 6s Plus
- Coordinates and decibel level functions non-functional

**Most requested features**

- Update for iPhone 14+ and iPad Pro screen sizes
- Real sensor integration (camera, GPS, accelerometer)
- Medical/body scan display screen
- More interactive screens and functionality
- Voyager or Nemesis tricorder variants
- Background scanning sound toggle in app settings
- Custom image display on screen
- Actual scanning sound tied to motion/gestures
- Additional emergency alerts and life sign notifications
- Code blue and medical alert sounds
- iPad version with full screen support
- LCARS interface improvements
- More button interactivity and options
- Off button to toggle beeps and lights

## Recent user reviews (10 of 127)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quadcorder/id298654660/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great App to Cord Things

*2026-07-12, version 2.1*

Nice to have when you need to investigate an alien planet or any radiation or EM anomalies. Well worth it. Get this!

### 4/5 — Fun roleplaying app!

*2026-04-08*

This app is a fun little roleplaying simulation app, turning your phone screen into a tricorder-adjacent screen, with authentic SFX, and cool little mock “data” that changes based on the 4 or 5 buttons you can press. Some buttons toggle, others bring up DNA scan info for the “BIO” button, etc. 

None of the data correlates with anything your phone can “scan” or draw from like the Health app, but I didn’t really expect it to, it’s just a fun little app to keep on your phone for those sessions of playing the Star Trek TTRPG game, or visiting Star Trek Conventions. 

I definitely think there’s room for improvement & expansion, as it only has the one screen which changes to show different types of data, (biological, geological, etc), but for $2, I would recommend it for any Trek fans. 

Live Long, and Prosper, my friends. 🖖😄

### 5/5 — Tricorder

*2026-03-19, version 2.1*

I like to see more updated features in the quadcoder

### 5/5 — Great Fun & Cleverly Done!

*2026-03-08*

I greatly enjoy this app and have been using it for years!  Wonderful actions on screen with sound effects.  Looks real - sounds real.  I have spoofed many friends with it!

### 5/5 — Simple must have

*2026-03-08, version 2.1*

What trek fan does not want to have a tricorder on the palm of your hand?  All buttons work, realistic sounds.  I do wish there are more options but it’s not like there is something else out there that’s better.  I use the bio scanner on my kids until my wife told them.

### 5/5 — Fun

*2025-10-07*

Close enough to what a licensed app might look like.

### 5/5 — Great

*2025-02-17*

Adam, don’t delete or get rid of this app. 

It’s beyond rare that there is finally a good ST TNG themed app out there. 

It’s a lot of fun for myself and my kid. 

Very entertaining. Fun on a full screen iPad when people in a cafe think you’re doing something important. :) 

Make it so!

### 5/5 — AMAZING EVEN IN 2024

*2024-09-26*

Downloaded this, knowing the risks based on the past reviews. However, I can’t say I’m disappointed. This was honestly an amazing app and it’s really fun too. The developer clearly listens to his users because even after a review said the sounds stopped working the sounds are now working again. Perfect for any Treckies 🖖

### 5/5 — Wonderful Fun!

*2024-06-07*

I love this app!  It’s fun for play and spoofs.  It is colorful, active with good sound effects, and has a variety of visual screen and special effects.  My thanks to its creator for continuing to update it!

### 3/5 — No Real Star Trek Sounds

*2023-11-22, version 2.1*

Cute very simple bleeps and bloops. Doesn’t sound like a real Star Trek tricorder

## Frequently asked questions about Quadcorder

### What does Quadcorder do?

Quadcorder transforms your iPhone or iPod touch into a futuristic scanning device. It features three different scanning modes with animated graphics and sound effects to simulate a sci-fi experience.

### What are the key features of Quadcorder?

Key features include three distinct scanning modes, animated graphics, immersive sound effects, and controls for background volume and sound accessible through the device's Settings application.

### Is Quadcorder free to use?

Yes, Quadcorder is a free application. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, making it entirely free for users to enjoy.

### What is the intended use of Quadcorder?

This app is intended purely for entertainment purposes. It is designed to be a fun tool for sci-fi fans and role-players to enhance their imaginative experiences, not for actual scanning functionality.

### How do I access different animations in Quadcorder?

To access other animations, press the Library AB button once. Then, press one of the DEVICE INPUT buttons that is not currently active to switch between them.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.1 — 2016-02-12

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

Bug fixes. New name

### 2.0 — 2015-10-09

Yeah, yeah. I am sorry. This fell through the cracks. 

To make it up to you, I have added:
- Support for devices up to iPhone 6+.
- 7 New Sounds added
- New Buttons for those with bigger screen.
- New F1/F2 Mode
- Background sound can be turned on/off in-app by tapping the speaker near the EMRG button.
- More LEDs
- New icon

Things that went away. 
- Old scanning GUI (The one from the very first version)
- Pressing the Library button, only plays a sound. You now cycle through the screens by tapping each GEO MET BIO button again.
- Real world stuff. (GPS, Decibel, Magnetic Scanning). Those screens are still there they just display random numbers now. 

If you don't see something, it's probably because you have a phone with a smaller size. The new buttons / sounds / etc are for iPhone 5s and up. I wanted to fill up the space, so instead of making the buttons bigger, I added more.

### 1.4.1 — 2010-02-22

Added a feature to go back to the original interface. Available in the Settings App.

Fixed an issue with the Decibel Level System and the Magnetometer System.

### 1.4 — 2010-02-10

Updated interface
Added GPS (iPhone 1G,3G, 3GS)
Added Decibel Level (iPhone iPhone 1G,3G, 3GS)
Added Magnetometer (iPhone 3GS only)
Added new screens, and sounds.

iScanner will determine the device you are using to check your hardware, if you don't have the correct hardware, you can still play! iScanner will show you fake readings. But only you will know!

### 1.3 — 2009-05-13

Added 3 new animation screens.

Updated EMRG Button screen.

Added Visual Feedback for changing the Library AB.

Improved memory management.

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## More apps by Adam McElhaney

- [Graph Paper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/graph-paper/id592051544)
- [ItTakesU](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ittakesu/id1598182955)

All apps by Adam McElhaney: https://appshunter.io/developer/298654663

## Related topics

[star trek tricorder](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/star-trek-tricorder) · [adam mcelhaney](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/adam-mcelhaney) · [star trek communicator](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/star-trek-communicator)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-10.*