Mind evaporator

Saun Dann leaves Attichitcuk with his mind evaporator

A mind evaporator, also known as a proton chair was a device used to stimulate the mind. It could either be used for serious or entertainment purposes.

Characteristics

The machine consisted of a large chair that the participant would sit in and a helmet attached to the chair that would cover the subject's eyes. A cassette could then be inserted in order to begin the program, and the user would enter virtual reality. The mind evaporator was powered by a proton pack. It is not known whether or not the device could work on Droids, however.

History

Attichitcuk was known to have used the device to aid in training for flight of the Oevvaor jet catamaran during the Clone Wars. Utilizing its virtual-reality capabilities, he was able to hone his skills in order to participate in battle at his advanced age. This training proved useful at the Battle of Kashyyyk.

He also used the device as entertainment. He viewed holograms of Human girls singing and dancing on the machine. One such girl he viewed was Mermeia in 1 ABY.

Behind the scenes

The Star Wars Encyclopedia defines the device as:

"Mind Evaporator (Kashyyyk) - Basic translation of a Wookiee term for any addictive video game that lacked any form of educational purpose."

According to some of Brian Bartholomew's blueprints for various props in The Star Wars Holiday Special released on its 30th anniversary, the mind evaporator was made up of a purchased chair, with the "proton helmet" being made of a purchased hairdryer connected to a plastic accordion hose (such as one belonging to a vacuum cleaner), as well as a heavy cable w/sockets. The earpieces were made of clear plastic glasses or another unknown ingredient, the latter having wheat-lamps or pilot lamps twinkling randomly (though the rest of the earpiece is opaque), three extra control knobs below the earpieces, and a socketplate on the back hood; as well as having planted-on rivets as well as enameled clear visors. The evaporator controls on the arm portions of the chair were made of a purchased pearlcorder that would be used to play the cassette tapes. In addition, on the back of the chair were various plastic model-kits and dummy doors, as well as a vent and planted-on clear plastic multimeter measurements by Olson Electronics.

Appearances

• The Star Wars Holiday Special (First appearance)
• Template:SWG
• The Wookiee Storybook

Sources

• "The Star Wars Holiday Special" — Star Wars Insider 23
• Star Wars Encyclopedia
• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Incredible Cross-Sections
• Star Wars: Complete Cross-Sections
• What is Wookiee Life Day? on the official Star Wars Galaxies website (content now obsolete; backup link)
• The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia