The Ultimate Guide to the Warehouse 13 "Farnsworth": A Portable Steampunk Legend For fans of Warehouse 13
, few gadgets are as iconic as the Farnsworth. Whether you're a cosplayer looking to finish your agent ensemble or a tech enthusiast fascinated by its "vaudio" (video-audio) lore, this portable communicator is the crown jewel of the series' steampunk aesthetic.
Named after the real-life inventor of electronic television, Philo T. Farnsworth
, this handheld device allowed agents to communicate across secure, unhackable frequencies—even from deep underground or alternate dimensions. What Makes the Farnsworth Special?
In the world of Warehouse 13, the Farnsworth isn't just a walkie-talkie; it’s an "untraceable" masterpiece of old-tech-meets-new-tech.
Unhackable Security: Because it operates on a secure frequency spectrum from 1929, it remains immune to modern digital hacking.
Vaudio Technology: Long before FaceTime, agents used these for two-way video and audio calls, activated by a simple push-button below a distinctive red lamp.
Durability: Despite being sensitive to modifications, the original units were designed to work anywhere on Earth. Owning a Piece of the Warehouse
If you're looking to add a "portable" Farnsworth to your own collection, you have three main paths: 1. High-End Replicas (The Collector’s Choice)
For those who want museum-quality accuracy, licensed replicas are the gold standard. warehouse 13 portable
QMx Artisan Replicas: Quantum Mechanix (QMx) produced screen-accurate, licensed replicas using solid brass faceplates and metal cases sourced from the show's original suppliers. While these are often out of production, they occasionally appear on collector sites like YourProps.
Etsy Artisans: Many talented creators on Etsy offer handmade versions ranging from static display pieces to units with integrated lights and sound. 2. The DIY Route (For Modern Agents)
If you're handy with a soldering iron or a 3D printer, building your own is a rewarding "Spy Challenge". Farnsworth Artisan Replica - YourProps
In the context of Warehouse 13 , your request for "long paper" for a portable device most likely refers to the Farnsworth, the show's iconic steampunk video communicator. Blueprint and Prop Assembly
For hobbyists and prop makers, "long paper" often refers to the full-scale schematics or assembly patterns used to build a portable replica.
Faceplate Templates: DIY guides frequently provide printable templates that must be printed at 100% scale on cardstock to ensure the dials and screens fit the portable brass housing.
Building Guides: Detailed walkthroughs on sites like Instructables (1.1.22) explain how to use these paper patterns to modify mint tins into mini-Farnsworths using metallic gold and brass paints.
Digital Assets: You can find downloadable SVG and vector files for these designs on platforms like Etsy (1.1.3). Related Artifacts and Context
If your interest is in "paper" artifacts from the show rather than prop building: The Ultimate Guide to the Warehouse 13 "Farnsworth":
Memory Paper: Johannes Gutenberg's Memory Paper is a specific artifact that creates perfect replicas of paintings when photographed.
The Invitation: When agents are first recruited, they are handed a paper described as an "invitation to endless wonder".
Filing Systems: Within the facility, Artie's office contains a massive paper filing system for tracking artifacts.
Field Agent’s Guide: Harnessing the Power of Portable Warehouse Tech In the world of Warehouse 13
, being a field agent isn't just about snagging and bagging; it’s about having the right gear to survive the "endless wonder." While the massive South Dakota facility houses the artifacts, the mission often relies on what agents can carry in their pockets. Here is a breakdown of the most essential "portable" technology and how fans can bring a piece of that tech into the real world. The Icon: The Farnsworth Video Communicator The most recognizable portable device in the series is the Farnsworth
, a steampunk-inspired two-way audio and video communicator. Invented by Philo T. Farnsworth in 1929, these devices are prized by agents for operating on a secure, unhackable frequency. Design & Function
: Encased in what looks like an oversized Altoids tin or a fly-fishing box, it features a small, whimsically curvy black-and-white screen and a brass faceplate. Real-World Replicas Commercial Replicas : Companies like Quantum Mechanix (QMx) have produced screen-accurate static replicas. DIY Projects
: Enthusiasts often build their own using vintage radio parts, 3D printed faceplates, or even miniature versions in small tins : At one point, QMx released a Farnsworth app
for iOS that allowed fans to make video calls using the interface from the show, though it is now largely defunct. Claudia's Innovation: The Portable Ping Device Invented by Claudia Donovan, the Portable Ping Device The most searched variation of this keyword is
is a compact version of the Warehouse Artifact System. It allows agents to remain mobile while still receiving instant notifications when an artifact "pings" in the field. Capabilities
: Beyond simple alerts, it can be used to search the existing Warehouse database for known artifact signatures, making it an indispensable tool for offsite investigation. Field Survival Gear
A "portable" Warehouse kit isn't complete without the specialized tools used to neutralize or secure dangerous items on the go:
The most searched variation of this keyword is the prop replica. The screen-used "portable" cases in Warehouse 13 were a beautiful blend of steampunk aesthetics and Cold War military surplus.
Whether you are a Regent saving the world from a possessed hat or a cosplayer attending Dragon Con, the value of the Warehouse 13 portable cannot be overstated. It is the difference between a successful snag and being turned into a bronze statue for eternity.
The magic of the show was never just the giant building in South Dakota. It was the idea that you could pack that power—that weird, wonderful, dangerous safety—into a briefcase and go wherever the problem was.
So, check your neutralizer’s battery. Make sure your bag is lined with copper. And remember: No matter how shiny it is, put it in the box first.
Warehouse 13 is a trademark of Universal Television. This article is for informational and fan-enthusiast purposes only.
Do you have a favorite portable artifact from the show? Let us know in the comments below!