Rematerialization Procedures
Though there are 387 Stages to a TARDIS Vortex Flight, almost all of these are automatically handled by the infrastructure sub-systems. There are only 5 steps an operator should undertake for rematerializing a TARDIS into the Multiverse. While the TARDIS Information System does not contain any flight instructions it does have detailed notes on the landing protocol.
1. Synchronic Feedback Unit Activation
The Main Materialization Indicator begins to flash brighter and brighter one minute before Rematerialization. It will continue flashing until the materialization is complete. At this point the Synchronic Feedback Checking Circuit should be activated. This uses the gyroscopic stabilizer to orient a TARDIS relative to the nearest gravitational force to ensure that it does not arrive "upside down."
2. Multi-Loop Stabilizer Activation
To prevent Materialization a few inches above the intended coordinates the Multi-Loop Stabilizer must be activated prior to landing. The Multi-Loop Stabilizer adjusts a TARDIS to land on a surface. The TARDIS can be put in a Parking-Orbit above a planet before materializing on its surface. If this is desired, then Hover Mode should be substituted for the Multi-loop Stabilizers.
3. Release the Pause Control
Before re-materialization the brake (aka Pause Control) should be released. This prevents the sound of the dimensional stabilizers from being heard within the TARDIS. As it doesn't have any effect on the sound outside the capsule many Time Lords skip this step.
4. Re-Materialization
Re-Materialization is the most dangerous part of Vortex flight. A TARDIS has an Automatic Landing Procedure for Materialization, but it is advisable for the operator to use manual materialization since even minor malfunctions in the Automatic Procedure could destroy the TARDIS by sending it outside the Time Spiral.
An indicator light will signal that Switch #1 can be toggled. Manual materialization can be enacted by toggling Materialization Switch #1, which extends the Dimensional Stabilizers into the Multiverse. A second light indicates that the operator can use Materialization Switch #2, which uses a materialization field to displace the atmosphere from the area and causes the dematerialization circuit to extend the Exo-Plasmic Shell into real space. After Materialization, a TARDIS's Artron Mainframe sends a very subtle telepathic signal to the crew to alert them to the fact that the ship has landed. A chime alert can be set to sound when Materialialization has been completed. There is also a small indicator light on the console that shows when the TARDIS has completed the materialization. Zeroing the co-ordinate differential automatic systems to reactivate the real world interface is the 387th and final stage in a TARDIS's space-time flight.
The operator should never initiate a Re-Materialization by deactivating the temporal stabilizer and pulling down the transitional element control rod. This would result in a TARDIS exiting the interstitial continuum at the perihelion of a temporal ellipse, which can induce buffering in the TARDIS's harmonic wave packet transference. In some cases it can even sever the main Fluid Links.
For more information on this stage see the entry Rematerialization in Navigation Systems.
5. Deactivate Drive Systems
After landing, power to the Time Rotor should be switched off by reversing the Rotor Control. The Transit Switch should also be toggled to power down the TARDIS's drive systems, and the navigational controls should be returned to their off positions. In Mark II and later upgrades the engines will automatically shut down as soon as the crew have departed this ship.
At this point is it standard procedure to consult the console's, Astrosextant Rectifier, and Digital Time/Place Orientation Readout to ensure the spatial and temporal coordinates are correct. The Scanner controls on the External Monitor Panel will allow the operator to verify the exterior levels of oxygen, atmospheric pressure, temperature, radiation and the like. It is also customary to use the Scanner screen for a visual overview.
Color Key
The following color code is used:
- Black: For information from the TV Series, including Dimensions in Time, and 1996 TV Movie.
- Blue: For information from the Novels and Audios including Target, Virgin, BCC, and Big Finish.
- Green: For information from 'licensed' reference sources such as the Technical Manual, Doctor Who Magazine, and the Role Playing Games.
- Red: For information from unofficial sources -The Faction Paradox series, behind the scenes interviews, author's speculation, and popular fan belief.
The TARDIS Technical Index is copyright Will B Swift.
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