AM Scanner

The AmScanner, a handheld scanning device, plays a crucial role in the operations and missions of the Power Rangers In Space team. These devices, integral to the Astro Megaship crew, assist the Rangers in various tasks, from repairing the ship to locating enemies and allies.

Design and Functionality

The AmScanner is a compact, portable device designed to detect and analyze various types of signals and energy readings. It features a grid screen, often displaying greenish-black visuals, and a section of four buttons identical to the area of flashing lights on the Astro Morphers. The AmScanner emits a distinctive warble sound when it detects significant signals or anomalies.

Initial Appearances and Usage

The AmScanners first appeared when Andros, the Red Ranger, was working under a set of controls on the bridge of the Astro Megaship, completing repairs. These devices quickly became essential tools for the Rangers, used in numerous situations both on the Megaship and during ground missions.

Missions on Earth and KO-35

When the Rangers visited Angel Grove to purchase computer components for the Megaship, Andros waited outside with an AmScanner. He alerted the team to the presence of Quantrons, leading to an ambush. Back on the Megaship, Andros and Carlos frequently used the AmScanners to check the ship’s systems, such as the “velocity junctions.”

Andros took an AmScanner from his locker before morphing down to KO-35 in search of his sister, Karone. The next day, Carlos also retrieved an AmScanner to join Andros on the planet. While scanning the city, the AmScanner indicated Ecliptor’s presence, although Andros initially mistook it for Karone.

Challenges and Failures

The AmScanners were not infallible. On the volcanic planet Kalderon, T.J.’s AmScanner failed due to harsh environmental conditions, coinciding with communication difficulties with the Megaship. Additionally, the devices were unable to detect disguised Craterites in Angel Grove, showcasing their limitations in certain scenarios.

Jungle and Desert Missions

In the jungle planet mission, T.J. used an AmScanner alongside Cassie and Carlos after receiving a distress signal. This mission turned out to be an ambush by Ecliptor. While setting up an interstellar scanner on Brokaya, Carlos’s AmScanner failed to alert him to Darkonda’s presence nearby, illustrating the need for constant vigilance despite the technology at their disposal.

During a search for Dark Specter on a rocky planet, Andros and Ashley reported the area deserted using an AmScanner. The device also featured prominently in the sandstorm mission on Centaur B, although it was confiscated by Rebel soldiers, highlighting the risks involved in their missions.

Psycho Rangers and Secret City

After an initial attack by the Psycho Rangers, Zhane used an AmScanner to scan a downtown market. However, he dropped it when attacked by Psycho Blue and Psycho Black. T.J. and Andros later found the device, using it to continue their mission.

In Secret City, Cassie launched a parachuting probe using a small gun, and T.J. tracked it with an AmScanner, locating the dish generating the city’s forcefield. This application demonstrated the device’s versatility in various mission-critical tasks.

Searches for Allies

Andros used an AmScanner on the planet Tirna to search for signs that Dark Specter might have held Zordon there. Later, as the Rangers flew over Forza looking for crash-landed astronauts, Andros employed the AmScanner to aid in their search, showcasing its importance in rescue operations.