How These 80s Tech Gadgets Evolved From ‘Weird Things’ To Today – Review Geek

The last part Strange things Season four drops in early July 2022, so everyone’s talking about the multi-dimensional action and heartbreak leading up to season five. The series continues to be a fan favorite, with season four scoring an 88% with reviewers—a 91% approval rating for the series overall.

Although the writing and acting are amazing, a large number of adoring fans relate to the show’s nostalgia.

There are endless callbacks to the 1980s in every room, but the technology stands out more than anyone’s hairstyle or outfit. Delve into this guide to learn how these 80s pieces of technology work Strange things They have been upgraded to today.

Then: Heathkit Ham Shack Radio

Back to season one, the Strange things Kids used Mr. Clark Heathkit’s ham radio in the Audiovisual (AV) club room to talk to Will in the Upside Down with the help of Eleven.

It’s a huge, powerful radio. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) use 1-5 watt ham radios to communicate with people on Earth.

Now: DMR Ham Radio Technology

Anyone can use Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) to enjoy the modern version of two-way radio. Depending on the model you have, they have very high and ultra high frequencies between 30-1,000 Megahertz (MHz). Powerful frequencies are best for things like car radios that require a HAM radio to cover long distances between destinations to ensure use on highways and interstates.

Then: RadioShack Realistic TRC-206, 214, and 219 Walkie-Talkie

Walkie-talkies are a piece of 80’s technology that can be found in every season. Strange things. Sometimes the giant Realistic TRC series of radios introduced by Radio Shack in 1985 helps kids communicate in their homes. Other times, higher antennas help them communicate across the city.

Now: Meet my friends on iPhone

You can use a walkie-talkie for fun, but Find My Friends is easy to find on iPhones. of Strange things Kids can easily stick together by using an app now called Find My Network to pinpoint everyone’s exact geographic location.

Then: always commander flashlight

Never enter the Upside Down without a flashlight or baseball bat decorated with nails. It was impossible for any of them Strange things Models like the Everyday Commander, which were popular in the 1960s and 70s, were used to solve puzzles without batteries, but their huge metal lights are outdated.

Now: LED flashlights and compact lights

Anyone who doesn’t want to use their smartphone as a flashlight can pick up a feather-light, pocket-sized plastic model at any home improvement store. The latest models use LED bulbs that last for 50,000 hours compared to bulbs that need to be replaced every 1-2,000 hours.

Then: Sony Walkman

In the year First launched in 1979, the Sony Walkman featured a few notable features. Strange things. Nancy then inspires her to get justice for Barb and saves Max from Vecna ​​in the fourth episode. While a vintage personal stereo sounds great, you’ll have a more enjoyable music experience with modern technology.

Now: music apps or hi-fi players

There are countless apps for smartphones and tablets that connect people to music streaming services for free, with Spotify being the dominant streaming service of today. However, if you want the modern version of the Sony Walkman, you can listen to high-quality music on the latest Walkman model, which costs around $4,000.

If you want the sound quality that brings Vecna ​​back to the Upside Down, don’t forget to convert your favorite classic cassettes with software programs.

Then: Mitsubishi 22-inch TV

In the year In the 1980s, Mitsubishi 22-inch televisions were huge boxes with screens that could make your hair stand on end if you sat too close. They’re a bold vintage look for anyone with a classic interior decorating style, but their screen quality and limited channel capacity aren’t even close to what’s available today.

Now: Streaming service giant on any device

You can get it by subscribing to streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. Strange things characters and more on any smart device or TV. Today, the average 55-inch television in North America has a paper-thin 4K resolution TV screen and the ability to watch thousands of channels. If you really want to go all out, check out the Vizio 85-inch entry.

Then: Dungeons & Dragons

Strange things It just wouldn’t be the same if the main characters didn’t understand the upside-down monsters through a Dungeons and Dragons lens. The fantasy role-playing game started as a board game in 1974 and is popular today because it is so accessible. Groups of friends play modern versions of the board game, but you can play more immersive versions online.

Now: Immersive D&D experiences

Players can use sites like D&D Beyond to keep track of campaigns, spells, and characters without having to look through thick booklets. Strange things D&D campaigns. Roll20 works as a virtual tabletop simulator, so no one needs physical board game supplies, and players can explore virtual maps in real time.

Then: JVC GR-C1 Camcorder and Pentax MX Camera

Viewers first fell in love with Jonathan Byers as he took photos around town in the first season. It’s hard to see the exact brand and model of the camera because it’s only visible for a second, but many fans assume it’s a Pentax K1000 made between 1976 and 1997.

The giant 1984 JVC GR-C1 camera also appears in Season 2, when Bob Newby takes Will to hand over Jonathan and the kids trick-or-treating.

Jonathan’s classic camera used 35mm film to take photos and did not need batteries to operate. You can add it to your collection. Strange things Memories, but cameras have evolved into much better tools for anyone who wants to take great pictures. And home cameras have, for the most part, become a thing of the past altogether.

Now: cinema phone cameras

Smartphones are better camera and video recording options because they adjust for lighting and have editing apps for free. Users can also automatically upload their photos to cloud storage and never lose a single screenshot. Unlike images printed on film cans, smartphone pictures are never exposed to water or fire.

Then: Fisher MC-4550 stereo

When Joyce Byers heard “Should I Stay or Should I Go” through their family’s Fisher MC-4550 stereo, she knew Will was still alive. Eleven later uses Will’s voice to broadcast. It’s an important part of the current storyline, but not essential to the music world today.

Now: Wireless portable speakers

The Fisher MC-4550 stereo played cassette tapes and records, but modern wireless portable speakers can play any music anywhere – even underwater.

Connect your phone or computer to small speakers or wireless amp speakers in your kitchen for a backyard concert. You’ll get superior sound quality and endless music options on the go.

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Learn how tech has evolved

It’s interesting to know where the 80’s tech pieces come from. Strange things They have been upgraded to today. Advances have been made. Strange things Technology is very outdated, but if you want to see it in person, you can still find things like cameras and microfiche slides.