Astronaut Talking Command Console

MMM Talking Command Console - What is it?

Once again incorporating some cheap vinyl-covered cardboard (such as used to construct the Satellite Locker and Rocket Ship Case), but this time taking it to the next level with electronics and a voice mechanism, Mattel really went overboard with this accessory. At first glance just another vinyl case with a plastic handle, the Talking Command Console opens to reveal two Vacuform seats, battery-powered light-up view screens, a spaceship facade, and a pull-string that spits out 10 different phrases. In a pinch, the Talking Command Console can be used to hold a couple of figures with wearable gear.

Console Images

Where Mattel came up with these phrases is a mystery, perhaps taking their cue from Mercury and Gemini flights that were televised. Even though the catalog lists "10 exciting flight maneuvers in all, along with real space sounds!" I've only ever heard 9. Here is a list with sound files and approximate file sizes:  

Sound Files:

Click to Listen	1.) "Ready for blast-off! 3 - 2 - 1 Barroommm!!"	204 KB
Click to Listen	2.) "beeps... Batteries recharged Major! "	188 KB
Click to Listen	3.) "Taking immediate action to evade meteor storm.       Hold on Sgt!"	211 KB
Click to Listen	4.) "Fuel supply almost exhausted Major.       Switch to reserve."	216 KB
Click to Listen	5.) "Moon station on scanners Major.       Shall we make contact?"	196 KB
Click to Listen	6.) "Recalibrate instruments for rendezvous       and docking maneuvers."	199 KB
Click to Listen	7.) "Orbit achieved Sgt,       unfasten belts and switch on scanners."	215 KB
Click to Listen	8.) "Close helmet visor Sgt,       instruments show we're losing oxygen."	218 KB
Click to Listen	9.) "Scanners indicate meteor storm directly ahead.       See it Major?"	219 KB

Instructions

Mattel #5157-0920 Talking Command Console

Patents:

MULTIPLE SPEECH PHONOGRAPH WITH IMPROVED TONE ARM MOUNTING (Talking Command Console)

3,095,201 June 25, 1963 Filed Feb 2 1962

J. W. Ryan

"This invention relates to improvements in a phonograph or phonograph device, by way of example, in the form of a toy which is operative in response to a simple manipulation to speak or pronounce any one of a number of different sentences. Such a device is disclosed in prior application Serial No. 11,203, filed February 25, 1960 and now Patent No. 3,017,187."

Patent Found by John Eaton

John's Notes There's a reference to an earlier patent but it didn't come up in my searches. This is the first I found submitted by J. W. Ryan that expands on the earlier patent. Although this doesn't look like much as is, it does setup at least 7 other patents in regards to voice modules and speaking dolls.

TOY PHONOGRAPH (Talking Command Console)

3,235,266 Feb 15, 1966 Filed July 5, 1962

F. Scoparino

"The present invention relates to a phonograph, and especially to a hand-manipulated phonograph for the playing of a grooved disc record, of a type that is particularly adapted for installation within a toy, such as a doll or similar figurine."

Patent Found by John Eaton

John's Notes With this patent the module shape and basic engineering is established, with a pull-ring to drive the winding mechanism.

Other, perhaps less relevant but related Patents:

US-3174756-A Sound transmitting tone arm suspension

US-3230665-A Animated speaking figure toy

US-3261124-A Animated speaking figure toy

US-3293795-A Animated speaking figure toy

US-3315406-A Animated speaking figure toy

Maladies:

• Broken or missing switch
• Melts in the seat(s) (happens when a figure is left in the cockpit)
• Missing clasp
• Missing Battery cover
• Corroded Contacts
• Not Talking (needs new o-ring)
• Missing Pull Ring

Variations:

• Clear Viewscreen/window
• Blue Viewscreen/window

John's Notes:

As mentioned elsewhere, this is one of several items as a result of Mattel's attempt to incorporate the Standard Plastics Company - a vinyl notebook & lunchbox company that was acquired by Mattel in
1965. The story goes that Mattel expanded to include a small lunchbox company whose product lines were all vinyl-covered cardboard. Casting about for uses other than lunchboxes, Mattel also went into business manufacturing notebooks, doll cases, purses, medical bags, and ultimately the Wallet, Lunchbox, Talking Command Console, Rocketship Case and Satellite Locker for Major Matt Mason.

The Command Console usually suffers from a variety of maladies including melts in the seats and corroded battery compartments. The most common problem, and one that may be fixed, is the dead voice-box. The pull-string will still pull, but slips in too fast to produce sound. There is a detailed guide for voice-box restoration in the Restoration archive in the Resources area. (fix links)

The sound files above were originally recorded for Keith Meyer's MajorMattMason.net site (unfortunately now defunct) but I received permission from the person who originally created the files to have them on my original wildtoys.com site with links migrated here - these are currently hosted on a GoogleDrive so hopefully they'll still exist long after I'm gone. They aren't of the best quality by today's standards but should be clear enough so you can relive the experience of pulling that console ring.

All Mattel images and captions are copyright Mattel and used without permission. All other content, including images and editorial, is Copyright © 1997-2023 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.