Talk:Trans-scan

Wasn't sure if this was best under "Trans-scan" or "Trans-scanning". This is what I went for since it's the base term, but the latter seems to get used more in actual sentences.--ZacWilliam 12:31, 11 July 2007 (UTC)

where did the trans bit of it actually come from?81.108.233.59 11:38, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

Trans-scanning is a term from movie continuity from the hardcover official Movie guide. --ZacWilliam 12:37, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

movie only?

is this new form scan article only for the movie because transformers have scanned forms in other continuites too81.108.233.59 11:39, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

The term "Trans-scan" has so far only been used for movie continuity, so the article is only movie based. If the term ever gets used elsewhere then that can be added too I would think.--ZacWilliam 12:37, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

Trans-scan permenance

I've been considering this very subject... various movie references like Megatron becoming a 'rare' triple-changer and Bumblebee's unique ability to scan more than one type of vehicle (in the 2007 DS game) seem to be reflecting something "real" about this continuity.

It seems to be that even though Transformers can scan anything and re-adapt their form... that's not the same thing as Transforming. Bumblebee can Transform between his two modes at a run, under fire, in 2 seconds without breaking pace-- that's what his body is 'set up' to Transform into. Trans-scanning a new form OTOH requires:

1. A template (We think. It's a bit unclear where 'Cybertronian modes' come from.)
2. Time, as the body re-liquifies and re-configures. Say... a minute or more.
3. A period of vulnerability (probably.)

So any Transformer can alter their disguise, but they can't do it "on the fly" in the same sense as transforming from one mode to another.

Look at Nightscream from Beast Machines-- he had a built-in DNA scanner and could presumably reformat himself into another Beast Mode if he found another fossil to scan... but that's a different process than changing modes between 'bot and bat.

So Megatron's sudden triple-changer status actually is a big deal, because it means he can switch seamlessly between all 3 modes. -Derik 22:38, 14 June 2009 (EDT)

I also think that not every trans-scanned altmode would be equally good. There are many things that might make a scan undesirable. Transformation time, vulnerable spots, fuel efficiency. If a Transformer found a scan that worked well for him, I would think he would want to stick with it. A new form might have unforeseen weaknesses unless processor time is dedicated to computations and simulations looking for flaws or just optimizing the form's tech specs. There would be some engineering needed in adapting to a new form, and the more quickly that is done the greater possibility for sub-optimal results. - Starfield 23:05, 14 June 2009 (EDT)

The impression I got from movie 1 and the CGI therein is that a movieverse TF can natively fold itself into almost any configuration - they're flexible along a truly huge number of joints and can curl up into a ball, fold down to a sheet or fold themselves up like a paper aeroplane. When they scan - as with Bumblebee going from one Camero to another, or the "protoforms" scanning vehicles - they're actually limiting themselves in many ways, with the shell, wheels, etc restricting their degrees of freedom. The tradeoff, of course, is giving them a useful transport/disguise mode - curling up into a ball isn't much use. But it's mostly surface - their robot mode is their robot mode, and will look pretty close to identical regardless of what they transform into. - SanityOrMadness 23:25, 14 June 2009 (EDT)

This. Bumblebee actually had occasional trouble starting because the vehicle he scanned has minor engine problems. They create exact copies of the vehicles they scan-- down to their internal operation..

...which really does make it curious where Megatron scanned his cruiser mode from. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Derik (talk • contribs){{#if:11:31, June 15, 2009 EDT| 11:31, June 15, 2009 EDT|}}.

I doubt that. Bumblebee's "engine trouble" was intentional. A ruse to try get Sam hooked up with Mikaela. Or to try to get rid of Mikaela. I can't remember which. - Starfield 12:11, 15 June 2009 (EDT)

In The Veiled Threat Prime mentions that they copy their scanned vehicle down to the tiniest details, such as the unique heat signature of an F-22 Raptor in Starscream's alt-mode. Tarrn 18:14, 16 July 2009 (EDT)

what about the twins changing alt modes in ROTF?Name Violation 06:32, 11 July 2009 (EDT)

Merging

Is there any particular reason why this all can't be merged under Scanning at this point? Grum (talk) 20:43, 24 December 2018 (EST)