Warehouse 13 Portable May 2026
In the world of the Syfy series Warehouse 13 , portability is not just a convenience—it is a necessity for the survival of the agents and the protection of the world. While the Warehouse itself is a massive, stationary repository in the South Dakota badlands, the nature of "snagging, bagging, and tagging" supernatural artifacts requires a suite of specialized, portable tools that allow agents to operate in the field. The Farnsworth: The Ultimate Portable Link
The most iconic portable device in the series is the Farnsworth, a steampunk-inspired handheld communicator invented by Philo Farnsworth in 1929.
Functionality: It provides two-way audio and video communication on a secure, unhackable frequency.
Design: Built into a Richard Wheatly fly fishing box, it features brass faceplates, vacuum tubes, and a small circular screen.
Role: It serves as the primary tether between field agents (like Pete and Myka) and the Warehouse's technical support (Artie and Claudia), allowing for real-time artifact identification and troubleshooting. Portable Containment and Protection
Fieldwork involves dealing with artifacts that can be volatile or deadly if not handled correctly. Portable "neutralisers" are essential for safe transport:
Neutraliser Gloves: First seen used by agents in the 1960s, these allow agents to physically handle dangerous items without triggering their supernatural effects.
Portable Buckets and Bags: Agents carry liquid neutraliser and static bags to "bag and tag" items, effectively suppressing their ambient energy build-up until they can be safely stored in the Warehouse.
The Tesla: A portable, non-lethal energy weapon that can incapacitate suspects or temporarily disrupt artifact-induced phenomena. The Evolution of Mobility
As the series progressed, the "portability" of the Warehouse's resources expanded. While early agents had limited field gear, modern characters like Claudia Donovan integrated high-tech upgrades—such as portable hacking rigs and advanced sensor arrays—into the Warehouse's antique infrastructure. This blend of 20th-century steampunk aesthetics with 21st-century mobility defines the show's unique "portable" identity.
If you are interested in the physical aspects of these items, I can help you with:
DIY Prop Guides: Step-by-step instructions for building your own Farnsworth replica.
Artifact Lore: Detailed histories of the most dangerous portable artifacts seen in the field.
Character Gear: Comparisons of the unique tools used by different generations of agents. How to Make a Farnsworth from Warehouse 13
The primary portable device in Warehouse 13 is the Farnsworth, a steampunk-style handheld communicator used by agents for secure audio and video calls. Key Portable Devices and Gadgets
The Farnsworth: Invented by Philo Farnsworth in 1929, it operates on a secure frequency that cannot be hacked or tapped. It is roughly the size of an oversized Altoids tin and features a circular black-and-white screen.
The Tesla: A standard-issue portable energy weapon used to stun targets and erase their short-term memory. Claudia Donovan later developed a Mini-Tesla for better concealment.
Portable Ping Device: A compact device created by Claudia that allows agents to "ping" the Warehouse computer system and search the artifact database while in the field.
Neutralizer Gloves & Buckets: Essential for handling active artifacts, agents carry portable forms of "neutralizer" (often a purple goo) to safely "bag and tag" items.
Portable Computer: Artie Nielsen uses a "steampunked" 1920s Smith Corona typewriter modified to function as a portable laptop. Where to find Prop Replicas
If you are looking for a physical piece for a collection or cosplay: warehouse 13 portable
Replica Kits: Enthusiasts often build their own using vintage radio parts or 3D-printed kits found on sites like Thingiverse or Instructables.
Fan-Made Props: You can find finished versions and decals on marketplaces like Etsy and eBay.
Hero Props: Original screen-used props occasionally appear on high-end auction sites like HeroProp. Claudia Donovan's Portable Ping Device | Warehouse 13 Wiki
In the context of Warehouse 13 , your request for "long paper" for a portable device most likely refers to the Farnsworth, the show's iconic steampunk video communicator. Blueprint and Prop Assembly
For hobbyists and prop makers, "long paper" often refers to the full-scale schematics or assembly patterns used to build a portable replica.
Faceplate Templates: DIY guides frequently provide printable templates that must be printed at 100% scale on cardstock to ensure the dials and screens fit the portable brass housing.
Building Guides: Detailed walkthroughs on sites like Instructables (1.1.22) explain how to use these paper patterns to modify mint tins into mini-Farnsworths using metallic gold and brass paints.
Digital Assets: You can find downloadable SVG and vector files for these designs on platforms like Etsy (1.1.3). Related Artifacts and Context
If your interest is in "paper" artifacts from the show rather than prop building:
Memory Paper: Johannes Gutenberg's Memory Paper is a specific artifact that creates perfect replicas of paintings when photographed.
The Invitation: When agents are first recruited, they are handed a paper described as an "invitation to endless wonder".
Filing Systems: Within the facility, Artie's office contains a massive paper filing system for tracking artifacts.
Snag It, Bag It, Tag It: Portable Tech for the Field Agent If you’re a fan of Warehouse 13
, you know that being a field agent isn't all secret bunkers and historical gossip. It’s about chasing down dangerous artifacts that have a nasty habit of turning people into statues or rewiring their brains. To survive, you need the right gear—and while the Warehouse is the size of a small country, the best tools are the ones you can take with you.
From retro-steampunk communicators to high-voltage defense, here is the essential portable tech every agent needs in their field kit. 1. The Farnsworth: The Ultimate Retro Smartphone
Long before FaceTime was a thing, Philo Farnsworth invented the coolest piece of communication tech in history. The Farnsworth
is a handheld video and audio device that operates on a secure frequency spectrum. Why it’s essential:
It’s unhackable, untraceable, and looks incredible with its brass faceplate and glowing vacuum tubes. The Pro Tip: Real-world fans have actually built working replicas
using Raspberry Pi Picos to simulate that iconic video call experience. 2. The Tesla Rifle: For When Diplomacy Fails
Standard firearms are useless against supernatural threats, which is why agents carry the In the world of the Syfy series Warehouse
. This polyphase stun-gun delivers a high-voltage burst of electricity that doesn't just drop a target—it can also cause short-term memory loss to help preserve the secret of the Warehouse. Portable Variants:
While the rifle is great for range, Claudia Donovan famously perfected a miniature version for high-stakes urban environments. 3. Claudia’s Portable Ping Device
Finding an artifact in a crowded city is like finding a needle in a haystack—if the needle could also set the haystack on fire. Claudia’s Portable Ping Device
is a pocket-sized scanner that links directly to the Warehouse's main computer. The Function:
It receives notifications whenever an artifact is detected and allows agents to search the Warehouse database while on the move. 4. Neutralizer (Field Edition)
You can’t just throw an artifact in your backpack and hope for the best. By the time the show takes place, agents have access to portable neutralizer solutions
, including static bags and liquid buckets, to suppress an object's ambient energy. Evolution:
Early agents in the 1960s had it rough; they didn't have portable neutralizer and often had to use lead-lined containers or specialized gloves to handle dangerous items safely. Take the Warehouse Anywhere While we might not be dodging the effects of Magellan’s Astrolabe
in our daily lives, you can still bring the experience home. If you're looking for a portable way to play through these adventures, check out Warehouse 13: The Board Game
, where you and your friends can take on the roles of agents to snag, bag, and tag artifacts before they cause a global catastrophe.
Which piece of Warehouse tech would you want in your everyday carry? Let us know if you'd prefer a Farnsworth or a Tesla! Farnsworth (Warehouse 13) artifact creation
The Ultimate Guide to the Warehouse 13 "Farnsworth": A Portable Steampunk Legend For fans of Warehouse 13
, few gadgets are as iconic as the Farnsworth. Whether you're a cosplayer looking to finish your agent ensemble or a tech enthusiast fascinated by its "vaudio" (video-audio) lore, this portable communicator is the crown jewel of the series' steampunk aesthetic.
Named after the real-life inventor of electronic television, Philo T. Farnsworth
, this handheld device allowed agents to communicate across secure, unhackable frequencies—even from deep underground or alternate dimensions. What Makes the Farnsworth Special?
In the world of Warehouse 13, the Farnsworth isn't just a walkie-talkie; it’s an "untraceable" masterpiece of old-tech-meets-new-tech.
Unhackable Security: Because it operates on a secure frequency spectrum from 1929, it remains immune to modern digital hacking.
Vaudio Technology: Long before FaceTime, agents used these for two-way video and audio calls, activated by a simple push-button below a distinctive red lamp.
Durability: Despite being sensitive to modifications, the original units were designed to work anywhere on Earth. Owning a Piece of the Warehouse
If you're looking to add a "portable" Farnsworth to your own collection, you have three main paths: 1. High-End Replicas (The Collector’s Choice) The 3 Pillars of a Real-World Portable Warehouse
For those who want museum-quality accuracy, licensed replicas are the gold standard.
QMx Artisan Replicas: Quantum Mechanix (QMx) produced screen-accurate, licensed replicas using solid brass faceplates and metal cases sourced from the show's original suppliers. While these are often out of production, they occasionally appear on collector sites like YourProps.
Etsy Artisans: Many talented creators on Etsy offer handmade versions ranging from static display pieces to units with integrated lights and sound. 2. The DIY Route (For Modern Agents)
If you're handy with a soldering iron or a 3D printer, building your own is a rewarding "Spy Challenge". Farnsworth Artisan Replica - YourProps
Building a "portable" Warehouse 13 experience usually refers to creating mobile, functional prop replicas like the Farnsworth Communicator or carrying around agent-ready gear for cosplay. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newer "agent" in training, 1. The Farnsworth: Your Mobile Comms Center The most iconic portable device from the series is the Philo Farnsworth-designed communicator
. Used by agents for secure, unhackable audio and video transmissions, this steampunk-style gadget is a favorite for DIY builders. Build Your Own: Many fans create their own using vintage Richard Wheatly fly fishing boxes as the outer case. You can follow detailed guides like the Mini Farnsworth Instructable
or use 3D-printable designs available on platforms like Thingiverse Modern Functionality: Some advanced replicas use a Raspberry Pi Pico Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
or ESP32 to actually transmit video and audio over a network.
The App: For a truly portable (and budget-friendly) version, there have been mobile apps in the past that mimic the Farnsworth's interface and sound effects for recording messages. 2. The Tesla: Standard Issue Portable Defense
No agent leaves the Warehouse without their Tesla, a non-lethal electroshock weapon.
BACK IN STOCK!! Warehouse 13 Tesla Hero Prop Replica from QMX
The 3 Pillars of a Real-World Portable Warehouse
Inspired by the show’s containment protocols (neutralize, contain, conceal), here is how you build your own:
1. Neutralization (Digital Layer) In Warehouse 13, artifacts are "neutralized" with a brass injector. Digitally, this means encryption. Your portable kit should include a Faraday bag (to block EMPs) and a ruggedized SSD containing encrypted backups of your critical documents, photos, and financial records.
2. Containment (Physical Layer) Artifacts are stored in lead-lined boxes. For you, this means impact resistance and fire protection. The ideal "Warehouse 13 portable" case is a Pelican-style waterproof hard case with pick-and-pluck foam. Inside, you need:
- Fireproof document sleeves for birth certificates and deeds.
- Borosilicate glass vials (a nod to the show’s neutralizer vials) for small valuables like heirloom jewelry or rare coins.
- A brass or copper lining inside the case (for aesthetic and, theoretically, for RF blocking).
3. Concealment (Operational Security) Claudia Donovan would insist that your portable Warehouse not scream “steal me.” Avoid tactical molle webbing or obvious security logos. Instead, use a vintage steamer trunk (modified with modern latches) or a worn leather doctor’s bag. The goal is to look uninteresting while being impenetrable.
2. Investigative Portables
Used to track artifacts, find clues, or analyze resonance.
| Artifact | Function | Side Effect | |----------|----------|--------------| | Farnsworth (non-artifact comm device) | Audio/video communication between agents | None (it’s Tesla-designed tech, not an artifact) | | Edison’s Phonograph Cylinder | Plays back residual emotional energy from a location | Listener experiences those emotions intensely | | Tesla’s Resonance Detector | Handheld device that hums near active artifacts | Can cause migraines with overuse |
Note: The Farnsworth is not a portable artifact but a Tesla invention. It’s included here because it’s the most common “portable” device agents carry.
Where to Find Replicas
Because the show ended in 2014, official merchandise is rare. However, the prop-making community has stepped in. Etsy and specialized sci-fi prop forums host artisans selling "Warehouse 13 portable" replicas ranging from $150 (static resin casts) to over $1,200 (fully functional units with working screens that play looping video clips from the show). The most coveted versions are "Hybrid Farnsworths"—portable devices that include Bluetooth speakers or hidden USB drives, blending 19th-century aesthetics with 21st-century utility.
Key Categories of Portables
Part 3: The Ultimate Fan Build – Merging Fiction and Function
The most exciting trend is the fusion of the two definitions: a Farnsworth that actually works as a secure portable drive.
Pro builders on YouTube and Reddit (r/warehouse13) have begun crafting "Warehouse 13 portable" units that house:
- A Raspberry Pi Zero W inside the Farnsworth chassis.
- A 1-inch circular LCD screen that shows static or a looping video of the Warehouse interface.
- A hidden USB-C port behind the brass nameplate.
- A miniature faraday cage lining the interior to protect the Pi from magnetic interference.
These devices are cosplay props, yes, but they also function as cold-storage cryptocurrency wallets or secure password managers. You can literally carry the "power of the Warehouse" in your coat pocket.