Ghostbusters P.K.E. Meter / Accessory Holder (Pearl Gold Variant)
Part 20438 / 20440 · Ghostbusters / Ideas / Dimensions
1984 Ghostbusters Film Series · 2016 (First appearance in Pearl Gold)
Figure ID
Part 20438 / 20440
Theme
Ghostbusters / Ideas / Dimensions
Year Released
2016 (First appearance in Pearl Gold)
Rarity
Uncommon; this specific pearl gold color was used primarily for the Ecto-1 and Ghostbusters-related sets to represent specialized gear.
Head
N/A - This is a specialized Minifigure accessory/body part intended to be held or worn on the back via a neck bracket.
Torso
N/A - This piece is a handheld or attachment accessory. The image shows a 'Pearl Gold Minifigure, Utensil Tool / Equipment Holder' designed with a clip and a square grid pattern.
Legs
N/A - Not applicable to this accessory element.
Accessories
This item is itself a high-tech equipment accessory used to replicate the P.K.E. meter or proton pack attachment components. It is commonly paired with trans-neon green antenna pieces for Ghostbusters.
Color Scheme
Pearl Gold. This color was chosen to represent high-tech metallic equipment or specialized sci-fi gear.
Printing Details
No printing is present on this plastic mold; the detail is achieved through the intricate 'grid' and 'scanner' molding on the front face.
Variants
Standard versions exist in Black and Flat Silver. The Pearl Gold variant in the image is more specific to sets like the 75828 Ecto-1 & 2.
Condition Notes
Watch for stress marks on the side clip and thinning of the gold pearl plastic if it has been repeatedly attached and removed from a minifigure's hand.
Estimated Value
The accessory individually is worth approximately $0.10 - $0.50 USD. It is rarely sold as a stand-alone 'minifigure' value.
Price (New)
This part appeared in the 75828 Ghostbusters Ecto-1 & 2 which retailed for $59.99 USD in 2016.
Compatible Sets
75828 Ghostbusters Ecto-1 & 2 (2016 Ghostbusters film version).
Character Background
In the Ghostbusters universe, the P.K.E. (Psychokinetic Energy) meter is used to track ghosts. LEGO designers repurposed this tool-rack piece to represent the device handheld.
Design Notes
The mold (Ref 20438) was originally intended as a tool rack but became iconic as a 'scanner' due to the screen-like grid on its surface.
Similar Minifigures
Commonly associated with Abby Yates, Erin Gilbert, Jillian Holtzmann, and Patty Tolan minifigures.
Collectibility
Moderate for completionist Ghostbusters collectors, though as a loose part it is more common in bulk bins.
History
Initially introduced in the 2010s to expand the utility of Minifigure gear; it helped solve the 'how to make a handheld computer' problem before custom prints were common.
Interesting Facts
Despite looking like a dedicated Ghostbusters part, this piece's technical name in LEGO's inventory is simply 'Tool Rack'.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed clipped onto the side of a proton pack or held by a Ghostbuster minifigure in a basement laboratory scene.
Modification Potential
Extremely high for MOCs (My Own Creations); it is often used as a engine detail, a micro-scale skyscraper window, or a greebling element.
Overall Assessment
This is a must-have utility piece for Ghostbusters fans. While not a minifigure itself, it is a crucial 'personality' accessory for any paranormal investigator setup.