Computers in T20 StarShips...

[Mr. Oberon]

I asked about this in the errata area, but got no response... And I kinda need info on this:

I have tried every way I could find to compare the Ships Computer Power with anything in the Computer Design rules... I can find no match. Worse, it is missing needed rules...

The jump program does not make sense. All of the other programs take PP to run, and a system can only run a max PP depending on it's CPU (800 CPU gives 21 Total PP, and a program can be a Max of 11 PP). All other programs follow the Max PP rule, But then there is no way a Jump Program can run...

Also, what are the costs of programs to run a Scanner, Comm system, or Flight system? I found nothing...

I would think that the bes way to handle this would to give a CPU cost for each item (FTL, Scan, Comm, and Flight) and make sure the computer is at least equal to what is needed.

Am I missing something?

 

[Tanuki]

I never paid any attention to the CT computer program rules. Sounds like I'll be ignoring these, too. I'd say don't worry about it.

 

[trader jim]

same here - anything that gets into print about computers nowa days is almost obsoleat any way...
by the time its printed!!!....ALTHOUGH...i am interested in the BIOCHIPS they are talking about!!!

 

[Eak]

Actually Mr. Oberon... Hunter cleared up that particular question when he answered my needlessly long post to the errata board. The 'Max PP' column only applies to 'Skill Based Programs'. According to the paragraph on skill based programs about mid way down the first column of page 231. A skill based program is a program that 'duplicates' a PC skill at a 1 to 1 ratio for PP's to Ranks.

A jump program would eat it's PP's from the 'Total PP' column, and of course according to the 'Computer Type and Model' table on page 224 the lowest most basic type of computer which will run a 'Jump 1' is a Master (Type M) Model 1 computer. 'Jump 1' uses 23 PP's, the Model 1M produces 28 PP's, This leaves 5 PP's left to run other software simultaneously with the 'Jump 1' program.

Were I to GM a game I would rule that the Jump software had to run continuously during Jump since it controls the drive while in jump space. So if the software fails for any reason during that time you could get dumped out anyplace between your departure point and your destination. This could be considered a big incentive to upgrade that computer if you wanted to run more than Predict, Gunner Interact, Select, and Solitaire all at the same time as Jump 1

Eak

 

[Mr. Oberon]

Nope... Don't see it.

I have done all of the calculation I can, and find no connection between Computers and Jump Drives...

Looking at the volume of the ship computer (10-90v) and considering a TL 13 computer, gives 74 CPU per volume (740 - 6660 CPU for a M/1 - M/9 ship computer). A M/1 then would have: CPU of 6660, PP 42, MPP 12. This in no way matches the kind of stats given...

Please, prove me wrong. I'm either very confused, or this just does not match...

Of course, I don't even see rules for the cost of Sensor, Flight, and Communications software...

 

[Mr. Oberon]

I'm gonna guess that noone has an answer for this issue...

 

[CharmQuark]

My impression was this. For the ship computer, you get the avionics, comms, and sensors you pay for. Also, as long as you follow the the jump vs. model number requirements you will be able to run the jump program. After that, you get an effective extra CPU that you use to derive the PP for all other programs you want to run. I arrived at this empirically in designing a 400 ton jump-2 armed auxillary.

The ship was made to be an armed cargo ship that was made to be used in very high risk areas, possible as a fleet auxillary or even a commercial or pirate ship. In this environment, I wanted beefed up sensor coverage to avoid threats, so I went with a Model 3 even though it was a jump-2 ship. Looking at that, I see that gives me 300 free CPU (page 263). Going back to page 224 I look up the 300 CPU and see that I get 14 PP w/ a single program max of 7. If I look up the jump program, it costs 30 PP for a jump 2 which is well over my extra free CPU/PP's. Conclusion: The only way the rules work is if you assume the jump software is part of the "core" before the free CPU. Of course I don't understand why the program was listed if it's already included in the ship computer types. Anyone know? Maybe I am wrong, who knows?