Electronics Skill

[Jame]

Alrighty. What does the "Electronics" skill cover? If it covers electronic items, then what are they?

 

[far-trader]

Well since this is in the General Traveller Discussions area I'll be general.

Electronics skill covers the construction, maintenance and repair of items that are primarily electrical in design. The likes of radios, computers and such. It may not include being able to competently use such devices but it would be an odd electronics technician who didn't have at least a passing knowledge of how to use the devices they work on (I'd say free skill 0). Not covered would be items that generate electricity like fusion power plants (Engineering skill) or batteries (Chemistry? skill).

 

[Keklas Rekobah]

I've had this topic as a "real world" conversation. GENERALLY speaking...

Electrical - Electricity generation, motors, distribution, switching, illumination and anything on the other side of the wall outlet.

Electronic - Anything that could be plugged into a consumer wall outlet and used directly by the consumer.

Therefore (IMHO), the 'Engineering' skill should cover all matters electrical, while the 'Electronics' skill should cover most anything else.

An overlap could occur with a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, garage door opener, or other similar equipment.

Jack-O-Trades? Well... Either/or at minus 1 DM.

 

[far-trader]

Well put Keklas Rekobah, sums it up rather nicely.

 

[Jame]

Now I know...

 

[kaladorn]

Well, though I agree with part of the summary:

1. Computer Skill should include some basic hardware knowledge as it pertains to computer systems.

2. Mechanical has to be involved in things like a dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc. unless they are solid state, as well as Electronic. The Electronic part is the control and command system and the mechanical part is the motors and guts of what the thing does.

Just my additional 0.02 CR Imp.

 

[Arthur Denger]

Most (current Terran) electronics training begins with basic electricity (e.g. circuits, alternating and direct current, power, etc.). Mathematics and physics are components of this skill. The basic principles are fundamental and provide a foundation for everything else.

I would go a step deeper than Captain Rekobah and say that electronics skill also includes small motors (disc drives, fans, etc) and some basic communications technology theory (RF and modulation, for example). It would also possibly cover optics and light technology (laser, fiberoptic technology, IR and lenses) and solid state heating/cooling (such as one might find in a vacc suit, for instance). Of course, Electronic-1 (CT) does not give me much more than a very basic knowledge in any one of these areas.

 

[Jame]

Yeah. Sounds good! That'd be like Computer-1+ also allowing a PC to repair it, which is what it's become in my group.

And welcome to the boards, Mr. Denger!

 

[Arthur Denger]

Originally posted by Jame#nth:
Yeah. Sounds good! That'd be like Computer-1+ also allowing a PC to repair it, which is what it's become in my group.

And welcome to the boards, Mr. Denger!

 

[Arthur Denger]

Thank you, it's good to be here. I agree; in fact, I would go so far as to liken the relationship between Electronic and Computer skills to that of Pilot and Ships Boat. One with a high enough Electronic skill would have corresponding skill with computers, but at a lower proficiency rating. Same might be said for Commo.