You need to go look at the computers section of the Equipment section of the TMB.
I don't understand the differences between the various ratings of computers. What do they mean and what can they do?
Forget the computers. What you really need is a droid who understands the binary language of moisture vaporators.
It's a lot like programming binary load lifters, from what I hear.
There are no droids in the Traveller Universe.
Total the rating of the programs you want to run. That's the rating of the computer you need.
So, if I wanted to run Interface, Security 0, and TL9 Translator, that's a 0+0+0, for a needed of 0. I need a TL9+ model 0 to run it. SInce the model 0 hits optimum at TL 7, but I need a TL 9 architecture to run it... no discount, but still, a Cr50 instead of the Cr100 for a TL 9 rating 1 computer.
If I didn't want to run the translator, just a rating 0 database and rating 0 games, I could buy it as retrotech on that same TL9 world, and get a TL9 made TL 7 rating 0 computer for 2.5kg and Cr12.5...
If I wanted to run a small database (like a ship's inventory) that's probably a rating 0 program. A Large BBS is probably a rating 1 database. A major search engine is probably a rating 10000 database (albeit still TL 7) coupled to a prototype agent software.
So, really, the rules have two numbers you NEED for the Computer:
TL and Rating.
Your TL has to equal or exceed the highest TL program run.
Your rating has to equal or exceed the sum of the ratings of all the programs run.
Core Rules said:Erik’s Custom Gun
Erik isn’t satisfi ed with any of the guns here, and wants something
a bit more stylish. He starts with the basic autopistol and adds
a gyrostabiliser and laser sight to it. He then adds the TL 13
intelligent weapon modifi cation, giving his gun Computer/1.
Computer/1 only allows him to run a single rating/1 program
on the gun, but there’s the specialised computer modifi cation
in the computer options section. Erik chooses to put Gun
Combat (slug pistols) specialisation 2 onto his gun, giving it
the ability to count as Rating/3 for Expert Gun Combat (slug
pistols) programs. With a Rating/1 Intellect and a Rating/2
Expert Gun Combat (slug pistols), Erik’s gun can fi re itself
with a skill of 1. Of course, a gun has no Dexterity (effectively
Dexterity 0) so it will have a total DM of –2 before other
modifi ers are taken into account. It can also aid Erik when fi ring,
giving him a +1 DM to his attacks as long as the diffi culty is
less than Very Diffi cult (–4).
Okay, all that I understand. But it doesn't tell me which sorts of programs can accomplish what.
Suppose I want a computer program that will fly my air/raft like an autopilot. What TL is that? What rating?
What if I want my computer to dock my ship or handle local customs or run my countermeasures? How do I figure out the TL necessary and the rating?
In the Core Rulebook there is an example of a guy with a computer in his gun "Erik's custom gun", p. 102. He uses a program and I have no idea what's going on there. What do all those numbers mean?
Ok, robots and robot like devices aren't really covered in the TMB.Okay, all that I understand. But it doesn't tell me which sorts of programs can accomplish what.
Suppose I want a computer program that will fly my air/raft like an autopilot. What TL is that? What rating?
What if I want my computer to dock my ship or handle local customs or run my countermeasures? How do I figure out the TL necessary and the rating?
In the Core Rulebook there is an example of a guy with a computer in his gun "Erik's custom gun", p. 102. He uses a program and I have no idea what's going on there. What do all those numbers mean? What rules are they referencing?
It says:
Huh? If it's a Rating/2 Expert Gun Combat, why does it only grant a +1 DM? If the DM is limited by the Intellect, why bother with the Rating/2 Gun Combat?
What skill(s) are needed to complete the task. That is the program(s) you will need.Okay, all that I understand. But it doesn't tell me which sorts of programs can accomplish what.
See the autopilot option for vehicles on page 104.Suppose I want a computer program that will fly my air/raft like an autopilot. What TL is that? What rating?
Page 146 Automated programs.What if I want my computer to dock my ship
I'm not sure if customs can be automated by a simple expert program. I think this would be something for a GM to decide - If that GM it is you and you want this ability I'd suggest perhaps both Expert Admin and Broker?or handle local customs or run my countermeasures?
In many cases a rating 1 can be enough. Take a look at page 93. There is also some GM discretion. I know some people whos TU requires certifications and certain qualifications above the minimums.How do I figure out the TL necessary and the rating?
Mostly pages 91-93. They threw a bunch of stuff together for that example.In the Core Rulebook there is an example of a guy with a computer in his gun "Erik's custom gun", p. 102. He uses a program and I have no idea what's going on there. What do all those numbers mean? What rules are they referencing?
Page 92 Expert ProgramHuh? If it's a Rating/2 Expert Gun Combat, why does it only grant a +1 DM? If the DM is limited by the Intellect, why bother with the Rating/2 Gun Combat?
The whole Int and Edu only thing does throw quite a few people.If the character already has the skill at a higher level then an Expert program grants a +1 DM instead.
I had wondered about that as well and came up with the following scenario to help visualize it:So one more question: when Erik's gun fires itself, what does that look like? I assume it doesn't fly up on its own and start shooting. So what does happen?
Thank you. I think I'm closer to getting a grasp on it.
So one more question: when Erik's gun fires itself, what does that look like? I assume it doesn't fly up on its own and start shooting. So what does happen?