Help Needed with Meson Communicator Option

[fredofmars]

I'm new to the T20 ship design sequences (but I've worked with most of the other design sequences lots). I need help with the Meson Communicator option in the Communications subsystem sequence.

On page 264 of the Traveller's Handbook, it says the minimum communications system that can be installed is a Model/1. On the same page, in the Communications table, it says Meson communicator option is +2 to the "minimum communications model number required". So I can see two options that might make some kind of sense. Please let me know which option works best with the rules.

Option 1: As long as you're installing a M/3 or better, and adjust the cost, you can have Meson communicators on any system. That assumes your main computer is M/3 or better (to match or exceed the communication subsystem).mega:

Option 2: You want a M/3 communication system (with has medium range) that includes the Meson option. Your numbers for installation come from the M/5 line (larger, costlier, higher TL), and the Meson option cost multiplier affects this higher cost. Your range still ends up medium, but you now have a medium range Meson option included.mega:

If Option 2 is the correct one, does your main computer have to be a M/3 or a M/5 to handle it?

 

[aramis]

Option 2, M5.

 

[far-trader]

I'm not sure I'm parsing your question correctly. My answer is based on a clarification Hunter offered to a similar question I had about 8 years ago

To have a meson comm with range 1 you buy a range 3 communicator with a 5x cost factor, and a model 3 computer is required. Included in the package is a range 3 radio and a range 2 meson communicator.

As I understood it at the time. Hope it helps. See this thread:

http://www.travellerrpg.com/CotI/Discuss/showthread.php?t=9452&page=2

(Hunter's reply near the bottom of the page)

EDIT: Rereading your question, maybe I grok it now. To clarify:

Option 1: Yes, a M/3+ computer, with M/3 commo package, and a x5 price multiplier to the package, gets you a M/1 Meson Comm, and a M/2 Maser Comm, and a M/3 Radio Comm.

Option 2: To have a M/3 Meson Comm you need a M/5 commo package, and a x5 price multiplier to the package, and a M/5+ computer, and it will include a M/4 Maser Comm and a M/5 Radio Comm.

Basically the way I look at it is there are 3 commo sets available. The basic (civilian) set which is just Radio. The all-weather (civilian/para-military) set which is Maser and Radio. And the advanced (military) set which is Meson, Maser, and Radio.

 

[fredofmars]

Thanks for the comments. My design is posted in the Fleet area:

http://www.travellerrpg.com/CotI/Discuss/showthread.php?t=23427