Distributed array and Extended array

[Fluffy Bunny Feet]

The Distributed Array (DA) and Extended Array (EA) are both TL 11 with the EA being listed as a variant of the DA so any feature of the DA should also be a feature of the EA right? The DA only works with the TL 12 and TL 15 sensors so how could both the DA and EA be TL 11? Is this a known error and if so what is the correction?

 

[Terry Mixon]

The Distributed Array (DA) and Extended Array (EA) are both TL 11 with the EA being listed as a variant of the DA so any feature of the DA should also be a feature of the EA right? The DA only works with the TL 12 and TL 15 sensors so how could both the DA and EA be TL 11? Is this a known error and if so what is the correction?

I guess I assumed the distributed array was spread all over the hull and the extended array went out on runners.

 

[Fluffy Bunny Feet]

The problem is that it is a TL 11 device that ONLY amplifies the abilities of a TL12 and a TL 15 device. So when it was "invented" it had no function. Either it needs to work with lesser sensors or it should be TL 12 minimum.

 

[AnotherDilbert]

The Distributed Array (DA) and Extended Array (EA) are both TL 11 with the EA being listed as a variant of the DA so any feature of the DA should also be a feature of the EA right?

DA is only possible on larger hulls, so EA is for smaller hulls. They provide the same benefit, with some extra disadvantage for EA.

The DA only works with the TL 12 and TL 15 sensors so how could both the DA and EA be TL 11? Is this a known error and if so what is the correction?

Who cares?

If you import, frankenstein, or use a prototype sensor, EA and DA can be used at base TL 11.

 

[Fluffy Bunny Feet]

Hadn't considered the prototype sensor.

 

[rinku]

Realistically, increasing the antenna size works at all tech levels. Occam's razor says lose that line about only working with Improved and Advanced sensors. Keep the ship size restriction on the Distributed array, though - that passes the reality check.

We've been using distributed sensors to make bigger virtual antennas since 1946, when radio interferometry was developed.

Having said that, there's a case for all sensor suites to be set up as distributed to get the baseline detection anyway, and this just being a super deluxe thing using unspecified TL11 advances.

 

[Sigtrygg]

The sensor rules are in need of a completer re-write.

 

[Terry Mixon]

The sensor rules are in need of a completer re-write.

A lot of them are.

 

[rinku]

Maybe also cut Dispersed Hulls a break in regards to the size of hull needed, or not being able to maneuver with extended arrays, since they're already built that way.

 

[Fluffy Bunny Feet]

The sensor rules are in need of a completer re-write.

I also make civilian versions of military grade and higher removing everything but lidar and radar. Optionally allowing add on densitometers and other things (not the jammers) for civilian craft with a shown need for it. Seekers getting densitometers, mineral detection and deep scanners are reasonable but why would a Free/Far Trader need them?

 

[rinku]

All of the traders and other civilian ships do only have Civilian (TL9) sensors, without NAS or Densitometers, unless some ship owner has paid to upgrade. Are you looking at some edition other than MGT2e?

Edit - oh, I see what you mean. Better radar and lidar without the other stuff. I guess.

 

[Terry Mixon]

I also make civilian versions of military grade and higher removing everything but lidar and radar. Optionally allowing add on densitometers and other things (not the jammers) for civilian craft with a shown need for it. Seekers getting densitometers, mineral detection and deep scanners are reasonable but why would a Free/Far Trader need them?

Call it Civilian+.

 

[Fluffy Bunny Feet]

Call it Civilian+.

TL 10 Enhanced Civilian, DM 0, 1 power, 1 ton, 3.3 MCr
TL 12 Improved Civilian, DM +1, 2 power, 2 ton, 3.8 MCr
TL 15 Advanced Civilian, DM +2, 1 power, 1 ton, 4.3 MCr

I'm thinking to add Probe Drones to match each.

 

[MasterGwydion]

I also make civilian versions of military grade and higher removing everything but lidar and radar. Optionally allowing add on densitometers and other things (not the jammers) for civilian craft with a shown need for it. Seekers getting densitometers, mineral detection and deep scanners are reasonable but why would a Free/Far Trader need them?

Because the Far Traders and Free Traders listed in the book could be repurposed for mining. Just because the standard configuration is different doesn't preclude those types of ships from being modified.

 

[Fluffy Bunny Feet]

Because the Far Traders and Free Traders listed in the book could be repurposed for mining. Just because the standard configuration is different doesn't preclude those types of ships from being modified.

When repurposed THEN they could have the extra's added. MTU of course, yours may vary. On the other hand when you buy a surplus Scout with the sensors reduced you could easily make the extra tonnage (1 ton) a concealed compartment for smuggling or privacy .

 

[rinku]

Oh, and regarding the 5000 ton minimum hull vs distributed hulls. The main distributed hull we have is the Lab ship, which has a diameter of roughly 60m. The diameter of a 5000 ton sphere is... about 50m. So it certainly passes the pub test for widely placed sensors, even though the hull is only 400 tons.

 

[Condottiere]