Ship Sensors and communications

[travchao999]

While rereading the core rulebook again for the Nth time, I noticed that while the book gives ranges for Visual, EM, and Thermal sensors, none of the sensor packages I have ever seen includes them. Are they just included on all sensors? Also, what communications does a ship use, radio?

Speaking of which, are battlefield communications ever better defined? The transcievers in the books are only radio or laser (and don't mention masers), and briefly mention that mesons are possible, but don't give theoretical prices for it. The Mercenary book gives prices for stronghold communications in general, but doesn't talk more about communications equipment, or the price difference between radio, laser, and maser.

I could have sworn there was some book that talked about battlefield communications, as well as starship sensors more, including adding options like tight beam and such, but I can't seem to find it in my book collection.

 

[locarno24]

I believe all the ship electronics sets include Radar and Thermal sensors. The higher-end ones also include NAS and Densitometers.

 

[AndrewW]

I could have sworn there was some book that talked about battlefield communications, as well as starship sensors more, including adding options like tight beam and such, but I can't seem to find it in my book collection.

Supplement 5-6: The Vehicle Handbook does have Meson Communicators, along with Tighbeam and some other options.

 

[CosmicGamer]

While rereading the core rulebook again for the Nth time, I noticed that while the book gives ranges for Visual, EM, and Thermal sensors, none of the sensor packages I have ever seen includes them. Are they just included on all sensors?

The table on page 108 is not an all inclusive list. If for no other reason than editing page layout. Yes, I would include Visual, EM, and Thermal sensors with all the rest.

 

[travchao999]

I could have sworn there was some book that talked about battlefield communications, as well as starship sensors more, including adding options like tight beam and such, but I can't seem to find it in my book collection.

Supplement 5-6: The Vehicle Handbook does have Meson Communicators, along with Tighbeam and some other options.

Looks like those are just the rules from strongholds. I don't know, I just remember something talking about how to erect a communications network using the different types of communicators. Also that one as well does not give a cost difference between maser and laser, when the CRB explains that masers are much better.

 

[Infojunky]

Looks like those are just the rules from strongholds.

That is because the Rules in Mercenary are based on the ones in Vehicles 5-6. which also has options for each.

But comms rules are very light in this edition, I would assume right off the bat that Starships have the full panoply of appropriate communicators/transceivers installed as part of the bridge. With added capabilities added with the improved "Sensor" Suites.