Bug (device)
| Bug | |
|---|---|
| Type | Emitter |
| Tech Level | TL–8 |
| Cost | Cr1,000 |
| Size | 0.2 liters |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Also see | Electronics |
Bugs are nearly undetectable monitoring devices. They enable the individual to hear (or to record for later monitoring) conversations. Typically, a bug array is packaged as a small rod containing up to 50 implantable bugs. They are placed by touching the rod to a wall joint, light switch, or some other feature of the room. Implanted bugs are not recoverable, but they can be destroyed.
It does not function in a vacuum: it relies on a gas, a fluid or a solid to carry sound. Bugs send a constant signal to a central monitor (usually disguised as a recreational audio recorder). The range of the bug transmitter is small, usually under 10 meters. The battery for each bug transmitter lasts about five hours with continuous use, longer if it is quiet.
The bug's radio transmissions are extremely short range and are almost impossible to detect without specialist receiving equipment (a "Bug Monitor"), or a portable Radio Direction Finder.
Bugs come in one of four types (based upon the essential principles used for the bug) classified as A, B, C, and D.
- John Harshman, Marc Miller. Solomani (Game Designers Workshop, 1986), 48.
- Marc Miller. Imperial Encyclopedia (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), 54.
- Frank Chadwick, Dave Nilsen. Traveller: The New Era (Game Designers Workshop, 1993), 346.
- Dave Nilsen. Reformation Coalition Equipment Guide (Game Designers Workshop, 1994), 32-33.
- Greg Porter. Central Supply Catalog (Imperium Games, 1996), 44.
- Matthew Sprange. Core Rule Book (Mongoose Publishing, 2016), 103.
- Matthew Sprange. Central Supply Catalogue (Mongoose Publishing, 2016), 62.