Difference between revisions of "Control Console"
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=== Control Panel Types === | === Control Panel Types === | ||
Control panels are directly linked to the mechanism, device or system that they control. | Control panels are directly linked to the mechanism, device or system that they control. | ||
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* A general rule of thumb is that a separate control panel is required for approximately every 500m³ of volume of a mechanism. | * A general rule of thumb is that a separate control panel is required for approximately every 500m³ of volume of a mechanism. | ||
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* Dynamic: A dynamically configurable control panel includes electromechanical controls, such as a joystick, and computer interfaces. It has a combination of detailed flat 2D computer displays and digital electronic gauges and readouts. The operator may reconfigure the controls at a moment's notice. It is linked to the [[ship]]'s [[computer]]. It is available at [[TL-10]] and includes data ports. | * Dynamic: A dynamically configurable control panel includes electromechanical controls, such as a joystick, and computer interfaces. It has a combination of detailed flat 2D computer displays and digital electronic gauges and readouts. The operator may reconfigure the controls at a moment's notice. It is linked to the [[ship]]'s [[computer]]. It is available at [[TL-10]] and includes data ports. | ||
* Holographic: A holographic control panel is fully interactive, containing both electromechanical controls and dynamically configurable 3D controls. The operator may reconfigure the controls at a moment's notice. It is linked to the [[ship]]'s [[computer]]. It is available at [[TL-13]] and includes data ports. | * Holographic: A holographic control panel is fully interactive, containing both electromechanical controls and dynamically configurable 3D controls. The operator may reconfigure the controls at a moment's notice. It is linked to the [[ship]]'s [[computer]]. It is available at [[TL-13]] and includes data ports. | ||
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| + | Electronic control panels may be hard-linked to the [[ship]]'s primary [[computer]]. | ||
''Data Ports''. | ''Data Ports''. | ||
Revision as of 17:22, 13 October 2018
A Control Console combines control panels and display devices that allow operator input and provide feedback.
- It is a type of Ship Equipment.
Description / Specifications
Operation of a ship would be impossible without an extensive network of controls. Almost every mechanism on a ship has a Control Panel: an input-output device attached directly to the item. The Control Panel monitors or controls the device.
- Because of the potential for interference, control panels are usually kept locked (typically requiring either a key or a user password) and are generally monitored: if they are tampered with an alarm will sound or a security alert will be tripped.
A mechanism or device is any of the drives, sensors, weapons, defenses, or other installations which equip a ship. The Control Console is the interface between mechanisms (and their control panels) and the crew. A Control Console includes data output devices (such as a visual and audio display screen adapted to the sensory needs of the user) coupled with a data input device (touch and sound responsive).
- A combination of one or more control panels and displays housed in a Control Console and including a seat (which is often an acceleration couch) form a crew workstation.
Control Panel Types
Control panels are directly linked to the mechanism, device or system that they control.
- A general rule of thumb is that a separate control panel is required for approximately every 500m³ of volume of a mechanism.
Mechanical Control Panels.
- A mechanical control panel has basic knobs, levers, switches, and rudimentary readouts typically consisting of gauges and dials. It is available from TL-5.
- An enhanced mechanical control panel has sophisticated controls capable of very precise settings and includes a variety of operator aids such as powered controls. It provides a broad range of data feedback and readouts such as gauges, dials, lights, and audio alerts. It is available from TL-6.
Electronic Control Panels.
- Electronic: An electronic control panel may include electromechanical controls, such as a joystick, and computer interfaces such as pressure pads or keyboards. It has a combination of detailed flat 2D computer displays, sophisticated mechanical displays, and digital electronic gauges and readouts. It is available from TL-7.
- Dynamic: A dynamically configurable control panel includes electromechanical controls, such as a joystick, and computer interfaces. It has a combination of detailed flat 2D computer displays and digital electronic gauges and readouts. The operator may reconfigure the controls at a moment's notice. It is linked to the ship's computer. It is available at TL-10 and includes data ports.
- Holographic: A holographic control panel is fully interactive, containing both electromechanical controls and dynamically configurable 3D controls. The operator may reconfigure the controls at a moment's notice. It is linked to the ship's computer. It is available at TL-13 and includes data ports.
Electronic control panels may be hard-linked to the ship's primary computer.
Data Ports.
- A Data Port is a physical interface for connecting cables; it typically includes a wireless connection. A Data Port by itself cannot be used to control a mechanism; it is a connection between the mechanism and some other device.
Display Types
Heads-up Displays.
The device displays information in pictoral form in the operator's field of view, which avoids the need for the operator to look at separate panels or screens.
- A basic heads-up display projects an image in the operator's eyeline. It will generally follow the operator's eye position but can be locked in place. It is available at TL-9
- The holographic version displays readings and output in an interactive 3D form. It is available at TL-13.
Large Holodisplay.
- A large holodisplay/plotter unit used for showing all manner of 3D tactical, trajectory, flight path, and sensor information, as well as displaying 3D communications and recordings. It is available at TL-12
Consoles
A console is a unit containing interconnected hardware, typically a control panel that includes input devices and gauges and displays that provide feedback. Consoles come in a variety of sizes.
A Console is permanently installed in place. It cannot be moved to other locations. The Console is related to the size of the User; while the volume occupied by its mechanical components or electronic equipment may be quite small, the Console must be large enough to display data to, and accept input from the user.
There are three main types of Console:
- A General Console allows the user to interact with data for administrative purposes. The ship's computer provides access to common office activities: language use, math, communications, information, and entertainment.
- A General Console may also be referred to as a Data Station.
- An Operating Console allows the user to monitor the activities of a mechanism and to make adjustments to its operation. Operating Consoles are best adapted to mechanisms which operate continuously, and whose operation must be adjusted for efficiency or for changed circumstances.
- A Control Console or Command Console allows specialized input to the ship's control systems or computer with special interfaces: a yolk, joystick, steering wheel, or tiller to convert fine hand or manipulator motions to control signals. It may have foot or ped controls to allow additional simultaneous input.
- A pilot's position is always laid out as a Control Console.
History / Background
Electronic circuit protection.
References & Contributors (Sources)
- MegaTraveller, Referee's Manual (Game Designers Workshop 1987)
- T5 Core Rules, Far Future Enterprises 2013
- Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus Adie Alegoric Stewart of the IISS
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science