Control Console

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

The practical operation of a ship would be impossible without an extensive network of controls. Almost every mechanism on a ship has one or more control panels, input-output devices attached directly to the item. For convenience and accessibility these control panels are mounted in consoles, forming workstations for the crew.

Console Types

A console is a unit containing interconnected hardware. This typically consists of an exterior control panel that includes input devices as well as gauges and displays that provide feedback, as well as internal systems and devices such as mechanical connectors, piping, cabling, linkages and relays, and electronic equipment.

There are three main types of Console:

1. General 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.

1. Operating Console

• • 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.
  • Operating Consoles typically include controls and displays for sensor systems and communications equipment.

1. Command Console

• • A 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 Command Console.

Consoles come in a variety of sizes, determined by need and by the space available. The following are representative:

• Cramped (0.5 Tons)
• Standard (1.0 Tons)
• Roomy (1.5 Tons)
• Spacious (2.0 Tons)

A Console is permanently installed in place as part of a Workstation: 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 itself must be large enough to accommodate displays and input devices as well as the user.

Display Types

A console may be augmented with improved data displays.

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

History / Background

Electronic circuit protection.

References & Contributors (Sources)

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.

• 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