Control Panel

A Control Panel is a device that monitors or controls a mechanism.

• It is a kind of Ship Equipment.

Description (Specifications)

A mechanism or device is any of the drives, sensors, weapons, defenses, or other installations which equip a ship.

The control panel is the interface between mechanisms and the crew. A control panel 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).

Control Panel Types

Control panels are directly linked to the mechanism, device or system that they control. They are either mounted on the mechanism itself or housed in a console.

• 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 basic mechanical control panel has wheels, knobs, levers, switches, and rudimentary readouts typically consisting of gauges and dials. It is available from TL-5.
  • Some very advanced devices have basic mechanical controls as a failsafe cutoff mechanism.
• An enhanced mechanical control panel has sophisticated controls capable of very precise settings and includes a variety of operator aids such as power assistance. It provides a broad range of data feedback and readouts in the form of 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.
  • Electronic linked control panels are available from TL-8.
  • Computer linked control panels are an evolution of electronic linked control panels. They have sophisticated software, voice control and voders, movement-sensitive interfaces and other advanced features. They are available from TL-9.
• 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.

A linked control panel has a hard connection to the ship's 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.

History & Background (Dossier)

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.

References & Contributors (Sources)

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• TBD
• Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science