Laser Communicator
| Laser Communicator | |
|---|---|
 Communications Device | |
| Type | Communications Gear |
| Tech Level | TL–8 |
| Cost | Varies |
| Size | Varies |
| Weight | Varies |
| Manufacturer | Various |
| - | |
A Laser Communicator is a technological device for sending and receiving signals and messages.
- It is a type of Communications Equipment.
Description / Specifications
A laser communicator is an optical communicator in which the light source is a laser whose beam is modulated for voice, video, or data communication over wide information bandwidths.
- A laser communicator is an Active device.
- Laser communicators transmit a tight beam signal.
- A laser communicator is a line of sight device.
- The transmitter must know the precise position of the receiver in order to conduct communications.
- Laser communicators receive transmissions via a Laser Sensor receiving array.
- Transmissions can be disrupted or blocked by intervening terrain such as weather systems, mountains, stars and Sandcaster clouds.
- Prismatic aerosols specifically block lasers, including laser communications.
History & Background / Dossier
Laser Communicators are available from TL-8 onwards.
The power of a laser communicator determines its effective broadcast range – the distance to which a signal beam will carry before it is sufficiently degraded to be indistinguishable from natural background noise and static.
- Small portable laser communicators are available. They are usually equipped with tripods or other stabilization gear.
- Larger laser communicator systems may be fitted aboard vehicles and spacecraft, with effective beam transmission ranges measured in millions or even billions of km.
A laser communicator is limited by realspace physics. The laser beam that the device produces takes time to reach its target.
- A beam travels at approximately 300,000 km per second. For example, a laser communicator attempting to conduct a conversation with a target at a distance of 3 million km will have a signal delay of 10 seconds (10 seconds for the laser beam to reach the target).
Devices almost identical to Laser Communicators in function have applications in security, construction, surveying and a range of other industries.
References & Contributors / Sources
- MegaTraveller Referee's Manual, (Game Designers Workshop 1987)
- Traveller The New Era: Fire, Fusion, & Steel, (Game Designers Workshop 1994)
- 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