Laser Communicator
Laser Communicator | |
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Type | Communications Gear |
Tech Level | TL–8 |
Cost | Cr2,500 |
Size | 5 liters |
Weight | 1.5 kg |
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A Laser Communicator is a technological device for sending and receiving signals and messages. 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 or Prismatic aerosols.
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 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.
- Marc Miller. Imperial Encyclopedia (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), 55.
- Traveller The New Era: Fire, Fusion, & Steel, (Game Designers Workshop 1994)
- Jon F. Zeigler. First In (Steve Jackson Games, 1999), 28.
- T5 Core Rules, Far Future Enterprises 2013
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master Scout Emeritus Adie Alegoric Stewart of the IISS