SHIPBOARD COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS & CHANNELS

With the Refs' blessing (Thanks!) I'm presenting this slightly ahead of the time Zben Blaine will `actually' present it to Mister Aiwi. It will be presented (and hopefully approved...) at about 1700.

There are two parts to this. First is a list of Channel designations, second a list of how common equipment is used.

However, Please Note! For the most part this entire system is Transparent to the characters (do you know how many phone lines come out of your local switching station? Do you care? No, you dial a number, and get through. Or not.). So, why have it? So if something Goes Wrong (TM), we'll know how it affects us. And to add realism.

Comments? Maybe send`em to me ( brucer1@worldpath.net) direct to save valuable game time... Or not...

NOTES:

1. This channel is restricted to Receive Only, Except for the Captain or his designates. Its activation over rides other channels.
2. Encryption module is added to unit when tuned.
3. Activating this channel causes PATER to locate device, and alert on-duty Security and Medical. PATER may, at its discreition, expand that alert. EMERGENCIES ONLY!
4. Used for Audio/Video to any attached/berthed craft, via Elissa. For data links use #2 below
5. Not active while enroute.

   Data Transmission Channels
   (for Hand computer links, etc.)

   #1	High Priority & Speed (x4)	For Command Decisions
   #2	Mid Priority/ Hi Speed (x12)	For Intership & Medical
   #3	Mid Priority & Speed (x48)	All other uses.

   The (x__) refers to the number of multiplexed channels available for that designation.

   EQUIPMENT NOTES

   1. Commdots are available and common. But they have to communicate with something else the person is carrying (see above). Same is true for Remote Earpieces and Display Headsets.
   2. Handcomms have 5 available Audio/Video channels. Routinely one channel is designated for Audio only, and it can then scan and use 10 Audio/only channels (`C's). Each MUST have Channel A and H, and should have a department frequency. Task for changing stored frequencies, Routine, Communications or Electronics, Edu, 10 minutes, per channel.
   3. Hand Computers have 2 available data channels, usually from either #2 or #3. In addition they can handle one voice channel at a time, and can store up to 10 Audio only frequencies (Note: Each MUST have channel A and H, and should the department frequency, plus some C's). Video can be received over either data channel, if requested. Same Task to alter.
   4. PATER, or more likely one of its sub-processors, handles the switching of frequencies so that, if possible, a clear frequency can be found for personal 1-to-1 communications can be maintained. Conference call types are handled by a designated `Group' frequency.
   5. In addition to these wireless communications, the Elissa is extensively fitted with hardwired (probably FO) intercom stations, some with security cameras. When a crew member speaks to PATER by just addressing `thin air', what is happening is they are being picked up by one of these stations. Usually.
   6. There are also hardwired connectors to each auxiliary vessel. These are probably FO voice/video/data links that connect to the computer in each ship, and utilize its internal communications systems (whatever that is....).

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      Zben Blaine:Communications Officer; `B' Shift. Human; Ex Tukerra lines officer; Tall, heavyset, balding and bearded; Usually smiling; Highly skilled in electronics, especially communications equipment; Very dexterous and quicker than he appears; Loves old weapons like daggers and blowguns, always carries several knives; Stolen Quote- "Duct Tape is like the Force: It has a light side, a dark side, and it binds the Universe together."

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      Questions? Comments? Complaints? Suggestions. E-mail them to me at markc@ssgfx.com
      

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