Unwired Questions, Now with Merge-y Goodness Options

[PlatonicPimp]

No, but since it has that option, it isn't an off the shelf- standard agent, and thus requires a liscence to run dangerous software in order to possess.

[PlatonicPimp]

I've got a question for everyone here: If a Technomancer can "code" a Program Complex Form for a Smartlink, then could a Hacker make a program to do the EXACT same thing? The hacker's version of the program needs to have a display link (either cybereyes or added to a vision enhancer) to work (of course), but can a Hacker do it?

If they can't, why not? It's not like the Technomancer is using a Sprite to do this.

Even Complex forms for a technomancer occupy a place somewhere between hardware and software. I presume that the smartlink is more than an image link and a program, and that the technomancer's complex form includes the changes to their own AR link required.

[Tycho]

I've got a question for everyone here: If a Technomancer can "code" a Program Complex Form for a Smartlink, then could a Hacker make a program to do the EXACT same thing? The hacker's version of the program needs to have a display link (either cybereyes or added to a vision enhancer) to work (of course), but can a Hacker do it?

If they can't, why not? It's not like the Technomancer is using a Sprite to do this.

I would say, yes he can. Just roll a test after the building/repair table by GM discretion and you can code a Smartlink software. To use it, you need a image link (Cybereyes, Googles) oder simsence imput option (Simmodul) and a proper working smartgun.

cya
Tycho

[KCKitsune]

I would say, yes he can. Just roll a test after the building/repair table by GM discretion and you can code a Smartlink software. To use it, you need a image link (Cybereyes, Googles) oder simsence imput option (Simmodul) and a proper working smartgun.

cya
Tycho

Why would you need a Simrig? I can have a character who only has a cheap pair of cybereyes and get the smartlink for no extra cost of Essence? So to run a Smartgun every character has to have a Simrig? Somehow I am not seeing that.

[RunnerPaul]

Why would you need a Simrig? I can have a character who only has a cheap pair of cybereyes and get the smartlink for no extra cost of Essence? So to run a Smartgun every character has to have a Simrig? Somehow I am not seeing that.

Actually, if I'm reading Tycho right, he's saying that you should have either an image link or a sim-module. (And as a point of clarification, the sim-module is not the same piece of equipment as the simrig.)

[hobgoblin]

and we will keep having to correct that until the end of days...

[KCKitsune]

Gotcha. I thought that he was saying that you needed both.

[Tycho]

you need to watch the Data the Smartlink produces. There a two possibilities:

1. you have a image link in some form, that actual let you see the data.

2. you have a Simsence Input, so that the Data can be put directly in your brain's visual cortex, without the indirection through the eyes.

Note that this is all my personal opinion...

cya
Tycho

[KCKitsune]

So my question to everyone here: Why would you want to waste the 3 Capacity needed to have a Smartlink when you can just run it as a program on your commlink and free up the capacity for "cool" things like Lowlight/Thermo/Vision Mag?

All it takes is a rating one program, and *BAM* you get a smartlink without having to use capacity for it. Everyone has a commlink, and if you don't have cybereyes, you have glasses/contact/monocle for you vision enhancing purposes (image link costs ZERO availablity and 25 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) so it can be added to any vision enhancer).

[Rotbart van Dain...]

So my question to everyone here: Why would you want to waste the 3 Capacity needed to have a Smartlink when you can just run it as a program on your commlink and free up the capacity for "cool" things like Lowlight/Thermo/Vision Mag?

Wrong question.

Why would you want to waste the 3 Capacity needed to have a Smartlink when you can just run it as a program on your cybereye?

[KCKitsune]

Wrong question.

Why would you want to waste the 3 Capacity needed to have a Smartlink when you can just run it as a program on your cybereye?

because I'm going with the "fluff" that only commlinks have the "computational ability" to run that kind of program.

[PlatonicPimp]

Because the three capacity in your cybereye GIVES it the computational power to run it in eye. If you allow it to be run comlink-side, that's still counting against the number of programs run on it.

[KCKitsune]

Because the three capacity in your cybereye GIVES it the computational power to run it in eye. If you allow it to be run comlink-side, that's still counting against the number of programs run on it.

Yeah, but other than Hackers, does anyone else REALLY use all the abilities of their commlink? I would sacrifice a program to run a Smartlink! My Chaos Mage has a cyber commlink that was modded to be Response 5 / Signal 5 (yes it is cheaper to get a Response 1 / Signal 1 Commlink and mod it to Response 5 / Signal 5 than to buy a top of the line commlink.

Programs running on my Commlink (if Smartlink is viable):

1. ++Firewall 6
2. Smartlink 1
3. Spoof 5
4. Stealth 5
5. Analyze 5

If I wanted to run at Response 4, I could add 5 more programs (these programs of course would only run at Rating 4):

1. ++Firewall 6
2. ++Virtual Person (link it with the Agent so I can have a "Friendly Face" to interact with)
3. Smartlink 1
4. Spoof 5
5. Stealth 5
6. Analyze 5
7. Agent 4 (run a "Hacker-in-a-Box" when we don't have a Hacker)
8. Attack 4
9. Armor 4
10. Exploit 4
11. ECCM 5

++ = As we all know, these programs don't reduce Response.

[PlatonicPimp]

And that's your choice. I can think of many, many characters who would rather use the capacity.

[KCKitsune]

And that's your choice. I can think of many, many characters who would rather use the capacity.

Except to squeeze in what I was wanting, I could not get the next higher rating cybereyes.

Completely separate question: Why didn't they have a Sim Module be a module for a commlink? Why did it have to be a completely separate piece of gear? I would think that a cyber commlink should have a sim module built in (you pay enough for a cyber commlink).

[WeaverMount]

how about rather than use capacity on your cyber eyes or program limit on your real comlink, how about 110 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) for a meta link, fiber-optic cables and some gaff tape. wham-bam-done.

[crizh]

I would think that a cyber commlink should have a sim module built in (you pay enough for a cyber commlink).

Simrigs (both worn and implanted) and cranial commlinks also contain sim modules.

'Ding ding, seconds away...'

[KCKitsune]

'Ding ding, seconds away...'

Actually, in later printings of the BBB, cyber commlinks don't have an integrated sim module. It's stupid I know, but because later prints override earlier printings... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohplease.gif)

how about rather than use capacity on your cyber eyes or program limit on your real comlink, how about 110 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) for a meta link, fiber-optic cables and some gaff tape. wham-bam-done.

Because you can get a smartlink for your contacts for about 400 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) more, but it's a LOT more convenient, and a LOT less noticeable.

[Ryu]

What happens if Nuke reduces your subscription limit below the number of active subscriptions? Last in first out? First in first out? User selected? User selected between FIFO and LIFO?

[Rotbart van Dain...]

Because the three capacity in your cybereye GIVES it the computational power to run it in eye.

Not really - even dumb devices can run a single Rating 1 program

[RunnerPaul]

Simrigs (both worn and implanted) and cranial commlinks also contain sim modules.

'Ding ding, seconds away...'

Ahem:

Per the fourth printing (and future printings) and next batch of Errata, implanted commlinks do not include sim-modules.

Sad thing is, I've seen a 5th printing copy on the shelf of my local store, and out of curiosity, I checked... sure enough, that line was printed exactly how you quoted it. It flops back and forth between even and odd printings, but Synner's post above is the last offical word I've seen on the issue. Rob Boyle also stated such earlier in the same thread as Synner did.

[KCKitsune]

Sad thing is, I've seen a 5th printing copy on the shelf of my local store, and out of curiosity, I checked... sure enough, that line was printed exactly how you quoted it. It flops back and forth between even and odd printings, but Synner's post above is the last offical word I've seen on the issue. Rob Boyle also stated such earlier in the same thread as Synner did.

I wish they would make up their mind... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohplease.gif)

I think that a commlink should be able to have a sim module built into it just like the Fetch module. The only difference between a normal commlink and a cyber commlink is that the cyber one should have it by default. Also I would love to have other modules. How about an Agent/IC module, or a true GPS module (they say that the GPS in a commlink is based just on Matrix data and not by the GPS sats in orbit).

[hobgoblin]

'Ding ding, seconds away...'


Ahem:


Sad thing is, I've seen a 5th printing copy on the shelf of my local store, and out of curiosity, I checked... sure enough, that line was printed exactly how you quoted it. It flops back and forth between even and odd printings, but Synner's post above is the last offical word I've seen on the issue. Rob Boyle also stated such earlier in the same thread as Synner did.

iirc, that 5th is acutally a reprint of 4th without any errata inbetween. it was basically done to give catalyst something to sell after they took over from fanpro, or something like that...

[KCKitsune]

Question: Do you think that a cyber commlink should come with an integrated Sim Module? I say yes because a cyber version of a commlink costs 2000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) more than a regular version. Now I can see 1000 of that going for the surgery, but the other 1000... that would be for a sim module that is built into a commlink.

Yes I know that a sim module separately costs 2000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) , but I'm thinking that is because it has to put in all the interface components... something a commlink already has.

Or barring that, make it so that characters can get a sim module built into their commlink for the extra 2000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) , but doesn't cost any Essence.

[crizh]

iirc, that 5th is acutally a reprint of 4th without any errata inbetween. it was basically done to give catalyst something to sell after they took over from fanpro, or something like that...

Interesting that the Errata still does not appear to reflect the change. Which is of course where it belongs first and foremost.