I've been reading through all the SR4 books again, because I have a terrible memory and I came across something last night that I wasn't initially aware of, just want to run it by and make sure I understand it properly.

To use AR or VR, you must have a sim module connected to your commlink, UNLESS the commlink is in your head or you use a data jack?
So does this mean the typical layman with wireless goggles, cannot receive his team mates image link without both having a sim module connected to their commlink?

Or am I getting this totally wrong?

I'm sorry if this is a super easy question, I just want to be sure.

You only need glasses/goggles/what have you with Image Link on them for AR. Well, and some kind of input device like AR gloves.
VR calls for more invasive options, of course.

Fatum is correct, in order to use AR all you need is anything that can accommodate an Image Link. The Image link will display all of the visual data across whatever medium it is installed in (Contacts, Glasses, Goggles, your eyes!). However in order to hear sounds in AR you must have a Sound Link installed in your cyberears, earbuds or headphones. Sim Module allow you to interpret sim sense data (emotions, and feelings) with a Direct Neural Interface (trodes, Nano Trodes, Implanted Commlink, or Datajack). AR gloves will give you limited Haptics, such as weight, temperature, and hardness of an icon you are manipulating (also note you can modify clothing and armor to also include haptic data for a more realistic experience). Hope that helps some.

Hi guys,

Thank you, I'm glad I got it wrong, all this re-reading is meant to HELP me, but it seems I must of misread it.

OK question here: If you have an implanted commlink do you need a sim module?

Also can you get a SIM module as well... a module for your commlink (cyber or otherwise)?

There is an option for an implanted sim module under cyberware if thats what you mean?

Yes... You would still need a Sim Module to process Sim Sense data. The implanted Commlink just gives you a Direct Neural Interface not the ability to decode Sim Sense data itself.



Yes you can get a SIM module for any commlink (implanted or otherwise) it simply allows you to experience "feelings and emotions" within AR and VR. Also in order to experience VR at all you MUST have a Sim Module (and a Direct Neural Interface) as the SIM module is what translates the computer signals into Neural Signals.

That all said, why would anyone implant a sim module, when you can have one on your link for less both money and Essence?

Because the options for that wern't in the base book when it first came out *grumble*

Uh. Core (non-anniversary) page 318?
Or was there a print I am not aware of?

Then i will concede it's entirely possible I missed it the first time around in which case your question is very valid.

I'm not sure if I understand what you mean Fatum?

If a sim module is implanted, then you don't need to use/waste a datajack or wear some trodes, as its already 'connected' to you.
That allows you to use your datajack for something else like a lingua soft (I'm working on the assumption that only one can be used at a time, so please correct me if I'm wrong)

Other than that, if you have a cyberskull, you could fit both of them and potentially look like a badass terminator for .75 essence (as they both fit in the cyberskulls four capacity)

The only reason would be to keep your commlink and sim module secret. For instance, if you have one adapted for Hot Sim. Of course it can be detected by a Cyberware scanner though.

For the same reason anyone would implant a link if you can just carry it in your pocket

Datajack is cheaper, and linguasofts don't necessarily require one to operate (unlike, for all I know, previous editions) - "must be accessed with a
direct neural link (either a sim module or datajack)".

I always thought you can implant any commlink you like, with any mods you can strap on it - at least I don't believe there's anything in the rules saying otherwise. By that logic, you can implant a commlink with a sim module already in it - again, cheaper, zero Essence cost for the sim module, same concealability.

Actually there's no functional limitation on how many things your datajack can connect to, now logically at some point some kind of splitter may be necessitated but I've kinda ssumed that at the very least a datajack can slot a chip and a cable simultanious. In all reality datajacks are fairly superflous (as are implanted links) trode tech has come forward while 'jack tech has not, can't have all the adept hackers getting all hurt. However there are some pretty logical reasons why someone would want an implanted datajack. They provide a good secure way of accessing your internal 'ware including your comlink and can function as a choke point for regulating access to your internal systems, further they can perform the task of skinlink hub for the rest of your devices. Finally datajacks are an always on DNI connection meaning your character can always manipulate AR and other electornic media without any silly gestures or other devices can effectively type 300 words a second and other nifty features. Should their functionality be merged with that of a simsense module from a rules and technological advancement perspective? I believe so, but even by the current editions framework they do have their upsides and their essence and monetary cost is fairly trivial.

No need to buy earbuds just to hear AR sounds, as they are a standard feature of most commlinks:

Even better, private audio is a (possibly standard) feature of AR glasses/goggles. They use narrow-band soundwaves (or something to that effect) to beam it straight to your ears.

I think it is implied that implanting a commlink with a sim module is the same as implanting the two separately. Bear in mind that an implanted commlink isn't the same as what you carry in your pocket - the doc doesn't just pull one out of its blister pack and nail it to the inside of your skull. It'll be a specially adapted composition of the circuitry configured to take up very little space, dispensing with anything not required like manual controls. It's not specified in RAW, but to my mind the sim module is a plug-in component that may be incorporated into the main body of a standard 'link to save space but such a principle doesn't carry over to the implanted version.

Otherwise a commlink would have its own capacity for modifications, which they don't.
Or do they?

...and that would really make no sense, right?

They do. See Unwired. That said, ruling that implanted commlinks can't have addons or mods, or can't be easily upgraded without taking your skull apart may be realistic and logical, but it can break pace of pretty much any campaign.
So, to avoid all the fuss, we just suppose there's an interface panel hidden somewhere on your head.


By the RAW? :ь