Computer C+S+K

[JFGarber]

A model 2-bis computer (first available at TL 10) is installed in a TL 13 ship. Does it function at C+S+K = 10 or at C+S+K = 13?

 

[robject]

A model 2-bis computer (first available at TL 10) is installed in a TL 13 ship. Does it function at C+S+K = 10 or at C+S+K = 13?

13. It's a TL 13 ship, so components are TL 13 unless otherwise specified... such as, if the referee says otherwise, or the players swap a part out for a later model.

 

[JFGarber]

Excellent. Thank you.

 

[jawillroy]

13. It's a TL 13 ship, so components are TL 13 unless otherwise specified... such as, if the referee says otherwise, or the players swap a part out for a later model.

This seems to agree with the rules as written - though I wonder (not having the book in front of me) what advantage might be derived from having a higher model drive so long as the build tech was high. Is there a benefit to having a model 2 at tech ten, over a model one built at tech 13? Are the model numbers less relevant than tech now?

 

[JFGarber]

I'm balancing cost and capability. IMTU before I design a ship, I determine the purchaser, and set a budget. (I have a method based very loosely on Pocket Empires.) So in general, I'm trying to select the lowest model computer than can meet watch standing requirements.

This is for non-combat vessels, of course.

 

[robject]

Is there a benefit to having a model 2 at tech ten, over a model one built at tech 13? Are the model numbers less relevant than tech now?

Model numbers are different. The computer can perform tasks. It's a Task Resolver.

The model number is the number of concurrent ship tasks the computer may execute. A Model/2 could run Astrogation and Sensors at the same time.

The tech level is the target number (asset) for its tasks. A TL 10 Model/2 could run Jump-2 (2D) Astrogation and average (2D) Sensor tasks like so:

Astrogation (Jump-2): 2D < 10
Sensor Sweep (typical/average): 2D < 10

So at TL 10 the computer has an 8% chance of failing at either of these in the average case.

A TL 13 Model/2 could run them like so:

Astrogation (Jump-2): 2D < 13
Sensor Sweep (typical/average): 2D < 13

So at TL 13, the computer fails on a Spectacular Failure (2.7%).

Going further, a TL 15 computer could run Difficult (3D) tasks with a reasonable chance of success.

Therefore, a TL 18 computer is effectively awesome at Difficult tasks, and I would think that many, but not all, crew positions will be automated for commercial ships.

Additional Implication

The implications of T5 computer models and volume, are that Mongoose computers are subsets of T5 computers. The Mongoose "small" computer is a variation of the T5 Model/0, specialized to particular programmable tasks. The Mongoose "core" computers are variations on T5 Model/3 through Model/7, again specialized to run in capital ships. T5 computers are the supercomputers of the Far Future; Mongoose computers are the microcontrollers of the Far Future.