Computer consoles etc.. as per T20

[shadowdragon]

could someone please illuminate me on what the cpu throughput for control panels and terminals means? i am sure the cpu ratings for computers mean something but there isn't an example or explanation anywhere other than "the capability of a computer is rated in computing power units".

*sigh*

i know cpu is used to build via design sequences, but especially for terminals and control panels it seems to mean absolutely nothing.
i originally posted this in the T20 section, but no one there seems to know.

 

[deadlock]

Because terminals and consoles do not have CPUs. The CPU (think processor) contains the instructions a computer uses to execute programs and it is housed on the motherboard of the computer those two items are connected.

 

[atpollard]

could someone please illuminate me on what the cpu throughput for control panels and terminals means?

Without placing it in context, the phrase is too generic for me to identify.
Where did you see a reference to "the cpu throughput for control panels and terminals"?

In MegaTraveller, the control panels are measured in "Control Point" units with the computers having a maximum number of CP that they can handle. A ship with a very large crew and lots of control panels might need a larger computer to accomodate all of the control panels.

TNE might have somethig similar in FF&S. I am unfamiliar with it.

If this came from T20, what page?

 

[shadowdragon]

yes it is from T20, page 233, computer accessories.

it lists cpu throughput for each type of control panel, but nowhere is it described how that functions in game turns.

for example:
electronic control panel, min TL is 7, vl 1.35, cost cr1000, throughput of 10 cpu per unit installed.

what do they do?
can they be lumped into bigger units for more control "power"?
can they be blown up?

 

[atpollard]

After reading that section of the T20 rules, here is my understanding:

Computers are swell, but they can do nothing without some way to communicate/control them. That's where the control panels come in.

Assuming that your ship's computer has 100 cpu (units), a single Advanced Electronic control panel (TL 9; Cr1000; 1.35vl) would allow complete control of the computer.

If you wanted to use a Basic Mechanical control panel (TL 5; Cr10,000; 1.35vl), then each "unit" of control panel would only be able to control 5 CPU (units), so you would need (100/5=20) 20 "units" of Basic Mechanical control panels (TL 5; Cr200,000; 27vl) to operate the 100 CPU computer.

Perhaps HUNTER (when he returns), MJD or one of the Playtesters could confirm this, but that's how I read it.

 

[shadowdragon]

that makes sense, and basically what i figured, but i was wanting some sort of consensus before ruining my players' day...