Communication and Interface Gear

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Basic Set

Batteries (TL6). $1, neg.

Cell Phone (TL8). Only works in some areas; $20/month fee. $250, 0.25 lb., 10 hrs.

Computer, Laptop (TL8). Modem plugs into phone. $1,500, 3 lbs., 2 hrs.

Computer, Wearable (TL8). Display glasses and wireless modem. $1,000, 2 lbs., 8 hrs.

Drum (TL0). Audible for several miles. $40, 2 lbs.

Mini-Recorder (TL7). Palm-sized, with 3-hour tape (extra tapes are $5). $200, 0.5 lb.

Mini-Recorder, Digital (TL8). As above, but without the tape! $30, 0.5 lb.

Radio, Backpack (TL7). VHF radio. 20-mile range. $6,000, 15 lbs., 12 hrs.

Radio, Hand (TL7). Classic "walkie-talkie." 2-mile range. $100, 1 lb., 12 hrs.

Radio, Headset (TL8). With throat mike. 1-mile range. Multiply cost by 10 for secure, encrypted version. $500, 0.5 lb., 12 hrs.

Satellite Phone (TL8). Global range, satellite relay. $3,000, 3 lbs., 1 hr.

Scribe's Kit (TL3). Quills, inkbottles, penknife, paper. $50, 2 lbs.

Transistor Radio (TL7). Receive-only; picks up radio stations. $15, 0.5 lb., 8 hrs.

TV Set, Mini (TL7). 5" × 5" flatscreen. $150, 3 lbs., 4 hrs.

Typewriter, Manual (TL6). $200, 10 lbs.

Wax Tablet (TL1). For writing; erasable. $10, 2 lbs.

High-Tech

TODO

Bio-Tech

TODO

Ultra-Tech

TODO

Translators

These translators are small enough to fit in a pocket or on a lapel. They run two language programs and a non-volitional AI, translating in real time and matching the user's speech patterns. Use the AI's IQ to determine how well it handles idiom, jargon, and colloquialisms.

Field Translator (TL9)

A high-capacity, fast, small computer with a datapad terminal and the culture's full range of microcomms. The complexity 5 computer runs an IQ 6 non-volitional AI (IQ 10 at TL10, IQ 12 at TL11, IQ 14 at TL12) and two Native-level spoken or visual language translation programs. It can store 100 Native-level spoken language databases (multiply by 1,000 each further TL), which must be purchased separately. $3,000 plus the cost of software, 0.6 lbs., 2B/20 hrs. LC4.

Translator Disk (TL10)

A much smaller version of the field translator (above), this is a high-capacity tiny computer, a small sonic projector, a mini-camera, and the culture's full range of microcomms. It can store 10,000 Native-level spoken language databases (multiply by 1,000 each further TL). The sonic projector can be set to allow only the target to hear the translation (for crowded spaceport bars and embassy cocktail parties); otherwise, the computer's infra- and ultrasonic-capable speaker is used. It has IQ 6 at TL10 and increases by 2 every further TL. It comes as a stick-on medallion or earpiece. It's similar to the field translator in all other respects. $150 plus the cost of software, 0.125 lbs., B/36 hrs. LC4.