Computers in Traveller

A thread of 2 messages, 23 February 1988 to 25 February 1988, in the order they were sent.

#121 Computers in Traveller

Adrian Hurt · 23 February 1988

Who, besides me, is dissatisfied with Traveller's handling of computers? I
have two main gripes.

First, hands up those who still believe Traveller's claim that hand/pocket
computers arrive at TL10. Now put down your hands, those who don't think today
is TL10, or TL9 at least. Why? Because I _have_ a pocket computer. O.K., so
it's not as powerful as a desktop computer, and pocket computers never will be
as powerful as desktop computers, because whatever high tech chips are used to
make the pocket computer powerful, more of the same can be used to make a more
powerful desktop machine. But mine has 32K RAM (expandable), and a built-in
programming language which is a cross between BASIC and PASCAL. And it can talk
to larger machines, if an RS232 interface (which the makers can supply) is
fitted.

Second, the table of computers in Book 5, High Guard, implies that as
technology advances, computers get larger, more powerful and more expensive.
Now it seems to me, in the real world, they either stay the same size and price
and get more powerful, or they get smaller and cheaper for the same price. Take
my pocket machine, for example; apart from display, it'll outclass a PET no
trouble; and what today fills a cabinet would previously have filled a room.
Also, High Guard mentions "fibre-optic backup". In modern computers, and
military ones especially, they use fibre-optics as the _primary_ connection.
Besides, wouldn't the radiation, which fib models are supposed to be proof
against, also zap the chips?

Now, my solutions. Pocket computers are available at TL8, for a few Cr100's.
I haven't worked out a way of translating present computer trends into High
Guard terms without making every published ship obsolete. After all, at TL15,
a Model 3 is probably desktop, and a Model 2 pocket-sized. But instead of "fib"
meaning "fibre-optic backup", it just means "backup", in the form of extra,
redundant components, e.g. processors. For damage purposes, I assume the
ship has two computers. When the computer is damaged, I roll 1D to decide
which one is hit, and always use the least damaged one for that ship's fire
modifiers.

Any comments? Am I overlooking something critical? How does MegaTraveller
handle computers?

 "Keyboard? Tis quaint!" - M. Scott

 Adrian Hurt			     |	JANET:  [email removed]
 UUCP: ..!ukc!cs.hw.ac.uk!adrian     |  ARPA:   [email removed]

#122 Re: Computers in Traveller

Leonard Erickson · 25 February 1988 · reply to #121

Regarding "fibre-optic" backup, I read that as yet another unintentional
mis-use of terminology (how many of you remember the article in an early
JTAS that had "copper-based hemoglobin"?)

I merely assume that the backup is "really" a backup computer based on
optical circuitry rather than electronic. They're starting to build
such stuff now (at about RTL logic equivalent).

Or they might be using TIMMS (Thermally Integrated Micro Modules?). These
are basicly the *tube* equivalent of integrated circuits. They're made
of ceramics and high temperature metals. No filaments or "heaters". You
put this "block in an oven and heat to a few hundred degrees! (these
were used for radiation hardened equipment in the '60s).

Neither of the above would pay much attention to radiation levels that
would kill the crew. BTW it isn't necessarily the EMP that kills semi-
conductor based equipment. Radaition does funny things to PN junctions.

As for the size/cost/etc of computers in Traveller, pay close attention
to just what their idea of a computer is. Even the "simple" programs are
more than I'd care to try on even a 68000 or 80386 machine. Navigate is
doing *real-time* multi-body orbit and trajectory calculations involving
object that are manuvering under power. That ain't simple! Not to the
accuracy you need to keep from hitting another ship while making your approach
to the Starport.

Size has been argued before. much out it may merely be the space required to
let you get at it. Figure out how much space a "normal" PC takes up if you
include the desk and chair...