 March 3, 2008 - 5:48pm | I'm looking for people to make the computer/robotics information from both Alpha Dawn and Zebulon's Guide agree with modern understanding of computers and robots in a unified system for the AER project. Post here if you are interested, or just start posting your ideas in the AER forums. You will be credited for contributing. The key is to change the current mechanics as little as possible, and only where necessary, and perhaps being able to simplify it, but not complicate it. |
 March 3, 2008 - 6:23pm | The question I have is, do you want to base it on current technology or, theories? |
March 3, 2008 - 6:35pm | As long as its within the realm of realism and retains as much of the current mechanics as possible, or at least strongly resembles the current mechanics, I'm not picky. |
March 9, 2008 - 12:03am | I have provided an update to the computers that may make sense. I decided to drop the maxiprogs of Zeb's, as they have little to do with how computers operate. They essentially represented a kind of harddrive. Instead of marking the harddrive information, I let the simple storage capacity of the function points govern that aspect. The original design in AD didn't seem too far different than modern computers, and maxiprogs just made it non-sensical. I melded and expanded the computer types with the computer levels, which blend well with the funciton points. I see function points as just an abstraction of processing power and memory storage. |
 March 9, 2008 - 10:12am | So - lemme see if I understand your proposed system... A Bodycomp is a Level 1 computer. Therefore, it has 10 function points, maximum. It cannot be higher than level 1. A Portacomp is a Level 2 computer. Therefore, it can have up to 30 function points worth of programs on it, though if it had 10 or less it would only be considered a Level 1 computer. A Deskcopm is a Level 3 computer. Therefore, it can have up to 80 function points worth of programs on it. If it had 10 or less, though, it would only be a Level 1 computer. If it had greater than 10 FP but less than or equal to 30 FP, it would be considered only Level 2. etc. Is that right? When it's not spelled out specifically, it's hard to follow your meaning... 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
March 9, 2008 - 11:57am | Yes, for programming, but not for hardware. Hardware-wise, it would be its full level regardless of programs. I'll see what I can do to help the understanding more. Since I'm not a computer expert, feel free to offer ideas or objections.  |
March 15, 2008 - 10:55am | Hello, I just happen across this site the other night and saw this post - I would be happy to contribute if you still want someone. I used to play this back in the day and it was my all time favorite. In fact - it was the body comp that got me interested in what I do know - electonic engineer. I used to repair the robotic controllers at the Honda plant and now I am an IT manager and Software Architect. So, if you want me to help, I would be willing to! :-) Let me know. |
March 15, 2008 - 12:30pm | Thanks. :) Go to the 25th Anniversary Edition Rulebook project and sign up. View Sector 5: Computers and Robots: Computers in the documents section. I made some adjustments to unify the existing system a little, but some of the ideas may be way off. Take a look at that and then use the  button at the bottom of the document to make a comment about what you think needs to be done. |
March 16, 2008 - 3:50pm | Cool Thanks! I will take a look and see what's brewing! |
