Updating Classic Traveller Computers, sort of

Check out my new Model/2 computer!

New Computer Programs for Classic Traveller

Everyone likes to make fun of CT's computer rules. It's not surprising; by today's standards, the computer aboard your average Type S scout weighs two tons and has less computing power than the laptop upon which I'm typing this. 

Yeah? Well here's my new Model/2. Loser.

 It's also not surprising that game designers in the Seventies, who were modeling their game on the sci-fi literature of the Fifties and Sixties might just be wrong on what computers were going to look like in The Far Future. My favorite example is H Beam Piper's The Cosmic Computer. (Also available as an audio book from www.librivox.org)

But that's not my point here. My point here is to introduce some new programs to the list of available ones. 

Program Name	Description	Spaces/Slots	Price (MCr)
Auto Defense	Computer controls sandcasters, will follow preset instructions	2	2
Threat Monitor	Auto-loads A/E and ECM, changes course away from threats	2	1
Fleet Coordination	Give the flagship control over multiple squadrons in the group	5	10
Squadron Coordination	Give the flagship control over multiple ships in the group	4	8
Spectral Analysis*	Interprets data on astronomical objects	3	4
Mapping*	Uses visual sensors to create topographic maps	2	2
Communications Hub	Allows ship to send, receive and distribute comm traffic on multiple frequencies and modes	3	4
Planetary Survey*	Uses sensors to detect atmosphere and ground composition	3	3

   *  Requires an Instrument package

Scientific Instrument Packages

Classic Traveller leaves the nature of starship's sensors completely to the referee. We can assume that radar is one part of it, and later versions of Traveller specified more exactly what detection gear any give ship may have. With CT, you can handwave that Scout ships can detect rats sneezing on a moon 3 AU's away, while Free Traders can barely detect the pirate ship right in front of them.

 

Can this thing connect to my OneDrive?

On the other hand, specifying what kinds of detection equipment is available to the PCs can build detection and survey into the adventure. Why should every run-of-the-mill scout/courier have high-caliber optics that can read newspapers from orbit? If the PCs want such gear, make it an adventure to find and purchase and install it.

Generally, instrument packages displace from 1 to 5 tons, and cost from 1-100, depending on what you want them to do. Some can be carried in the cargo area and pointed out the cargo bay doors; others must be hard-installed into the ship somewhere.