[Herr Brackhaus]

Aha, I see. Cool, thanks. I'll update the schematic and edit my post back to where I open the maglock. Keep in mind he won't actually proceed inside if he spotted anything on the inside (which with 6 hits I sure as hell hope nothing avoided my keen eyes ).

[Irn0rchid]

So, with the micro-transceivers, the rules say they can communicate with commlinks, and my assumption was that a commlink with wireless off could still send/receive radio signals with micro-transceivers. If that's not the case, let me know so I can rethink how Hawkeye communicates with the group.

[Herr Brackhaus]

I was always under the impression that a commlink and micro-transceiver could only communicate if both were on the Matrix. Thus, if both had wireless off the micro-transceiver could still communicate with other micro-transceivers, but the commlink would effectively be an expensive paperweight as far as communication goes.

That's just my view, though; I agree that the rules can be read either way. Without micro-transceivers having a special ability (like being able to communicate outside of the Matrix), however, I feel like they don't have much use in the world.

[Irn0rchid]

My understanding of their use was to allow subvocal communications if you don't have headware that can communicate thoughts. IE: If you need Essence 6, it lets you still be part of the team chat.

Commlinks: Even the most basic of them includes AR Matrix browsing capability, multiple telephone and radio modes of real-time talk and text, music players, micro trid-projectors, touchscreen displays, built in high-resolution digital video and still image cameras, image/text and RFID tag scanners, built-in GPS guidance systems, chip players, credstick readers, retractable earbuds, voice-access dialing, textto-speech and speech-to-text technologies, and a shock and water resistant case.

Micro-transciever: It doesn’t do anything special, it just lets you communicate by voice with other micro-transceivers and commlinks that you (and the other person) choose, within a kilometer.

Wireless on the micro-transciever just extends range, RAW.

[Herr Brackhaus]

I'm not entirely convinced; you can buy a subvocal mic for your commlink to get subvocalization, and trodes gives you full DNI.

Given both of those, what role does the micro-transceiver serve if not for a non-Matrix enabled form of communication?

And what's with the "that you (and the other person) choose" stipulation? Is it like pairing Bluetooth devices?

ETA:
For that matter, does that mean a commlink can be used without Matrix access? I feel like the description of commlinks were copy pasted from prior editions without concern for how that could affect the modern implementation.

[Irn0rchid]

Presumably some kind of encryption/channel matching? And a MT would be much less visible than trodes and doesn't require wires from your head and throat going to your commlink in your hand/pocket.

[Herr Brackhaus]

Agreed on the trodes, but your commlink already includes ear buds and as mentioned, you can get just the subvocal mic. This seems like something for the rules and Missions FAQ threads, because now I honestly don't know.

[Irn0rchid]

Would still remove the wires going from earbuds/mic to the commlink, which as a GM I would certainly exploit (make an Agility test to avoid getting your arm wrapped up in the wires and ripping your earbuds out painfully!). But yeah, yet another grey area in the very well thought out and implemented SR5 ruleset!

[Herr Brackhaus]

Nothing in the commlink or subvocal mic entries mentions wires to ear buds and mic

In fact, with the proliferation of wireless I would be shocked if commlink ear buds came with wires.

[Irn0rchid]

If you're not using wires, then you're back to Wireless On, which is the whole thing we're trying to avoid here.

[Herr Brackhaus]

Actually, the commlink entry mentions retractable ear buds, so those are presumably wired. The micro-transceiver definitely wouldn't need wires, as it has to be some form of wireless regardless to function with other micro-transceivers.

I still prefer the interpretation of micro-transceivers being different from commlinks, and commlinks needing Matrix connectivity, simply because this gives the former purpose. If a commlink can perform the same role then they're just kind of pointless, wires or no wires.

[Irn0rchid]

Doesn't matter to me either way, just need to know how we're gonna play it so I can buy a MT with a universal data connector on it if needed, since earbuds ain't gonna work.

[Herr Brackhaus]

Trodes are your friend Posted in the Missions FAQ thread.

[Irn0rchid]

How are you envisioning Trodes working here?

[Jack_Spade]

Trodes are a device - ergo they have a UMC for a cable connection