[Ki_Ryn]

If a character has a comlink and sim module (connected to a datajack), I believe that is enough to fully experience AR and VR. Is it also enough for a smartgun link / image link?

[_Pax_]

A simmodule will only allow you to do VR, not AR.

And when in VR, you ragdoll ... that is, you go limp like a wet noodle.

To use AR, you need an image link - whether it's i your eyes or in your glasses doesn't matter.

To use a smartgun, you need .... a smartlink.  And only a smartlink.

[Lethe]

Even though the rules specifically say that a smartlink requires an image link to display, there should be other logical options. Having an internal commlink (no need for sim module) which you can access via DNI without the need for any extra input or output devices should suffice to have the smartlink work. Maybe pay some extra for the special configuration. And of course last word will have your GM.

[Sichr]

A simmodule will only allow you to do VR, not AR.

Nope.

Sim Module: The sim module is an interface device that controls
the simsense experience. It translates computer signals (simsense data)
into neural signals, allowing the user to directly experience simsense
programs, augmented and virtual reality (Virtual Reality, p. 220). A
sim module must be accessed via trodes or a direct neural interface
(datajack, implanted commlink, etc).
...

[Ki_Ryn]

So with a comlink - sim module - datajack setup, it looks like you can perceive the virtual stuff that would otherwise require cyber eyes/ears or glasses/earbuds etc.. I guess you could also communicate through DNI to the comlink to avoid needing a microphone to subvocalize?

With a sim rig instead of a simple module, I think you could also record info - again acheiving some of the functionality of many cyber eyes/ears without the hardware.

[Sichr]

Well you still need Smartlink implant. I know it is a bit obsolete, since Smartlink function can easily be supplied by software running on your commlink, but this technological developement still has not been made...

[TheNarrator]

Well, I can't speak for the SR4 version, but the SR3 Smartlink included a dedicated Ballistics Co-Processor for calculating the trajectories. Maybe it's like a graphics card that a modern computer needs to run the latest games: trying to do all the calculations on the commlink's main CPU would consume too many clock cycles to function properly while also doing everything else it needs to do. (Perhaps Smartlinks are getting more advanced--and requiring more resources--with each passing year to keep up with the advancing technology.)

[Mirikon]

Smartlink includes a lot of hardcoded targeting data and such. However, a technomancer can thread a smartlink complex form. Of course, they can also thread a simrig complex form, so they're a bit different from regular users to begin with, no?

[Reaver]

For the smart link question, I think mirikon and Narrotor have the giest of it.

To me a smart link is actually 3 pieces of ware coming together.

1: the link in the gun is a dedicated piece of hard/soft ware calibrated to the weapon to provide the absolute best knowledge on the trajectories and ballistics of the weapon.

2: the meat link installed in the person that takes the info from the gun translates it to meaningful input and sends that to ....

3: the visual receptors of the shootist, displaying the projected point of impact on the target inrelation to the position of the gun.


As how a simrig, etc could replace cyber eyes/ears.... Not too sure what you mean here. An implanted commlink would allow you to bypass the subvocialization for sure (and you could probably do a 'sore throat' through thought as well!) Also the input from your implanted comm would allow you to not need cyber eyes/ears to see text messages or hear calls.

But you would still need SOME sort of receptors for any of the nifty things eyes/ears can do.. (flare compensation, thermographic, low light, magnification, etc for eyes. Low range, high range, spatial, dampening,etc for ears)
However, you could just go with headphones and shades with those features built in and the DNI'd to your comm to broadcast.

[Lethe]

So with a comlink - sim module - datajack setup, it looks like you can perceive the virtual stuff that would otherwise require cyber eyes/ears or glasses/earbuds

Not at all, your commlink has no camera.

[hobgoblin]

So with a comlink - sim module - datajack setup, it looks like you can perceive the virtual stuff that would otherwise require cyber eyes/ears or glasses/earbuds

Not at all, your commlink has no camera.

Yes it has (p327-328, SR4A).

[hobgoblin]

As how a simrig, etc could replace cyber eyes/ears.... Not too sure what you mean here. An implanted commlink would allow you to bypass the subvocialization for sure (and you could probably do a 'sore throat' through thought as well!) Also the input from your implanted comm would allow you to not need cyber eyes/ears to see text messages or hear calls.

But you would still need SOME sort of receptors for any of the nifty things eyes/ears can do.. (flare compensation, thermographic, low light, magnification, etc for eyes. Low range, high range, spatial, dampening,etc for ears)
However, you could just go with headphones and shades with those features built in and the DNI'd to your comm to broadcast.

The nifty things come both as cyber-eye/ear addons and as direct implants (or as you say, shades and headphones. I think the basic idea is that a simrig can record all kinds of sensory data for later playback, Even going beyond that to emotions. So a simrig and a comlink could turn the user into a proverbial gargoyle.

The matrix/electronics chapter can be complicated as there is a fair bunch of overlapping gear. I wonder if i should make a stab at showing in what way things overlap somehow.

[hobgoblin]

Ok, i think the following list should mostly cover the permutations available.

Visual recording:
cybereyes, camera (standalone, shades, goggles, contacts), eye recording unit, simrig.

Audio recording:
cyberears, microphone (standalone, earbuds, headset), ear recording unit, simrig.

Olfactory recording:
olfactory booster, simrig.

Taste recording:
taste booster, simrig.

Visual AR:
sim module*, cybereyes, imagelink, shades, goggles, contacts, simrig.

Audio AR:
sim module*, cyberears, headphones, buds, sound link, simrig.

Tactile AR:
sim module*, touch link, AR gloves, simrig.

Olfactory AR:
sim module*, olfactory booster, simrig.

Taste AR:
sim module*, taste booster, simrig.

AR interaction:
sim module*, AR gloves, simrig.

*accessed via either cyberjack or trodes.

[Sichr]

Well, I can't speak for the SR4 version, but the SR3 Smartlink included a dedicated Ballistics Co-Processor for calculating the trajectories. Maybe it's like a graphics card that a modern computer needs to run the latest games: trying to do all the calculations on the commlink's main CPU would consume too many clock cycles to function properly while also doing everything else it needs to do. (Perhaps Smartlinks are getting more advanced--and requiring more resources--with each passing year to keep up with the advancing technology.)

Yu ever heard about TacNet? Compare this kind of software with smartlink. We needed BattleTac unit in 2nd edition, now we have it all in nice SW package. So I really dont think that smartlink calculations are way more complicated than, lets say, running Exploit.

in adition, you alrady have Camera and some hardware in smartgun, so why dont leave the ncessary calculations on this side of the fence... and about how complicated device Smartlink really is...well..it can be integrated into Contact lenses...all inclusive

So with a comlink - sim module - datajack setup, it looks like you can perceive the virtual stuff that would otherwise require cyber eyes/ears or glasses/earbuds

Not at all, your commlink has no camera.

Yes it has (p327-328, SR4A).

Well I guess that implanted commlink has at least some features removed

[hobgoblin]

So with a comlink - sim module - datajack setup, it looks like you can perceive the virtual stuff that would otherwise require cyber eyes/ears or glasses/earbuds

Not at all, your commlink has no camera.

Yes it has (p327-328, SR4A).

Well I guess that implanted commlink has at least some features removed

Oops, missed the part about it being implanted.