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Message no. 1
From: Paul Gettle <RunnerPaul@*****.COM>
Subject: [RA:S] ASIST Converter and Datajacks
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 21:42:51 -0500
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A few days back, someone posted a note wondering why there hasn't been
much discussion of Renraku Arcology: Shutdown. Having just gotten my
copy recently (and just having it rebound with the unpublished
chapters on the website added back in, in the proper places) I've
noticed that, in providing errata to the Otaku rules and bringing them
up to the SR3 level, FASA has also tightened up the functioning of the
common Datajack, defining it in terms of what it can't do.

This was done with the introduction of a new piece of equipment called
the ASIST Converter. "An ASIST Converter converts simsense signals
into something understandable to the metahuman brain, and vice versa."
Apparently, this is a standard piece of hardware in most anything
you'd plug into your Datajack, i.e.: "simdecks, cyberdecks and RC
decks". From the way it is described I assume that not only does the
ASIST Converter handle standard ASIST functions such as RAS Override,
it also functions as a Direct Neural Interface, taking commands from
the brain, and processing them into signals that machines would
understand.

This strikes me as a bit of a departure from the Datajacks of old.
Maybe it's just a misconception that I've had from all the way back in
First Edition, but I always thought it was the off-the-shelf Datajack
hardware itself that handled the functions now described as being
performed by the ASIST Converter.

Of course, many of the Datajack tricks that were possible in First
Edition, such as plugging into a Smartgun equipped weapon, and of
course, "Decking Naked" haven't been possible in the game in any of
the subsequent editions. This new piece of equipment simply formalizes
the conceptual change of the Datajack from being the Swiss Army Knife
of headware to being a mere data transfer port.

This does have some repercussions on the game world, especially given
the ubiquitousness of the Datajack in SR society. We now have a
concrete Nuyen price for modifying electronic devices (such as pocket
secretaries, pagers and the like) to be datajack compatable: 50Y, the
price of an ASIST Converter. Also, all Otaku must use ASIST
Converters, or ASIST Converter-modified Datajacks to plug into the
matrix without using a cyberdeck. (Since an ASIST Converter-modified
Datajack doesn't cost any more Essence, and previous material hinted
that the Otaku use specialized Datajacks, this isn't too signifigant a
change.)

For those who would like a Datajack that is a little more than just a
hole in the head, there is the ASIST Converter-modification that can
be added to any Datajack. It doesn't cost any Essence, but the price
is 1000Y, with a street index of 1.5. Essentially, it doubles the
price of the standard Datajack, with an even bigger price increase if
you buy it through the street.

Who would go to the expense to get a Datajack with an ASIST Converter
built in, other than the Otaku? Scientists and technicians who might
need to connect their Datajacks to non-Datajack compatible equipment
for one. BTL addicted chipheads might also find this helpful, though
nearly all Datajack-direct BTLs would already have ASIST Converter
circuitry built in. Finally, even though the days of being able to
connect a cable straight from one's datajack into the networked soykaf
pot to be able to access the matrix are long gone, I can imagine that
non-Otaku deckers would also find this sort of datajack a must-have
item. (Forget the Deep Resonance for a moment, there would also be a
distinct "Deep Geek" appeal.)

Perhaps there should be a houserule giving an intangible, role-play
only, benefit for using an ASIST Converter-Modified Datajack while
connected to a device such as a cyberdeck, or RC deck, that already
has ASIST Converter circutry. No actual game-mechanic bonuses (or
perhaps just a token one) just more vivid colors. The logic behind
this being that a second set of ASIST circuits adds processing power,
much the same way having two 3D Accelerator Cards installed into a PC
can provide better results over just one.

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--
-- Paul Gettle, #970 of 1000 (RunnerPaul@*****.com)
PGP Fingerprint, Key ID:0x48F3AACD (RSA 1024, created 98/06/26)
C260 94B3 6722 6A25 63F8 0690 9EA2 3344
Message no. 2
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: [RA:S] ASIST Converter and Datajacks
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 01:22:21 EST
In a message dated 11/23/1998 9:46:03 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
RunnerPaul@*****.COM writes:

>
> A few days back, someone posted a note wondering why there hasn't been
> much discussion of Renraku Arcology: Shutdown.

That would be me.. :)


>Having just gotten my
> copy recently (and just having it rebound with the unpublished
> chapters on the website added back in, in the proper places) I've
> noticed that, in providing errata to the Otaku rules and bringing them
> up to the SR3 level, FASA has also tightened up the functioning of the
> common Datajack, defining it in terms of what it can't do.

You noticed that too did ya?

> This was done with the introduction of a new piece of equipment called
> the ASIST Converter. "An ASIST Converter converts simsense signals
> into something understandable to the metahuman brain, and vice versa."

And wasn't it just neat as hell to have a definition that was short and
concise enough to do the job?

> Apparently, this is a standard piece of hardware in most anything
> you'd plug into your Datajack, i.e.: "simdecks, cyberdecks and RC
> decks". From the way it is described I assume that not only does the
> ASIST Converter handle standard ASIST functions such as RAS Override,
> it also functions as a Direct Neural Interface, taking commands from
> the brain, and processing them into signals that machines would
> understand.

This is very much correct, in all aspects you are mentioning. At least, IMO
it is.

> This strikes me as a bit of a departure from the Datajacks of old.
> Maybe it's just a misconception that I've had from all the way back in
> First Edition, but I always thought it was the off-the-shelf Datajack
> hardware itself that handled the functions now described as being
> performed by the ASIST Converter.

Not exactly. Remember the basis, non-matrix interface stuff is still
possbible via a standard datajack. Thus, certain mental-oriented commands
could be given to a car, a pocket sec, a smartlink system, with a standard
Datajack.

However, ASIST convertors are also part of the Rigger Protocol stuff as well,
and that raises questions of other kinds to me.

> Of course, many of the Datajack tricks that were possible in First
> Edition, such as plugging into a Smartgun equipped weapon, and of
> course, "Decking Naked" haven't been possible in the game in any of
> the subsequent editions.

Actually, you could always attempt to "Run the Matrix Naked", but it was
always considered absolute suicide as you had protection or programs to do
anything with. Just RAW skill.

>This new piece of equipment simply formalizes
> the conceptual change of the Datajack from being the Swiss Army Knife
> of headware to being a mere data transfer port.

Which is what it should have been all along IMO.

> This does have some repercussions on the game world, especially given
> the ubiquitousness of the Datajack in SR society. We now have a
> concrete Nuyen price for modifying electronic devices (such as pocket
> secretaries, pagers and the like) to be datajack compatable: 50Y, the
> price of an ASIST Converter. Also, all Otaku must use ASIST
> Converters, or ASIST Converter-modified Datajacks to plug into the
> matrix without using a cyberdeck. (Since an ASIST Converter-modified
> Datajack doesn't cost any more Essence, and previous material hinted
> that the Otaku use specialized Datajacks, this isn't too signifigant a
> change.)

Actually, there is something else that Dave Hyatt and his "cohorts" didn't
really put into play with regards to the Otaku in any of their material as far
as I can either recall or find. The ASIST converter is part of of what wasn't
entirely considered.

Reprogramming the Living Persona in a direct manner, but I'll get back to this
idea some other time.

> For those who would like a Datajack that is a little more than just a
> hole in the head, there is the ASIST Converter-modification that can
> be added to any Datajack. It doesn't cost any Essence, but the price
> is 1000Y, with a street index of 1.5. Essentially, it doubles the
> price of the standard Datajack, with an even bigger price increase if
> you buy it through the street.

Yes, which I find really interesting, considering that it would make the Otaku
characters (PC or NPC) really, really, broke as a beginning type for they are
limited as to what they get (monetarily) to buy their beginning equipment
with, regardless of their resources priority allocation.

> Who would go to the expense to get a Datajack with an ASIST Converter
> built in, other than the Otaku? Scientists and technicians who might
> need to connect their Datajacks to non-Datajack compatible equipment
> for one.

This is a good example. But a question comes to my mind then. What exactly
can be made "Datajack Compatible"??? What would you have to do to
"automate a
gun" or "djack a home telecom?"

>BTL addicted chipheads might also find this helpful, though
> nearly all Datajack-direct BTLs would already have ASIST Converter
> circuitry built in.

And in so doing, it does help explain the cost of the chips in some manner or
form. Especially with regards to "One Shot Chips".

>Finally, even though the days of being able to
> connect a cable straight from one's datajack into the networked soykaf
> pot to be able to access the matrix are long gone, I can imagine that
> non-Otaku deckers would also find this sort of datajack a must-have
> item. (Forget the Deep Resonance for a moment, there would also be a
> distinct "Deep Geek" appeal.)

Actually, the idea of using the Networked Coffee Pot could still exist, you
would just have to remember that a "Slave Port" doesn't need ASIST conversion
in the same manner/spectrum as a cyberterminal does (for example).

> Perhaps there should be a houserule giving an intangible, role-play
> only, benefit for using an ASIST Converter-Modified Datajack while
> connected to a device such as a cyberdeck, or RC deck, that already
> has ASIST Converter circutry. No actual game-mechanic bonuses (or
> perhaps just a token one) just more vivid colors. The logic behind
> this being that a second set of ASIST circuits adds processing power,
> much the same way having two 3D Accelerator Cards installed into a PC
> can provide better results over just one.

A nice concept actually, but what if this were to have an actual impact on the
N/PC in question? Especially with regards to Reality Filters and their
related hardware?

-K
Message no. 3
From: Lady Jestyr <jestyr@*******.COM.AU>
Subject: Re: [RA:S] ASIST Converter and Datajacks
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 17:43:01 +1000
>item. (Forget the Deep Resonance for a moment, there would also be a
>distinct "Deep Geek" appeal.)

*rofl*

You have no idea how much I just hurt myself laughing. :-)

"Deep Geek"... *chortle*

Lady Jestyr

- The Australian dream: Football, meat pies and Holden cars. -
- Holdens are American, meat pies are British, and football is stupid. -
- jestyr@*******.com.au URL: http://www.geocities.com/~jestyr -
Message no. 4
From: Paul Gettle <RunnerPaul@*****.COM>
Subject: Re: [RA:S] ASIST Converter and Datajacks
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 12:06:00 -0500
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At 01:22 AM 11/24/98 -0500, K wrote:
>> I've
>> noticed that... <<SNIP>>
>> FASA has also tightened up the functioning of the
>> common Datajack, defining it in terms of what it can't do.
>
>You noticed that too did ya?

Yeppers, mostly because it was a departure from the way I'd been
viewing the SR gameworld up to this point. It turns out though I was
in the minority of SR gamers who had a conception that the datajack
was handier than it really is.


>> "An ASIST Converter converts simsense signals
>> into something understandable to the metahuman brain, and vice
versa."
>
>And wasn't it just neat as hell to have a definition that was short
and
>concise enough to do the job?

Maybe FASA's finally taking our advice and making their rulestexts as
idiot-proof as possible.


<<Snip: ASIST Conv. handling standard ASIST functions and also
functioning as a DNI>>
>This is very much correct, in all aspects you are mentioning. At
least, IMO
>it is.

By taking the ASIST functions and making them the responsibility of
circutry in the machine generating the ASIST, instead of having the
Datajack handle them, this also brings us a step closer to having
working description/rules for a 'trode net. All the 'trode net would
have to do is take the output from an ASIST converter, and direct that
output to the right electrodes to affect the proper part of the brain.


>Not exactly. Remember the basis, non-matrix interface stuff is still
>possbible via a standard datajack. Thus, certain mental-oriented
commands
>could be given to a car, a pocket sec, a smartlink system, with a
standard
>Datajack.

Really? I took the "and vice versa." part of the ASIST Converter's
definition to mean that while you can output signals from the brain
through a datajack, those signals must be translated before they can
become commands that an electronic device understands. Of course, this
translation wouldn't have to be performed by a full set of ASIST
Converter circutry if the device doesn't provide any output or
feedback in ASIST. Depending on how much of the ASIST Converter's cost
covers output and how much covers input, the cost of the input
circutry might very well be negligible, not adding signfigantly to the
cost of the physical jack that you plug the Datajack connector cord
into


>However, ASIST convertors are also part of the Rigger Protocol stuff
as well,
>and that raises questions of other kinds to me.

And these questions are...? :)
Giving the matter some thought, wouldn't a vehicle control rig have to
contain at least some of the functionality of the ASIST converter?
I'll have to go back and read Mr. Setzo's "Man-Machine Interface"
article again.


<<Snip: ASIST Converter-modififed Datajacks costing 2K Nuyen, 2.4K
when bought through the street>>
>Yes, which I find really interesting, considering that it would make
the Otaku
>characters (PC or NPC) really, really, broke as a beginning type for
they are
>limited as to what they get (monetarily) to buy their beginning
equipment
>with, regardless of their resources priority allocation.

I just went back and double checked this. I knew that Otaku were
limited in their starting cred, but I thought they at least got a
standard datajack free. They don't, which throws a wrench into my idea
of letting their "free" datajack be ASIST Converter-modified.


>This is a good example. But a question comes to my mind then. What
exactly
>can be made "Datajack Compatible"??? What would you have to do to
"automate a
>gun" or "djack a home telecom?"

The way I call it, for a piece of equipment to be a candidate for
jacking in, it would have to be computerised or at least somewhat
electronically automated, and be able to accept at least voice input
commands. I figure that if it's at least got a voice interface, then
datajack commands can be routed through the same pathway. Short of
voice input, if the hardware in question at least has a robust
scripting language for automation of its functions, then I'd let it be
datajack adapted.

The actual process would involve getting ASIST Converter circutry (for
simplicity, I'd say the parts cost 50Y, the price of an external ASIST
Converter), and hooking it into the unit in such a way that commands
issued from a datajack can be fed into the machine along its usual
command input path. The Converter circutry would most likely have to
be configured to send commands of the proper protocol or scripting
language, but that should be fairly easy. The hardest part would be
modifying the unit for the plugjack. At most it's some routine to hard
B/R and software rolls.


<<Snip: General Role-Play bonus for Deckers with ASIST Datajacks>>
>A nice concept actually, but what if this were to have an actual
impact on the
>N/PC in question? Especially with regards to Reality Filters and
their
>related hardware?

Say another +1 to Reaction? The only reason that I hesitated to give
an actaul game mechanic bonus for an ASIST Converter on the deck and
one in the Datajack is that it'd become yet another bonus that deckers
can get that Otaku can't.

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--
-- Paul Gettle, #970 of 1000 (RunnerPaul@*****.com)
PGP Fingerprint, Key ID:0x48F3AACD (RSA 1024, created 98/06/26)
C260 94B3 6722 6A25 63F8 0690 9EA2 3344
Message no. 5
From: "D. Ghost" <dghost@****.COM>
Subject: Re: [RA:S] ASIST Converter and Datajacks
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 17:17:37 -0600
On Tue, 24 Nov 1998 12:06:00 -0500 Paul Gettle <RunnerPaul@*****.COM>
writes:
>-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
>At 01:22 AM 11/24/98 -0500, K wrote:
<SNIP>
><<Snip: ASIST Converter-modififed Datajacks costing 2K Nuyen, 2.4K
>when bought through the street>>
>>Yes, which I find really interesting, considering that it would make
the Otaku
>>characters (PC or NPC) really, really, broke as a beginning type for
they are
>>limited as to what they get (monetarily) to buy their beginning
equipment
>>with, regardless of their resources priority allocation.

>I just went back and double checked this. I knew that Otaku were
>limited in their starting cred, but I thought they at least got a
>standard datajack free. They don't, which throws a wrench into my idea
>of letting their "free" datajack be ASIST Converter-modified.
<SNIP>

In VR2.0 they chose an A priority for resource but recieved money for as
if they got a D. Isn't this still true? If it is, then they get 20k to
spend. That leaves them with a bit more to play with than the original
5k from SR2.

--
D. Ghost
(aka Pixel, Tantrum, RuPixel)
"Coffee without caffeine is like sex without the spanking." -- Cupid
re-cur-sion (ri-kur'-zhen) noun. 1. See recursion.

___________________________________________________________________
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Message no. 6
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: [RA:S] ASIST Converter and Datajacks
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 00:59:49 EST
In a message dated 11/24/1998 12:08:13 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
RunnerPaul@*****.COM writes:

> >And wasn't it just neat as hell to have a definition that was short
> and
> >concise enough to do the job?
>
> Maybe FASA's finally taking our advice and making their rulestexts as
> idiot-proof as possible.

Now quit dreaming there Paul... ;P

> >However, ASIST convertors are also part of the Rigger Protocol stuff
> as well,
> >and that raises questions of other kinds to me.
>
> And these questions are...? :)

Define the differences in Rigger Protocols vs. Decker/Matrix Protocols? Oh
sure, we have Jon's article, but something everyone should know is that Jon,
Steve, Dave and Mike M. all do NOT have quite the same opinions of what is
operatable and what is not.

Case Example in Point.

Deus. the Omnipotent, Self-Deified, AI from RA:S. He is directly capable of
operating Matrix and Rigger interface technologies, at the same time. In
fact, he is capable of a LOT of stuff through these protocol barriers that
people simply are not.

I know, everyone will say ... "but it's an AI, and it can do what it wants."
The only problem I have with that statement is part of the base rules for
determining AI potentiation. One of them is the "X Factor". And in the case
of at least one AI's birth, that "X" is the existence of two sets of
(meta)human mentalities interacting within the node's activation phase.

> Giving the matter some thought, wouldn't a vehicle control rig have to
> contain at least some of the functionality of the ASIST converter?
> I'll have to go back and read Mr. Setzo's "Man-Machine Interface"
> article again.

IMO, yes it would, and that is part of where my curiosity starts to take a
leap in potentially obnoxious directions. Within the usage of the
Decker/Rigger is the Protocol Emulations Utility and it's supporting hardware.
IF the ASIST system can be directly programmed into a Datajack, then can other
programming be installed directly/optionally as well? And if so, what kinds
and what are the limits?

> I just went back and double checked this. I knew that Otaku were
> limited in their starting cred, but I thought they at least got a
> standard datajack free. They don't, which throws a wrench into my idea
> of letting their "free" datajack be ASIST Converter-modified.

Actually, something that I mentioned in a previous email is that Dave H. and
the other individuals who worked on this concept didn't seem to express any
finished work on the idea/concept of "Advanced Programming" of the Living
Persona of an Otaku. IMO, the ASIST protocols could be directly programmed
into the LP's internal nature. To me, it would be a kind of "Resonant
Surgery", and for the duration of this reprogramming, absolutely NONE of an
Otaku's abilities are functional.

> <<Snip: General Role-Play bonus for Deckers with ASIST Datajacks>>
> >A nice concept actually, but what if this were to have an actual
> impact on the
> >N/PC in question? Especially with regards to Reality Filters and
> their
> >related hardware?
>
> Say another +1 to Reaction? The only reason that I hesitated to give
> an actaul game mechanic bonus for an ASIST Converter on the deck and
> one in the Datajack is that it'd become yet another bonus that deckers
> can get that Otaku can't.

Actually, given the differences/benefits that the Otaku do have, I personally
do NOT see this as a major problem/obstacle. I would want to keep the Otaku
from completely overruling things. Personally, I LIKED the story concept
where Fastjack is making short work of the "Otaku Upstarts" that are running
loose performing Deus' work for him. I know, he's vastly skilled and (by his
own mentioning now) at least some 60 years old, but it just seems nice to know
that some things can remain above and beyond the reproachfulness of the newer
concepts (Otaku vs. Deckers, Adepts vs. Samurai, Riggers vs. Magicians (in our
games, this last category is immense)).

-K
Message no. 7
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: [RA:S] ASIST Converter and Datajacks
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 01:13:05 EST
In a message dated 11/24/1998 6:26:23 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
dghost@****.COM writes:

>
> In VR2.0 they chose an A priority for resource but recieved money for as
> if they got a D. Isn't this still true? If it is, then they get 20k to
> spend. That leaves them with a bit more to play with than the original
> 5k from SR2.
>
IF that is true, then it would help. I hadn't compared that little fact
before, but I guess I will now.

-K

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