From:	shadowrn@*********.com (Christian Casavant)
Subject:	Signal locator rating
Date:	Thu Mar 28 04:35:03 2002

Walter,


> I'm thinking you would use the rating when you're using it as a scanner. The
> last line of the description says, "The device can also be programmed to
> sweep transmission bands for other tracking signals" (SR3 pg 291). Doesn't
> specify any rules for this, but I'd use the ones provided for Scanners,
> bottom of pg 298.

I just had a thought along similiar lines. The rating of the device might also
be explained in slightly less tangible terms. (For example, the concealability
of a signal locator could be derived from it's rating much like a
weapon...Conceability = TN3 + Rating of Device)

A rating 1 locator might have a simple LCD type screen that gives you only
direction of signal. You'ld have to use 2 of them and be in consant comms with
other user to triangulate. It would be the size of a 16 port hub making the
thing difficult to conceal if hand held, but easily hidden under a jacket. (OR it
could be notebook size and you'ld have to hide in the car to use it.)

Rating 2 might give direection and signal strength, giving a rough idea of
distance to target. It might also be able to track 2 independent signals,
overlaying 2 diff colour arrows to illustrate direction, etc. MIght be the size
of an 8 port hub...

Rating 10. Will give you the direction and distance of up to 10 signals, what
they've had for breakfast,and where the closest soykrill noodle bar is. This bad
boy is so small you can stick it in your datajack and it'll rap the information
to you. It also comes in a chameleocase so it can change colours to match your
eyes, and a emoto-detect sensor to match your mood.

Mind you I've always just used the rating of the signal locator to determine
whether it can penetration ECM if there is a jammer of some kind near the
locator, since it's possible to jam both the tracking signal and the signal
locator.

Xian.