Freelance Traveller

Scout PAC (Planetary Assistant/Controller

by Mark S. McCabe, Sr.

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2018 issue.

The Scout PAC (“Planetary Assistant/Controller”) was originally conceived of and the initial design based on a “ruggedized” version of the common hand computer. Though useful from the initial release to field scouts, many reported that it lacked some useful capabilities, and some of the built-in functionality was not useful (and in at least one case, reported as obstructive). Over time, the design was refined based on reports from explorers and survey teams, finally resulting in a design with minimal on-board functionality and maximal configurability via add-on/plug-in modules.

TL-C version shown; TL-E version adds two program slots on top edge; TL-A version omits those on bottom edge.The Scout Service has deployed three models of PAC, distinguished by the production Tech Level and the number of add-on modules that can be supported. The Mark I (TL-A, 4 modules) is no longer in active production, and is being replaced by the Mark II (TL-C, 6 modules) and Mark III (TL-E, 8 modules); those that are still functional at time of replacement are generally sold as surplus into the civilian market. The Mark II is still in production, and Mark III is starting to go into wide deployment, but while both can use the modules from the Mark I, modules designed for the Mark II or III cannot be used in the Mark I, and the Mark II cannot use modules designed for the Mark III. Modules replaced by higher-TL versions may be sold as surplus into the civilian market if they are deemed non-sensitive and useful in a civilian context—for example, the chemsniffer and mediscanner modules are often sold into the civilian market; the crypto scrambler and self-destruct are considered “sensitive” and thus not sold; and the nanodetector and neutrino sniffer are viewed as non-useful, and are not generally available to civilians (though they may be sold on specific request).

All three models have the basic input/output capability (touch-sensitive input, microphone, speakers, high-resolution color display), rechargeable battery (24 hours of continuous use), basic security provisions (text password), and an Emergency Position Reporting Beacon (EPRB, estimated broadcast range 25km).

A number of companies produce modules useful to various civilian industries—LSAgri, Ling Standard Production’s agribusiness division, for example, manufactures and sells modules useful for ‘dirt farming’; Johnson/Red Diamond, in the Imperial portion of the Solomani Rim, specializes in medical modules, including interface modules to allow the PAC to control larger medical equipment. Civilian-produced modules conform to the Scout Service’s interface specifications, but are generally not considered sufficiently “ruggedized” for Scout Service purposes; where civilian-designed modules are found to be useful to the Scout Service, a special design/build will be ordered.
 

Author’s Comments on Development

One of the things I do when dealing with science fiction gear is try to bridge the gap between current technology and future technology. One of the most iconic pieces in sci-fi history is the “tricorder” from Star Trek, portrayed as extremely useful device when conducting a personal survey planetside. In the Traveller universe, this item would be exceptionally useful and desired by the IISS (Scout Service).

Today with the advent of the Raspberry Pi™ and other low-cost single-board computers, and noting the popularity of modular programs for children (such as the Innotab™ Learning system) I looked into bridging the gap between the Star Trek level of technology (assuming it to be around TL-H+) and standard Imperium technology (TL-D to TL-F) I came up with the Scout PAC.

I have found this to be a useful tool to use for the Scout and adventurer alike. I find the different combinations to add additional flexibility to those who venture off the ship. Enjoy!