Lumicom
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Lumicom, short for superLUMInal COMmunication, alternatively spelled as lumicomm, is a technology used in special communications arrays allowing for communications over both small and large distances. All FTL-capable spacecraft are legally required to be equipped with a Lumicom communications array. Short-range communications are performed using conventional radio waves. Long-range communications are performed using tachyons, these tachyons travel at estimated speeds of 50c - 55c. eliminating noticeable delays at distances shorter than 6 LY.
This guide contains information about both technical aspects of the arrays and the operations of such systems.
Overview of Components[edit | edit source]
Any conventional Lumicom array is divided into two modules - the short-range module and the long-range module. Both modules operate independently from each other.
Communications Control Computer[edit | edit source]
Located in the server room, this computer controls both modules. If the control computer is malfunctioning, direct control of modules is still available from most engineering consoles.
Short-Range Module[edit | edit source]
- Short Range Communications Antenna: An antenna located on the hull or inside an external compartment. Used by the Transceiver.
- Transceiver: Used to transmit radio signals over various frequencies and interpret signals intercepted by the Short Range Communications Antenna. Most transceivers are small enough to be completely replaced in one hour.
- Optical Communications Antenna (OPTICOM): This component uses a laser projector to communicate with spacecraft and facilities over large distances. Optical Communications Antennae are located on external mounts capable of 360-degree rotation.
- IFF Transponder: Separated from the rest of the array. This device transmits the vessel’s IFF information and other identification data. Transponders can be disabled on military vessels, but doing so intentionally on a civilian vessel is strictly prohibited.
Long-Range Module[edit | edit source]
- Capacitor: The amount of power required to project tachyon bursts is significantly higher than transmitting radio waves. This component stores power required to operate the Tachyon Projector.
- Tachyon Projector: This component is used to project tachyon bursts towards the transmission’s target. Projectors are located on external mounts capable of 360-degree rotation.
- Tachyon Antenna: Located on the entire length of a spacecraft’s hull, or inside a large dish, this antenna intercepts incoming tachyon bursts and sends signals to the Translation Computer.
- Translation Computer: This component interprets signals carried in tachyon bursts intercepted by the Tachyon Antenna into usable data and translates data into tachyon signals used by the Tachyon Projector.
Operating a Lumicom Array[edit | edit source]
Lumicom arrays and software are generally user-friendly, meaning that most personnel can operate one without any special training. However, military vessels always employ a Communications Officer responsible for the operation of the array, reporting any problems to maintenance crews, contacting Air Traffic Control, and making reports to superiors.
Short Range Communications[edit | edit source]
In cosmic communications, short-range communications are used to contact spacecraft and facilities inside the star system. At this range, radio signals and laser beams can reach their targets within timeframes smaller than one hour.
Transmitting and receiving radio messages[edit | edit source]
To operate, the radio must have a set frequency. Most Lumicom arrays have pre-programmed channels according to the UN Radio Communications Standards, but manual frequency selection is always available. Those channels include ATC and route information, general communications channels, emergency channels, etc. Channels can be selected on the Lumicom terminal’s channel list and will be clearly described there. It is also possible to establish a private, encrypted communications link with another vessel or facility.
After a frequency is selected and the transceiver finishes tuning, messages can be received and transmitted. Always use the callsign displayed on screen when contacting other vessels or facilities.
Operating the Optical Communications Antenna (OPTICOM)[edit | edit source]
Using the OPTICOM protocol requires a clear path between the sender and recipient. If a clear path is not available, OPTICOM relays in planetary orbits can be used to route messages.
To establish a data link, the transmission recipient’s location must be known. Locating the recipient is usually accomplished by using the vessel’s sensor array, or connecting to the local Lumicom network and requesting the target’s telemetry (target must accept the request, but law enforcement and navy vessels can override this requirement).
After the recipient’s coordinates are loaded into the Lumicom terminal, OPTICOM antennae will attempt to send a handshake message. The Lumicom terminal will send an alert to the Navigation Computer if any maneuvers are required to establish a clear communications line.
After a handshake succeeds, the data link will be established and ready to use.
Long-Range Communications[edit | edit source]
In cosmic communications, long-range communications are used to contact spacecraft and facilities outside of the local star system. At this range, normal communication methods would take very long timeframes to reach transmission targets (upwards of one year).
Note: Loss of information occurs when a tachyon transmission is traveling over very long distances. It is recommended to route transmissions through the Lumicom network instead of projecting direct bursts. Exploration vessels should deploy Lumicom buoys periodically to ensure a safe line of communications.
Receiving tachyon transmissions[edit | edit source]
To receive a tachyon transmission, the Tachyon Antenna must be online. The antenna will intercept any incoming tachyon bursts and send information to the Translation Computer. Received messages can be found in the Lumicom terminal’s INBOX section. Transmissions with mismatched ID keys (directed towards a different recipient) will be automatically projected through the craft’s or facility’s own Tachyon Projector unless power-saving restrictions are in effect.
Sending tachyon transmissions[edit | edit source]
Projecting tachyons requires more power than using any other form of Lumicom communication. Power stored in the Capacitor is used when projecting tachyon bursts. The capacitor automatically charges unless power-saving restrictions are in effect.
Tachyon transmissions are commonly routed through the Lumicom network, especially on large distances, due to potential data loss and the low chances of a direct transmission reaching its target.
To begin transmitting, the target’s ID key must first be loaded into the Lumicom terminal. ID keys ensure the privacy of transmissions by preventing a non-recipient from decrypting the message. A general access ID is also preloaded into all Lumicom arrays, allowing for public transmissions.
After preparing the message and loading an ID, the array will attempt to align its projectors towards the nearest Lumicom buoy or station. If none is found, a wide area burst may be manually plotted.
Note: Wide area bursts are highly inaccurate. They should be used as a last resort means of communication.
The final step is setting the number of burst repetitions. Repeating a tachyon burst increases the chances of the full message being received. Timed bursts can also be set up. The array will automatically project the message when the set time.
Power saving restrictions[edit | edit source]
A Lumicom array’s power usage can be restricted using an engineering console. In the low power mode, the array will not automatically pass on tachyon messages, and the Antenna will be active only during manually set times.