Cyber Communication

Commlink Essence Cost Avail SI Legality 0.30 Rating x 5,000 3/48 h 1 Legal Desc The internal version of a scanner, the commlink is also an accessory for an internal radio transceiver or telephone. On its own, the commlink allows the user to scan ranges of frequencies. Combined with a radio or phone implant, it can simultaneously monitor and access Rating x 2 radio or telephone frequencies. These frequencies are programmable and may be changed, or they can be locked out to reduce audio clutter. The dedicated user can even hold conference calls inside his head. Tridphone reception is voice-only unless the user also has an image link. If the user has a display link, a status report on the monitored frequencies can be displayed in his or her field of vision. Likewise, incoming calls are noted with a small flashing icon. The commlink can be implanted as a package deal with either an internal radio or a telephone; in either case, the Essence Cost of the commlink is halved. Internal Voice Mask Item Essence Cost Avail SI Legality Internal Voice Mask 0.10 Rating x 4,000 6/48 h 1 6P-Q High Frequency Modulator 0.00 8,000 6/48 h 1.25 6P-Q Low Frequency Modulator 0.00 8,000 6/48 h 1.25 6P-Q Desc The internal voice mask creates a resonating frequency that distorts the pitch and timbre of the user's voice and makes it unrecognizable. High- and low-frequency modulator accessories allow the user to "speak" at high or low frequencies that are inaudible to most metahumans. Internal Radio Item Essence Cost Avail SI Legality Two way 0.75 Rating x 2,000 2/24 h .8 Legal Receiver Only 0.40 Rating x 1,000 2/24 h .8 Legal Desc A headware radio can transmit or receive on any frequency, though it can only hold Rating x 2 programmed frequencies in its memory at any one time. The signal quality is rarely as good as a telephone, but the ability to switch bands makes the system more popular with the military or any user expecting active jamming. When transmitting, the user must speak, though he may do so in tones inaudible to those nearby. For the cost- or health-conscious, receiver-only models are available. Subdermal Speakers Essence Cost Avail SI Legality 0.10 650 4/72 h 2 Legal Desc Sound transmitted through subdermal speakers cannot be overheard. Communications headware such as radios and telephones already include such implants; this system's primary stand-alone function is to accommodate datajack-linked communications gear. Subdermal Microphone Essence Cost Avail SI Legality 0.10 850 4/72 h 2 Legal Desc This device allows a user with an implanted radio or phone to communicate without having to talk out loud. Instead, the user subvocalizes. A user with a datajack can connect to an external radio or phone and subvocalize through it as well. Internal Telephone Essence Cost Avail SI Legality 0.50 3,700 3/24 h .9 Legal Desc A headphone allows the user to access the cellular network from his head. This phone is subject to ECM and jamming; for those purposes, it has a Device Rating 2. Tridphone reception is voice-only unless the user also has an image link. Like most telecoms, headware telephones can receive faxes, though only 5 Mp of space is available for memory. Transducer Item Essence Cost Avail SI Legality Internal 0.10 2,000 4/7 d 1.5 Legal External 0.00 1,000 3/72 h 1 Legal Desc The transducer is a device that is wired directly into the brain and translates nonvocalized mental impulses into words and vice versa. An external version of this device also exists, creating the same effect when linked between a datajack and a radio. In addition to being useful for clandestine communications between shadowrunners, the transducer has revolutionized the lives of people who were born unable to vocalize or who have suffered severe damage to their vocal cords. When linked to a radio, telephone or other communications device through either a datajack or a router, the user can send and receive communications without speaking aloud. There is no visible or audible external evidence of this system's use. This unit can also convert spoken words into text for a display link or other linked device. If two characters with transducers connect to each other via datajack , they can effectively communicate mind to mind.