Short Range Radio Jammers

[Skull132]

I think this may have been suggested before, but if it was, then it's so far in the depths of whatever that I really can't be arsed to find it.

Anyways, concept is super simple: for like, 2-3 telecrystals, you can buy a pocketable item that jams all radios and headsets within, say a 7 tile radius. This means both incoming and outgoing messages. You can flick the device on and off, and if it's EMP-d, it'll create horrible disturbance to any headset in range (basically go nuts).

Why do I think this is useful? I think it would create more interesting scenarios for antags to play around with. Want to disable someone without outright killing them, for fear they may stutter out the words, "N-n-u-u-k-e-e o-op-ops" over general comms? Have this device on your person, and active! It may also be used to create deadzones of radio chatter, without the antagonist even being present! Of course, antag headsets would be affected as well, so it's a double-edged sword.

Thoughts, my fair ladies and gents?

[MagnificentMelkior]

I like the idea but I think it should be 3, not 2 crystals because I'd say its about equal, maybe better maybe worse depending on your situation, to a parpen. Also, I don't think EMPing a jammer would cause anything more interesting than it's failure to operate

[DeezyJ]

Even though i never play as a traitor

As a person who saw P-330 radio jamming vehicle "Mandate" in action

I would have appreciated such kind of device

[Nikov]

This might already be seven tiles, but I would make the radio jammer work clear to the limits of line of sight, and only in line of sight. It should not affect intercoms, as these are hard-wired, but should also affect suit sensors, every roleplaying antagonist's least favorite feature.

And I am completely for a low cost of 2 telecrystals. Its a utility item for stealthy traitors, not a weapon or stun. We want to encourage such things. Remember the parapen is a pretty long knockout while this device doesn't stop anyone from running, breaking line of sight, and then screaming.

[Lady_of_Ravens]

Yes please. Make sure it disables PDA messaging, too.

[Guest]

The perfect tool to ensure quiet ganks and mass murder. It's a nifty tool that'll see use by shitters and clever/entertaining antags alike.

[Guest Marlon Phoenix]

It's currently extremely difficult to capture someone alive without disabling communications, because "H-H-H-E-E-L-P B-R-I-D-D-D-G-E MC-R-R-OBUST I-S-S T-R-AI-T-O-R" means I have to go through extreme elaborate lengths such as AI subversion/T-comms subversion, or just murdering you the moment you utter your powergamey plea consistent with GPS coordinates and full physical description of your assailant.

This provides antags with a valuable tool and opens up possibilities for actual antag-capture roleplay instead of having to murder or do your business as fast as possible before sec arrives.

[Skull132]

http://puu.sh/l9yTM/90b060b331.png

Done, also integrated with the scary as shit telecomms code. Basically: it only works on radios which have "Subspace_transmission" set to 1. This means that borg radios, AI radios, bounce radios and intercomms are not affected by the device.

I jus tneed to add it to the uplink, and done. But, that's tomorrow v.v

[jackfractal]

Hmm... I could see a use for an improvised version of this with reduced range for non-potato antags like cultists, lings, and most revolutionaries.

What about two radio signalers tied together with wire, connected to a power-cell? It would only last as long as the cell had power, and would be considerably larger then the smooth syndicate version so you couldn't fit it in a pocket or a box.

I'll do the code if you think this is a good idea.

[Vanagandr]

Hmm... I could see a use for an improvised version of this with reduced range for non-potato antags like cultists, lings, and most revolutionaries.

What about two radio signalers tied together with wire, connected to a power-cell? It would only last as long as the cell had power, and would be considerably larger then the smooth syndicate version so you couldn't fit it in a pocket or a box.

I'll do the code if you think this is a good idea.

It sounds good to me, though it should probably have reasonably quick power drain to give tators a reason to buy the syndie version instead of wiring one up.

[Skull132]

Hmm... I could see a use for an improvised version of this with reduced range for non-potato antags like cultists, lings, and most revolutionaries.

What about two radio signalers tied together with wire, connected to a power-cell? It would only last as long as the cell had power, and would be considerably larger then the smooth syndicate version so you couldn't fit it in a pocket or a box.

I'll do the code if you think this is a good idea.

 

Lemme rejig some of my code real quick to make the range into a variable, so you can just make the improvised version into a child of the original, with a lower range variable (probably like 2, or 3?).

[DeezyJ]

What about station intercoms? This device affects them as well?

[Fire and Glory]

What about station intercoms? This device affects them as well?

 

This means that borg radios, AI radios, bounce radios and intercomms are not affected by the device.

They won't encompass everything, if you somehow scream for help over a bounce radio or intercom then you might have a chance for security coming down to your rescue (though if the antag is honestly going for a capture, I'd view this as a bad thing.), and if a borg comes around, it can report away.

[Skull132]

Code is up on my branch, Jack, if you want to add DIY versions. They also jam PDAs, now.

[jackfractal]

Hey Skull, I am almost finished the improvised versions of these. I've run into a really dumb byond problem and it's too late for me to finish it tonight. I'll polish these off tomorrow early and throw a pull request up to your repo.