N&SS update
Microchip Technology Skill Program
There has been a technological revolution in the latter part of the twentieth century, and the main result is the widespread production and distribution of microchips. A vast number of things can now be built using very small (about '/4 inch by '/4 inch by Viz inch), very cheap (from $.50 to $50), microchips. Not only can powerful sensors and electronics be concentrated, it's also possible to give just about any device a certain amount of "smarts." That is, enough computer power to be programmed to act automatically. One important point; Microchip gizmoteers can make the devices, but they don't necessarily know how to program them. For example, an item can have a speech synthesizer built-in, but without someone with the Computer Hacker Skill Program or Computer Programming Skill, it can not be programmed to say anything.
Microchip devices can be made as separate items, or microchips can be built into other items. Here's a list of possible
microchips to use.
The Use of Microchips
1. Altitude Encoder Chip—Automatically senses the altitude or distance, in feet or meters, above sea level. Cost: $20.
2. Audio Sensor Chip — A micro-sized microphone. Used to pick up sounds within 10ft (3m) and convert them into a digital electric signal. Cost: $42.
3. Cipher-Cryptographic Chip — Used to turn any device into a scrambler. Must be used in pairs, each with identical program settings. Cost: $28.
4. Detonator Chips — Can be used as an electronic detonator with any explosive (volatile or non-volatile), or as a self-destruct device, since it will destroy any other chips and electronics
within 2 inches. Cost: $15.
5. Display Chip — On the top of the chip is either an LED (red Light Emitting Diode) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Diode) that can be used to display a single character (a, A, 1, ?, #,
etc.). Obviously, a bank of them are needed to display words
and sentences. Cost: $2.
6. Display Controller Chip—When hooked up to a television or monitor, this chip allows a full screen of text or graphics to be displayed. Cost: $36.
7. Flow Detection Chip — Designed for either an air or liquid environment. The chip automatically measures the rate of flow of whatever medium it's designed for. For example, in the air it can measure the speed of a vehicle relative to airspeed in feet per seconds, or miles per hour. Cost: $18.
8. Gas Analysis Chip — This advanced chip measures the molecules in the air around it, automatically signalling the presence of certain compounds. Another way to think of it, is as a "sniffer" chip. . . sort of an automatic nose. Cost: $50.
9. Gyro-Compass Chip — Automatically senses magnetic north and orientation relative to the ground. For example, the chip would report that it is pointing 30 degrees east of magnetic
north, pointing up at a forty-five degree angle, and that it is tilted about 15 degrees clockwise from flat ground. Cost: $45.
10. Image Sensing Chip — The chip automatically senses the degree of light it is receiving, including color and intensity. This is often used at the receiving end of a light barrier, since
any interruption of the light is sensed by the chip. Cost: $10.
11. Infrared Sensing Chip — Senses heat energy and basically acts like a thermometer. Transmits the current temperature as Fahrenheit or Centigrade. Can also be used as an alarm
sensor in one of two ways. Either a n infrared projector canbe installed, so any motion in the area will disrupt the signal (as a commercial motion detector), or, in a relatively cold,
still room, the sensor will be triggered whenever there is a change in temperature, such as when a warm, human body enters. Cost: $12.
12. Laser Microchip — Although too low- powered to be used as a weapon, this micro-sized laser, with a beam too small to see, can be very useful. For laser communications it has
a range of 300ft (91.5m) or, using optical communications fiber, virtually an unlimited range. It can also be used as the transmitting end of a light barrier. Cost: $84.
13. Math Chip — Used for ultrafast calculations. Can also be built into any object to provide the same functions as a hand-held calculator. Cost: $5.
14. Memory Chip — Nothing more than storage for simply numerical or text data. Each chip holds about as much information as 20000 typed pages, or enough digital audio signal data for a 100 minute sound recording, or sufficient digital images, for 40 photographic-high quality images or 10 minute's worth of standard video recording. The memory chips can be installed in series for more storage.
There are three (3) kinds. Normal RAM ($.75 each) can retain the information for only as long as they are powered; when the power goes off (the battery dies or the plug is unplugged), all the data is lost. The second kind are EPRAM ($1.50 each), which are permanent. They are not power-sensitive, but they can only be recorded on once, and they can not be erased. Finally, there's the BRAM (thumb drive) ($5 each), which can be recorded on and rerecorded on, but keeps memory safe, even when the power is down.
15. Microcomputer Chip—An entire microcomputer has been placed on this chip. It's capable of handling complex programs (see Computer Hacking Skill Program) and can control up to 50 other microchips without slowing down. Each program, and each microchip, controlled by the Microcomputer requires a certain amount of memory; at least one memory chip per 5 programs, and one memory chip for each 5 chips that's going to be controlled by the microcomputer. Cost: $80. Can be wired in parallel for more computing power.
16. telephone Chip — Effectively, this is a telephone on a chip. It can make the right noises for dialing and connecting with cell phone networks Cost: $50.
17. Navigation Chip — Some chips have been permanently programmed with maps of the earth's surface. Usually these cover about 50 square miles, or the streets of one city, or all
the highways in a country, or the topography (hills, streams and inclines) of a 10 square mile area (16km). Must be either displayed on a monitor or used with a computer and some
sophisticated optical scanning. Cost: $40.
18. Optical Sensing Chips —basicly micro camera come in different qualities. Cost: $60 each megapixel.
19. Pressure Sensor — Used to automatically record the pressure while immersed in a liquid. In a fuel tank it can be used to measure the amount of fluid left. A diver could use a pressure sensor to determine the exact depth underwater. Cost: $9.
20. Radar Distance Measure Chip — An entire radar device on a chip. It can, without assistance, send out radar beams, record any echoes, and calculate the exact distance of any objects within 50ft (15.2m). Using more powerful radio components as "boosters," its range can be extended further. Cost: $100.
21. Radiation Detection Chip — Acting as a miniature Geiger counter, this chip automatically reports the current level of radiation in an area. Cost: $22.
22. Radio Emitting Chip — A radio transmitter on a chip.Generates and transmits a clear radio signal. It has a range of about 1,000ft (305m), but this can be increased with more powerful radio components. Cost: $82.
23. Radio Receiving Chip — Used to pick up radio or television signals. Must be hooked up to a speaker or synthesizer in order for characters to actually hear anything. Can be tuned to any frequency. Also "digitizes" any incoming signals so that they can be stored in memory chips or analyzed by computer.
Cost: $35.
24. Synthesizer Chip — Generates artificial or recorded sounds. This can include speech, music or computer signals. Volume is very low, and it cannot be heard from more than 2ft (0.6m) away without some kind of amplifier or speaker. Can transmit directly through a telephone line without amplification.
Cost: $25.
25. Time/Date Chip — Works like a combination clock/calendar, constantly showing the time and date. Accurate to 10.000th of a second. Cost: $3.
26. Transponder Chip — This "tuned" chip resonates, or responds, only to particular radio or sound frequencies. Often used in secret bugs where radio silence is needed. The device
sits quietly until it "hears" the proper signal, and only then does it start transmitting. Also useful in direction finding devices where a character might point a transmitter in every direction until the transponder responds. Cost: $45.
27. Ultrasonic Transducer Chip — Used to transmit ultrasound signals. It can also be used to shatter glass, and other fragile objects a few feet away; although the tuning procedure may take 3D6 melee rounds, and amplification may be required to make the signal strong enough. Cost: $29.
28. WIFI, chip, allows connection to wifi signals and hotspots, cost $20
29. lcd touch screens allows display and input of data measured in inchs diagonally across the face 25$ per inch
30. Button chip, use as a button/switch or in large group of make a keyboard, 2$ each
There has been a technological revolution in the latter part of the twentieth century, and the main result is the widespread production and distribution of microchips. A vast number of things can now be built using very small (about '/4 inch by '/4 inch by Viz inch), very cheap (from $.50 to $50), microchips. Not only can powerful sensors and electronics be concentrated, it's also possible to give just about any device a certain amount of "smarts." That is, enough computer power to be programmed to act automatically. One important point; Microchip gizmoteers can make the devices, but they don't necessarily know how to program them. For example, an item can have a speech synthesizer built-in, but without someone with the Computer Hacker Skill Program or Computer Programming Skill, it can not be programmed to say anything.
Microchip devices can be made as separate items, or microchips can be built into other items. Here's a list of possible
microchips to use.
The Use of Microchips
1. Altitude Encoder Chip—Automatically senses the altitude or distance, in feet or meters, above sea level. Cost: $20.
2. Audio Sensor Chip — A micro-sized microphone. Used to pick up sounds within 10ft (3m) and convert them into a digital electric signal. Cost: $42.
3. Cipher-Cryptographic Chip — Used to turn any device into a scrambler. Must be used in pairs, each with identical program settings. Cost: $28.
4. Detonator Chips — Can be used as an electronic detonator with any explosive (volatile or non-volatile), or as a self-destruct device, since it will destroy any other chips and electronics
within 2 inches. Cost: $15.
5. Display Chip — On the top of the chip is either an LED (red Light Emitting Diode) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Diode) that can be used to display a single character (a, A, 1, ?, #,
etc.). Obviously, a bank of them are needed to display words
and sentences. Cost: $2.
6. Display Controller Chip—When hooked up to a television or monitor, this chip allows a full screen of text or graphics to be displayed. Cost: $36.
7. Flow Detection Chip — Designed for either an air or liquid environment. The chip automatically measures the rate of flow of whatever medium it's designed for. For example, in the air it can measure the speed of a vehicle relative to airspeed in feet per seconds, or miles per hour. Cost: $18.
8. Gas Analysis Chip — This advanced chip measures the molecules in the air around it, automatically signalling the presence of certain compounds. Another way to think of it, is as a "sniffer" chip. . . sort of an automatic nose. Cost: $50.
9. Gyro-Compass Chip — Automatically senses magnetic north and orientation relative to the ground. For example, the chip would report that it is pointing 30 degrees east of magnetic
north, pointing up at a forty-five degree angle, and that it is tilted about 15 degrees clockwise from flat ground. Cost: $45.
10. Image Sensing Chip — The chip automatically senses the degree of light it is receiving, including color and intensity. This is often used at the receiving end of a light barrier, since
any interruption of the light is sensed by the chip. Cost: $10.
11. Infrared Sensing Chip — Senses heat energy and basically acts like a thermometer. Transmits the current temperature as Fahrenheit or Centigrade. Can also be used as an alarm
sensor in one of two ways. Either a n infrared projector canbe installed, so any motion in the area will disrupt the signal (as a commercial motion detector), or, in a relatively cold,
still room, the sensor will be triggered whenever there is a change in temperature, such as when a warm, human body enters. Cost: $12.
12. Laser Microchip — Although too low- powered to be used as a weapon, this micro-sized laser, with a beam too small to see, can be very useful. For laser communications it has
a range of 300ft (91.5m) or, using optical communications fiber, virtually an unlimited range. It can also be used as the transmitting end of a light barrier. Cost: $84.
13. Math Chip — Used for ultrafast calculations. Can also be built into any object to provide the same functions as a hand-held calculator. Cost: $5.
14. Memory Chip — Nothing more than storage for simply numerical or text data. Each chip holds about as much information as 20000 typed pages, or enough digital audio signal data for a 100 minute sound recording, or sufficient digital images, for 40 photographic-high quality images or 10 minute's worth of standard video recording. The memory chips can be installed in series for more storage.
There are three (3) kinds. Normal RAM ($.75 each) can retain the information for only as long as they are powered; when the power goes off (the battery dies or the plug is unplugged), all the data is lost. The second kind are EPRAM ($1.50 each), which are permanent. They are not power-sensitive, but they can only be recorded on once, and they can not be erased. Finally, there's the BRAM (thumb drive) ($5 each), which can be recorded on and rerecorded on, but keeps memory safe, even when the power is down.
15. Microcomputer Chip—An entire microcomputer has been placed on this chip. It's capable of handling complex programs (see Computer Hacking Skill Program) and can control up to 50 other microchips without slowing down. Each program, and each microchip, controlled by the Microcomputer requires a certain amount of memory; at least one memory chip per 5 programs, and one memory chip for each 5 chips that's going to be controlled by the microcomputer. Cost: $80. Can be wired in parallel for more computing power.
16. telephone Chip — Effectively, this is a telephone on a chip. It can make the right noises for dialing and connecting with cell phone networks Cost: $50.
17. Navigation Chip — Some chips have been permanently programmed with maps of the earth's surface. Usually these cover about 50 square miles, or the streets of one city, or all
the highways in a country, or the topography (hills, streams and inclines) of a 10 square mile area (16km). Must be either displayed on a monitor or used with a computer and some
sophisticated optical scanning. Cost: $40.
18. Optical Sensing Chips —basicly micro camera come in different qualities. Cost: $60 each megapixel.
19. Pressure Sensor — Used to automatically record the pressure while immersed in a liquid. In a fuel tank it can be used to measure the amount of fluid left. A diver could use a pressure sensor to determine the exact depth underwater. Cost: $9.
20. Radar Distance Measure Chip — An entire radar device on a chip. It can, without assistance, send out radar beams, record any echoes, and calculate the exact distance of any objects within 50ft (15.2m). Using more powerful radio components as "boosters," its range can be extended further. Cost: $100.
21. Radiation Detection Chip — Acting as a miniature Geiger counter, this chip automatically reports the current level of radiation in an area. Cost: $22.
22. Radio Emitting Chip — A radio transmitter on a chip.Generates and transmits a clear radio signal. It has a range of about 1,000ft (305m), but this can be increased with more powerful radio components. Cost: $82.
23. Radio Receiving Chip — Used to pick up radio or television signals. Must be hooked up to a speaker or synthesizer in order for characters to actually hear anything. Can be tuned to any frequency. Also "digitizes" any incoming signals so that they can be stored in memory chips or analyzed by computer.
Cost: $35.
24. Synthesizer Chip — Generates artificial or recorded sounds. This can include speech, music or computer signals. Volume is very low, and it cannot be heard from more than 2ft (0.6m) away without some kind of amplifier or speaker. Can transmit directly through a telephone line without amplification.
Cost: $25.
25. Time/Date Chip — Works like a combination clock/calendar, constantly showing the time and date. Accurate to 10.000th of a second. Cost: $3.
26. Transponder Chip — This "tuned" chip resonates, or responds, only to particular radio or sound frequencies. Often used in secret bugs where radio silence is needed. The device
sits quietly until it "hears" the proper signal, and only then does it start transmitting. Also useful in direction finding devices where a character might point a transmitter in every direction until the transponder responds. Cost: $45.
27. Ultrasonic Transducer Chip — Used to transmit ultrasound signals. It can also be used to shatter glass, and other fragile objects a few feet away; although the tuning procedure may take 3D6 melee rounds, and amplification may be required to make the signal strong enough. Cost: $29.
28. WIFI, chip, allows connection to wifi signals and hotspots, cost $20
29. lcd touch screens allows display and input of data measured in inchs diagonally across the face 25$ per inch
30. Button chip, use as a button/switch or in large group of make a keyboard, 2$ each