Communications and Countermeasures
| DEVICE | AVAIL | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Bug Scanner (Rating 1-6) | (Rating)R | Rating x100Y |
| Data Tap | 6R | 300Y |
| Headjammer (Rating 1-6) | (Rating)R | Rating x150Y |
| Jammer, Area (Rating 1-6) | (Rating x3)F | Rating x200Y |
| Jammer, Directional (Rating 1-6) | (Rating x2)F | Rating x200Y |
| Micro-Transceiver | 2 | 100Y |
| Tag Eraser | 6R | 450Y |
| White Noise Generator (Rating 1-6) | Rating | Rating x50Y |
Bug scanner: Also called a radio signal scanner, this
device locates and locks in wireless devices within 20
meters. The scanner can also measure a signal’s strength
and pinpoint its location. To operate a bug scanner, roll
Electronic Warfare + Logic [Rating]. A device that is running
silent (like a Stealth tag) can use its Logic + Sleaze
to defend against the scan. If you get any net hits at all,
you find the device.
Wireless: You may substitute the scanner’s Rating for
your Electronic Warfare skill when you use it.
Data Tap: You use this hacking tool by attaching it to
a data cable. Once it’s clamped onto the cable, you can
use it via universal data connector. Any device directly
connected to the data tap also has a direct connection
with the devices on either end of the cable (see Direct
Connections, p. 232 CRB) and vice versa. The tap can be removed
without damaging the cable.
Wireless: The data-tap can be wirelessly commanded
to self-destruct as a Free Action, immediately and
instantly severing the direct connection. This does not
harm the cable.
Headjammer: The headjammer is used by security personnel to neutralize implanted commlinks. When it’s attached to your head (or other body part) and activated, it works in the same way as any other jammer, with its effects limited to you and your augmentations. Removing a headjammer from someone without the proper key requires a Hardware + Logic [Mental] or a Locksmith + Agility [Physical] (8, 1 Complex Action) Extended Test. Removing a Headjammer from yourself without the proper key is an Escape Artist + Agility [Physical] (4) Test, requiring a Complex Action.
Jammer: This device floods the airwaves with electromagnetic
jamming signals to block out wireless and radio
communication. The jammer generates noise equal
to its Device Rating. The area jammer affects a spherical
area—its rating is reduced by 1 for every 5 meters from
the center (similar to the blast rules for grenades). The
directional jammer affects a conical area with a 30-degree
spread—its rating is reduced by 1 for every 20 meters
from the center. The jammer only affects devices
(and personas on those devices) that are within the jamming
area, but it affects all of them. Walls and other obstacles
may prevent the jamming signal from spreading
or reduce its effect (gamemaster’s discretion).
Wireless: You can set your jammer to not interfere
with devices and personas you designate.
Micro-transceiver: This classic short-range communicator
has been favored by professional operatives
since the 2050s. It doesn’t do anything special, it just
lets you communicate by voice with other micro-transceivers
and commlinks that you (and the other person)
choose, within a kilometer. The micro-transceiver consists
of an ear bud and an adhesive subvocal microphone
(p. 439 CRB), both of which are commonly available
in hard-to-spot designs.
Wireless: The micro-transceiver’s range becomes
worldwide.
Tag eraser: This handheld device creates a strong
electromagnetic field perfect for burning out RFID tags
and other unshielded electronics. It is probably strong
enough to destroy a commlink, and you might want to
keep it away from your cyberdeck just in case. When you
bring the eraser within 5 millimeters of an electronic device
and push the button, the device takes 10 boxes of
Matrix damage (resisted normally). The extremely short
range makes it hard to use on targets like vehicles, most
drones, maglocks, and cyberware (and by the time you
open them up to get at the electronics, you’ve already
done plenty of damage). The tag eraser has one charge
but can be fully recharged at a power point in 10 seconds.
Wireless: The tag eraser recharges fully in an hour by
induction.
White noise generator: This device creates a field
of random noise, masking the sounds within its area
and preventing direct audio surveillance. All Perception
Tests to overhear a conversation within (Rating) meters
of a white noise generator receive a negative dice pool
modifier equal to the generator’s Rating. If more than
one generator is in use, only count the highest rating. A
white noise generator is redundant in a noisy environment
(such as a nightclub or a firefight) and does not
help to curtail video surveillance or jam wireless signals.
Wireless: The white noise generator’s effective radius
is tripled.