Other Modification Slave Circuit

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A typical beckon call device, with simple controls and hologram projector.​

SLAVE CIRCUIT

AFFILIATION
Free use.

MANUFACTURER
Various.

TYPE
Remote control/automation system.POWER SUPPLY
Shipboard power-plant.

SENSORS
Shipboard sensors.

SIZE
N/A.

COMPOSITION
Various circuit components.

DESCRIPTION​

A "slave circuit" - also known as a "slave rig" - is a common term used to refer to a remote control and/or automation upgrade fitted to a spacecraft or other normally piloted vehicle. Although not the most efficient means of automation, slave circuits are more convenient than an onboard pilot droid for some applications, and are relatively simple to install. Slave circuits are controlled by a device known as a "beckon call," which can be as small as a comlink or as large as a real cockpit, with accompanying levels of sophistication. They often incorporate at least basic flight controls and a holographic monitor to provide a cockpit view of whatever ship or vehicle they are paired with.

Slave circuits have a number of drawbacks compared to an organic pilot or full droid control schemes. Though ships and vehicles can be flown by remote, slave controls are by necessity limited in their functionality. A slave rig is generally fitted to a single command system, often the pilot's main controls and sensor readouts, facilitating flight by remote control; however, this does not allow for the control of other systems, such as weapons. Though they can fly, slave rigged ships generally cannot fight. Due to communication delays between the control unit and the ship, evasive maneuvers are also difficult, leaving slave rigged ships especially vulnerable to hostile actions.

Of note, ships outfitted with any sort of slave rigging are exceptionally vulnerable to being sliced. Though the control signals used to command slave rigged ships are generally encrypted, any slicer worth their security spike with access to a subspace communication system can get in and take control fairly easily. Doing so requires about 2 posting rounds, after which the slicer will take control of whatever ship or vehicle they have sliced into, albeit with the same limitations as normal remote piloting. Hijacked slave rigged ships can be counter-sliced to regain control, although this also takes 2 rounds.

Ships and vehicles not fitted with dedicated slave circuitry can be modified with a temporary improvised circuit, which can be used to control a ship or vehicle for the duration of a thread. Setting up a temporary slave circuit requires 2 posting rounds. A temporary slave circuit can be retained for subsequent threads, but 1 round must be devoted to calibration; this can be done by remote, but requires the same amount of time.

LEGALITY​

Legal. Slave circuits are unrestricted and even common in many parts of the Galaxy. Some starship and speeder dealers offer them as optional extras.

INTENT​

To create a means of remote control for spacecraft and other vehicles.