The vehicle computer, or VC, is a progit-accepting computer designed in the same fashion as a bodycomp, except the VC is mounted in the vehicle's cockpit and linked to all of the vehicle's functions. It has 12 ports and uses the same type of power packs and processor packs as a bodycomp. Usually situated behind the driver' seat in a reinforced case, the VC's controls can be mounted between the front seats, one the dashboard, on the steering wheel, on the roof, or wherever the referee or player wants them. Installation time is three weeks.
The VC can be installed in all vehicles except glijets and floater discs (see the New Vehicles section). Vehicle progits are designed exclusively for use with a vehicle computer. Even the progit types listed here that are defined as identical types to bodycomp progits will perform those functions only when attached to a VC.
VC PROGITS--TYPE A
Audio-Act: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Audio-Act progit.
Comp-Talk: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Comp-Talk progit.
Dis-Viz: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Dis-Viz, except the information is projected onto the windshield.
89 Fuel-Scan: This progit monitors the parabattery's
output vs. use. It conserves energy whenever possible and increases the Range by 25%.
Help-Beam: This progit performs the same functions as a bodycomp Help-Beam progit. It can be linked to a Vehicle-Scan progit for automatic activation. Help-Call: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Help-Call progit. It can be linked to a Vehicle-Scan progit for automatic activation.
Help-Drive: This progit assists the maneuvering mechanism in such a manner as to subtract 30 from the dice roll after the player has lost control of the vehicle and is determining the vehicle's fate on the Control Table.
For example, Ralph attempts a dangerous maneuver and misses his Reaction Speed roll, thus losing control of his vehicle. He rolls a 1d100 for a result of 97. To this he adds his speed per turn, which was 105 kph. Normally the result would have been 202 and Ralph would have been in a spin, but since he had his Help-Drive progit assisting him his final number is actually 202 - 30 = 172, which means Ralph is in a much more favorable skid.
Skid-Hold: This progit coordinates the vehicle's functions in such a manner as to add +20 to the driver's Reaction Speed when performing a Skid Turn.
Turn-Quik: This progit coordinates the vehicle's functions in such a manner as to add a +15 to the driver's Reaction Speed when performing a Short Corner Turn.
War-Bump: This progit coordinates the vehicle's functions in such a manner as to add a +20 to the driver's Reaction Speed when performing or evading a Bumping maneuver.
VC PROGITS--TYPE B
Comm-Link: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Comm-Link progit.
Dis-Map: (Must be used with Dis-Viz.) This progit contains multiple maps. The maps can be for a huge city, a good-sized country, or a small continent. Thousands of different Dis-Map progits are available covering every explored area in the Frontier. The progit can show an overall view of its contents or zoom in on any locale for more specifics. It will show all known roads, streets, forests, navigational hazards, etc.
Holo-Map: (Must be used with Dis-Viz, Dis-Map, and a mini holographic projector.) This progit is a
sophisticated holographic program that enhances the Dis-Map by showing a three-dimensional view of a specific area map. Holo-Map progits also come in thousands of types that will interlink with their Dis- Map counterparts.
Para-Scan: This progit monitors the parabatteries used for non-vehicular functions, such as to power vehicular weapons. It gives a constant update on the status of the system, how many hours are left, etc. If the system is damaged, the Para-Scan gives an indication of the location and extent of the damage.
Plot-Map: (Must be used with Audio-Act, Geological- CAS, and omnoculars.) This progit will automatically map for an individual in much the same manner as a bodycomp Map-Scan progit. The main difference in this progit is the accuracy that the program demands. Consequently, a Geological-CAS is used for precise geological descriptions and omnoculars are necessary for range and height measurements. Prog-Lock: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Prog-Lock progit.
Prog-Switch: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Prog-Switch progit.
Vehicle-Scan: This progit has a full systems check program that can either be set to update the operator every few minutes or hours on the vehicle's condition or can simply wait for activation to perform a vehicle scan. This progit is usually linked to a Comp-Talk progit so the driver need not take his eyes off the road, sky, etc.
VC PROGITS--TYPE C
Crash-Wish: This progit performs in similar fashion to the bodycomp's Death-Wish progit but activates certain mechanisms (such as a Help-Beam progit) upon a crash. The definition of a crash can be outlined by the player character at the time of purchase to be anything from a simple fender bender to a devastating Roll and Burn.
Vehicle-Sight: This progit links to a single fixed mounted vehicle weapon. It acts as a stabilizing device for it. It adds a +2 Column Shift combat modifier when the weapon is fired.
VC PROGITS--TYPE D
Master-Comp: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Master-Comp progit.
Mind-Drive: This progit performs the same function as the bodycomp Mind-Drive progit.
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Mind-Mount: This progit performs the same function as a bodycomp Mind-Mount progit and is used for swivel-mount weapons on vehicles.