Communication devices in the Star Wars Roleplaying Game are assumed to use the same basic set of frequencies. The primary differences between them lie in range, size, and what kind of data (audio, visual, or holo) they can carry. If two or more communication devices are within range of one another and share a data type, they can communicate.
| Communications Devices | Cost | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Com Scrambler | 6,000 | 10kg |
| Comlink | ||
| Short-Range | 25 | 0.1kg |
| Long-Range | 250 | 1kg |
| Earbud | 200 | — |
| Hands-Free | 150 | 0.1kg |
| Tightbeam | 300 | 0.5kg |
| Holo Converter | 3,000 | 2kg |
| Panic Ring | 300 | — |
| Personal Translator | 2,000 | 0.1kg |
| Pocket scrambler | 400 | 0.5kg |
| Portable Beacon | 1,500 | 6.8kg |
| Signal Wand | 300 | 0.2kg |
| Targeting Beacon | 300 | 0.1kg |
| Vox-box | 200 | 0.1kg |
Com Scrambler
Galaxy at War, page 46.
Cost: 6,000 Weight: 10kg
The com scrambler disrupts enemy communication, but it also scrambles friendly communication. Mounted on a backpack frame, a com scrambler can be carried to the front line and even into enemy territory, where it can be connected to a power source and left behind.
A com scrambler covers a 20-kilometer radius, blanketing the area in powerful white noise that disrupts all comlinks, HoloNet signals, and droid remote receivers within the area. Getting a signal into or out of the affected area requires a Use Computer check against the com scrambler’s default Use Compter +10. This check must be made every minute as the com scrambler’s computer constantly scans and adapts to block any signals it locates.
Comlink
A personal communications tranceiver, the comlink consists of a receiver, a transmitter, and a power source. Comlinks come in a variety of shapes and styles.
Encryption: Any comlink can have hardwired encryption routines (adding +10 to the DC of all Use Computer checks made to intercept your transmission) for ten times the base cost.
Video Capability: A short- or long-range comlink can have video capability (two-dimensional images in addition to audio) for twice the bast cost. Earbud and hands-free comlinks cannot support this feature.
Holo Capability: A short- or long-range comlink can havo holo capability (three-dimensional images in addition to audio) for five times the base cost. Earbud and hands-free comlinks cannot support this feature.
Comlink, Short-Range
Saga Edition Core Rulebook, page 134.
Cost: 25 Weight: 0.1
Short-range comlinks have a range of 50 kilometers or low orbit, and they can be built into helmets and armor; for example, stormtrooper armor includes a helmet equipped with a short-range comlink.
Comlink, Long-Range
Saga Edition Core Rulebook, page 134.
Cost: 250 Weight: 1
A long-range comlink hasa arange of 200 kilometers or high orbit, and it requires a backback-sized comset. For double the cost, a long-range comlink can be miniaturized to a wrist-sized unit.
Comlink, Earbud
Galaxy of Intrigue, page 66.
Cost: 200
The earbud comlink is a tiny comlink fitted for the wearer’s ear, allowing unobtrusive private communication for anyone needing to be discreet—ambassadors, card cheats, and spies, for example. The earbud comlink’s size, shape, and color give the wearer a +5 equipment bonus to Deception checks for the purpose of hiding its presence. The earbud com link can be programmed to initiate or receive a transmission when the wearer touches his or her ear or even clicks or grinds his or her teeth. Because of its minute size, the earbud has the same range as a short-range com link—50 kilometers or low orbit, but does not have video or holo capability.
Comlink, Hands-Free
Legacy Era Campaign Guide, page 65.
Cost: 150 Weight: 0.1
The hands-free comlink is a convenient device often used by beings working under conditions where both hands are needed to perform a task. This comlink consists of several linked sound-absorbing pads, placed on the fae of the user and connected to an earpiece. When the wearer speaks, the sound-absorbing pads transmit the speech; additionally, the comlink can be adjusted to pick up only the faintest of whispers, allowing the wearer to use the comlink to communicate quietly when stealth is important.
A hands-free comlink functions as a short-range comlink, but does not have video or holo capability.
Lore Note: Morrigan Corde frequently uses hands-free comlink.
Comlink, Tightbeam
Legacy Era Campaign Guide, page 46.
Cost: 300 Weight: 0.5
A tightbeam comlink is a simple add-on for any comlink or tranceiver. It is worn on a helmet or headpiece and uses special lasers to send and receive encrypted messages from another individual also equipped with a tightbeam comlink. Soldiers use the tightbeam comlink to ensure that messages are not intercepted on the battlefield. The two characters must be in line of sight with each other, but the tightbeam comlink ignores penalties due to darkness, smoke, or other atmospheric conditions.
Communications scanners and other passive methods of interception cannot pick up tightbeam comlink message, unless the interceptor is directly in the path between individuals using these devices.
Holo Converter
Galaxy of Intrigue, page 66.
Cost: 3,000 Weight: 2kg
This small, blocky device is attached to a holographic projector and uses powerful algorithms to alter the outgoing signal, modifying the images and sounds received on the other end so that the user’s apperance and voice are disguised. The holo converter can even disguise the user’s gender and species. Preset with up to 10 different personae, complete with rotating wardrobe, the holo converter grants a +5 equipment bonus to Deception checks for the purposes of making the receiver believe that the user is another person.
Panic Ring
Galaxy of Intrigue, page 66.
Cost: 300
Despite the name, this device is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, the most common being a large, ornamental ring. Diplomats, wealthy CEOs, and anyone who fears kidnapping or ambush wear panic rings. A secret catch (DC 25 Perception check) reveals a small button that, when pressed, releases an encrypted emergency signal. This signals has a range of 100 kilometers and continually broadcasts a preset signal—usually “wearer in dagner”—to local law enforcement, personal security, ot any other group designated by the wearer. Changing this signal requires a DC 25 Mechanics check, and failure by 5 or more activates the panic ring.
Personal Translator
Unknown Regions, page 41.
Cost: 2,000 Weight: 0.1
Drawing from the success of many protocol droids, the designers at Cybot Galactica codense the translating abilities of a 3PO unit into a tiny shell that can be worn around a person’s neck or carried in a pocket. Thus, a person can carry a presonal translator unit anywhere without having to rely on a protocol droid. The universal translator can translate verbal communications in the owner’s language and up to three other languages of the owner’s hoosing. The device operates at the level of a DC 10 droid translator unit. The translator has no photoreceptors or appendages, so it is not able to interpret nonverbal forms of communication such as sign language.
Pocket Scrambler
Saga Edition Core Rulebook, page 134.
Cost: 400 Weight: 0.5
This is a simple add-on device that can be attached to any normal communications device, such as a comlink and more advanced tranceivers. The pocket scrambler automatically encodes any outgoing messsage so that it can be read only by a communications device equipped with a linked pocket scrambler. Anyone who intercepts the scrambled message must make a DC 30 Use Computer check to decrypt it.
Portable Beacon
Unknown Regions, page 41.
Cost: 1,500 Weight: 6.8
Portable beacons do nothing more than transmit signals that can be receved only by sensors. A single beacon is about 1 meter long. One end is pointed, making the beacon easy to embed in the ground, but a beacon also features a built-in tripod, enabling the beacon to be set up on a hard, flat surface. Able to transmit a signal to a range of 10,000km from a planet’s surface, a portable beacon is commonly used to mark the location of a safe landing zone. However, a beacon can be reprogrammed to broadcast a warning or a distress signal by connecting it to a datapad and succeeding on a DC 10 Use Computer check.
Signal Wand
Unknown Regions, page 42.
Cost: 300 Weight: 0.2
The signal wand is a 0.25-meter-long stick that has multiple functions. One of its most popular featues is its orbital-range broadband comlink, which can transmit a tight-beam signal well beyond a planet’s gravity well. If the wand is connected to a more powerful energy source, the tight-beam signal can travel through subpace to reach interstellar distances. However, the user mus know exactly where to point the wand to ensure the beam is on target. The wand also has a red external light that can be used to transmit signals, such as Mon Calamari blink code.
Targeting Beacon
Galaxy at War, page 46.
Cost: 300 Weight: 0.1kg
Soldiers use targeting beacons for a variety of purposes, such as calling in medical ships to evacuate wounded personnel and for establishing hot zones for artillery bombardments. The cylindrical beacon has a magnetic bottom for attachment to a vehicle or building, plus an expanding spike for firm anchoring in the ground. the targeting beacon is topped with a large light, which can emit a pulse of visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light. The light can be tuned to a specific frequency so that allies who know the proper setting can spot it from a distance without alerting the enemy.
Modifying the targeting beacon’s frequency requires a DC 10 Mechanics check. In clear waether and with unimpeded line of sight, a targeting beacon’s pulse of cisible light can be seen up to 2 kilometers away.
Vox-Box
Saga Edition Core Rulebook, page 134.
Cost: 200 Weight: 0.1kg
A vox-box is a simple audio playback unit with 12 preprogrammed phrases in Basic (“Yes.” “No.” “Maybe.” “Greetings.” “Go away.” “How much?” “Please take me to someone with authority.” “I understand.” “I need assistance.” “I can help you.” “I mean no harm.” “I am hungry.”), each with its own button. These devices are useful to races that understand Basic but can’t speak it (such as Gamorreans and Wookiees. Devices that speak these phrases in other languages also exist.
Altering one or more of a vox-box’s preprogrammed phrases requires a DC Use Computer check.