Mechanic Question: Computers, Comm Units, and Custom Rig

[Skippman]

OK, I need a ruling here.

Pg 218 states you can upgrade a Comm Unit to a computer by paying 110% of the computers price. So if I'm reading that right I can upgrade a Comm Unit to a Tier II computer for $275 ($250 + 10%). Since my Custom Rig is considered a Comm Unit, I can upgrade it to a Tier II computer for the same cost.

Comm Units are considered a Tier-0 computer for size. If I upgrade to a Tier II computer the bulk increases, so if I take two levels of Miniaturization I can shrink it back down to a Tier-0 size. (20% of $250 = $50).

So to have my Custom Rig as a Tier II computer implanted with a DataJack it would cost the following:

DataJack (Standard) $625
Tier II Computer Mod $325
- $275 for the upgrade
- $50 for the miniaturization
Range II Mod $50
Artificial Personality Mod $25

Total: $1025 Credits

This gives me a DataJack, Comm Unit, Tier II Computer w/ Artificial Personality, and Custom Rig all in my head.

[Red Metal]

Don't forget that at level 6, your custom rig gains the features of a computer with a tier equal to half your mechanic level, as well as a free module which can be Artificial Personality. So if you're okay with waiting a few levels, you'll get all of that except the datajack for free.

[Jimbles the Mediocre]

Core Rulebook > Classes > Mechanic (pg. 69) wrote:

...you can use your custom rig as a Mk 1 comm unit.

Not to nitpick, but a custom rig may not be considered a comm unit (and by extension, a tier 0 computer), it can just be used as a Mk 1 comm unit. From the 7th level mechanic ability Expert rig:

Core Rulebook > Classes > Mechanic (pg. 70) wrote:

Your custom rig has improved ... your custom rig ... has the features of a computer with a tier equal to half your mechanic level with the artificial, hardened, or security I upgrade module. It also has an audio/video recorder. You can add extra modules or countermeasures to your custom rig at the normal prices.

Because there's an ability that specifically calls out adding modules and countermeasures to your custom rig, I'm led to believe you can't add them before gaining this ability. Additionally, the tier of your custom rig is fixed to your mechanic level (and only once you've hit 7th level), so I don't think you can purchase tiers for it at any point. Additionally, there's no mention of custom rigs in the computer section at all.

If I were to guess, I would say that the reason for this is that the custom rig is, well, custom, and built from scratch by every mechanic. Game-wise, it is intended to represent the mechanic's extraordinary skill and ability with technological devices.

I mean, you can still spend 1,025 cr. on a tier II computer with AP and a datajack, but you can't combine it with your custom rig; only one item can fit in your brain system slot.

[racs333]

i dont know if thats correct, becuase the only item in the slot would be the custom rig, it just would have the modules on it, honestly unless the tier 2 upgrade and ap has a size modifier (noted that there is a paid micrnonization) it does say specifically it counts as a comm unit. and id personally treat it as such, again as stated by another, just waiting 6 levels gives you this for free,so its a trade off, particularly at first level .you want to blow 1000 bucks on a fancy head computer or put that money into a mainframe onboard ship for example

[bitrunner]

i would like a ruling on this as well...

also, if you opt for the exocortex for the mechanic, then you wouldn't need the Artificial Personality Mod

[Shinigami02]

Jimbles the Mediocre wrote:

I mean, you can still spend 1,025 cr. on a tier II computer with AP and a datajack, but you can't combine it with your custom rig; only one item can fit in your brain system slot.

Just one quick comment on this part.

Core Rulebook > Classes > Mechanic (pg. 69) wrote:

can be installed as a cybernetic augmentation system in your brain (though it can be combined with a datajack for the same price as installing a datajack normally)

As far as I can tell the Datajack is the only part that would be competing for the slot, since the rest is just computer stuff (which does not typically fit into an augmentation slot unless it's installed on a custom rig.) And it explicitly has an exception allowing it to be installed alongside a Brain Custom Rig.