Notes on Using GURPS Ultra-Tech (4e) in TS: Chapter 1

[lwcamp]

Originally Posted by Phil Masters

* EMP: Not canon in TS; possibly feasible, and of course very handy for use against cybershells (although most military types will have some level of shielding) - but the setting's relatively poor rapid-release energy storage technology once again provides an excuse to keep these out or reduce the effects.

An EMP warhead seems to be TL 8. Interestingly, the way we make EMP warheads provides a method of pulsed power for our lasers while simultaneously explaining why no-one wants to carry the dang things. Basically, to get the very high power electrical pulse needed to drive the microwave antenna to get the EMP, you use a detonating high explosive to do work by shorting out an electromagnet. The same principle could be applied to powering lasers and other goodies - take a length of det cord, coat in in copper, and put it inside a solenoid. To fire the laser, first drive a current through the solenoid, then detonate the det cord. This gives you your surge of electric current to power your beam weapon. Each such cartridge is good for one shot, and is (obviously) non-rechargeable. Now - do you really want to be setting off high explosives like this right next to you in order to fire your nifty laser gun?

Luke