Long range Sonar/ communication devices.

[[VGM] Hilliard]

These are probably far down the pipe, but i've been musing about some quality of life changes that would make it easier to navigate larger scale maps.

The short range sonar used to navigate caves is all well and good, but if the maps are ever going to have multiple subs sailing around them some form of long range comm, or an expanded map on the sub will be needed.

The current system just tags locations and places them on the side of the screen when the aren't in range. This works well when there are few objectives and locations, but as the number of objectives, locations, and active subs increase it becomes hard to read.

I suggest a long range sonar terminal. At the start of the round, it would just show the locations of objectives in the map. The terminal recieves data whenever the sub pings something with its active sonar. As the terminal recieves more data it creates a map of the tunnels the sub has traveled through, and the positions of certain active subs are updated periodically on it.

A comms terminal could also be used to communicate between subs beyond headset range. These would only transmit text or voice messages to channels based on a 2 or 3 digit frequency.

Example: sub A could broadcast a message on frequency 434. Only subs tuned into frequency 434 could hear/read it.

There could also be an emergency channel that all subs hear at all times for distress calls. Subs could also use the comms terminal to broadcast their position. Making their position open to all, limited to subs on certain frequencies, or completely private.

These would also give more worth to fixing beacons. Beacons could provide map data or serve as a communication relay for nearby subs. thus fixing them and taking their data would give captains a reason to fix them other than mere credits.

Do you guys think any of this would be worth adding?

[Captain Bart]

+1

[einstein20202]

Bigger maps and making sonar beacon usefull?!
Always a good idea

[Bloop]

You can make a comm terminal right now with the terminal and a wifi component. Useful if you want to make a shuttle that scouts ahead, stays back, etc. Interesting idea in any case.

[tomacatx1]

you can literally just make a long range sonar as a mod, the XML for the sonar has max range or something like that, its incredibly easy, hell you could port most of the old BTE long range sonar and itll Just Work
proof of concept : https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2797637228