Sandy Browne, Fri September 2nd 2011 8:03pm
Newsletter - September 2011
=EDITOR'S NOTES=
Welcome to the September 2011 issue of the FNN Newsletter. The features included are:
IN THE SPOTLIGHT - A series of interviews focusing on each of the Fleet's simulations, this month the USS Hyperion.
TRIVIA QUESTIONS - How well do you really know your Trek?
ARTICLE - A brief history of Trek Computers
BOOK REVIEW - Renegade (Star Trek TOS #55)
SPECIAL - Every month this section will bring you a link to a comics, a video, an article or a website.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome at
fnn.sixth-fleet.com
RAdm. Sandy Browne
Adm. Kreg Asay
Co-Editors, FNN
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=IN THE SPOTLIGHT=
Interview conducted for FNN by Sandy Browne
Today we give you the USS Hyperion-F, a Sovereign class starship recently come under command of GM Piotr Mierzejewski, aka Commodore Ambler Furry.
FNN: Piotr, how do you like to introduce yourself around the simming community?
Piotr: I'm the guy who created Ambler Furry, all round nice guy and general nuisance. Other than that, what else is there to add. I'm a wheelchair using Pole and living in the deepish south of New Zealand, who who has recently gotten lucky and found an online publisher in the form of e-Quill Publishing (linked through here http://www.equillpublishing.com/piotr-mierzejewski/).
FNN: Your character has been seen in many places, his life history runs throughout your own simming history. When did you create Ambler Furry and where do you see him going?
Piotr: Ambler... Ambler. He's exactly 11 years old, having been the very first character I created when I joined Tango Fleet back in the day, joining the original Avalon before its transformation into the Arizona under the command of Michael Crowley. He started of as an enlisted man, who had the misfortune to end up mustanged to officer country before I briefly served as Arizona's second officer. I used him for all my major simming experiences, only deviating away briefly from him with minor characters when joining others.
Ambler had now switched his commission to Commodore, having been promoted to Brigadier while in the Marine Corps, so as to take charge of the Hyperion-F.
As for his future?
I'm not sure to be honest. A part of me wouldn't mind seeing him continue in-game all the way to Admiral, but that may require policy change for Sixth Fleet.
FNN: You recently took command of the USS Hyperion. What plans do you have in the making for her?
Piotr: My plans are to carry on with what Charles Jenkinson was doing, which was to provide a good simming environment for everyone. We're also going to be joining our fellow Task Force simulations in the Hurucan Sector of space, with Dave Patterson agreeing to portray himself as the taskforce advisor and sector commander within the Hyperion folklore. Equally, and depending entirely on Paddy, Mark and the rest of the gang, I'd like to explore not only the traditional aspects of Star Trek; such as first contact missions and spreading Federation influence across the sector, but also other elements. As you know, I commanded a couple of unique simulations in the past, which is what I'd like to bring into the Hyperion - while keeping things traditional. But yeah, expect Section 31 to rare their ugly head again and some of Furry's enemies and friends making an appearance as well.
Having said that, I'll be hoping to do one or two joint missions and ask the crew for suggestions as well. So am excited, as it's been awhile since I last commanded.
FNN: Are you currently in mission?
Piotr: Yes, just started. It's a simple escort assignment, where the Hyperion-F is going to her new area of operations. Of course, things are going to get complicated with a murder... Yeah, I said too much already. If you are all interested, please feel free to join the game ~_^
FNN: The Hyperion was once, depending on times, an Excelsior, a Nebula, a Galaxy and a Vincent class created after the Sovereign. The Hyperion-F is a Sovereign-class. What do you like about the class? Are
you considering changing it?
Piotr: I actually am a fan of the Intrepid class, and also liked the Galaxy class. Sovereign is nice because it is a battleship, which will suit Ambler's temperament just nicely. If there will be a class change however, I'd rather also go with a new ship name as well. Not that I have any plans to change anything, and it'll depend on the crew.
FNN: Thank you for your time and answers, Piotr. We at FNN will look forward to all the news from the USS Hyperion in coming times. Happy simming!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=TRIVIA QUESTIONS=
Trivia is composed of 5 questions. Everyone is invited to send their answers to the Editors, and those who get the most correct will be mentioned in the next issue (along with the answers)!
Previous Answers:
1. Constellation
2. Vaal
3. The installation of their new Astrometrics Lab (prevents the entire timeline)
4. Zefram Cochrane High
5. Dr. Lewis Zimmerman
Correct submissions:
Question 3 proved to be tricky. All submitted replies were that Voyager rammed the Krenim ship - which ended (or corrected) the timeline, but the Astrometrics lab prevented the timeline from happening at all.
*COMO Mark Hyacinth (4 out of 5)
*LCDR Mallory Jones (4 out of 5)
*(rank?) Russell Elsom (4 out of 5)
This month's Questions:
1. What was Dr. McCoy's first name?
2. What TOS episode had two of William Shatner's daughters as extras?
3. What was Uhura's (Nichelle Nichols) last "Trek" appearance?
4. How many ships does it take to create a Tholian Web?
5. What TOS race was bi-colored (black/white)?
Submit your answers by emailing the editors at:
fnn@sixth-fleet.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=ARTICLE=
History of Star Trek Computers
"It's the computers - and everything they make possible - that make Star Trek seem like a show about the future, our future." -(The Computers of Star Trek).
Star Trek's Computers are easily recognizable to us as a futuristic extension of what we currently use, and as the quote above indicates; for some people that is what makes it popular - it's a much more plausible future for humankind than some other Sci-Fi shows portray.
First Generation Computers
The first computers were created during World War II, essentially they were massive machines that consisted of "on/off" switches in the form of Vacuum Tubes. The combinations of switches represented numbers, and those numbers were used to solve various complex routine math problems. Every time a new problem was calculated the switches had to be changed. These first computers contained hundreds or sometimes thousands of Vacuum Tubes, and as such required a large space and huge energy supply. The ENIAC computer created in 1946 contained over 18,000 Vacuum Tubes, 70,000 resistors, and used 160 kilowatts of electricity each time it was turned on!
Second Generation Computers
A huge breakthrough in computer science came in 1948 with the invention of Transistors which did the same job as Vacuum Tubes but required less power and were much smaller - only thousands of an inch in size. Programs could now be stored in computers allowing them to switch back and forth between functions / calculations, but only one program could be run at a time. Programming languages were developed to replace the old "on/off" binary code - the first two languages were Cobol and Fortran.
Third Generation Computers
In the late 1950's another breakthrough occurred with the invention of the integrated circuit, they were followed in the mid-1960's by the Silicon Chip which embedded thousands of transistors. Generated heat was greatly reduced which allowed the size of computers to shrink, and speed of calculations to increase. Also with the Silicon Chip, computers could now run multiple programs at the same time. The first Operating Systems were developed to act as a central control program to monitor and manage all other computer programs and functions.
**NOTE: Since Star Trek TOS was created during the 1960's, many of the computers seen in that series are 1st, 2nd and early 3rd Generation computers projected into the future.
Fourth Generation Computers
This began with the development of the Microprocessor. A single chip which contained thousands of transistors allowing it to perform tens of thousands of calculations per second. Microprocessors were able to be manufactured rapidly and were inexpensive, this allowed them to be installed in any electronic device - televisions, radios, cars, watches, toys, etc... After only 25 years a handheld calculator could outperform the ENIAC. By the turn of the 21'st century Microprocessors containing thousands of transistors could fit on a chip only 2cm square, and could perform millions of calculations per second. Basic computers shrunk to hand-size and were used for communications, entertainment and record keeping.
** NOTE: At the writing of this article (Aug. 2011) the 4th Generation of Computers is still in progress. Microprocessors have been reduced to the level of mere microns in size. Some holographic technology (5th Generation) is being tested on a limited basis. All further entries are speculation based on visual and/or written records.
Fifth Generation Computers
Monotronic Computers were developed in the mid-21st Century utilizing optical and holographic storage and processor units. The system was capable of making thousands of calculations per microsecond.
Sixth Generation Computers
Duotronics were developed by Dr. Richard Daystrom in 2243 and formed the basis of all computer systems used by the Federation for the next 80 years ('The Ultimate Computer' (TOS), 'Relics' (TNG)). The system was able to make hundreds of calculations per millisecond. In the 2260's Daystrom tried to create a Multitronic computer using bio-neural engrams. The system ultimately failed, but the technology was revived in the 2370's and adapted for use in the Emergency Medical Hologram system.
Seventh Generation Computers
Isolinear Optical systems replaced Duotronics in 2329. As with all previous generations it came with a technology breakthrough - in this case it was the speed of light, but in a regressive manner it required a large area. The system worked by a series of miniature subspace generators allowing the processors to read and make computations at faster-than-light speed. Optical Data Networks connected computers to various linked components, and subspace links maintained hand-held or other remote computers. By the 2360's a computer was capable of making trillions of calculations per nanosecond.
Along with the development of Isolinear Computers came a new Operating System. The LCARS (Library Computer Access and Retrieval System) combined both voice and manual (touch) interface.
In the 2370's the Optical Data Network (ODN) system was enhanced by the development of Bio-Neural connections suspended in Gel. While these Gel-packs did not provide additional memory or processing speed, it replaced the Isolinear Chip in areas where space is limited. However one weakness of the Gel-pack system is they are susceptible to biological infection.
In the late 2380's further expansion of the Isolinear Chip was developed. Dubbed Isolinear Chip Expanded (ICE), it increased the storage capacity of each chip using both infrared and ultraviolet spectrum. The chips were otherwise identical to the existing versions. Bio-Neural versions were available within the following year.
Information on this page adapted from
"The Computers of Star Trek" by Lois Gresh & Robert Weinberg
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=BOOK REVIEWS=
Renegade (Star Trek TOS #55)
Cover blurb:
For nearly a hundred years, the planet Chrellkan IV has enjoyed a peaceful relationship with the colony on the third planet of its star system. However, relations between the two worlds take a deadly turn as rebel colonists take over Chrellkam III and turn against their mother world.
To prevent the conflict from escalating into full-scale war, Starfleet orders Captain Kirk and the Enterprise to moderate the dispute. On arrival, Kirk sends Spock and McCoy to investigate the rebel's claims. But seconds after beaming down, the two officers are taken hostage and then -- according to sensors -- killed. Devastated by his loss, Kirk must try to learn the truth behind the mysterious rebellion that has claimed the lives of his two closest friends.
Kirk's investigation leads him to uncover a dangerous plot against the Federation -- a plot driven by revenge that may make the Federation's highest law, the Prime Directive, an instrument of violence and destruction.
======= Review =======
Although this book has an interesting, if not slightly overused concept; you would have to believe that Kirk, Scotty, Sulu and Uhura in particular had all reverted to mere junior officers. On numerous occasions they 'missed' clues that should have been obvious for their experience.
The author and editors missed countless times when the two main races involved were called 'Human' by Spock, McCoy and others. Once or twice I could understand as a simple mistake, but it was throughout the entire book. It could have been something simple as McCoy declaring early on that their physiology was identical to Humans would have made it a bit more plausible, but that wasn't done.
The third major problem I had with this was that even after Scotty disconnected the computer to bypass the 'fault' to open the shuttlebay doors, even manual controls wouldn't work!? If they cut links to the computer there would be no way it could 'reroute' itself and restore the link to retain control. This showed up many times on different systems - destroys Scotty's 'miracle worker' image completely.
All in all, the technical errors prove to be the overwhelming drawback to what could have been a good story.
Rating: 2.5 Photon Torpedoes!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=SPECIAL=
An interesting "could have been", presents one of the potential visions of Trek over several centuries.
http://trekmovie.com/2011/04/16/exclusive-details-excerpts-from-star-trek-federation-series-proposal/
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=EPILOGUE=
We hope you enjoy this issue. To submit articles, or suggestions for articles please contact the Editors at: fnn@sixth-fleet.com
Happy Simming!
-FNN Editors
Welcome to the September 2011 issue of the FNN Newsletter. The features included are:
IN THE SPOTLIGHT - A series of interviews focusing on each of the Fleet's simulations, this month the USS Hyperion.
TRIVIA QUESTIONS - How well do you really know your Trek?
ARTICLE - A brief history of Trek Computers
BOOK REVIEW - Renegade (Star Trek TOS #55)
SPECIAL - Every month this section will bring you a link to a comics, a video, an article or a website.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome at
fnn.sixth-fleet.com
RAdm. Sandy Browne
Adm. Kreg Asay
Co-Editors, FNN
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=IN THE SPOTLIGHT=
Interview conducted for FNN by Sandy Browne
Today we give you the USS Hyperion-F, a Sovereign class starship recently come under command of GM Piotr Mierzejewski, aka Commodore Ambler Furry.
FNN: Piotr, how do you like to introduce yourself around the simming community?
Piotr: I'm the guy who created Ambler Furry, all round nice guy and general nuisance. Other than that, what else is there to add. I'm a wheelchair using Pole and living in the deepish south of New Zealand, who who has recently gotten lucky and found an online publisher in the form of e-Quill Publishing (linked through here http://www.equillpublishing.com/piotr-mierzejewski/).
FNN: Your character has been seen in many places, his life history runs throughout your own simming history. When did you create Ambler Furry and where do you see him going?
Piotr: Ambler... Ambler. He's exactly 11 years old, having been the very first character I created when I joined Tango Fleet back in the day, joining the original Avalon before its transformation into the Arizona under the command of Michael Crowley. He started of as an enlisted man, who had the misfortune to end up mustanged to officer country before I briefly served as Arizona's second officer. I used him for all my major simming experiences, only deviating away briefly from him with minor characters when joining others.
Ambler had now switched his commission to Commodore, having been promoted to Brigadier while in the Marine Corps, so as to take charge of the Hyperion-F.
As for his future?
I'm not sure to be honest. A part of me wouldn't mind seeing him continue in-game all the way to Admiral, but that may require policy change for Sixth Fleet.
FNN: You recently took command of the USS Hyperion. What plans do you have in the making for her?
Piotr: My plans are to carry on with what Charles Jenkinson was doing, which was to provide a good simming environment for everyone. We're also going to be joining our fellow Task Force simulations in the Hurucan Sector of space, with Dave Patterson agreeing to portray himself as the taskforce advisor and sector commander within the Hyperion folklore. Equally, and depending entirely on Paddy, Mark and the rest of the gang, I'd like to explore not only the traditional aspects of Star Trek; such as first contact missions and spreading Federation influence across the sector, but also other elements. As you know, I commanded a couple of unique simulations in the past, which is what I'd like to bring into the Hyperion - while keeping things traditional. But yeah, expect Section 31 to rare their ugly head again and some of Furry's enemies and friends making an appearance as well.
Having said that, I'll be hoping to do one or two joint missions and ask the crew for suggestions as well. So am excited, as it's been awhile since I last commanded.
FNN: Are you currently in mission?
Piotr: Yes, just started. It's a simple escort assignment, where the Hyperion-F is going to her new area of operations. Of course, things are going to get complicated with a murder... Yeah, I said too much already. If you are all interested, please feel free to join the game ~_^
FNN: The Hyperion was once, depending on times, an Excelsior, a Nebula, a Galaxy and a Vincent class created after the Sovereign. The Hyperion-F is a Sovereign-class. What do you like about the class? Are
you considering changing it?
Piotr: I actually am a fan of the Intrepid class, and also liked the Galaxy class. Sovereign is nice because it is a battleship, which will suit Ambler's temperament just nicely. If there will be a class change however, I'd rather also go with a new ship name as well. Not that I have any plans to change anything, and it'll depend on the crew.
FNN: Thank you for your time and answers, Piotr. We at FNN will look forward to all the news from the USS Hyperion in coming times. Happy simming!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=TRIVIA QUESTIONS=
Trivia is composed of 5 questions. Everyone is invited to send their answers to the Editors, and those who get the most correct will be mentioned in the next issue (along with the answers)!
Previous Answers:
1. Constellation
2. Vaal
3. The installation of their new Astrometrics Lab (prevents the entire timeline)
4. Zefram Cochrane High
5. Dr. Lewis Zimmerman
Correct submissions:
Question 3 proved to be tricky. All submitted replies were that Voyager rammed the Krenim ship - which ended (or corrected) the timeline, but the Astrometrics lab prevented the timeline from happening at all.
*COMO Mark Hyacinth (4 out of 5)
*LCDR Mallory Jones (4 out of 5)
*(rank?) Russell Elsom (4 out of 5)
This month's Questions:
1. What was Dr. McCoy's first name?
2. What TOS episode had two of William Shatner's daughters as extras?
3. What was Uhura's (Nichelle Nichols) last "Trek" appearance?
4. How many ships does it take to create a Tholian Web?
5. What TOS race was bi-colored (black/white)?
Submit your answers by emailing the editors at:
fnn@sixth-fleet.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=ARTICLE=
History of Star Trek Computers
"It's the computers - and everything they make possible - that make Star Trek seem like a show about the future, our future." -(The Computers of Star Trek).
Star Trek's Computers are easily recognizable to us as a futuristic extension of what we currently use, and as the quote above indicates; for some people that is what makes it popular - it's a much more plausible future for humankind than some other Sci-Fi shows portray.
First Generation Computers
The first computers were created during World War II, essentially they were massive machines that consisted of "on/off" switches in the form of Vacuum Tubes. The combinations of switches represented numbers, and those numbers were used to solve various complex routine math problems. Every time a new problem was calculated the switches had to be changed. These first computers contained hundreds or sometimes thousands of Vacuum Tubes, and as such required a large space and huge energy supply. The ENIAC computer created in 1946 contained over 18,000 Vacuum Tubes, 70,000 resistors, and used 160 kilowatts of electricity each time it was turned on!
Second Generation Computers
A huge breakthrough in computer science came in 1948 with the invention of Transistors which did the same job as Vacuum Tubes but required less power and were much smaller - only thousands of an inch in size. Programs could now be stored in computers allowing them to switch back and forth between functions / calculations, but only one program could be run at a time. Programming languages were developed to replace the old "on/off" binary code - the first two languages were Cobol and Fortran.
Third Generation Computers
In the late 1950's another breakthrough occurred with the invention of the integrated circuit, they were followed in the mid-1960's by the Silicon Chip which embedded thousands of transistors. Generated heat was greatly reduced which allowed the size of computers to shrink, and speed of calculations to increase. Also with the Silicon Chip, computers could now run multiple programs at the same time. The first Operating Systems were developed to act as a central control program to monitor and manage all other computer programs and functions.
**NOTE: Since Star Trek TOS was created during the 1960's, many of the computers seen in that series are 1st, 2nd and early 3rd Generation computers projected into the future.
Fourth Generation Computers
This began with the development of the Microprocessor. A single chip which contained thousands of transistors allowing it to perform tens of thousands of calculations per second. Microprocessors were able to be manufactured rapidly and were inexpensive, this allowed them to be installed in any electronic device - televisions, radios, cars, watches, toys, etc... After only 25 years a handheld calculator could outperform the ENIAC. By the turn of the 21'st century Microprocessors containing thousands of transistors could fit on a chip only 2cm square, and could perform millions of calculations per second. Basic computers shrunk to hand-size and were used for communications, entertainment and record keeping.
** NOTE: At the writing of this article (Aug. 2011) the 4th Generation of Computers is still in progress. Microprocessors have been reduced to the level of mere microns in size. Some holographic technology (5th Generation) is being tested on a limited basis. All further entries are speculation based on visual and/or written records.
Fifth Generation Computers
Monotronic Computers were developed in the mid-21st Century utilizing optical and holographic storage and processor units. The system was capable of making thousands of calculations per microsecond.
Sixth Generation Computers
Duotronics were developed by Dr. Richard Daystrom in 2243 and formed the basis of all computer systems used by the Federation for the next 80 years ('The Ultimate Computer' (TOS), 'Relics' (TNG)). The system was able to make hundreds of calculations per millisecond. In the 2260's Daystrom tried to create a Multitronic computer using bio-neural engrams. The system ultimately failed, but the technology was revived in the 2370's and adapted for use in the Emergency Medical Hologram system.
Seventh Generation Computers
Isolinear Optical systems replaced Duotronics in 2329. As with all previous generations it came with a technology breakthrough - in this case it was the speed of light, but in a regressive manner it required a large area. The system worked by a series of miniature subspace generators allowing the processors to read and make computations at faster-than-light speed. Optical Data Networks connected computers to various linked components, and subspace links maintained hand-held or other remote computers. By the 2360's a computer was capable of making trillions of calculations per nanosecond.
Along with the development of Isolinear Computers came a new Operating System. The LCARS (Library Computer Access and Retrieval System) combined both voice and manual (touch) interface.
In the 2370's the Optical Data Network (ODN) system was enhanced by the development of Bio-Neural connections suspended in Gel. While these Gel-packs did not provide additional memory or processing speed, it replaced the Isolinear Chip in areas where space is limited. However one weakness of the Gel-pack system is they are susceptible to biological infection.
In the late 2380's further expansion of the Isolinear Chip was developed. Dubbed Isolinear Chip Expanded (ICE), it increased the storage capacity of each chip using both infrared and ultraviolet spectrum. The chips were otherwise identical to the existing versions. Bio-Neural versions were available within the following year.
Information on this page adapted from
"The Computers of Star Trek" by Lois Gresh & Robert Weinberg
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=BOOK REVIEWS=
Renegade (Star Trek TOS #55)
Cover blurb:
For nearly a hundred years, the planet Chrellkan IV has enjoyed a peaceful relationship with the colony on the third planet of its star system. However, relations between the two worlds take a deadly turn as rebel colonists take over Chrellkam III and turn against their mother world.
To prevent the conflict from escalating into full-scale war, Starfleet orders Captain Kirk and the Enterprise to moderate the dispute. On arrival, Kirk sends Spock and McCoy to investigate the rebel's claims. But seconds after beaming down, the two officers are taken hostage and then -- according to sensors -- killed. Devastated by his loss, Kirk must try to learn the truth behind the mysterious rebellion that has claimed the lives of his two closest friends.
Kirk's investigation leads him to uncover a dangerous plot against the Federation -- a plot driven by revenge that may make the Federation's highest law, the Prime Directive, an instrument of violence and destruction.
======= Review =======
Although this book has an interesting, if not slightly overused concept; you would have to believe that Kirk, Scotty, Sulu and Uhura in particular had all reverted to mere junior officers. On numerous occasions they 'missed' clues that should have been obvious for their experience.
The author and editors missed countless times when the two main races involved were called 'Human' by Spock, McCoy and others. Once or twice I could understand as a simple mistake, but it was throughout the entire book. It could have been something simple as McCoy declaring early on that their physiology was identical to Humans would have made it a bit more plausible, but that wasn't done.
The third major problem I had with this was that even after Scotty disconnected the computer to bypass the 'fault' to open the shuttlebay doors, even manual controls wouldn't work!? If they cut links to the computer there would be no way it could 'reroute' itself and restore the link to retain control. This showed up many times on different systems - destroys Scotty's 'miracle worker' image completely.
All in all, the technical errors prove to be the overwhelming drawback to what could have been a good story.
Rating: 2.5 Photon Torpedoes!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=SPECIAL=
An interesting "could have been", presents one of the potential visions of Trek over several centuries.
http://trekmovie.com/2011/04/16/exclusive-details-excerpts-from-star-trek-federation-series-proposal/
---------------------------------------------------------------------
=EPILOGUE=
We hope you enjoy this issue. To submit articles, or suggestions for articles please contact the Editors at: fnn@sixth-fleet.com
Happy Simming!
-FNN Editors
