Broadcast Controller

Broadcast Controller
Fits small grid
Mass:	46.4 kg
Hitpoints:	142
Power:	-0.0001 MW
PCU:	25
Size:	1x1x1
Time to Build:	6 sec
Fits large grid
Mass:	344.0 kg
Hitpoints:	1155
Power:	-0.0001 MW
PCU:	25
Size:	1x1x1
Time to Build:	16 sec
Data Controls:	[edit] [purge] (?)

The Broadcast Controller (BC) can send text messages on the Chat channel like a player. No block could do that before the introduction of the Broadcast Controller in Update 1.204 in 2024. Trigger this block to notify players automatically of events that were detected by Sensors, Event Controllers, Cockpit's Target Lock detection, or trigger them with Autopilot waypoints, buttons, or timers.

Usage

Each Broadcast Controller can store and broadcast up to eight prerecorded text messages. It can send them either to its owner, to the owner's faction, or to the global channel.

Without antenna, only people sitting in cockpits on the same grid can see the chat message. If you need to increase the range to passers-by, tell the block to use an antenna on the grid.

Usage Examples

• Accompany every change detected by a Sensor or Event Controller with a status message in the chat: "Base low on fuel", "Ship batteries low", "Miner inventory full", etc.
• Accompany drone AI status changes with a status message in chat: "I'm at the dock for repairs", "I'm charged and going on patrol", etc.
• When AI Combat blocks or sensors detect incoming enemies, warn your faction quietly on the faction channel. Or advise them to not come closer on the global channel.
• Detect incoming friendly or neutral ships and send them a welcome message on the global channel: "we are open for trade".

Control Panel Screen

To send messages to different recipients, you need to build separate BC blocks.

• Broadcast target
  Select one kind of recipient:
  • Owner only
  • Faction only
  • Everyone
• Use Antenna:
  • To expand the broadcast range through an antenna on the grid, enable this option. Good for communicating with drones, faction scouts, or publicly with passers-by.
  • To broadcast exclusively to players sitting in cockpits or control seats on the same grid, disable this option. Good for sharing strategic info internally only.
• Custom Name:
  The sender in chat is identified as the block owner plus this additional text. You cannot simply make it send messages under a stranger's name.
  • Use this field to identify the grid that is reporting its status for context, for example, "Flight control", "Repair drone 17", "Fighter X7", "Station maintenance system", etc.
• Message 1 to Message 8
  Store between one and eight messages here to send. One-liners only.
• Send Random Message
  Makes the block send a random non-empty message. Use this to provide variety for one topic, e.g. eight different greetings.
• Send GPS
  Makes this block send a chat message containing the name of its owner, its own name, and its own GPS coordinates.
  • Important: The configured recipients on the chat channel have to open their GPS window and double-click the new entry to save and name it!

How a drone can report back its position

Build a drone with  BC,  Laser Antenna,  Camera, and  Remote Control. Set the BC to send messages only to its owner, through the paired laser antenna. Fly it into enemy territory to spy. When you find a good approach angle, trigger the drone's Send GPS action to mark the location for yourself.

How to get varied comms chitchat

Seeing the same "Welcome back!" chat message every day gets boring fast. You can provide a variety of comms chitchat for each event and play them in a random order.

1. Build one BC per topic or event.
2. Enter up to eight paraphrases of one topic in each BC.
   For example, one block with 8 different greetings, one with 8 different "enemy detected" warnings, one with 8 different trade offers.
3. Then set up the Event Controller to trigger the "Send Random Message" action when the event is detected.

Troubleshooting

• Error: No messages stored.
  Using this block makes sense only if you enter at least one message.
• Error: No antenna found.
  If Use Antenna is enabled, you must have an antenna on the same grid.

Official tutorial

https://www.spaceengineersgame.com/new-players/broadcast-controller-action-relay-guide/

Construction

This block has a compact 1x1x1-blocks size on large and small grid and has mount points on all six sides. The components needed are readily available in early game using a Basic Assembler, or you loot the needed Radio-comm Components from Unknown Signals.

Recipe

Broadcast Controller
Component	Large Ship/Station Required	Large Ship/Station Optional	Small Ship Required	Small Ship Optional
Radio-comm Comp.	5	—	1	—
Interior Plate	10	—	2	—
Display	4	—	1	—
Construction Comp.	20	10	2	1
Computer	10	—	2	—

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