TSEMP (Tight-Stream-Electro-Magnetic-Pulse) ???

[Paul]

since you do not need a 'shutdown' hit, rather just a 'interference' hit

Exactly. And if you're packing a swarm of TSEMPs, you can likely split your available weapons in to two or maybe even 3 groups that more or less guarantee results.
(Also, why the focus on the Master unit? Interference on a C3slave could also be quite effective, especially given the TSEMP's range)

Thing is it does not indicate what type of ECM field- just a hostile one.  IMO the intent would include Boosted C3 . . . since I would also expect it to interfere with Beagle & Bloodhound Active Probes.  Guess it needs to get bucked up to a rules question if you really want to know.

My view from a rules writing perspective is that if you're supposed to act as if under a hostile ECM field, the fact that you're boosted is superceded.

Further:
"The Angel ECM Suite works like standard ECM (see p. 134, TW), but can also" (p.279, TO, emphasis mine)

This further cements the position that Angel ECM is to be treated like normal ECM, it just happens to affect more systems.

ECM Suite rules, p. 100, TO, emphasis mine
"For this purpose, the Angel ECM suite (see p. 279) counts
as two ECM or ECCM suites, or the player can choose to run the
Angel at 1 ECM and 1 ECCM."

Another example that Angel ECM isn't own distinct class/flavor of ECM, but it 'counts' as if it's as powerful as 2 normal ECM suites.


Boosted systems:
"but experience no interference from hostile ECM equipment (except for the Angel ECM Suite)." (p.298, TO, emphasis mine)

In my view, the intent here isn't to suggest that an ECM field has a different flavor; the ability for the Boost to ignore hostile ECM is tied to specific pieces of equipment, not the *CONDITION* of being in a hostile ECM field.

Ergo, if the rules say you need to act as if you're affected by a hostile ECM field, then that supercedes whatever else if going on. I feel that's Rules As Intended, and seems at least partially supported as Rules As Written.
(It's certainly how I evaluated the prospect as a wee tester during TSEMP rules creation, for the $0.02 that's worth)

But I'll also admit that this issue could be made more clear.

[SCC]

Because if you shut down the Master you also shut down the Slaves, take 4 units out of the network rather then 1

[Colt Ward]

I just wanted to be clear that is how I would also view it, but it was not expressly said.

[Paul]

Because if you shut down the Master you also shut down the Slaves, take 4 units out of the network rather then 1

I thought he might have felt it'd do nothing to a Slave. (It's clear to me now that he doesn't)
But you're right, hitting a Master is better, and TSEMP's range makes that easier than getting it done with ECM alone.

[Domi1981]

I do not get why everybody here talks as if this weapon has any use since my buddies manual says "TSEMP weapons are only effective against targets weighing more than 200 tons"
What am I getting wrong here?

[Colt Ward]

Pretty sure that is not effective to targets over that size.

[Weirdo]

Yeah, your buddy is reading it backwards. TSEMP works just fine on things less than 200 tons, but nothing on stuff bigger.

[CrazyGrasshopper]

What am I getting wrong here?

There was a typo. It was errated since then. Interstellar Operations rule-book has the rules for TSEMP without that typo.

[Domi1981]

Yeah, your buddy is reading it backwards. TSEMP works just fine on things less than 200 tons, but nothing on stuff bigger.

It´s a direct quote!

[Domi1981]

@ CrazyGrasshopper: Oh, thank you. Thought so since there was another major typo.

[Col Toda]

The most value added unit to put the weapon on is in gun emplacements behind a higher hill or wall . The enemy moves or jumps to short range and you have a mellee mech move next to target If it shuts down you get an aimed attack at the head during melee phase after weapons phase .Putting it on a mobile unit just prioritize it's destruction . At least until they get a better feel for the systems effectiveness. Because it is so new you get the same kill it first and now you had with advent of previous new and shiny tech.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

I'd argue that the TSEMP's best usage is on an extremely mobile unit, preferably one with jump jets that can swarm a target, shut it down, and flee while battle armor play personal space invader with the now-helpless victim.

[YingJanshi]

While TSEMP is good on light, fast units as harassers and backstabbers, I can't help feel it's too expensive of a weapon system to put on what is essentially a disposable unit. (Even when used correctly, Lights don't last long on average.)

I tend to see TSEMPs as secondary weapons really. It's too unreliable for a primary weapon (unless used on a light chassis). I would say the Catapult II is arguably the best use of the weapon: no grouping of MLs will really do much to discourage anyone from going after your support elements. But a successful hit with the TSEMP will at least disrupt the attacking unit enough to allow any bodyguard units to tie up the attacking units. And a successful shutdown will allow the CAtapult to withdraw to a better range.

I'll take the paired TSEMP over the quadruple ML anyway.

[Colt Ward]

I have used it on the Raven II . . . unlike MLs or most other weapons, if you are going to field it you want a better gunner and hot dice- you want to hit and score effects.