Frontier Manufacturing Service began production of free-standing power supplies in YE 39 to meet the electrical demands of various types of powered equipment by designing a simple and efficient battery cell.
Seeing the need for a universal, portable power source to fit a variety of machines the Frontier Service Corporation commissioned the Frontier Manufacturing Service to create a scalable battery pack to fit a variety of applications, including weapons, tools, and heavy equipment.
The universal battery cell has the appearance of a small rectangle with recessed slots spanning the length of the front and bottom sized to fit the “rail” spanning the length of the top and back. The electrodes are built into these tracks on the front, back, top, and bottom. While most devices are capable of using these batteries 'naked' they are generally placed within some form of protective case for safer transportation and easier handling.
The Universal Battery Cells are intended for easy usage in FSCorp's line of personnel grade laser weapons. A single UBC isn't very power, it is only able to deliver 30 pulses rated at damage tier 1. The beauty of this battery is it's ability to be paired with other battery cells to meet a variety of applications. When multiple cells are attached together they are commonly referred to as a pack. Stacking them vertically runs the battery cell in parallel which increases the capacity without changing the output. This is good for increasing the number of shots in a battery “magazine”.
Stacking them horizontally runs the battery in series which increases the output without changing the capacity, since more power is being drawn.
UBC Power Scaling | |||
---|---|---|---|
Cells | 1 | 2 | 3 |
1 | 30 rounds, T1 | 30 rounds, T2 | 30 rounds, T3 |
2 | 60 rounds, T1 | 60 rounds, T2 | 60 rounds, T3 |
3 | 90 rounds, T1 | 90 rounds, T2 | 90 rounds, T3 |
4 | 120 rounds, T1 | 120 rounds, T2 | 120 rounds, T3 |
5 | 150 rounds, T1 | 150 rounds, T2 | 150 rounds, T3 |
Universal battery cells could theoretically stack forever, but at a certain point it is more practical to get a hyperspace tap. |
For the preservation of the electrode it is recommended to place a cap on unused rails to protect the terminals within. These caps also help hold the battery cells together.