Justicity wrote:ajy101 wrote:Tramp wrote:Not really. Radio signals require more power to transmit than simple sounds. For sounds, all you need is enough power to cause a vibration in a membrane. For radio communication, you ned to have enough power to create the radio waves, which is an exceptionally greater amount of of amperage. Therefore, it is actually more energy efficient to talk than transmit radio signals except over exceptionally long distances where vocal communication would be impossible.
You're kidding right? We're talking about 50 ton robots who can fly, and you think the power required to run a cellphone is going to be a problem? Bring me more energon cubes!!
Besides, They use energy to talk anyway, they don't have vocal chords. So considering the alternative is using a fair bit of energy to vocalize noises that can only be heard close by, a system that runs more like MSN between robot's does seem more effective. It also allows one to know what another is thinking almost instantaneously, much better in a combat situation, which it seems these guys are constantly locked in.
edit: It would also mean the speech would be directed only at those the user wants to hear. Unless using some kind of hacking device, the Decepticons wouldn't be able to overhear any of Prime's "make a special run to Autobot city" orders again.
They may not have "vocal cords" but the sound is still generated by vibrating a memberane, as in a speaker. That takes a lot less power than it takes to generate radio waves. I used to work as a Radio Operator in the Army. Radio transmission requires a lot of amperage. a lot more amperage than what it takes to power a speaker. A cell phone doesn't require as much as a militar radio because the signal is very weak, and only goes to relay a short distance away, and those relays are what really use the power. It is the relays which boost the signals and transmitt them greater distances. Secondly, radio waves are just as easy to pick up and listen in on unless they are encrypted. They aren't as good for real short distances, where voice would make more sense. And, if you don't want someone to hear what you.re saying, you can always use prearrainged hand signals. A lot of soldiers do that in the field.