Signal Beacon

A signal beacon, with the instruction booklet visible nearby.

The signal beacon is a structure that spawns everywhere in the overworld. It resembles an old, broken lantern. It is composed of 2 blocks: the beacon itself and a lootpile containing the Signal Beacon Instruction Guide Book.

Repair

The signal beacon can actually be repaired by welding an integrated circuit board and 2 steel plates to the beacon with a blowtorch or acetylene welding torch.

After repairing, it will tilt upright and the light will have a green color, and after a while multiple foghorns will be heard. 18 seconds after repairing it a rocket will descend from the sky and drop off a custom kit called "Supplies", when right clicked it will give the following loot:

• 4-7 integrated circuit boards
• 4-5 military grade circuit boards
• 6-11 diamonds (if player reputation is below 10)
• 1 alexandrite (if player reputation is above or equal to 10)
• 1 poppy

Reputation

Reputation is a hidden attribute given to a player that is directly tied to signal beacons, it ranges from -25 to 25.

If a player repairs a signal beacon, their reputation is increased by 1; but if the player destroys a signal beacon, their reputation is decreased by 1.

Signal Beacon Instruction Booklet

The instruction booklet is a book written by Flim Flam Industries that explains the inner workings of the signal beacon.

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Mk.2 Illuminated Signal Beacon (rev. 1.3)! This small booklet will provide a short introduction in the operation of the beacon, as well as its inner workings.

Chapter 1: Architecture

Each unit is composed of four main parts: The control circuit, a lantern, a fog horn and the casing which houses the other parts. For a detailed explanation of the main circuit, please refer to the circuit diagram found on the inside of the maintenance lid of the casing. The lantern is made up of a polycarbonate case containing a dual-color 250 Watt halogen bulb with a standard 200mm socket, replacements for the bulb can be ordered from our stores. Third party bulbs are not recommended, as we cannot ensure safe operation. The case is made from a specialized zinc-coated stainless steel and is resistant to weathering.

Chapter 2: Lantern

The lantern's primary uses are providing light for ease of maintenance in harsh weather conditions as well as a status indicator. Should the power-on self test (POST) fail, the lantern will light up red, otherwise it will light up green. Note that colors can vary depending on the replacement bulb.

Chapter 3: Fog Horn

The fog horn is the primary communication device of the beacon. The beacon is designed for peer-to-peer (P2P) communication as well as for message broadcasting.

Chapter 4: Peer-to-Peer

For details on communication, refer to the communications handbook. A short rundown of establishing a P2P connection follows: First, the beacon has to give the "START CONNECTION" signal, being a single long tone. All available peers should respond with a single long tone as well (order specified by proximity, as well as the communication guidelines outlined in the handbook, section "Responding to a Connection"). Once the desired peer has responded, give the "ACCEPT CONNECTION" signal, being two long tones, the peer will then also respond with two long tones. All communication afterwards has to happen using pre-negotiated signals, most commonly using the FAR-5M standard. Communication will end immediately if no standard has been negotiated, serving as a "ping". Should communication continue, the connection can be ended using another long single tone "END CONNECTION".

Chapter 5: Warranty

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Trivia

• The beacon is allegedly produced by Flim Flam Industries as stated in the guide book.
  • It is a reference to Flim and Flam from My Little Pony.