4 OPERATING PROCEDURES

When the TARDIS is opened for the first time, the power will be switched off and the power systems will be operating in the zero power mode (ZPM). A certain low level of ambient light may well be present, generated by the solar lamp. It may be necessary to use a lightstick to provide additional illumination if the solar lamp does not generate enough light (See: 6.7.). Before the TARDIS is powered up it is wise to check that controls such as the dematerialisation switch are switched off.

The most important step in configuring the TARDIS is to prime the systems. The process will set up a quasi-symbiotic link between the ship and the pilot. Once primed, the risk of molecular destabilisation is greatly reduced and the isomorphic control mode may be operated if so desired. The TARDIS is primed by the use of two detectors situated on the control console. The pilot simply places his hands on the detector and waits for the panel lights to flash. If the lights do not flash, then the system cannot detect the Rassilon Imprimature, and the ship will not power up. The configuration procedure has been designed such that the TARDIS cannot be primed unless the system can detect the Rassilon Imprimature within the pilot. Assuming the priming was successful, the procedure needs only be repeated when there is a change of pilot.

The benefits of this bonding between the pilot and the TARDIS are many. First of all, many security functions are geared to either ignore the pilot or to affect the pilot less. This includes the isomorphic control mode, a feature which only the pilot may take advantage of. In addition, the metabolism detector lock mode works in tandem with the mind of the pilot. Last but by no means least, the ship may communicate on an empathic level with the pilot, either to provide warnings of an imminent catastrophe, or to bias the coordinate locking procedure.

To power-up the ship's systems, the master power control switch must be activated. This will trigger the start of the powering-up procedure, the details of which can be seen in Section 6.7. The result of the procedure will be a transition from the zero power mode to the auxiliary power mode (APM). The ship's lighting will be activated, as will the control console, the computer systems and the environment systems. If a Mark III TARDIS cannot be started at this stage then the use of the push-to-start switch may help. The control may be released once the TARDIS is fully powered up.

Devices such as the food machine and the key-cutter do not need to be switched on, these will operate automatically as long as the ship's power systems are operable. The computer banks and environment systems do not need to be switched on; the systems will start-up and initialise automatically.

The TARDIS is now fully configured. The pilot will now have quasi-symbiotic control of the TARDIS and all systems should be operating. The power should be kept on at all times, only in rare circumstances should it be turned off; refer to Section 6.7 for details of a power shutdown. However, it is desirable to keep power on as without it there is no heating and lighting, nor is there any protection from the environmental extremes outside the ship.

The TARDIS has a number of security measures to protect itself and its inhabitants against hostile environments and malevolent entities. The door itself has a number of security features, those are detailed in Section 3.6. Here other such systems are discussed.

One of the more useful security functions is the isomorphic control mode. With this mode operational, in theory only the pilot can operate the TARDIS. However, there are a number of drawbacks in using the mode. Firstly, there are intentional `holes' in the isomorphic control mapping: certain key controls such as the door control and dematerialisation control can be operated by anyone, for safety considerations. In addition, in the presence of the pilot, anybody can operate the controls unless the pilot condemns the action mentally.

The hostile action displacement system (HADS) is a very useful security function, although like most others, it does have it drawbacks. HADS will dematerialise the TARDIS if the exterior is attacked, and rematerialise it close by, but out of danger. It works by sensing an imminent release of energy -- such as an explosion or gun fire -- by use of the time scanner, and will automatically override the TARDIS systems and dematerialise. The reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, this `trick' could convince a hostile entity that it has just destroyed the TARDIS, therefore it would not consider it a threat any more. Obviously this can be very useful. Secondly, if the cause of the energy release was not intentionally meant to harm the TARDIS, but nevertheless may cause damage, then this process will take the TARDIS away from the dangerous area to a position which is safer.

For added security the automatic defense network (ADN) system may be activated. The device will provide visual warnings via the scanner if the vicinity of the ship presents any immediate danger, again by use of the time scanner. If indeed a danger is calculated to exist, the scanner will activate, showing emotional images from the occupants of the TARDIS. This is an attempt to lure the occupants of the ship away from whatever dangers lurk outside. The system is primarily geared to work with the pilot, and displays its mental images with the use of the thought pattern emitter.

In the event of the TARDIS being hijacked, the stun lights can be employed to allow the pilot time to make an appropriate action. The switch flashes the ship's lights very brightly, and also mentally assaults the intruders. The activating control is the lights switch, however, the stun lights will only be activated when the defense mechanism detects hostile beings in the vicinity of the TARDIS. The stun lights should have a lesser effect on the pilot who may also determine other occupants of the ship who are to be excluded from the mental attack.

As a last resort, the electrify controls switch can be used to deter use of the TARDIS. When activated, all the controls and the panel itself will become electrically live and will conduct current. This affects neither the symbiotic operator nor the electrify controls switch. As soon as a non-insulated conductor contacts the panel, such as a thief hand touching the dematerialisation lever, the current will flow through the conductor to the ground -- the TARDIS floor -- which will accept the current flow back into the power systems. The current through the poor soul who touches a control is naturally variable, but is usually only enough to cause shock and brief pain, and does not cause any permanent damage.

Part of the TARDIS's sentience -- the defense mechanism -- is geared towards providing a form of automatic defense to protect its inhabitants, and more importantly, to protect itself. This process is generally referred to as the defense mechanism. The system is built into the very heart of the TARDIS, and cannot be overridden, although some of the controls which rely on the defense mechanism can indeed be switched off. The defense mechanism usually draws heavily from the predictive powers of the time scanner system. The defense mechanism should not be confused with the defensive shield mechanism, which is the unit that produces shielded areas over the door-locking mechanism and the dimensional bridge opening (DBO). The energy shield is very powerful and in most scenarios will protect the door-lock and the DBO entirely from hostile environments and energy attacks. Incidentally, both the defense and defensive shield mechanisms are power backed-up by the power rod in case of the event of a power failure.

The ship has an automated danger signal, which sounds similar to a loud klaxon siren. The fault locator produces the noise upon massive failure of the ship's systems, or if a catastrophic event is predicted by the time scanner system. The defense mechanism effectively controls the sounding of the alarm. Indeed, the defense mechanism may also take other actions to secure the safety of the TARDIS. As mentioned earlier, the stun lights mentally and visually assault intruders. In addition, the defense mechanism may automatically activate a minor artron intrusion -- a mental invasion on the smaller scale -- to either deter creatures from entering the ship, or to produce images and thoughts in the mind of the pilot and his/her companions, in attempt to communicate vital information. In addition, the defense mechanism may elect to electrify the console, in an attempt to deter use.

More drastically, the defense mechanism may also cut power to the power drive, and in extreme circumstances, cut out all of the ship's electrical power. This would only be done to deter use of the ship, or in an attempt to indicate an imminent disaster of some kind. In such situations, the defense mechanism may activate intense artron bursts which may cause actual physical damage to objects inside the TARDIS, in order to attract the attention of the pilot. It is very rare for this to happen.

The Mark II/III models have an additional alarm bell which may be activated manually from the central console. Upon activation an eighty decibel alarm noise will resound throughout the ship. The alarm sound is distinct from the ship's danger signal. Also considered part of the defense mechanism is the door locking mechanism, which is discussed in 3.6.

One of the most remarkable circuits the TARDIS possesses is the chameleon circuit, which enables the ship's exterior to resemble virtually any object. Practically, the circuit is used to enable the TARDIS to blend in with its surroundings, in order to remain inconspicuous. Several modes exist which offer a fair degree of flexibility in defining the shape of the exterior.

The circuit may be disabled, in that case, the TARDIS's exterior will revert back to the base cabinet -- the default appearance of a TARDIS; it's basically a featureless dull grey cabinet, with a sliding door. Assuming the circuit is enabled, one of the following modes may be selected:

In addition, there exists a mode to create an exterior model from scratch; a basic 3-D model is created by using the appropriate controls, and then the thought pattern emitter is used to project image maps onto the basic model.

The landscape around the landing-site is scanned much the same way as the dematerialisation circuit scan. However, the chameleon scan builds up a four dimensional picture of the current landscape, before computing a complex mathematical model of the most suitable object. The model is then passed onto another section of the circuit which alters the model to include a door, beacon and any other slight modification. The finished four dimensional object is then passed onto the final stage of the circuit.

The ship's exterior, the outer-plasmic shell, can be metamorphosed under the influence of a unique artron field. In the final stage of the chameleon process, the chameleon circuit generates the artron field which will mould the shell into the shape held within its memory -- the mathematical model.

A few comments on this process; firstly, the mimicked object is not functional in any way, apart from the implementation of the beacon -- for example, this may appear as a working lamp. However, if the outer-plasmic shell was in the form of a vehicle, it would not be possible to use the vehicle in its normal fashion. The mass of the ship is not directly related to the appearance of the outer-plasmic shell; however, by default the outer weight of the ship is limited to the original weight of the scanned object. The size of a valid exterior is also limited; the chameleon circuit will remodel any scanned object which is of an incompatible size.

The scanner provides a colour motion-camera image of the immediate surroundings outside the ship, as well as being used for other purposes, such as display the visual output from the astral map, and displaying mental images, either via the ADN or by use of the thought pattern emitter. The scanner's image may be affected by a strong magnetic field or by an unsuppressed motor, from either inside or outside the ship.

The scanner can be used manually, in which case controls may be use to select the viewing angle and to adjust the focus, exposure and zoom depth. Alternatively, on the auto-scanning mode, the scanner will sweep back and forth across the landscape, providing a quick idea of the layout of the surroundings. The scanner can also make an audio scan, in this case the same controls may be used, but they affect the scope of sound picked up as well as the image. An control adjusts the volume level of the sound replay inside the ship. Additional controls include a power booster for low light levels or low circuit power, and an infra-scan controller for adjusting the heat- sensitivity of the scanner eye. A set of two switches are used to set the view position: front ( ), side 1 ( ), side 2, ( ), rear ( ).

When the scanner is showing images from the astral map, most of the scanner control switches are functional, such as the zoom, auto-scan, and viewing angle controls. The power-booster switch activates a cross-hair; the coordinates of the location under the center of this are displayed on the astral map unit. This may be used a crude form of coordinate selection.

The scanner does not offer an outside view during flight, although just after dematerialisation and prior to landing real-world images may be transmitted. Apart from this, the scanner should remain blank during flight.

An advanced use of the scanner is the time scanner mode. The time scanner is normally used by the defense mechanism in conjunction with the time-stream visualisation mode. The time scanner can show images from the past or present, although it is not very reliable. Once the time scanner mode is activated, a control is used to indicate a bias towards viewing past, present or future events. Be warned! The more one knows about the unknown, the less one can do to change it.

The TARDIS has a number of exterior monitoring systems, a majority of the read-outs being found on the exterior monitor panel. On most panels there is one information window which acts as a read-out for certain instruments, although not all of the windows convey exterior environment information.

The ship has a variety of sensor pallets, containing delicate instruments for measuring and recording various sorts of data. The instruments have been miniaturised and are located on the exterior, adjacent to the oxygen intake feed. Most sensors have a very wide range of operation, typically around 1 light-hour. A few are very long range, and can receive data instantly within a radius of 1K light-years.

The seven information windows on the control console display read-outs from a variety of sensors. These are named scientific instruments I, scientific instruments II, local gravity gauge, the digital time orientation read-out, dimensional analyser display, the exterior atmospheric scan and the relative engine movement scan.

Scientific Instruments I displays from information from a variety of sensors. There is a

360

^o electromagnetic radiation scan, a quark particle analyser, high-energy particle mapper, graviton counter, virtual particle scan, wide-range continuum stress gauge, tachyon activity check, gamma ray imaging display, thermal camera reading, artronimeter, magnetometer and gravitational wave measurer.

Scientific Instruments II has readouts from the quasar viewer, neutrino scanner, radio telescope, anti-particle population counter, space-time density gauge, plasma analysis sensor, high-resolution flux sensor, cosmic ray collector, photon wave mapper and the gaseous matter analyser. It also carries out a survey of the exterior environment and returns details of the surrounding area, including the ten most abundant elements and compounds.

The local gravity gauge indicates the local acceleration due to gravity outside the ship. In addition, it indicates the strength of the interior gravity, and displays an alert message if the interior gravity will fail or fluctuate. The window also displays the catalogue entry for the mass producing the gravitation, see 6.3 for an explanation.

The digital time orientation (DTO) read-out, informally known as the yearometer, gives details on the time period of the planet on which the TARDIS has landed, if properly set-up.

The dimensional analyser display gives an indication, through various readings, of the geometric and dimensional structure of long-range space-time in the vicinity of the TARDIS. From this, interstellar entities such as black-holes, white-holes, quasars, pulsars, neutron stars and naked singularities can be mapped out. Holes in the fabric of space-time, entrances to other universes and whatnot will also readily be discernible from the display.

One of the most important read-outs is the exterior atmospheric scan, an information window which displays a break-down on the content of the exterior atmosphere. There are readings on the levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, sulphurous acid vapour, nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, argon, helium, hydrogen, pure oxygen and pure nitrogen. In addition, several general readings exist, including an air pollution monitor and a general poison analyser.

The relative engine-movement scan provides a simulated display of the TARDIS's movement within the space-time vortex. Once the TARDIS has rematerialised, it will switch to showing the TARDIS's movement relative to the nearest significant celestial body: See Section 6.3.

In addition there are meter readings on exterior temperature and radiation levels, and there is also an exterior air pressure meter, which doubles as an altimeter during hovermode operations. As mentioned above, the local gravity gauge indicates the local gravity strength; this reading is also found on the environement control bank.

A collection of meters exist to give readings on the stability and condition of the space-time vortex. The time continuum stability (TCS) meter measures the mean imaginary distance to the centre of the nearest disruption in the space-time vortex. The time flux continuum (TFC) meter compliments the TCS meter by measuring the sum of the strengths of local disturbances. Disturbance within the space-time vortex can be caused by any number of events, including the existence of real-space black holes, time eddys, random artron waves, other TARDISes, and also natural phenomena such as time winds.


METERS
Meter	Code	Description	Scale
relocity	4F	``relative velocity''	$C$
telocity	4G	``temporal velocity''	$hs$ ^-1
power mode	2B	indicates current power mode	integer
UHL target stage	2C	indicates stage of journey	UHL
power bank reserves	6B	energy left in power bank	MJ
power take-up	5D	artron current to power drive	nopiques

The relocity meter measures the relative velocity of the TARDIS. Distance cannot be absolutely defined in the TARDIS, so this meter indicates what velocity the ship would be travelling at in the real world in order to approach its destination at the same rate.

The telocity meter measures the temporal velocity of the TARDIS, that is, the rate of time passing outside compared to the ship's own internal atomic clock. During flight this can give an indication of the amount of time being traversed.

Monitoring the ship's various power levels is extremely important, and to that end there exists three power meters on the console. The power mode meter displays the ship's current power mode. The power bank reserves meter indicates the energy content of the power bank. The power take-up meter displays the level of artron current to the power drive. Refer to Section 6.7 for an in-depth guide to the ship's power systems.

The NAGCS has an meter on the console, the UHL target stage meter. This indicates the current UHL. This meter will start from the zero position at the beginning of the flight, rising incrementally, and then at midflight will begin to fall again, all the way back to zero.

The navigational systems indicator (NSI) lights have several functions. Whilst setting coordinates, the lights indicate what coordinate levels have been set. During flight, the bulbs sequentially light from left to right to indicate acceleration, and from right to left to indicate deceleration. The rate of the `light-changing' represents the magnitude of the acceleration. One can deduce that steady lights indicate a steady cruise velocity. After flight, the lights indicate the progress of the resetting and orientation of the navigational and guidance computer systems (NAGCS).

The Time Path Indicator registers when another time-ship is travelling on the same course as the TARDIS. In a universe of infinite possibilities, the chance that this is a coincidence is virtually nil, therefore this device will function when the TARDIS is being followed. It flashes and sounds an audio alarm with a frequency which is proportional to the mean dimensional distance between the TARDIS and the following time-ship.

Last but by no means least is the time-rotor, which provides an indication of the relative strength of the power drive. In addition, its rotary movement whilst landed indicates the ship is in the process of scanning the exterior environment. The rotor itself contains several instruments which are connected to the sensor pallets.

An extra meter found on the Mark III is the warp field strength meter. This indicates the strength of the negative warp field, measured as a percent as the maximum obtainable with full power to the warp field.

One of the key processes in piloting the TARDIS is to set coordinates. Using coordinates is the key to celestial navigation; quite simply, without coordinates, one cannot direct the ship to its destination. However, as one may appreciate, a universal coordinate system, that is to say, a coordinate system which allows one to specify a point anywhere in the universe, and for that matter, at any time period at that point, presents vast difficulties in implementation, and at the very best, the pilot is left to remember coordinates of 72 digit sizes. The TARDIS's navigational system implements a vast range of intelligent coordinate protocols, including sophisticated error correction algorithms.

The following subsections illustrate the break-down of a coordinate into its constituent components, and will enlighten the reader on the methods used to implement and use a working four-dimensional universal coordinate system.

Coordinates are a set of numbers intended to map out a point in space. There are many different methods of representing a point in space using coordinates, and the most common method is by representing each point in space by a set of three numbers usually represented as

(x,y,z)

. This, of course, defines a point in three dimensional space.

There are many problems with mapping out the universe using this style of reference. For example, a coordinate system must have an origin. Where does one place the origin of the universe? There may be no definite `centre' of our universe. Then there is dynamic motion to consider. All of the celestial bodies are in fact moving. Not only is the entire universe expanding outwards, but many bodies also orbit a centre of mass. Planets themselves may be rotating as well as orbiting a star, and the star may belong to a star cluster which revolves around the centre of the galaxy. In addition, the galaxies themselves may be rotating around some point, and so on.

At this point it may sound like there is no hope of a usable static coordinate system, that is, a system which assigns bodies a constant coordinate, which can be used again and again to facilitate travel to that body. In a way, this is true: there is no coordinate system which lends itself to providing a static representation of mobile bodies. However, there is a way to map out the location of mobile bodies which effectively creates a quasi-static coordinate system.

With this is mind, a static coordinate system has been developed. There are several differing methods of establishing a point in space, such as using a spherical coordinate, a rectangular coordinate, etc. Each coordinate mode has a differing way of setting the origin and establishing the orientation of the axes. Indeed, some modes do not rely on a coordinate system but use tables or list of parameters to specify positions.

Now, the ship's navigational systems provide nine levels of coordinates, each within its own frame of reference. Most coordinate levels corresponds to a level in the universal hierarchy.


UHL Table
Coordinate Lvl	Reference Frame	Mobile Bodies
8	Universe	super-clusters expanding
7	Super-cluster	Galactic clusters expanding
6	Galactic cluster	Galaxies, moving towards $C$ _M
5	Galactic space	Lone star systems
5	Stellar cluster	Stellar Clusters
4	Galactic sector	arbitrary local star systems
3	Local star systems	individual star systems
2	Star system	planets orbit star(s).
1	Planet/Satellite	Rotating planets, Orbiting satellites
0	Terrain	No movement

At each UHL coordinate level a different coordinate entry method may be selected. The table below summarises the choice of coordinate entry modes.


Coordinate Entry Modes
Num	Position Specifying Method	Applicable UHL lvls
0	no point specified	all
1	1,2,3D spherical	all
2	1,2,3D rectangular	all
3	catalogue modes	1-8
4	orbital elements	1,2,5
5	orbital radius	1,2
6	flight recorder data	all

The full spatial coordinate is composed thus: (type, origin, axes, x, y, z, timestamp). The individual components are detailed below:

Below the ten varying coordinate entry modes are explained, along with explanations on how components such as the coordinate origins are established and how the axes are set.

This mode simply informs the system that there is no mapped out point for the current coordinate. This mode is usually activated in combination with one of the error correcting object-locking protocols, detailed in Section 4.4.9.

Spherical coordinates are specified by giving a longitude

l

, between 0 and

360

^o , a latitude

b

between 0 and plus/minus

90

^o , and a distance

d

along the line specified by

b

and

l

. In the one-dimensional mode of the coordinate, with ACM, it acts as an orbital radius selector. A flight vector is a spherical coordinate with the TARDIS's actual coordinate used as the origin.

A rectangular coordinate system is represented mathematically as the horizontal matrix thus:

(x,y,z)

, and is the standard method of specifying a point. Within the correct stationary reference frame, this system provides an adequate way to measure the location of bodies. Often a condensed two dimensional coordinate system

(x,y)

is used which is often sufficient to uniquely identify bodies in flat-like structures, such as our Milky Way galaxy.

The ship's instruments will survey its surroundings upon landing. Not only is the local environment scanned, but the local celestial bodies are located, identified, and assigned a coordinate. Then, all this data is sent to the astral map which stores all the data in a relational database -- a catalogue of sorts. There are three catalogues maintained by the astral map, namely the mass cat, the age cat and the class-cat. Details of these can be found in Section 6.3.

Alternatively a destination may be set by specifying the orbital elements of the orbital body. Note that this mode may only be used when the current destination is a celestial entity with an orbit recognised by the navigational systems.

There are six orbital elements

(a, e, i, Ω, ω, t)

a

specifies the semi-major axis of the elliptical orbit,

e

specifies the eccentricity of the ellipse,

i

specifies the angle between the orbital plane and the ecliptic,

Ω

specifies the longitude of the ascending node,

ω

specifies the argument of the perihelion, and

t

is the last orbital element.

In reality a celestial orbit does not precisely follow these parameters, and factors such as oscillatory periods of the trajectory, rotational precession and nutations must also be taken into consideration. When the navigation system internally converts the orbital elements into a destination coordinate, these factors will be used to modify the conversion process. Parameters such as these are naturally recorded by the astral map, but an accurate reading requires several visits with varying destination coordinates.

A somewhat redundant coordinate mode, as it can be emulated by a one-dimensional spherical coordinate with automatic mass lock. However, the user may want to active a locking mode other than AML. In that case, the method mentioned above can no longer be implemented. In the case of the pilot wishing to enter an orbital radius coordinate and activate whatever locking-mode he chooses, this coordinate mode should be used.

Instead of the pilot having to enter a coordinate, a coordinate from the flight recorder may be inputted. The flight recorder has a database of all previous coordinates ???.

Most coordinate systems refer to a point in reference to an origin. Modes which need an origin are: Spherical coordinates, Rectangular coordinates. A flight vector is given as a spherical coordinate with the TARDIS as the origin, and as the scanner-facing front as forward.

With spherical and rectangular coordinates, there are several choices of origin. Usually, a point of historic or special interest is chosen as the origin. On a galactic scale, the galaxy centre is usually chosen as the origin for galactic coordinates. If rectangular coordinates are used, an arbitrary centre is normally chosen, for instance the star Sol may be chosen by Earthlings.

On a stellar system scale, the origin chosen is usually the star. With multiple star systems, the origin is chosen as the effective center of mass between the stars. The geometric centre is also an option. On a planetary scale, the origin is usually the center of the planet.

The TARDIS will automatically choose an appropriate coordinate method to store the local coordinate. Pilots wishing to enter a coordinate using a different origin must specify the origin for the new system identifying the point using the existing mapping system with old origin. The astral map has built-in algorithms for determining center-of-masses and geometric centers, which can be automatically used. For example, to define the origin of rectangular coordinate system using the geometric center of the solar system's star, it is sufficient to select the system star, select define-new-origin and then select geometric-center-of-selected-body.

On a galactic cluster level, the center of defined by either center of mass, or by the center of an arbitrary galaxy. The same usually applies for super-clusters.

Along with an origin, a coordinate system needs a set of axes. One dimensional coordinates do not need axes, as a point is completely defined with an origin and a single coordinate. Two dimensional coordinates need two axes. These axes are defined as being at right angles to each other and must intersect at the origin. So defining axes implicitly defined an origin. If an origin is pre-chosen, a two- dimensional coordinate system theoretically only needs another point, to define an axis. The other is defined to be at right angles, and so is defined automatically. Since in practice we live in a three- dimensional world, any two-dimensional coordinate system much have some mapping onto three dimensions.

On a sphere, there are several algorithms used to map a grid onto the surface to create a coordinate system. In free space, a two-dimensional grid is normally super-imposed onto an entity which has a very shallow third dimension, Our own galaxy, for example, is quite flat compared to its length and breadth. Normally, the three-dimensional orientation of the grid is determined automatically. Manual orientation is possible, with the definition of a three dimensional grid system, and the defined tilt and roll.

In three dimensions three points much be chosen to define a coordinate system. A line is then drawn through the three points. Assuming one point is the origin, from the origin another two lines are drawn, both which are perpendicular to each other and original line.

Once the coordinate system has been established, and the axis arbitrarily labelled x, y, z, we can define a point. The only factor left to consider is the scale. By drawing lines from a point on each axis, the lines will intersect on a three dimensional point. We now need a number line along each axis to refer to points on them.

There are several measuring systems that may be used, which depend on some definition of distance and time. Local measurement systems may be imported and used with coordinates. However, internally the TARDIS represents foreign time and distance with internal measurements systems, which have a finite accuracy. All coordinates are measured and stored with the internal precision and measurements. However, the data can be displayed in variety of number systems. Solar distances: au (distance between star and significant planet) or light-second. On a galactic level, light-years are used to indicate distance. The TARDIS will attempt to automatically import the local time-distance data.

Measuring systems independent of local measures set the distance between two certain points on the map to be one unit.

Timestamping is used to keep a static coordinate valid. A timestamp says ``this coordinate refers to a body at this precise time only''. The timestamp uses an internal time measurement of exterior time. Timestamping is done internally and should not need to be interfered with. Some coordinate systems do not need to use timestamps.

Often a coordinate is only valid within a certain reference frame. A reference frame is really just an extension of a coordinate system. Attach to the origin of a coordinate system a motion vector with constant velocity, or an angular motion vector with constant acceleration, and the coordinate system becomes a frame of reference. Frames of reference are automatically set by the TARDIS, are recorded with coordinates internally.

Internally, the spatial coordinate is represented thus: type-code, origin, reference-point-1, reference-point-2, f (motion vector), unit-code, x, y, z, timestamp)

As mentioned above, the TARDIS will automatically create appropriate coordinate systems for each part of the universe the ship visits. These maps are stored on the astral map, and are vital for celestial navigation. All celestial objects of interest are catalogued and given a quick reference coordinate; this data is available from the astral map. Alternatively, the full dynamic coordinates of any of the objects are also available.

Although coordinates define a `point', the size of this point varies considerably, and may contain many celestial bodies. Although the level of coordinate accuracy may be set, often inaccurate coordinates are corrected by the error correction algorithms, which usually set the target coordinates precisely. The table below lists all of the available error correction modes.


Error Correction Table
Num	Name	Description
0	automatic mass lock (AML)	default mode
1	intelligent life lock (ILL)	locks onto life-signs
2	small mass lock (SML)	locks onto space-craft-like mass
3	large mass lock (LML)	largest mass at UHL lvl
4	LML $→$ ILL	two stage, LML is prioritised
5	SML $→$ ILL	two stage, SML is prioritised
6	homing signal lock (HSL)	multiple protocols recognised
7	HSL $→$ ILL	two stage, HSL prioritised
8	visited before lock (VBL)	self-explanatory
9	geostationary orbit lock (GOL)	self-explanatory

Once the TARDIS's navigational systems has steered the ship to the current UHL coordinate, an error-correction manoeuvre is then performed. Based on ``locking'' algorithms, these maneuvers allow the formulation of an accurate landing coordinate from a vague destination coordinate.

Some locking modes have two locking stages, the second stage is used to resolve conflicts when a large number of possible first-stage landing coordinates become available. LML

→

ILL basically means ``take me to the largest planet with intelligent life''. SML

→

ILL reads as ``take me to the smallest planet with intelligent life'', and HSL

→

ILL means ``lock onto the homing signal from the closet planet with intelligent life''.

The TARDIS will nearly always lands on solid ground, and hence a further AML maneuver will be performed when the last error correction mode does not explicitly lock onto a suitable destination for landing. The basic flight procedure explains the various steps in TARDIS flight in greater detail; refer to Section 5.1.

The accuracy of coordinates at each UHL level is high enough such that it is possible to pilot to any known celestial body in the universe. Of interest here is the accuracy of UHL level zero, the terrain reference frame. This depends partly on the size of the body on which the TARDIS has landed, but is bounded by a lower limit of around 100m

² . Hence if one draws out a circle with an area of 100m

² , then the center would be the destination coordinate. Of course, the application of an error-correcting algorithm at this level could bias the landing coordinate towards a particular point within the destination area.

Although temporal coordinates are theoretically no different than spatial coordinates, we perceive time differently from space, and hence the TARDIS coordinate procedure for setting temporal coordinates also differs. The section presents a lot of theory; many of the calanders and clocks detailed here cannot be used by the pilot to set coordinates. It is hoped that the forthcoming Type 41 model shall feature a more sophisticated temporal coordinate mechanism.

The task of determining and using temporal coordinates seems at first sight to be an order of magnitude of easier compared with spatial coordinates. It is true that temporal coordinates are one dimensional, compared to the three dimensional spatial coordinates. However, navigating through time presents us with just as many complications. There is no universal clock as such, each body or object in the universe keeps its own time, each equally correct. The TARDIS follows this approach, with temporal coordinates owning having validity in their corresponding spatial context.

A key point to emphasise here is the difference between clocks and calanders. Both are devices or systems which measure time, but there are subtle differences. A calendar is usually created to mark off the passing of time throughout a planet's history. Several terms are introduced here. A solar year is the period of time equal to the time taken for the planet to revolve exactly once around its star. As the period will slightly vary from year to year, the mean solar year is a more useful figure. A solar day is defined as the period of time taken for a planet to rotate complete on its axis. If a planet is not spinning, it has no days. A lunar month is defined as the period of time taken for a particular natural satellite to cycle through its phases. Obviously the planet needs one or more natural satellites (moons) to define the month.

Often a seasonal calendar exists. A seasonal calendar is based on major variations in weather patterns caused by the planet's axial tilt. Again, no tilt, no seasons. A seasonal calendar will compose of a number of seasons, all of which complete in a solar year.

It is common for societies to split up the day into a number of discrete time intervals, and it is from such a practice that clocks were introduced. The reason why clocks are separate from calendars is that clocks are usually scientifically defined once the society develops accurate time measuring equipment. A mean solar day will consist of a precise amount of time (23.56 hours for example), but the calendar will define the day to consist of a convenient amount of time (24 hours for example).

The two time measuring systems run separately, but of course nearly synchronously. When one of the systems starts to drift noticeably from the other, a correction is usually made to the clock.

A temporal coordinate is given thus: (type, t). A coordinate type may be a clock-type, a calendar-type, an alternative method of time measurement or simply a null coordinate. Below the coordinate types are explained, along with some other important time-keeping systems.

For every planet the TARDIS lands on a number of clocks and calendars will be created. These can be numbered for subsequent reference, and then stored. Foreign time-keeping can then be imported to be used on other planets. There are three different ways to important a foreign clock, described below:

To clarify all of this, consider the example below. On Mars (given a distance of 12 light minutes), if a temporal coordinate was set to ISFT(Earth, 12:00), it would be 12:00 on Earth when the TARDIS arrived on Mars. If the temporal coordinate was set to AFT(Earth, 12:00), it would be 12:12 on Earth when the TARDIS arrived on Mars. If the coordinate was set to FCLT(Earth, 12:00), the sun would be directly overheard the TARDIS when it landed. In this example, FCLT(Earth, 12:00) is no different to LTC(12:00), but FCLT would observe clock/calendar corrections on Earth, assuming these had been programmed into Earth's LTC in the first place. Essentially FCLT is a labour-saving device when creating new time-keeping systems, used when the new system should have a similarity to an existing one.

A very simple temporal coordinate system, and currently the best, given the alternatives (SBP, or no coordinate at all). DTO can be based on either LT or LTC and can be imported using any of the three methods. The DTO is self configuring except for detailing the zero year, which must be manually set. The coordinate can also be set in relative mode, where the number of years set are added or subtracted to the current year, or in absolute mode, where the TARDIS travels through time to the set year.

An arbitrary zero year is placed within a certain revolution (DTO coordinate 0000.) Once the planet reaches the position zeroed again, a year is incremented. This year is called year one, and the DTO coordinate would be 0001. Once the planet revolved to the zero point again, any time that year would come under DTO coordinate 0002. Note that the maximum absolute setting is year 9999 corresponding to DTO coordinate 9999. The minimum absolute value is 0000 corresponding to the zero-year. The actual time period within the year cannot accurately be determined but a bias can be applied by using the time segment controller. When setting an absolute coordinate, use the positive side. The negative side is not used with absolute DTO.

The above method of DTO coordinate entering is absolute. A relative entering procedure exists, only a setting of 0001 would not move the TARDIS back to year one but would move the TARDIS forward/backward one year, depending on the time segment controller setting. Negative bias

(-1

-50)

results in negative displacement whilst positive bias

(+1

+50)

results in positive displacement. No bias or sign (0) results in forward travel of a non-biased nature.

Temporal error correction is not yet as sophisticated as the spatial error correction algorithms. The algorithms are implicit, and the selection is made depending on the nature of the temporal coordinate. Any visit to a new time-place may be biased by use of the time-segment controller, this allows the pilot to indicate a preference for which part of the solar year they wish to land in. Any return to a time-place is carefully synchronised as illustrated in the boxed example below.

In order to facilitate subsequent return to periods visited previously, there must be some consideration given to the exact time of arrival. The TARDIS gives a solar year accuracy as standard, but internally the ship is far more accurate. The time coordinate when returning to a destination after it is first visited is carefully modified to prevent violation of the time stream, and also to prevent time-lag, a fatigue caused by the changing of local clocks. The TARDIS keeps a log of all previous destinations indexed with coordinate data. When travelling to a destination, all previous destinations are checked to ensure that the actual destination coordinate does not violate the time stream.

Now that temporal and spatial coordinates are understood, this section details the practical exercise of setting destination coordinates. Readers not interested in this more mundane aspect of the TARDIS may safely skip this section.

The full internal space-time coordinate for each UHL level is This of course is not entered by the pilot. The full coordinate entered by the pilot is usually in the form of (UHL level, space-type-code, data) which is entered for some or all of the UHL levels. Finally a time coordinate is entered in the form of (type, t, bias). Section 4.6.6 contains a number of examples to clarify the issue.

Temporal coordinates are often omitted by pilots. Indeed, two of the temporal coordinate modes are in fact null-coordinate modes, that is, they do not explicitly set a coordinate. If no temporal coordinate data is given at all, the temporal coordinate mode sets itself to Null Coordinate: No Change by default. This of course does not mean that no time will change at all during flight, only that the set temporal destination coordinate indicates a preference for no change of time.

Sometimes a pilot wishes to travel back in time in the current spatial location, and therefore wishes to enter only a temporal coordinate. When a spatial coordinate is omitted, the TARDIS will automatically enter the TARDIS's actual coordinate as the destination coordinate. Note that the TARDIS will remain stationary only with respect to the current reference frame. Hence if the pilot travels back in time half a year, the TARDIS will move, with the planet, to the opposite side of the elliptical orbit path.

Not all possible coordinates are valid. Some destination coordinates may violate the time stream if the TARDIS were to land at the exact destination coordinates. Troublesome destination coordinates are modified by the NAGCS to produce new landing coordinates. Sometimes the temporal aspect of the landing coordinate is altered, other times the spatial aspect. Rarely a given coordinate is completely impossible to travel to, for a variety of reasons. In this case the coordinate is simply rejected outright, and the pilot is indicated to enter another coordinate.

With formal coordinate entry, the pilot must enter a coordinate for each UHL level, starting at level eight and descending to level zero. The procedure is as follows for each UHL level

l

Once all the UHL levels have been set the temporal coordinate may be entered. To do so, move control 4B to position T for Time. Control 4Z now selects the temporal coordinate mode. As before, controls 4A are used to enter the coordinate data. Control 4C-i, the time segment controller, is used to input preference and bias settings. As with spatial coordinates, switch 4C will enter the coordinate data into the console.

Once all of the coordinates have have been set, move control 4B to position S for Send, or else move the control to position C for Cancel. Once the coordinates are sent the NAGCS will begin to process the data. If no data is set for any UHL level, the previous setting is utilised. Thus coordinates for `local' destinations can be entered quickly.

To illustrate the use of the entire coordinate system, this section will present a walk-through of a four-stage journey. The journey is from Earth to Scaro to Unnamed G4-planet to a Wheel In Space to a ship orbiting a planet on the edge of the Galaxy.

The ship sports several general purpose utility functions; by their very nature these features are not essential and serve only to make the pilot's life easier. The advanced models feature most of the functions in this section, including the Mark III's useful night-phase mode; the Mark I has the exterior decontanimation function, the antifluxsource delimiter, and the lighting control switch.

The external decontanimation function (EDF) will destroy all microscopic organic life which is attached to the outer-plasmic shell, and in addition will repel all dust and dirt; basically, the function cleans the ship's outer-hull. Whilst in operation, the function will electrostatically charge the ship's exterior with positive and negative charge, which may cause some local radio interference.

The antifluxsource delimiter is a useful feature intended to help reduce sources of electromagnetic interference. When activated the delimiter reflects waves of energy interference back towards their source, not only protecting the TARDIS but hopefully negating the source of interference altogether. As well as working with electromagnetic radiation the system also works with gravitational waves, as well as with the more exotic energies found within the space-time vortex. Naturally, the function will operate whilst landed as well as during flight.

The lighting control toggles the status of the lighting systems. When the lights are switched off, the ship's interior is still dimly lit from the auxiliary lighting which remains on whilst power is being generated. In addition, this switch will operate the stun lights, described in Section 4.2.

The bulb illumination control can alter the brightness of the indicator bulbs on the console, to take in account to different lighting conditions. The Mark III and Mark IV models have this utility.

A useful function available to Mark III and IV owners is the automatic drift control. Remaining `stationary' in outer-space is no simple task. The circuit chooses a frame of reference such that the TARDIS remains stationary with respect to the movement of the nearest threat object, i.e. an object which has a significant probability of colliding with the TARDIS. This `safe' frame of reference may change as time passes. The function allows the TARDIS to be suspended in space with the utmost security.

Mark III pilots have the option to activate the anti-field distortion drive, a feature which cancels out electromagnetic field distortion at the loss of a little speed. This distortion is undesirable because of the amount of static interference which is generated.

The Mark III and Mark IV models both have an exterior sample collector, the Mark III has a more advanced version but the basic operation remains the same. The Mark IV exterior sample collector gathers either a soil, air or water sample which will appear behind a hidden roundel. Upon opening the roundel, one can observe the sample though a glass screen. To touch the sample, open the roundel above. To select what type of sample is to be taken, the exterior sample collector switch can be set to its upper position, earth, its middle position, air, or its lower position, water. The water sample is taken from water vapour and moisture from the air.

The Mark III has three different collector levers for the three collections listed above, plus a life-from collector function, which captures a sample of microscopic animal life.

For the lazy pilot the Mark III has what has been called nourishment controls. Three switches activate the production of either a drink, a pre-set food or a hot flannel. All items must be stocked in base form and are loaded underneath the control panel. Whatever is selected, a part of the edge of the control console will slide back to reveal a hidden dispenser.

The Mark III has several interior doors which can be activated via the central control console. Both the computer-bank alcove shutter and interior fire doors can be operated from the control room. The shutter, normally concealed, descends from the ceiling and prevents access to the computer bank area. The fire doors, on the other hand, are made of translucent aluminum, and will open and close when approached. The function of these doors is only to prevent the spread of toxic smoke and fire through the ship.

One major addition to the environment controls is the night phase mode, which is fitted to the Mark III TARDIS. Put simply, the night phase function allows the pilot to specify an interior night-time, a time at which oxygen regeneration can be cut down, lights can be dimmed, etc. There are eight switches which control this process, they are detailed below.

One of the options during night phase is to activate the special night lights. Night phase lighting changes the lighting from the normal bright white to a soft dull light and finally to a dim red glow. Also, during night phase the oxygen supply can be reduced as less activity dictates less oxygen used.

There are also a number of security considerations which come into play during night phase. There is a night phase alarm, which will sound if any abnormal readings are registered by any of the instruments. Another security function is the night patrol scan, the mode causes the scanner to monitor activity outside the TARDIS and will sound an alarm if the TARDIS is attacked or moved. The alarm can also be set to sound if a subspace distress call is picked up during the night.

A log of all unusual events during the night is kept and can be displayed by activating the night report. This brings up records of instrument readings, environment status and the reason for any alarms going off during the night. The times of all events are shown along with other relevant data. The report is displayed in the information window.

To calibrate the night phase controller, several utility switches exist. There is a standby night function, which can activate the night phase at any time. There is also a time selector which is used to indicate whether night phase turns on with the exterior night, interior time or biological time, i.e. whenever the pilots body expects a sleeping period. A night indicator light will show when the night phase is operating.

The TARDIS has few communications devices by default: the Mark I is provided with with the telepathic circuit link unit, the scanner microphone control, which enables the pilot to project his voice outside the TARDIS, and the astral map, which has an electromagnetic scanner.

The telepathic circuit link (TCL) device is separate from the central console, residing behind one of the storage roundels. Shaped as a small, hollow cube, its function is to open up a telepathic network between the operator and Capitol City, Gallifrey; it will then amplify and transmit the thoughts of the pilot. The process requires considerable concentration and is quite exhausting, its use recommended only in an emergency.

A useful device supplied with models Mark II and above is the thought pattern collector. This comes in two parts, a headset which is provided with the TARDIS, and the thought pattern emitter (TPE) -- the circuit which receives the thought patterns channelled from the headset. The circuit translates the artron impulses into electrical impulses, which are then sent to the scanner. Whenever the scanner is sent images from the TPE, it will automatically switch from whatever is was showing before and display the TPE images. The scanner will return to displaying its previous images when the TPE has stopped transmitting its pictures. The device will work with any willing mind showing still and moving images. The device is not a mind probe, as it causes no pain and does not delve deeply into the user's mind.

The lack of communications equipment was partly rectified in the making of the mark III model. A telepathic circuit indicator was added to visually confirm the process of establishing a mental link. The exterior announcements were now made through a high quality graphite-diamond pickup, and an interior announcement microphone was installed along with an activating switch. This can be used a primitive public address (PA) system. The Mark IV also has a version of this PA system.

Although the Mark III cannot transmit any subspace radio signals, it can monitor them. An audio transducer is mounted on the control console for audio subspace translations, and a subspace network-ID read-out display panel was fitted, which displays information on the current signal being received such as coordinate of signal origin, type of signal, distortion, signal strength, network protocol used, etc.

These controls are not vitally important, but as improper use can be dangerous, they are detailed here.

The power-octagon controller can be utilised to lift the power-octagon out of view, so that only the emitter at the bottom of the power-octagon is visible. The power-octagon contains amongst other components the artron disperser, and these function more effectively when the unit is lowered. For mainly aesthetic reasons the power-octagon may be raised out of view.

One of the major improvements of the Mark III is the redesigned fluid link architecture. Following complaints about the original fragile and temperamental fluid links, engineers completely redesigned the system. The Mark III has a mercury supply low light, which will illuminate when the mercury systems need refilling. To refill the links, one need only press the mercury reservoir store switch, doing so reveals a hidden panel with a mercury refill pipe.

The only fluid link control which is available to all TARDIS models is the fluid link boost. Correct discipline must be applied when using this control as the fluid links may overload if the switch is left on for a long period of time. The booster works by increasing the temperature of the mercury to lower its resistance, therefore increasing the available current in the system to do work.

Another technical addition to the myriad of Mark III controls is the crystal cell charge switch. This allows the pilot to disable the crystal cell recharge cycle for whatever reason. Left on, and the cell will charge up to full capacity as normal.

To act as a kind of simple fault indicator, the bulb check mode will flash all bulbs as a bulb check. Any bulb that does not light is faulty. This utility was built into the Mark III and Mark IV models.

The permanent artificial alternative dimension, once created, does not need any external maintenance on the part of the pilot. However, two specialist functions are provided on the Mark III and Mark IV advanced models. They are provided for use in emergencies and do not play any role in the process of piloting the TARDIS.

The first, relative dimensions cut-down, closes down up to half the size of the interior dimension by erasing space that has no matter occupation. This is useful as it releases a lot of power which can be utilised by other TARDIS systems.

The other function is called the interior dimension boost. The facility re-tunes the interior dimension into its natural position, then locks onto this new frequency. This can be useful after experiencing magnetic influx storms, although it is very rare for this to happen.

Although there should be little difficulty in safely piloting the TARDIS, malfunctions, computer errors and general dilemmas do occur. The most common of these are mentioned below, with some advise of the most appropriate action necessary to remedy the situation.

If there is any major problem whilst in flight, simply rematerialise, activating the stabilise materialisation phase function if needed. Mark III owners can activate the quick materialisation phase mode, which will quickly rematerialise the TARDIS from the space-time vortex to the relative exterior world. The TARDIS can rematerialise even if the dematerialisation circuit is damaged, by automatically initiating the emergency rematerialisation routine (ERR). See: 7.3.

The TARDIS has only one door which leads both in and out of the ship, and one emergency door which to exit from the ship only. If for some reason the main door is blocked, preventing egress, the emergency exit may be used. If both doors are blocked, several options are viable to remedy the situation. Help may be called for using the microphone, the ship may be dematerialised, the chameleon circuitry may be activated or, failing all this, help may be summoned from Gallifrey via the telepathic circuit link.

The process of evacuating the ship may use either exit. If the TARDIS is being left without an immediate intention of return it is advisable for the power to be shut-off and for the ship to be locked. Gallifrey should be informed of an abandoned TARDIS.

If a fluid links cracks, or is somehow deplete of mercury, it must be replaced swiftly. This cannot be done during flight. Beware of mercury fumes as any spilled mercury will vapourise immediately. If a fluid link is empty, but not damaged, then perhaps the end may of unscrewed itself and the supply of mercury ran out. Simply refilling the link with mercury will fix the component.

The navigational systems take around twelve minutes to reset and orientate, and if this waiting period is not fully observed, it could lead to navigational inaccuracy. Although this is not a technical error as such, the aforementioned waiting period should be observed to ensure accurate navigation.

External instrumentation, such as the scanner eye, may sometimes malfunction or even sustain damage. If this occurs then the components may need to be replaced, this is done whilst landed. Whilst the ship's door is unlocked the patch normally covering the dimensional bridge opening may be lifted granting access to the components stored here.

Issuing a may-day call is done via the scanner microphone for short-range transmissions, or by the telepathic circuit link, for contacting Gallifrey. There are no other methods of transmitting a message.

A very rare technicality can occur with dematerialisation causing a time-track jump. The result places the ship and its crew in a future world which can only be observed and not interacted with. In this scenario is best to wait inside the TARDIS until the time dimension normalises, an event easy to determine as interaction with the world, including the TARDIS, will prove futile as long as this bizarre phenomenon continues. The trouble is caused by the time dimension tracker, a crystal embedded into the dematerialisation circuit. Replacing this component should normalise the locality. (See: 2.3.4 for more detail.)

The space-time vortex is a dangerous world, as to is the real universe in which we live. On occasion it may prove necessary to quickly dematerialise from real-world dangers, or perhaps to swiftly materialise the TARDIS from the space-time vortex. Due to either power-loss or damaged circuitry, it may be impossible for the ship to engage the dematerialisation circuit. In this case, the emergency exit unit may be utilised. The circuit manoeuvres the ship out of the space-time dimension. It is dangerous to stay out of space-time longer than a certain period; hence three alarm sirens will activate, giving three warnings. The white void outside the space-time dimension is a strange world where the only reality is the occupants of the void itself and the virtual realities that they create with their own minds. On the third alarm, fiction -- or virtual reality -- will become a reality and the void the TARDIS occupies will have become very dangerous indeed.

To exit the space-time dimension, first cancel all pre-set coordinates. This is not necessary but it is desirable. Next, insert the emergency exit unit into the circuit port -- a connector which enables new componentss to be temporally connected to the TARDIS's circuitry. After a brief materialisation phase the TARDIS will arrive in a random white void. To return to reality, simply remove the circuit and dematerialise.

In the event of an absence of exterior oxygen the automatic oxygen supply will supply oxygen instead. The storage tank can hold 48 hours of oxygen for the whole ship. The automatic oxygen supply will refill itself when programmed to do so, the adjustments must be made to the environmental systems computer bank. The tank will then replenish its air supply from the exterior atmosphere, using the dimensional bridge, filtering out any undesirable elements. The tanks replenish in a duration of 90 minutes.

In the event of a complete lack of oxygen from both outside and from the ship's air tanks, an oxygen cylinder is provided for personal delivery of oxygen. The cylinder has three masks which may be used, each featuring an environment filter enabling any residue oxygen inside the ship to be used. The cylinder will supply enough oxygen for one person for approximately three hours.

The ship's power systems may occasionally present problems such as overloading, power-loss, or a complete power-cut. In the event of a power surge, the main circuit breaker will usually trip, hopefully preventing any damage to the ship's circuitry. If this circuit breaker does not trip, it can be manually activated to shut-down the power and initiate the zero power mode. Often a power-spike can damage the triple resistor micro-chip, the result of which is a complete power loss. In that scenario, a simple replacement will remedy the power loss.

Perhaps more common than a power surge is a power-loss. A loss of power can be compensated for by the several power-boosting options available, such as the power booster unit, the fluid link boost and the influx power boost. A power-loss may be a temporary condition caused by the surrounding environment, or it may indicate a failure of a certain component. Sometimes prolong use of the full power mode may drain the ship's power banks; the power-loss is only temporary and the power bank will soon be replenished.

In the event of a complete power-cut, either the main circuit breaker has tripped, in which case, a simple reset will restore power; the energy absorber or energy converter have failed; or the energy distributor has malfunctioned, which will force the TARDIS into the no power mode. If the power-cut is due to a stoppage of incoming artron energy to the ship's systems, a temporary reprieve may be found by activating the auxiliary power bank.

If per chance all electrical systems are dead but the artron systems such as the power drive are working normally, then the suspect component is the energy converter. A simple replacement of the unit will nearly always fix this problem.

The TARDIS can be of some assistance during regeneration, especially if the pilot is experiencing his first regeneration. Help comes in the form of artron energy, which is channeled to the pilot from the artron disperser. For this to be effective, the power-octagon must be lowered. Upon the start of the regeneration process, the TARDIS will channel artron energy into the transforming Time-Lord, to give the healing process a boost. A large amount of artron energy may be channeled into the pilot; the TARDIS's power-drive and power-systems may fire-up to full output capacity. The excess amount of artron energy will permeate through to the ambient atmosphere; this may have unforeseen side-effects.