You're supposed to be able to independantly upgrade a drone's stats - Response, Signal, Firewall, and System - directly, as per:
Do all drones come equipped with an average Device rating of 3 (as per the Sample Devices table on p. 222, SR4A) or does the Steel Lynx (for example) classify as a “security vehicle” and have a Device rating of 4?
Any drone that comes equipped with weapon mounts should be considered a security device, and given a Device rating of 4. These built-in Device ratings are meant to serve as a guideline, however, so the gamemaster should feel free to modify them as appropriate. Likewise, a drone’s Firewall, Response, Signal, and System ratings may be individually be modified, improved (or reduced) at the discretion of the gamemaster or the character that owns the device. Drones begin with the Pilot rating listed in their entry, no matter their device rating.
Source: SR4 FAQ, http://www.shadowrun4.com/game-resources/frequently-asked-questions/ ... emphasis mine.
However, HL does not currently allow this to be done; you have to install a commlink first ... which is extra money that shouldn't need to be spent.
Do all drones come equipped with an average Device rating of 3 (as per the Sample Devices table on p. 222, SR4A) or does the Steel Lynx (for example) classify as a “security vehicle” and have a Device rating of 4?
Any drone that comes equipped with weapon mounts should be considered a security device, and given a Device rating of 4. These built-in Device ratings are meant to serve as a guideline, however, so the gamemaster should feel free to modify them as appropriate. Likewise, a drone’s Firewall, Response, Signal, and System ratings may be individually be modified, improved (or reduced) at the discretion of the gamemaster or the character that owns the device. Drones begin with the Pilot rating listed in their entry, no matter their device rating.
Source: SR4 FAQ, http://www.shadowrun4.com/game-resources/frequently-asked-questions/ ... emphasis mine.
However, HL does not currently allow this to be done; you have to install a commlink first ... which is extra money that shouldn't need to be spent.