Documents a lot of undocumented telecommunications code (#78934)

## About The Pull Request
Telecommunications code is very old, I'm sure that isn't a shock to
anyone. One of the issues it had was that it was poorly documented, so
I've spent a few hours today making sure that at least one person could
understand what was going on in there, and actually left some traces of
what I understood from it all.

Now, it's a bit cleaner, and hopefully a lot easier to understand
because the stuff's actually explained, and the explanations are up to
date. Because there was still code from over eight years ago that
straight-up just didn't match the contents of the file at all.

I tried to not change any of the logic, I did one minor adjustment just
to improve the coherency of a variable that's not actually used
anywhere, but I kept it in case it becomes useful in the future, since I
wanted to keep feature parity here.

This should open up the way to actually making some changes to
telecommunications in the future, which I'm looking forward to, too.

## Why It's Good For The Game
Less undocumented nightmarish code from ages ago, now it's at least
documented, so it'll be easier to tweak moving forward.

## Changelog

🆑 GoldenAlpharex
code: Documented a huge part of telecommunications machinery and signal
code, and did some minor code improvements to said code.
/🆑

code/game/communications.dm

@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(reverseradiochannels, list(
 ))
 
 /datum/radio_frequency
+	/// The frequency of this radio frequency. Of course.
 	var/frequency
 	/// List of filters -> list of devices
 	var/list/list/datum/weakref/devices = list()
@@ -178,6 +179,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(reverseradiochannels, list(
 			device.receive_signal(signal)
 			CHECK_TICK
 
+/// Handles adding a listener to the radio frequency.
 /datum/radio_frequency/proc/add_listener(obj/device, filter as text|null)
 	if (!filter)
 		filter = "_default"
@@ -190,6 +192,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(reverseradiochannels, list(
 		devices[filter] = devices_line = list()
 	devices_line += new_listener
 
+/// Handles removing a listener from this radio frequency.
 /datum/radio_frequency/proc/remove_listener(obj/device)
 	for(var/devices_filter in devices)
 		var/list/devices_line = devices[devices_filter]
@@ -199,15 +202,27 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(reverseradiochannels, list(
 		if(!devices_line.len)
 			devices -= devices_filter
 
+/**
+ * Proc for reacting to a received `/datum/signal`. To be implemented as needed,
+ * does nothing by default.
+ */
 /obj/proc/receive_signal(datum/signal/signal)
 	set waitfor = FALSE
 	return
 
 /datum/signal
+	/// The source of this signal.
 	var/obj/source
+	/// The frequency on which this signal was emitted.
 	var/frequency = 0
+	/// The method through which this signal was transmitted.
+	/// See all of the `TRANSMISSION_X` in `code/__DEFINES/radio.dm` for
+	/// all of the possible options.
 	var/transmission_method
+	/// The data carried through this signal. Defaults to `null`, otherwise it's
+	/// an associative list of (string, any).
 	var/list/data
+	/// Logging data, used for logging purposes. Makes sense, right?
 	var/logging_data
 
 /datum/signal/New(data, transmission_method = TRANSMISSION_RADIO, logging_data = null)

code/game/machinery/telecomms/broadcasting.dm

@@ -1,67 +1,26 @@
-/*
-
-	Here is the big, bad function that broadcasts a message given the appropriate
-	parameters.
-
-	@param M:
-		Reference to the mob/speaker, stored in signal.data["mob"]
-
-	@param vmask:
-		Boolean value if the mob is "hiding" its identity via voice mask, stored in
-		signal.data["vmask"]
-
-	@param vmessage:
-		If specified, will display this as the message; such as "chimpering"
-		for monkeys if the mob is not understood. Stored in signal.data["vmessage"].
-
-	@param radio:
-		Reference to the radio broadcasting the message, stored in signal.data["radio"]
-
-	@param message:
-		The actual string message to display to mobs who understood mob M. Stored in
-		signal.data["message"]
-
-	@param name:
-		The name to display when a mob receives the message. signal.data["name"]
-
-	@param job:
-		The name job to display for the AI when it receives the message. signal.data["job"]
-
-	@param realname:
-		The "real" name associated with the mob. signal.data["realname"]
-
-	@param vname:
-		If specified, will use this name when mob M is not understood. signal.data["vname"]
-
-	@param data:
-		If specified:
-				1 -- Will only broadcast to intercoms
-				2 -- Will only broadcast to intercoms and station-bounced radios
-				3 -- Broadcast to syndicate frequency
-				4 -- AI can't track down this person. Useful for imitation broadcasts where you can't find the actual mob
-
-	@param compression:
-		If 0, the signal is audible
-		If nonzero, the signal may be partially inaudible or just complete gibberish.
-
-	@param level:
-		The list of Z levels that the sending radio is broadcasting to. Having 0 in the list broadcasts on all levels
-
-	@param freq
-		The frequency of the signal
-
-**/
-
 // Subtype of /datum/signal with additional processing information.
 /datum/signal/subspace
 	transmission_method = TRANSMISSION_SUBSPACE
+	/// The type of server this signal is meant to be relayed to.
+	/// Not exclusive, the bus will usually try to send it through
+	/// more signals, but for that look for
+	/// `/obj/machinery/telecomms/bus/receive_information()`
 	var/server_type = /obj/machinery/telecomms/server
+	/// The signal that was the origin of this one, in case it was a copy.
 	var/datum/signal/subspace/original
+	/// The levels on which this signal can be received. Generally set by
+	/// a broadcaster, a relay or a message server.
+	/// If this list contains `0`, then it will be receivable on every single
+	/// z-level.
 	var/list/levels
 
 /datum/signal/subspace/New(data)
 	src.data = data || list()
 
+/**
+ * Handles creating a new subspace signal that's a hard copy of this one, linked
+ * to this current signal via the `original` value, so that it can be traced back.
+ */
 /datum/signal/subspace/proc/copy()
 	var/datum/signal/subspace/copy = new
 	copy.original = src
@@ -73,18 +32,26 @@
 	copy.data = data.Copy()
 	return copy
 
+/**
+ * Handles marking the current signal, as well as its original signal,
+ * and their original signals (recursively) as done, in their `data["done"]`.
+ */
 /datum/signal/subspace/proc/mark_done()
 	var/datum/signal/subspace/current = src
 	while (current)
 		current.data["done"] = TRUE
 		current = current.original
 
+/**
+ * Handles sending this signal to every available receiver and mainframe.
+ */
 /datum/signal/subspace/proc/send_to_receivers()
-	for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/receiver/R in GLOB.telecomms_list)
-		R.receive_signal(src)
-	for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/allinone/R in GLOB.telecomms_list)
-		R.receive_signal(src)
+	for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/receiver/receiver in GLOB.telecomms_list)
+		receiver.receive_signal(src)
+	for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/allinone/all_in_one_receiver in GLOB.telecomms_list)
+		all_in_one_receiver.receive_signal(src)
 
+/// Handles broadcasting this signal out, to be implemented by subtypes.
 /datum/signal/subspace/proc/broadcast()
 	set waitfor = FALSE
 
@@ -92,9 +59,14 @@
 // Despite "subspace" in the name, these transmissions can also be RADIO
 // (intercoms and SBRs) or SUPERSPACE (CentCom).
 /datum/signal/subspace/vocal
+	/// The virtualspeaker associated with this vocal transmission.
 	var/atom/movable/virtualspeaker/virt
+	/// The language this vocal transmission was sent in.
 	var/datum/language/language
 
+#define COMPRESSION_VOCAL_SIGNAL_MIN 35
+#define COMPRESSION_VOCAL_SIGNAL_MAX 65
+
 /datum/signal/subspace/vocal/New(
 	obj/source,  // the originating radio
 	frequency,  // the frequency the signal is taking place on
@@ -113,13 +85,16 @@
 		"name" = speaker.name,
 		"job" = speaker.job,
 		"message" = message,
-		"compression" = rand(35, 65),
+		"compression" = rand(COMPRESSION_VOCAL_SIGNAL_MIN, COMPRESSION_VOCAL_SIGNAL_MAX),
 		"language" = lang_instance.name,
 		"spans" = spans,
 		"mods" = message_mods
 	)
 	levels = SSmapping.get_connected_levels(get_turf(source))
 
+#undef COMPRESSION_VOCAL_SIGNAL_MIN
+#undef COMPRESSION_VOCAL_SIGNAL_MAX
+
 /datum/signal/subspace/vocal/copy()
 	var/datum/signal/subspace/vocal/copy = new(source, frequency, virt, language)
 	copy.original = src
@@ -127,6 +102,10 @@
 	copy.levels = levels
 	return copy
 
+/// Past this amount of compression, the resulting gibberish will actually
+/// replace characters, making it even harder to understand.
+#define COMPRESSION_REPLACE_CHARACTER_THRESHOLD 30
+
 /// This is the meat function for making radios hear vocal transmissions.
 /datum/signal/subspace/vocal/broadcast()
 	set waitfor = FALSE
@@ -137,7 +116,7 @@
 		return
 	var/compression = data["compression"]
 	if(compression > 0)
-		message = Gibberish(message, compression >= 30)
+		message = Gibberish(message, compression >= COMPRESSION_REPLACE_CHARACTER_THRESHOLD)
 
 	var/list/signal_reaches_every_z_level = levels
 
@@ -206,8 +185,8 @@
 	var/spans_part = ""
 	if(length(spans))
 		spans_part = "(spans:"
-		for(var/S in spans)
-			spans_part = "[spans_part] [S]"
+		for(var/span in spans)
+			spans_part = "[spans_part] [span]"
 		spans_part = "[spans_part] ) "
 
 	var/lang_name = data["language"]
@@ -220,4 +199,6 @@
 	else
 		log_telecomms("[virt.source] [log_text] [loc_name(get_turf(virt.source))]")
 
-	QDEL_IN(virt, 50)  // Make extra sure the virtualspeaker gets qdeleted
+	QDEL_IN(virt, 5 SECONDS)  // Make extra sure the virtualspeaker gets qdeleted
+
+#undef COMPRESSION_REPLACE_CHARACTER_THRESHOLD

code/game/machinery/telecomms/computers/logbrowser.dm

@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 			// Send selected server data
 			var/list/server_out = list()
 			server_out["name"] = SelectedServer.name
-			server_out["traffic"] = SelectedServer.totaltraffic
+			server_out["traffic"] = SelectedServer.total_traffic
 			// Get the messages on this server
 			var/list/packets = list()
 			for(var/datum/comm_log_entry/packet in SelectedServer.log_entries)

code/game/machinery/telecomms/computers/message.dm

@@ -20,13 +20,16 @@
 	var/obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/linkedServer = null
 	/// Sparks effect - For emag
 	var/datum/effect_system/spark_spread/spark_system
-	/// Computer properties
-	var/screen = MSG_MON_SCREEN_MAIN // 0 = Main menu, 1 = Message Logs, 2 = Hacked screen, 3 = Custom Message
-	var/message = "System bootup complete. Please select an option." // The message that shows on the main menu.
-	var/auth = FALSE // Are they authenticated?
-	/// Error, Success & Notice messages
+	/// Computer properties.
+	/// 0 = Main menu, 1 = Message Logs, 2 = Hacked screen, 3 = Custom Message
+	var/screen = MSG_MON_SCREEN_MAIN
+	/// The message that shows on the main menu.
+	var/message = "System bootup complete. Please select an option."
+	/// Error message to display in the interface.
 	var/error_message = ""
+	/// Notice message to display in the interface.
 	var/notice_message = ""
+	/// Success message to display in the interface.
 	var/success_message = ""
 	/// Decrypt password
 	var/password = ""
@@ -89,7 +92,7 @@
 		"error_message" = error_message,
 		"notice_message" = notice_message,
 		"success_message" = success_message,
-		"auth" = auth,
+		"auth" = authenticated,
 		"server_status" = !LINKED_SERVER_NONRESPONSIVE,
 	)
 
@@ -109,7 +112,7 @@
 		if(MSG_MON_SCREEN_REQUEST_LOGS)
 			var/list/request_list = list()
 			for(var/datum/data_rc_msg/rc in linkedServer.rc_msgs)
-				request_list += list(list("ref" = REF(rc), "message" = rc.message, "stamp" = rc.stamp, "id_auth" = rc.id_auth, "departament" = rc.send_dpt))
+				request_list += list(list("ref" = REF(rc), "message" = rc.message, "stamp" = rc.stamp, "id_auth" = rc.id_auth, "departament" = rc.sender_department))
 			data["requests"] = request_list
 	return data
 
@@ -126,15 +129,15 @@
 		if("auth")
 			var/authPass = params["auth_password"]
 
-			if(auth)
-				auth = FALSE
+			if(authenticated)
+				authenticated = FALSE
 				return TRUE
 
 			if(linkedServer.decryptkey != authPass)
 				error_message = "ALERT: Incorrect decryption key!"
 				return TRUE
 
-			auth = TRUE
+			authenticated = TRUE
 			success_message = "YOU SUCCESFULLY LOGGED IN!"
 
 			return TRUE
@@ -246,14 +249,14 @@
 			linkedServer.receive_information(signal, null)
 			usr.log_message("(Tablet: [name] | [usr.real_name]) sent \"[message]\" to [signal.format_target()]", LOG_PDA)
 			return TRUE
-		// Malfunction AI and cyborgs can hack console. This will auth console, but you need to wait password selection
+		// Malfunction AI and cyborgs can hack console. This will authenticate the console, but you need to wait password selection
 		if("hack")
 			var/time = 10 SECONDS * length(linkedServer.decryptkey)
 			addtimer(CALLBACK(src, PROC_REF(unemag_console)), time)
 			screen = MSG_MON_SCREEN_HACKED
 			error_message = "%$&(£: Critical %$$@ Error // !RestArting! <lOadiNg backUp iNput ouTput> - ?pLeaSe wAit!"
 			linkedServer.toggled = FALSE
-			auth = TRUE
+			authenticated = TRUE
 			return TRUE
 	return TRUE
 
@@ -284,6 +287,9 @@
 	else
 		return INITIALIZE_HINT_LATELOAD
 
+/**
+ * Handles printing the monitor key for a given server onto this piece of paper.
+ */
 /obj/item/paper/monitorkey/proc/print(obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/server)
 	add_raw_text("<center><h2>Daily Key Reset</h2></center><br>The new message monitor key is <b>[server.decryptkey]</b>.<br>Please keep this a secret and away from the clown.<br>If necessary, change the password to a more secure one.")
 	add_overlay("paper_words")

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machine_interactions.dm

@@ -1,15 +1,13 @@
-
-/*
-
-	All telecommunications interactions:
-
-*/
+// This file is separate from telecommunications.dm to isolate the implementation
+// of basic interactions with the machines.
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms
-	var/temp = "" // output message
+	/// The current temporary frequency used to add new filtered frequencies
+	/// options.
 	var/tempfreq = FREQ_COMMON
+	/// The current mob operating the machine.
 	var/mob/living/operator
-	///Illegal frequencies that can't be listened to by telecommunication servers.
+	/// Illegal frequencies that can't be listened to by telecommunication servers.
 	var/list/banned_frequencies = list(
 		FREQ_SYNDICATE,
 		FREQ_CENTCOM,
@@ -19,7 +17,7 @@
 		FREQ_CTF_BLUE,
 	)
 
-/obj/machinery/telecomms/attackby(obj/item/P, mob/user, params)
+/obj/machinery/telecomms/attackby(obj/item/attacking_item, mob/user, params)
 
 	var/icon_closed = initial(icon_state)
 	var/icon_open = "[initial(icon_state)]_o"
@@ -27,13 +25,13 @@
 		icon_closed = "[initial(icon_state)]_off"
 		icon_open = "[initial(icon_state)]_o_off"
 
-	if(default_deconstruction_screwdriver(user, icon_open, icon_closed, P))
+	if(default_deconstruction_screwdriver(user, icon_open, icon_closed, attacking_item))
 		return
 	// Using a multitool lets you access the receiver's interface
-	else if(P.tool_behaviour == TOOL_MULTITOOL)
+	else if(attacking_item.tool_behaviour == TOOL_MULTITOOL)
 		attack_hand(user)
 
-	else if(default_deconstruction_crowbar(P))
+	else if(default_deconstruction_crowbar(attacking_item))
 		return
 	else
 		return ..()
@@ -122,8 +120,8 @@
 					playsound(src, 'sound/machines/buzz-sigh.ogg', 50, TRUE)
 					return
 				else
-					for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/T in links)
-						remove_link(T)
+					for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/linked_machine in links)
+						remove_link(linked_machine)
 					network = params["value"]
 					links = list()
 					operator.log_message("has changed the network for [src] to [network].", LOG_GAME)
@@ -145,13 +143,13 @@
 			operator.log_message("removed frequency [params["value"]] for [src].", LOG_GAME)
 			. = TRUE
 		if("unlink")
-			var/obj/machinery/telecomms/T = links[text2num(params["value"])]
-			if(T)
-				. = remove_link(T, operator)
+			var/obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_to_unlink = links[text2num(params["value"])]
+			if(machine_to_unlink)
+				. = remove_link(machine_to_unlink, operator)
 		if("link")
 			if(heldmultitool)
-				var/obj/machinery/telecomms/T = heldmultitool.buffer
-				. = add_new_link(T, operator)
+				var/obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_to_link = heldmultitool.buffer
+				. = add_new_link(machine_to_link, operator)
 		if("buffer")
 			heldmultitool.set_buffer(src)
 			. = TRUE
@@ -162,7 +160,7 @@
 	add_act(action, params)
 	. = TRUE
 
-///adds new_connection to src's links list AND vice versa. also updates links_by_telecomms_type
+/// Adds new_connection to src's links list AND vice versa. Also updates `links_by_telecomms_type`.
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/add_new_link(obj/machinery/telecomms/new_connection, mob/user)
 	if(!istype(new_connection) || new_connection == src)
 		return FALSE
@@ -180,7 +178,7 @@
 		user.log_message("linked [src] for [new_connection].", LOG_GAME)
 	return TRUE
 
-///removes old_connection from src's links list AND vice versa. also updates links_by_telecomms_type
+/// Removes old_connection from src's links list AND vice versa. Also updates `links_by_telecomms_type`.
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/remove_link(obj/machinery/telecomms/old_connection, mob/user)
 	if(!istype(old_connection) || old_connection == src)
 		return FALSE
@@ -198,6 +196,11 @@
 
 	return TRUE
 
+/**
+ * Wrapper for adding additional options to a machine's interface.
+ *
+ * Returns a list, or `null` if it wasn't implemented by the machine.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/add_option()
 	return
 
@@ -214,7 +217,14 @@
 	data["receiving"] = receiving
 	return data
 
+/**
+ * Wrapper for adding another time of action for `ui_act()`, rather than
+ * having you override `ui_act` yourself.
+ *
+ * Returns `TRUE` if the action was handled, nothing if not.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/add_act(action, params)
+	return
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/add_act(action, params)
 	switch(action)
@@ -236,20 +246,19 @@
 				else
 					change_frequency = 0
 
-// Returns a multitool from a user depending on their mobtype.
-
+/// Returns a multitool from a user depending on their mobtype.
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/get_multitool(mob/user)
-	var/obj/item/multitool/P = null
+	var/obj/item/multitool/multitool = null
 	// Let's double check
 	if(!issilicon(user) && istype(user.get_active_held_item(), /obj/item/multitool))
-		P = user.get_active_held_item()
+		multitool = user.get_active_held_item()
 	else if(isAI(user))
 		var/mob/living/silicon/ai/U = user
-		P = U.aiMulti
+		multitool = U.aiMulti
 	else if(iscyborg(user) && in_range(user, src))
 		if(istype(user.get_active_held_item(), /obj/item/multitool))
-			P = user.get_active_held_item()
-	return P
+			multitool = user.get_active_held_item()
+	return multitool
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/canAccess(mob/user)
 	if(issilicon(user) || in_range(user, src))

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/allinone.dm

@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
-/*
-	Basically just an empty shell for receiving and broadcasting radio messages. Not
-	very flexible, but it gets the job done.
-*/
-
+/**
+ * Basically just an empty shell for receiving and broadcasting radio messages. Not
+ * very flexible, but it gets the job done.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/allinone
 	name = "telecommunications mainframe"
 	icon_state = "comm_server"
@@ -41,6 +40,6 @@
 		sleep(signal.data["slow"]) // simulate the network lag if necessary
 	signal.broadcast()
 
-/obj/machinery/telecomms/allinone/attackby(obj/item/P, mob/user, params)
-	if(P.tool_behaviour == TOOL_MULTITOOL)
+/obj/machinery/telecomms/allinone/attackby(obj/item/attacking_item, mob/user, params)
+	if(attacking_item.tool_behaviour == TOOL_MULTITOOL)
 		return attack_hand(user)

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/broadcaster.dm

@@ -1,13 +1,14 @@
-/*
-	The broadcaster sends processed messages to all radio devices in the game. They
-	do not have to be headsets; intercoms and station-bounced radios suffice.
-
-	They receive their message from a server after the message has been logged.
-*/
-
-GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(recentmessages) // global list of recent messages broadcasted : used to circumvent massive radio spam
-GLOBAL_VAR_INIT(message_delay, 0) // To make sure restarting the recentmessages list is kept in sync
+/// Global list of recent messages broadcasted : used to circumvent massive radio spam
+GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(recent_messages)
+/// Used to make sure restarting the recent_messages list is kept in sync.
+GLOBAL_VAR_INIT(message_delay, FALSE)
 
+/**
+ * The broadcaster sends processed messages to all radio devices in the game. They
+ * do not have to be headsets; intercoms and station-bounced radios suffice.
+ *
+ * They receive their message from a server after the message has been logged.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/broadcaster
 	name = "subspace broadcaster"
 	icon_state = "broadcaster"
@@ -18,15 +19,17 @@ GLOBAL_VAR_INIT(message_delay, 0) // To make sure restarting the recentmessages
 	circuit = /obj/item/circuitboard/machine/telecomms/broadcaster
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/broadcaster/receive_information(datum/signal/subspace/signal, obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_from)
-	// Don't broadcast rejected signals
 	if(!istype(signal))
 		return
+
+	// Don't broadcast rejected signals
 	if(signal.data["reject"])
 		return
 	if(!signal.data["message"])
 		return
+
 	var/signal_message = "[signal.frequency]:[signal.data["message"]]:[signal.data["name"]]"
-	if(signal_message in GLOB.recentmessages)
+	if(signal_message in GLOB.recent_messages)
 		return
 
 	// Prevents massive radio spam
@@ -35,11 +38,11 @@ GLOBAL_VAR_INIT(message_delay, 0) // To make sure restarting the recentmessages
 	if(original && ("compression" in signal.data))
 		original.data["compression"] = signal.data["compression"]
 
-	var/turf/T = get_turf(src)
-	if (T)
-		signal.levels |= SSmapping.get_connected_levels(T)
+	var/turf/current_turf = get_turf(src)
+	if (current_turf)
+		signal.levels |= SSmapping.get_connected_levels(current_turf)
 
-	GLOB.recentmessages.Add(signal_message)
+	GLOB.recent_messages.Add(signal_message)
 
 	if(signal.data["slow"] > 0)
 		sleep(signal.data["slow"]) // simulate the network lag if necessary
@@ -55,29 +58,31 @@ GLOBAL_VAR_INIT(message_delay, 0) // To make sure restarting the recentmessages
 
 	use_power(idle_power_usage)
 
+/**
+ * Simply resets the message delay and the recent messages list, to ensure that
+ * recent messages can be sent again. Is called on a one second timer after a
+ * delay is set, from `/obj/machinery/telecomms/broadcaster/receive_information()`
+ */
 /proc/end_message_delay()
 	GLOB.message_delay = FALSE
-	GLOB.recentmessages = list()
+	GLOB.recent_messages = list()
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/broadcaster/Destroy()
 	// In case message_delay is left on 1, otherwise it won't reset the list and people can't say the same thing twice anymore.
 	if(GLOB.message_delay)
-		GLOB.message_delay = 0
+		GLOB.message_delay = FALSE
 	return ..()
 
 
-
-//Preset Broadcasters
+// Preset Broadcasters
 
 //--PRESET LEFT--//
-
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/broadcaster/preset_left
 	id = "Broadcaster A"
 	network = "tcommsat"
 	autolinkers = list("broadcasterA")
 
 //--PRESET RIGHT--//
-
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/broadcaster/preset_right
 	id = "Broadcaster B"
 	network = "tcommsat"

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/bus.dm

@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
-/*
-	The bus mainframe idles and waits for hubs to relay them signals. They act
-	as junctions for the network.
-
-	They transfer uncompressed subspace packets to processor units, and then take
-	the processed packet to a server for logging.
-
-	Link to a subspace hub if it can't send to a server.
-*/
-
+/**
+ * The bus mainframe idles and waits for hubs to relay them signals. They act
+ * as junctions for the network.
+ *
+ * They transfer uncompressed subspace packets to processor units, and then take
+ * the processed packet to a server for logging.
+ *
+ * Can be linked to a telecommunications hub or a broadcaster in the absence
+ * of a server, at the cost of some added latency.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/bus
 	name = "bus mainframe"
 	icon_state = "bus"
@@ -17,7 +17,9 @@
 	idle_power_usage = BASE_MACHINE_IDLE_CONSUMPTION * 0.01
 	netspeed = 40
 	circuit = /obj/item/circuitboard/machine/telecomms/bus
-	var/change_frequency = 0
+	/// The frequency this bus will use to override the received signal's frequency,
+	/// if not `NONE`.
+	var/change_frequency = NONE
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/bus/receive_information(datum/signal/subspace/signal, obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_from)
 	if(!istype(signal) || !is_freq_listening(signal))
@@ -47,7 +49,7 @@
 
 	use_power(idle_power_usage)
 
-//Preset Buses
+// Preset Buses
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/bus/preset_one
 	id = "Bus 1"
@@ -75,6 +77,8 @@
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/bus/preset_four/Initialize(mapload)
 	. = ..()
+	// We want to include every freely-available frequency on this one, so they
+	// get processed quickly when used on-station.
 	for(var/i = MIN_FREQ, i <= MAX_FREQ, i += 2)
 		freq_listening |= i
 

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/hub.dm

@@ -1,13 +1,12 @@
-/*
-	The HUB idles until it receives information. It then passes on that information
-	depending on where it came from.
-
-	This is the heart of the Telecommunications Network, sending information where it
-	is needed. It mainly receives information from long-distance Relays and then sends
-	that information to be processed. Afterwards it gets the uncompressed information
-	from Servers/Buses and sends that back to the relay, to then be broadcasted.
-*/
-
+/**
+ * The HUB idles until it receives information. It then passes on that information
+ * depending on where it came from.
+ *
+ * This is the heart of the Telecommunications Network, sending information where it
+ * is needed. It mainly receives information from long-distance Relays and then sends
+ * that information to be processed. Afterwards it gets the uncompressed information
+ * from Servers/Buses and sends that back to the relay, to then be broadcasted.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/hub
 	name = "telecommunication hub"
 	icon_state = "hub"
@@ -53,12 +52,31 @@
 	QDEL_NULL(soundloop)
 	return ..()
 
-//Preset HUB
+// Preset HUB
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/hub/preset
 	id = "Hub"
 	network = "tcommsat"
-	autolinkers = list("hub", "relay", "s_relay", "m_relay", "r_relay", "h_relay", "science", "medical",
-	"supply", "service", "common", "command", "engineering", "security",
-	"receiverA", "receiverB", "broadcasterA", "broadcasterB", "autorelay", "messaging")
+	autolinkers = list(
+		"hub",
+		"relay",
+		"s_relay",
+		"m_relay",
+		"r_relay",
+		"h_relay",
+		"science",
+		"medical",
+		"supply",
+		"service",
+		"common",
+		"command",
+		"engineering",
+		"security",
+		"receiverA",
+		"receiverB",
+		"broadcasterA",
+		"broadcasterB",
+		"autorelay",
+		"messaging",
+	)
 

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/message_server.dm

@@ -1,17 +1,12 @@
-/*
-	The equivalent of the server, for PDA and request console messages.
-	Without it, PDA and request console messages cannot be transmitted.
-	PDAs require the rest of the telecomms setup, but request consoles only
-	require the message server.
-*/
-
 // A decorational representation of SSblackbox, usually placed alongside the message server. Also contains a traitor theft item.
 /obj/machinery/blackbox_recorder
+	name = "Blackbox Recorder"
 	icon = 'icons/obj/machines/telecomms.dmi'
 	icon_state = "blackbox"
-	name = "Blackbox Recorder"
 	density = TRUE
 	armor_type = /datum/armor/machinery_blackbox_recorder
+	/// The object that's stored in the machine, which is to say, the blackbox itself.
+	/// When it hasn't already been stolen, of course.
 	var/obj/item/stored
 
 /datum/armor/machinery_blackbox_recorder
@@ -39,15 +34,15 @@
 		to_chat(user, span_warning("It seems that the blackbox is missing..."))
 		return
 
-/obj/machinery/blackbox_recorder/attackby(obj/item/I, mob/living/user, params)
-	if(istype(I, /obj/item/blackbox))
-		if(HAS_TRAIT(I, TRAIT_NODROP) || !user.transferItemToLoc(I, src))
-			to_chat(user, span_warning("[I] is stuck to your hand!"))
+/obj/machinery/blackbox_recorder/attackby(obj/item/attacking_item, mob/living/user, params)
+	if(istype(attacking_item, /obj/item/blackbox))
+		if(HAS_TRAIT(attacking_item, TRAIT_NODROP) || !user.transferItemToLoc(attacking_item, src))
+			to_chat(user, span_warning("[attacking_item] is stuck to your hand!"))
 			return
-		user.visible_message(span_notice("[user] clicks [I] into [src]!"), \
+		user.visible_message(span_notice("[user] clicks [attacking_item] into [src]!"), \
 		span_notice("You press the device into [src], and it clicks into place. The tapes begin spinning again."))
 		playsound(src, 'sound/machines/click.ogg', 50, TRUE)
-		stored = I
+		stored = attacking_item
 		update_appearance()
 		return
 	return ..()
@@ -73,26 +68,41 @@
 	w_class = WEIGHT_CLASS_BULKY
 	resistance_flags = INDESTRUCTIBLE | LAVA_PROOF | FIRE_PROOF | ACID_PROOF
 
-#define MESSAGE_SERVER_FUNCTIONING_MESSAGE "This is an automated message. The messaging system is functioning correctly."
 
-// The message server itself.
+/**
+ * The equivalent of the server, for PDA and request console messages.
+ * Without it, PDA and request console messages cannot be transmitted.
+ * PDAs require the rest of the telecomms setup, but request consoles only
+ * require the message server.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server
-	icon_state = "message_server"
 	name = "Messaging Server"
 	desc = "A machine that processes and routes PDA and request console messages."
+	icon_state = "message_server"
 	telecomms_type = /obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server
 	density = TRUE
 	circuit = /obj/item/circuitboard/machine/telecomms/message_server
 
+	/// A list of all the PDA messages that were intercepted and processed by
+	/// this messaging server.
 	var/list/datum/data_tablet_msg/pda_msgs = list()
+	/// A list of all the Request Console messages that were intercepted and
+	/// processed by this messaging server.
 	var/list/datum/data_rc_msg/rc_msgs = list()
+	/// The password of this messaging server.
 	var/decryptkey = "password"
-	var/calibrating = 15 MINUTES //Init reads this and adds world.time, then becomes 0 when that time has passed and the machine works
+	/// Init reads this and adds world.time, then becomes 0 when that time has
+	/// passed and the machine works.
+	/// Basically, if it's not 0, it's calibrating and therefore non-functional.
+	var/calibrating = 15 MINUTES
+
+
+#define MESSAGE_SERVER_FUNCTIONING_MESSAGE "This is an automated message. The messaging system is functioning correctly."
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/Initialize(mapload)
 	. = ..()
 	if (!decryptkey)
-		decryptkey = GenerateKey()
+		decryptkey = generate_key()
 
 	if (calibrating)
 		calibrating += world.time
@@ -112,12 +122,16 @@
 	if(calibrating)
 		. += span_warning("It's still calibrating.")
 
-/obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/proc/GenerateKey()
-	var/newKey
-	newKey += pick("the", "if", "of", "as", "in", "a", "you", "from", "to", "an", "too", "little", "snow", "dead", "drunk", "rosebud", "duck", "al", "le")
-	newKey += pick("diamond", "beer", "mushroom", "assistant", "clown", "captain", "twinkie", "security", "nuke", "small", "big", "escape", "yellow", "gloves", "monkey", "engine", "nuclear", "ai")
-	newKey += pick("1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", "0")
-	return newKey
+/**
+ * Handles generating a key for the message server, returning it. Doesn't assign
+ * it in this proc, you have to do so yourself.
+ */
+/obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/proc/generate_key()
+	var/generated_key
+	generated_key += pick("the", "if", "of", "as", "in", "a", "you", "from", "to", "an", "too", "little", "snow", "dead", "drunk", "rosebud", "duck", "al", "le")
+	generated_key += pick("diamond", "beer", "mushroom", "assistant", "clown", "captain", "twinkie", "security", "nuke", "small", "big", "escape", "yellow", "gloves", "monkey", "engine", "nuclear", "ai")
+	generated_key += pick("1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", "0")
+	return generated_key
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/process()
 	. = ..()
@@ -125,6 +139,8 @@
 		calibrating = 0
 		pda_msgs += new /datum/data_tablet_msg("System Administrator", "system", MESSAGE_SERVER_FUNCTIONING_MESSAGE)
 
+#undef MESSAGE_SERVER_FUNCTIONING_MESSAGE
+
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/receive_information(datum/signal/subspace/messaging/signal, obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_from)
 	// can't log non-message signals
 	if(!istype(signal) || !signal.data["message"] || !on || calibrating)
@@ -136,8 +152,8 @@
 		var/datum/data_tablet_msg/log_message = new(PDAsignal.format_target(), PDAsignal.format_sender(), PDAsignal.format_message(), PDAsignal.format_photo_path())
 		pda_msgs += log_message
 	else if(istype(signal, /datum/signal/subspace/messaging/rc))
-		var/datum/data_rc_msg/msg = new(signal.data["rec_dpt"], signal.data["send_dpt"], signal.data["message"], signal.data["stamped"], signal.data["verified"], signal.data["priority"])
-		if(signal.data["send_dpt"]) // don't log messages not from a department but allow them to work
+		var/datum/data_rc_msg/msg = new(signal.data["receiving_department"], signal.data["sender_department"], signal.data["message"], signal.data["stamped"], signal.data["verified"], signal.data["priority"])
+		if(signal.data["sender_department"]) // don't log messages not from a department but allow them to work
 			rc_msgs += msg
 	signal.data["reject"] = FALSE
 
@@ -151,6 +167,14 @@
 	if(calibrating)
 		. += "message_server_calibrate"
 
+// Preset messaging server
+/obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/preset
+	id = "Messaging Server"
+	network = "tcommsat"
+	autolinkers = list("messaging")
+	decryptkey = null //random
+	calibrating = 0
+
 
 // Root messaging signal datum
 /datum/signal/subspace/messaging
@@ -160,8 +184,8 @@
 /datum/signal/subspace/messaging/New(init_source, init_data)
 	source = init_source
 	data = init_data
-	var/turf/T = get_turf(source)
-	levels = SSmapping.get_connected_levels(T)
+	var/turf/origin_turf = get_turf(source)
+	levels = SSmapping.get_connected_levels(origin_turf)
 	if(!("reject" in data))
 		data["reject"] = TRUE
 
@@ -172,20 +196,26 @@
 	return copy
 
 // Tablet message signal datum
+/// Returns a string representing the target of this message, formatted properly.
 /datum/signal/subspace/messaging/tablet_message/proc/format_target()
 	if (data["everyone"])
 		return "Everyone"
+
 	var/datum/computer_file/program/messenger/target_app = data["targets"][1]
 	var/obj/item/modular_computer/target = target_app.computer
-	return "[target.saved_identification] ([target.saved_job])"
+	return STRINGIFY_PDA_TARGET(target.saved_identification, target.saved_job)
 
+/// Returns a string representing the sender of this message, formatted properly.
 /datum/signal/subspace/messaging/tablet_message/proc/format_sender()
 	var/display_name = get_messenger_name(locate(data["ref"]))
 	return display_name ? display_name : STRINGIFY_PDA_TARGET(data["fakename"], data["fakejob"])
 
+/// Returns the formatted message contained in this message. Use this to apply
+/// any processing to it if it needs to be formatted in a specific way.
 /datum/signal/subspace/messaging/tablet_message/proc/format_message()
 	return data["message"]
 
+/// Returns the formatted photo path contained in this message, if there's one.
 /datum/signal/subspace/messaging/tablet_message/proc/format_photo_path()
 	return data["photo"]
 
@@ -201,13 +231,19 @@
 		if(ckey(console.department) == recipient_department || (data["ore_update"] && console.receive_ore_updates))
 			console.create_message(data)
 
-// Log datums stored by the message server.
+/// Log datums stored by the message server.
 /datum/data_tablet_msg
+	/// Who sent the message.
 	var/sender = "Unspecified"
+	/// Who was targeted by the message.
 	var/recipient = "Unspecified"
-	var/message = "Blank"  // transferred message
-	var/picture_asset_key  // attached photo path
-	var/automated = FALSE // automated message
+	/// The transfered message.
+	var/message = "Blank"
+	/// The attached photo path, if any.
+	var/picture_asset_key
+	/// Whether or not it's an automated message. Defaults to `FALSE`.
+	var/automated = FALSE
+
 
 /datum/data_tablet_msg/New(param_rec, param_sender, param_message, param_photo)
 	if(param_rec)
@@ -219,19 +255,32 @@
 	if(param_photo)
 		picture_asset_key = param_photo
 
+
+#define REQUEST_PRIORITY_NORMAL "Normal"
+#define REQUEST_PRIORITY_HIGH "High"
+#define REQUEST_PRIORITY_EXTREME "Extreme"
+#define REQUEST_PRIORITY_UNDETERMINED "Undetermined"
+
+
 /datum/data_rc_msg
-	var/rec_dpt = "Unspecified"  // receiving department
-	var/send_dpt = "Unspecified"  // sending department
+	/// The department that sent the request.
+	var/sender_department = "Unspecified"
+	/// The department that was targeted by the request.
+	var/receiving_department = "Unspecified"
+	/// The message of the request.
 	var/message = "Blank"
+	/// The stamp that authenticated this message, if any.
 	var/stamp = "Unstamped"
+	/// The ID that authenticated this message, if any.
 	var/id_auth = "Unauthenticated"
-	var/priority = "Normal"
+	/// The priority of this request.
+	var/priority = REQUEST_PRIORITY_NORMAL
 
 /datum/data_rc_msg/New(param_rec, param_sender, param_message, param_stamp, param_id_auth, param_priority)
 	if(param_rec)
-		rec_dpt = param_rec
+		receiving_department = param_rec
 	if(param_sender)
-		send_dpt = param_sender
+		sender_department = param_sender
 	if(param_message)
 		message = param_message
 	if(param_stamp)
@@ -241,19 +290,15 @@
 	if(param_priority)
 		switch(param_priority)
 			if(REQ_NORMAL_MESSAGE_PRIORITY)
-				priority = "Normal"
+				priority = REQUEST_PRIORITY_NORMAL
 			if(REQ_HIGH_MESSAGE_PRIORITY)
-				priority = "High"
+				priority = REQUEST_PRIORITY_HIGH
 			if(REQ_EXTREME_MESSAGE_PRIORITY)
-				priority = "Extreme"
+				priority = REQUEST_PRIORITY_EXTREME
 			else
-				priority = "Undetermined"
+				priority = REQUEST_PRIORITY_UNDETERMINED
 
-#undef MESSAGE_SERVER_FUNCTIONING_MESSAGE
-
-/obj/machinery/telecomms/message_server/preset
-	id = "Messaging Server"
-	network = "tcommsat"
-	autolinkers = list("messaging")
-	decryptkey = null //random
-	calibrating = 0
+#undef REQUEST_PRIORITY_NORMAL
+#undef REQUEST_PRIORITY_HIGH
+#undef REQUEST_PRIORITY_EXTREME
+#undef REQUEST_PRIORITY_UNDETERMINED

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/processor.dm

@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
-/*
-	The processor is a very simple machine that decompresses subspace signals and
-	transfers them back to the original bus. It is essential in producing audible
-	data.
-
-	Link to servers if bus is not present
-*/
-
+/**
+ * The processor is a very simple machine that decompresses subspace signals and
+ * transfers them back to the original bus. It is essential in producing audible
+ * data.
+ *
+ * They'll link to servers if bus is not present, with some delay added to it.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/processor
 	name = "processor unit"
 	icon_state = "processor"
@@ -14,16 +13,22 @@
 	density = TRUE
 	idle_power_usage = BASE_MACHINE_IDLE_CONSUMPTION * 0.01
 	circuit = /obj/item/circuitboard/machine/telecomms/processor
-	var/process_mode = 1 // 1 = Uncompress Signals, 0 = Compress Signals
+	/// Whether this processor is currently compressing the data,
+	/// or actually decompressing it. Defaults to `FALSE`.
+	var/compressing = FALSE
+
+#define COMPRESSION_AMOUNT_COMPRESSING 100
+#define COMPRESSION_AMOUNT_DECOMPRESSING 0
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/processor/receive_information(datum/signal/subspace/signal, obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_from)
 	if(!is_freq_listening(signal))
 		return
 
-	if (!process_mode)
-		signal.data["compression"] = 100 // even more compressed signal
-	else if (signal.data["compression"])
-		signal.data["compression"] = 0 // uncompress subspace signal
+	if(compressing)
+		signal.data["compression"] = COMPRESSION_AMOUNT_COMPRESSING // We compress the signal even further.
+	// Otherwise we just fully decompress it if it was compressed to begin with.
+	else if(signal.data["compression"])
+		signal.data["compression"] = COMPRESSION_AMOUNT_DECOMPRESSING
 
 	if(istype(machine_from, /obj/machinery/telecomms/bus))
 		relay_direct_information(signal, machine_from) // send the signal back to the machine
@@ -31,7 +36,10 @@
 		signal.data["slow"] += rand(5, 10) // slow the signal down
 		relay_information(signal, signal.server_type)
 
-//Preset Processors
+#undef COMPRESSION_AMOUNT_COMPRESSING
+#undef COMPRESSION_AMOUNT_DECOMPRESSING
+
+// Preset Processors
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/processor/preset_one
 	id = "Processor 1"

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/receiver.dm

@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
-/*
-	The receiver idles and receives messages from subspace-compatible radio equipment;
-	primarily headsets. Then they just relay this information to all linked devices,
-	which would probably be network hubs.
-
-	Link to Processor Units in case receiver can't send to bus units.
-*/
-
+/**
+ * The receiver idles and receives messages from subspace-compatible radio equipment,
+ * primarily headsets. Then they just relay this information to all linked devices,
+ * which would usually be through the telecommunications hub.
+ *
+ * Link to Processor Units in case receiver can't send to a telecommunication hub.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/receiver
 	name = "subspace receiver"
 	icon_state = "broadcast receiver"
@@ -27,21 +26,27 @@
 
 	use_power(idle_power_usage)
 
+/**
+ * Checks whether the signal can be received by this receiver or not, based on
+ * if it's in the signal's `levels`, or if there's a liked hub with a linked
+ * relay that can receive the signal for it.
+ *
+ * Returns `TRUE` if it can receive the signal, `FALSE` if not.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/receiver/proc/check_receive_level(datum/signal/subspace/signal)
 	if (z in signal.levels)
 		return TRUE
 
-	for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/hub/H in links)
-		for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/R in H.links)
-			if(R.can_receive(signal) && (R.z in signal.levels))
+	for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/hub/linked_hub in links)
+		for(var/obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/linked_relay in linked_hub.links)
+			if(linked_relay.can_receive(signal) && (linked_relay.z in signal.levels))
 				return TRUE
 
 	return FALSE
 
-//Preset Receivers
+// Preset Receivers
 
 //--PRESET LEFT--//
-
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/receiver/preset_left
 	id = "Receiver A"
 	network = "tcommsat"
@@ -50,16 +55,16 @@
 
 
 //--PRESET RIGHT--//
-
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/receiver/preset_right
 	id = "Receiver B"
 	network = "tcommsat"
 	autolinkers = list("receiverB") // link to relay
 	freq_listening = list(FREQ_COMMAND, FREQ_ENGINEERING, FREQ_SECURITY)
 
-	//Common and other radio frequencies for people to freely use
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/receiver/preset_right/Initialize(mapload)
 	. = ..()
+	// Also add common and other freely-available radio frequencies for people
+	// to have access to.
 	for(var/i = MIN_FREQ, i <= MAX_FREQ, i += 2)
 		freq_listening |= i
 

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/relay.dm

@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
-/*
-	The relay idles until it receives information. It then passes on that information
-	depending on where it came from.
-
-	The relay is needed in order to send information pass Z levels. It must be linked
-	with a HUB, the only other machine that can send/receive pass Z levels.
-*/
-
+/**
+ * The relay idles until it receives information. It then passes on that information
+ * depending on where it came from.
+ *
+ * The relay is needed in order to send information to different Z levels. It
+ * must be linked with a hub, the only other machine that can send to/receive
+ * from other Z levels.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/relay
 	name = "telecommunication relay"
 	icon_state = "relay"
@@ -14,10 +14,12 @@
 	density = TRUE
 	idle_power_usage = BASE_MACHINE_IDLE_CONSUMPTION * 0.01
 	netspeed = 5
-	long_range_link = 1
+	long_range_link = TRUE
 	circuit = /obj/item/circuitboard/machine/telecomms/relay
-	var/broadcasting = 1
-	var/receiving = 1
+	/// Can this relay broadcast signals to other Z levels?
+	var/broadcasting = TRUE
+	/// Can this relay receive signals from other Z levels?
+	var/receiving = TRUE
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/receive_information(datum/signal/subspace/signal, obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_from)
 	// Add our level and send it back
@@ -25,33 +27,49 @@
 	if(can_send(signal) && relay_turf)
 		// Relays send signals to all ZTRAIT_STATION z-levels
 		if(SSmapping.level_trait(relay_turf.z, ZTRAIT_STATION))
-			for(var/z in SSmapping.levels_by_trait(ZTRAIT_STATION))
-				signal.levels |= SSmapping.get_connected_levels(z)
+			for(var/z_level in SSmapping.levels_by_trait(ZTRAIT_STATION))
+				signal.levels |= SSmapping.get_connected_levels(z_level)
 		else
 			signal.levels |= SSmapping.get_connected_levels(relay_turf)
 
 	use_power(idle_power_usage)
 
-/// Checks to see if it can send/receive.
-/obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/proc/can(datum/signal/signal)
+/**
+ * Checks to see if the relay can send/receive the signal, by checking if it's
+ * on, and if it's listening to the frequency of the signal.
+ *
+ * Returns `TRUE` if it can listen to the signal, `FALSE` if not.
+ */
+/obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/proc/can_listen_to_signal(datum/signal/signal)
 	if(!on)
 		return FALSE
 	if(!is_freq_listening(signal))
 		return FALSE
 	return TRUE
 
+/**
+ * Checks to see if the relay can send this signal, which requires it to have
+ * `broadcasting` set to `TRUE`.
+ *
+ * Returns `TRUE` if it can send the signal, `FALSE` if not.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/proc/can_send(datum/signal/signal)
-	if(!can(signal))
+	if(!can_listen_to_signal(signal))
 		return FALSE
 	return broadcasting
 
+/**
+ * Checks to see if the relay can receive this signal, which requires it to have
+ * `receiving` set to `TRUE`.
+ *
+ * Returns `TRUE` if it can receive the signal, `FALSE` if not.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/proc/can_receive(datum/signal/signal)
-	if(!can(signal))
+	if(!can_listen_to_signal(signal))
 		return FALSE
 	return receiving
 
-//Preset Relay
-
+// Preset Relays
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/preset
 	network = "tcommsat"
 
@@ -78,7 +96,7 @@
 	toggled = FALSE
 	autolinkers = list("r_relay")
 
-//Generic preset relay
+// Generic preset relay
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/relay/preset/auto
 	hide = TRUE
 	autolinkers = list("autorelay")

code/game/machinery/telecomms/machines/server.dm

@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
-/*
-	The server logs all traffic and signal data. Once it records the signal, it sends
-	it to the subspace broadcaster.
-
-	Store a maximum of 100 logs and then deletes them.
-*/
+#define MAX_LOG_ENTRIES 400
 
+/**
+ * The server logs all traffic and signal data. Once it records the signal, it
+ * sends it to the subspace broadcaster.
+ *
+ * Store a maximum of `MAX_LOG_ENTRIES` (400) log entries and then deletes them.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/server
 	name = "telecommunication server"
 	icon_state = "comm_server"
@@ -13,8 +14,13 @@
 	density = TRUE
 	idle_power_usage = BASE_MACHINE_IDLE_CONSUMPTION * 0.01
 	circuit = /obj/item/circuitboard/machine/telecomms/server
+	/// A list of previous entries on the network. It will not exceed
+	/// `MAX_LOG_ENTRIES` entries in length, flushing the oldest entries
+	/// automatically.
 	var/list/log_entries = list()
-	var/totaltraffic = 0 // gigabytes (if > 1024, divide by 1024 -> terrabytes)
+	/// Total trafic, which is increased every time a signal is increased and
+	/// the current traffic is higher than 0. See `traffic` for more info.
+	var/total_traffic = 0
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/server/receive_information(datum/signal/subspace/vocal/signal, obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_from)
 	// can't log non-vocal signals
@@ -22,10 +28,10 @@
 		return
 
 	if(traffic > 0)
-		totaltraffic += traffic // add current traffic to total traffic
+		total_traffic += traffic // add current traffic to total traffic
 
 	// Delete particularly old logs
-	if (log_entries.len >= 400)
+	if (log_entries.len >= MAX_LOG_ENTRIES)
 		log_entries.Cut(1, 2)
 
 	// Don't create a log if the frequency is banned from being logged
@@ -39,7 +45,7 @@
 
 		// If the signal is still compressed, make the log entry gibberish
 		var/compression = signal.data["compression"]
-		if(compression > 0)
+		if(compression > NONE)
 			log.input_type = "Corrupt File"
 			var/replace_characters = compression >= 20 ? TRUE : FALSE
 			log.parameters["name"] = Gibberish(signal.data["name"], replace_characters)
@@ -47,7 +53,7 @@
 			log.parameters["message"] = Gibberish(signal.data["message"], replace_characters)
 
 		// Give the log a name and store it
-		var/identifier = num2text( rand(-1000,1000) + world.time )
+		var/identifier = num2text(rand(-1000, 1000) + world.time)
 		log.name = "data packet ([md5(identifier)])"
 		log_entries.Add(log)
 
@@ -57,11 +63,16 @@
 
 	use_power(idle_power_usage)
 
-// Simple log entry datum
+#undef MAX_LOG_ENTRIES
+
+/// Simple log entry datum for the telecommunication server
 /datum/comm_log_entry
+	/// Type of entry.
 	var/input_type = "Speech File"
+	/// Name of the entry.
 	var/name = "data packet (#)"
-	var/parameters = list()  // copied from signal.data above
+	/// Parameters extracted from the signal.
+	var/parameters = list()
 
 
 // Preset Servers
@@ -98,9 +109,9 @@
 	freq_listening = list()
 	autolinkers = list("common")
 
-//Common and other radio frequencies for people to freely use
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/server/presets/common/Initialize(mapload)
 	. = ..()
+	// Common and other radio frequencies for people to freely use
 	for(var/i = MIN_FREQ, i <= MAX_FREQ, i += 2)
 		freq_listening |= i
 

code/game/machinery/telecomms/telecomunications.dm

@@ -1,19 +1,11 @@
-
-/*
-	Hello, friends, this is Doohl from sexylands. You may be wondering what this
-	monstrous code file is. Sit down, boys and girls, while I tell you the tale.
-
-
-	The telecom machines were designed to be compatible with any radio
-	signals, provided they use subspace transmission. Currently they are only used for
-	headsets, but they can eventually be outfitted for real COMPUTER networks. This
-	is just a skeleton, ladies and gentlemen.
-
-	Look at radio.dm for the prequel to this code.
-*/
-
+/// A list of all of the `/obj/machinery/telecomms` (and subtypes) machines
+/// that exist in the world currently.
 GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(telecomms_list)
 
+/**
+ * The basic telecomms machinery type, implementing all of the logic that's
+ * shared between all of the telecomms machinery.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms
 	icon = 'icons/obj/machines/telecomms.dmi'
 	critical_machine = TRUE
@@ -40,15 +32,16 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(telecomms_list)
 	// list of frequencies to tune into: if none, will listen to all
 	var/list/freq_listening = list()
 
+	/// Is it actually active or not?
 	var/on = TRUE
-	/// Is it toggled on
+	/// Is it toggled on, so is it /meant/ to be active?
 	var/toggled = TRUE
 	/// Can you link it across Z levels or on the otherside of the map? (Relay & Hub)
 	var/long_range_link = FALSE
 	/// Is it a hidden machine?
 	var/hide = FALSE
 
-	///Looping sounds for any servers
+	/// Looping sounds for any servers
 	var/datum/looping_sound/server/soundloop
 
 /// relay signal to all linked machinery that are of type [filter]. If signal has been sent [amount] times, stop sending
@@ -90,16 +83,20 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(telecomms_list)
 
 	return send_count
 
+/// Sends a signal directly to a machine.
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/relay_direct_information(datum/signal/signal, obj/machinery/telecomms/machine)
-	// send signal directly to a machine
 	machine.receive_information(signal, src)
 
-///receive information from linked machinery
+/// Receive information from linked machinery
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/receive_information(datum/signal/signal, obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_from)
 	return
 
+/**
+ * Checks whether the machinery is listening to that signal.
+ *
+ * Returns `TRUE` if found, `FALSE` if not.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/is_freq_listening(datum/signal/signal)
-	// return TRUE if found, FALSE if not found
 	return signal && (!length(freq_listening) || (signal.frequency in freq_listening))
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/Initialize(mapload)
@@ -122,17 +119,17 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(telecomms_list)
 	links = list()
 	return ..()
 
-/// Used in auto linking
-/obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/add_automatic_link(obj/machinery/telecomms/T)
+/// Handles the automatic linking of another machine to this one.
+/obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/add_automatic_link(obj/machinery/telecomms/machine_to_link)
 	var/turf/position = get_turf(src)
-	var/turf/T_position = get_turf(T)
-	if((position.z != T_position.z) && !(long_range_link && T.long_range_link))
+	var/turf/T_position = get_turf(machine_to_link)
+	if((position.z != T_position.z) && !(long_range_link && machine_to_link.long_range_link))
 		return
-	if(src == T)
+	if(src == machine_to_link)
 		return
 	for(var/autolinker_id in autolinkers)
-		if(autolinker_id in T.autolinkers)
-			add_new_link(T)
+		if(autolinker_id in machine_to_link.autolinkers)
+			add_new_link(machine_to_link)
 			return
 
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/update_icon_state()
@@ -143,6 +140,11 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(telecomms_list)
 	update_appearance()
 	return ..()
 
+/**
+ * Handles updating the power state of the machine, modifying its `on`
+ * variable based on if it's `toggled` and if it's either broken, has no power
+ * or it's EMP'd. Handles updating appearance based on that power change.
+ */
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/update_power()
 	var/old_on = on
 	if(toggled)
@@ -167,8 +169,9 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(telecomms_list)
 		return
 	if(prob(100/severity) && !(machine_stat & EMPED))
 		set_machine_stat(machine_stat | EMPED)
-		var/duration = (300 * 10)/severity
-		addtimer(CALLBACK(src, PROC_REF(de_emp)), rand(duration - 20, duration + 20))
+		var/duration = (300 SECONDS)/severity
+		addtimer(CALLBACK(src, PROC_REF(de_emp)), rand(duration - 2 SECONDS, duration + 2 SECONDS))
 
+/// Handles the machine stopping being affected by an EMP.
 /obj/machinery/telecomms/proc/de_emp()
 	set_machine_stat(machine_stat & ~EMPED)

tgui/packages/tgui/interfaces/MessageMonitor.tsx

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ type Request = {
   ref: string;
   message: string;
   stamp: string;
-  send_dpt: string;
+  sender_department: string;
   id_auth: string;
 };
 
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ const RequestLogsScreen = (props, context) => {
                 </Table.Cell>
                 <Table.Cell>{request.message}</Table.Cell>
                 <Table.Cell>{request.stamp}</Table.Cell>
-                <Table.Cell>{request.send_dpt}</Table.Cell>
+                <Table.Cell>{request.sender_department}</Table.Cell>
                 <Table.Cell>{request.id_auth}</Table.Cell>
               </Table.Row>
             ))}