Question about radar range

Waltorious · Post by **Waltorious** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:51 am

Hey guys,

I have a question about radar range... I've heard that radar range is 10,000 units, i.e. that ships don't appear on radar until they are within that range. However, recently while jumping around in one of the systems I noticed that the closest station still showed up as a blue blip on my radar despite the fact that I was MUCH farther away than 10,000... this was several sector boxes away (or at least one sector box away, at any rate). Is there a greater radar range for certain objects as opposed to others? I ask because I've been spending a little time trying to find some hidden things and I'm wondering how close I'll need to be before I can see them on radar, which will in turn help me set a search pattern. I have a feeling that I'm looking for a purple blip on radar (No ID), is there a different range for those than for ships?

Please no spoilers on hidden locations! I'm trying to find them myself first... when I give up I'll come back to ask, I'm sure.

Thanks! The game is really awesome so far, I keep being impressed all over again by the level of thought and detail put into it.

Post by **Vice** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:20 am

Yes, there are various ranges for different objects. Objects as massive as the stations can be picked up more than a full sector away. Ships can generally be picked up at around 10K. Smaller objects, like cargo containers, often need to be within about 2K-2.5K to be picked up (although a certain crew member can help boost that range).

Waltorious · Post by **Waltorious** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:32 am

Is it safe to say that the same type of object will always have the same sensor range? Let's say I verified that I can see an object on the nav map on radar as long as I'm within 20k. If I'm looking for a similar object that's NOT on the nav map (i.e. a hidden object) will it also show up on radar when I'm within 20k?

Also, do planet atmospheres affect sensor range?

Thanks!

Post by **Vice** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 3:19 pm

Sensor range for ships is reduced significantly in nebula clouds, otherwise the ranges are pretty consistent. Yes, an object that can be detected at a certain range on the radar will generally do the same even if it is not displayed on the nav map.

Atmospheres do not effect sensor range.

Karmasaur · Post by **Karmasaur** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:35 pm

Originally posted by Vice
There are some techniques you can use to help narrow your field of search to locate such uncharted systems.

I hired a science officer, but dont know how to use him. How far can he see? Just one small square at a time? A big square? Further? Ive been out scouting, but I dont know if I should be taking baby steps or giant steps.
-K

Post by **Vice** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:23 pm

The science ops crew member handles their role automatically. They will help improve your sensor range for objects like hidden cargo containers and will announce points of interest as you arrive in a sector. However, the techniques I referred to are different from those offered by the science ops crew. Those involve observation and testing.