Civilian Ship Thread (WIP)

[Zalausai]

Here are done ideas for scanners. Each medium presented here is what the scanner uses to detect things.

In atmosphere.
Echolocation (sonar)
Pressure variations in response to movement
Chemical tagging (saturate an environment with a chemical, then continuously scan its flow, also works with radio wave communication nano bots).

Out of atmosphere (also works in atmosphere)
Infrared light (night vision)
Visible light (camera)
Ultraviolet light (laser scanners)
Microwaves
Magnetism
Electromagnetism
Radio waves (radar)
Radiation (alpha, beta, or gamma)(not environmentally friendly)

One of these should help you with your faction's scanner technology. This should make the more critical members happy.

Zalausai edit: fixed a typo.

[Ristyo]

That's...... very detailed stuff about scanners, WOW.

[Majicnanas]

0_0

Damn.....

[Zalausai]

They are simply the method that the scanners detect things. This list isn't complete and I left out technical descriptions to leave room for scifi details on part of the author. Author being anyone who wants to describe their scanner technology. It appears here because there seems to be a discussion about it. Hopefully it offers some help.

[Majicnanas]

Well thank you Zal.

[STARSTRUCK]

Some extra details in the spoiler, if you want them.

Spoiler!

Infrared light (night vision)

Passive IR is very good for detecting the black-body emissions from hot-running spacecraft, so in the context of space battles it's not just "night vision". As in Mass Effect, even if you paint your spaceship black and find some way to absorb radar, the most inconvenient thing for stealth is trying to control your heat emissions...

Visible light (camera)
Ultraviolet light (laser scanners)

Both of these amount to lidar. You can have active lidar (shining a spotlight or laser everywhere and catching the reflection with a big camera) or passive lidar (just a big camera).

Microwaves
Radio waves (radar)

Microwaves are considered a radar spectrum. As with lidar, you can have active or passive radar.

Magnetism
Electromagnetism

Used by metal detectors and old submarine detectors. You project a magnetic field and measure the change in field density that occurs when a ferrous metal passes through it. The Russians tried to build a titanium submarine to defeat this, but now they just degauss the hull, although it's never 100% effective. Seems like something an aquatic species would love, either way. Some fish project an electric field (different thing) to detect predators and prey.

Radiation (alpha, beta, or gamma)(not environmentally friendly)

Passive gamma ray sensors can be used to detect the emissions of nuclear reactors, although most of them will be heavily shielded. Nevertheless, they're a good addition to any spacecraft's sensor set.

The (not environmentally friendly) bit suggests you were planning on shooting these at stuff. This is not a good idea. Alpha and beta rays tend either to penetrate or be absorbed by common materials instead of being backscattered, and besides, travel much slower than the speed of light. Gamma rays, with their high energy and penetration, are best used as weapons, because only special materials will lens or reflect them.

[Danny420Dale]

Danny, could you write that in English please.

No. It's fine the way it is.

[Majicnanas]

Update. Look at first post. Thank you.

[Doogie12]

Why not put these into the Delphinus Gulf thread? We definitely need all the civilians we can take.

[Ristyo]

Am I accepted?