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The '''directional scanner''' ("d-scan") is a built-in device that comes with all ships and can detect most objects in space at long range. The directional-scanner is an extremely powerful searching tool, especially for PvP, in all sectors of space. A d-scan can cover an area with a range of up to about 14.3 AU (appx. 2 x10<sup>9</sup> km), and at an angle from 5° to 360°. When used the directional scanner lists all valid objects it can find within the scan area. | The '''directional scanner''' ("d-scan") is a built-in device that comes with all ships and can detect most objects in space at long range. The directional-scanner is an extremely powerful searching tool, especially for PvP, in all sectors of space. A d-scan can cover an area with a range of up to about 14.3 AU (appx. 2 x10<sup>9</sup> km), and at an angle from 5° to 360°. When used the directional scanner lists all valid objects it can find within the scan area. | ||
The directional scanner can be used either defensively with full range and angle | The directional scanner can be used either defensively with full range and angle (allowing the user to see all ships or probes that may pose threat), or offensively to gather intel on things that are off grid. This includes getting enemy fleet composition or approximate location of objects. | ||
The directional scanner is especially important in [[wormholes]]. Since the local chat in them does not automatically show other players the directional scan is the first tool to show activity in system. | The directional scanner is especially important in [[wormholes]]. Since the local chat in them does not automatically show other players the directional scan is the first tool to show activity in system. | ||
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[[image:Qs_openDscan.jpg|200px|thumb|Directional scanner window with labels.]] | [[image:Qs_openDscan.jpg|200px|thumb|Directional scanner window with labels.]] | ||
[[image:Qs Dscan14-360.jpg|440px|thumb|Directional scanner window with labels.]] | [[image:Qs Dscan14-360.jpg|440px|thumb|Directional scanner window with labels.]] | ||
The directional scanner does not scan the space automatically, instead it must be operated manually. Every time the scan button or hotkey is pressed the list in directional scanner window updates to show all visible objects within the scan cone. The scan | The directional scanner does not scan the space automatically, instead it must be operated manually. Every time the scan button or hotkey is pressed the list in the directional scanner window updates to show all visible objects within the scan cone. The scan will also refresh after changing range, angle or filter in directional scanner. It also refreshes after jumping into another system. After a scan it takes two seconds for the scanner to reset, after which you can initiate another scan. | ||
The directional scanner can see the following objects in space: | The directional scanner can see the following objects in space: | ||
* All ships and their names.This excludes [[Recon Ships|combat recon]] and cloaked ships. | * All ships and their names. This excludes [[Recon Ships|combat recon]] and cloaked ships. | ||
* Celestial objects such as moons, asteroid belts and planets. | * Celestial objects such as moons, asteroid belts and planets. | ||
* Structures such as [[POS|player starbases]], citadels, customs offices, mobile depots and stargates. The name of the structure is also visible. | * Structures such as [[POS|player starbases]], citadels, customs offices, mobile depots and stargates. The name of the structure is also visible. | ||
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* NPCs with "♦" in their name. This includes mining operations and Blood Raider Shipyard fleets. | * NPCs with "♦" in their name. This includes mining operations and Blood Raider Shipyard fleets. | ||
The directional scanner is limited by not being able to see the state of the object (empty, damaged, reinforced, pilot info). The directional scanner is also unable to see cosmic signatures, cosmic anomalies, all normal NPCs, beacons and bookmarks | The directional scanner is limited by not being able to see the state of the object (empty, damaged, reinforced, pilot info). The directional scanner is also unable to see cosmic signatures, cosmic anomalies, all normal NPCs, beacons and bookmarks. | ||
The directional scanner is opened by pressing Alt+D. Or, you can open it by clicking the "radar" button, above the autopilot button but below the cargohold button on the left-hand side of your HUD, and when the window with the three scanners opens, choose the directional scanner. | The directional scanner is opened by pressing Alt+D. Or, you can open it by clicking the "radar" button, above the autopilot button but below the cargohold button on the left-hand side of your HUD, and when the window with the three scanners opens, choose the directional scanner. | ||
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The directional scanner lists visible objects that are within its scan cone. This scan cone is defined by the scan range, scan angle and scan direction. | The directional scanner lists visible objects that are within its scan cone. This scan cone is defined by the scan range, scan angle and scan direction. | ||
The maximum range at which directional scan can scan is approximately 14.355 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_unit AU] (appx. 2 x10<sup>9</sup> km) but the range can be adjusted either by using the steps in slider (1, 5, 10, 14.3 AU). These settings are often sufficient; but if you wish, you can type a specific scan range into the box for any distance up to the | The maximum range at which directional scan can scan is approximately 14.355 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_unit AU] (appx. 2 x10<sup>9</sup> km) but the range can be adjusted either by using the steps in slider (1, 5, 10, 14.3 AU). These settings are often sufficient; but if you wish, you can type a specific scan range into the box for any distance up to the maximum. If you click on the AU label button, it will change to KM and adjust the value of the range accordingly. | ||
The other parameter controlling the shape of the scan cone is scan angle. The angle can't be selected | The other parameter controlling the shape of the scan cone is scan angle. The angle can't be selected arbitrarily so you are limited to the slider steps (5°, 15°, 30°, 60°, 90° 180° and 360°). The scan is always directed to what '''your camera points''' at and does not care about ship orientation. | ||
Because camera manipulation is involved, you may find it helpful to enable Overview brackets to help you see things in space. With brackets enabled, you can align the camera by moving the target celestial's icon toward your ship's indicator. This was a useful technique prior to the introduction of the map, and some pilots may prefer it. | Because camera manipulation is involved, you may find it helpful to enable Overview brackets to help you see things in space. With brackets enabled, you can align the camera by moving the target celestial's icon toward your ship's indicator. This was a useful technique prior to the introduction of the map, and some pilots may prefer it. | ||
Check the [[Overview Guide#Setting Up Bracket Presets|Overview Guide]] to see how to change what | Check the [[Overview Guide#Setting Up Bracket Presets|Overview Guide]] to see how to change what brackets are visible. You can press Alt+Z to turn all brackets on and off. | ||
===Filter=== | ===Filter=== | ||
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Some common filters and their uses. These are often mixed to create filter for specific situations: | Some common filters and their uses. These are often mixed to create filter for specific situations: | ||
* Ships. Visible ship, especially moving ones, are indicators that someone is active in the system. | * Ships. Visible ship, especially moving ones, are indicators that someone is active in the system. | ||
* Drones. Drones | * Drones. Drones appearing in space with a ship indicate active combat. | ||
* Wrecks. Wrecks stay in space for two hours so if any are visible there has been someone fighting recently. | * Wrecks. Wrecks stay in space for two hours so if any are visible there has been someone fighting recently. | ||
* Core scanner probes. With this you can see if someone is scanning sites. Especially useful when running sites yourself as the hostile must scan your site before warping in. | * Core scanner probes. With this you can see if someone is scanning sites. Especially useful when running sites yourself as the hostile must scan your site before warping in. | ||
* Combat scanner probes. Seeing these in space is clear indicator of hostile intent. | * Combat scanner probes. Seeing these in space is clear indicator of hostile intent. | ||
* Control | * Control towers and force fields. The force field of an active control tower is separate object in directional scan. Tells if anyone is living in the system. | ||
** Precision scans can be used to see if a ship is near forcefield indicating unpiloted ship parked inside force field. | ** Precision scans can be used to see if a ship is near forcefield, indicating unpiloted ship parked inside force field. | ||
** When gathering intel on hostile towers you can take short range scan of the tower with all structures enabled and copy | ** When gathering intel on hostile towers you can take short range scan of the tower with all structures enabled and copy the results. | ||
* Upwell structures. While undockable structures aren't visible in overview they are visible in directional scan. | * Upwell structures. While undockable structures aren't visible in overview they are visible in directional scan. | ||
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The directional scanner has many useful features integrated to the system map. | The directional scanner has many useful features integrated to the system map. | ||
"Dock in solar system map" ties the directional scanner to solar system map. With this enabled opening and closing system map/directional scanner will also open or close the other. You should | "Dock in solar system map" ties the directional scanner to solar system map. With this enabled opening and closing system map/directional scanner will also open or close the other. You should undock the directional scanner from the solar system map so you can have directional scanner all the time. | ||
"Align with camera" ties map camera and space camera together allowing you to aim the directional scanner in the map window. | "Align with camera" ties map camera and space camera together allowing you to aim the directional scanner in the map window. | ||
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==Practical applications== | ==Practical applications== | ||
In solo PVP the d-scanner can be used to locate opponents. In fleets it is common for intel reports to be made by pasting the scanner results into an [[#Scouting|online parser]]. These can give a Fleet Commander intelligence on enemy fleet compositions to help decide whether an engagement is worth pursuing. Directional scanning is also widely used in mining and exploring to give early warning of hostile ships and/or combat probes. Good scanning can provide the vital seconds needed to escape an incoming attack. | In solo PVP the d-scanner can be used to locate opponents at celestials (any stationary object in space) or cosmic signatures or cosmic anomalies. | ||
In fleets it is common for intel reports to be made by pasting the scanner results into an [[#Scouting|online parser]]. These can give a Fleet Commander intelligence on enemy fleet compositions to help decide whether an engagement is worth pursuing. Directional scanning is also widely used in mining and exploring to give early warning of hostile ships and/or combat probes. Good scanning can provide the vital seconds needed to escape an incoming attack. | |||
The d-scan is a tool whose fundamental function is to detect hostile targets before a PvP engagement happens - whether they are trying to find you, or you are looking for them. Because it is standard equipment in every ship, and because it requires no specialized training, the d-scan is most pilots' first call for intelligence. | The d-scan is a tool whose fundamental function is to detect hostile targets before a PvP engagement happens - whether they are trying to find you, or you are looking for them. Because it is standard equipment in every ship, and because it requires no specialized training, the d-scan is most pilots' first call for intelligence. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
The first time you do this, it seems clunky. Setting and scanning takes awhile. But after a few tries, it becomes second nature. You set up the d-scan filter before you even enter the system, and you know from experience what ranges and angles you need to use. In cases where you are looking for ships that can be found in fixed locations ... in asteroid belts, for example, or undocking from a particular station ... this method will find more targets faster than probe scanning will. (You still need probes | The first time you do this, it seems clunky. Setting and scanning takes awhile. But after a few tries, it becomes second nature. You set up the d-scan filter before you even enter the system, and you know from experience what ranges and angles you need to use. In cases where you are looking for ships that can be found in fixed locations ... in asteroid belts, for example, or undocking from a particular station ... this method will find more targets faster than probe scanning will. (You still need probes in situations where your target might be off the grid, or where the target is not located near an object that you can warp to. Remember that the d-scanner never gives you coordinates.) | ||
===Defensive Scanning=== | ===Defensive Scanning=== | ||
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Your goal is to spot ships as soon as they come into range, decide whether they are potentially hostile, and then decide how to respond. There are no specific rules for doing this; you will need to develop a plan that is comfortable for you, but here are a few basic techniques. | Your goal is to spot ships as soon as they come into range, decide whether they are potentially hostile, and then decide how to respond. There are no specific rules for doing this; you will need to develop a plan that is comfortable for you, but here are a few basic techniques. | ||
* '''Know your ships'''. Industrials, and even combat ships that are significantly less powerful than yours, can be ignored. [[File:Qs 11dscanprac.jpg|right|thumb|Show Info window for a potential hostile ship.]]You might want to set your Info Window to "Traits". That way if a ship you've never seen before shows up in the scanner, you can do a quick Show Info and immediately see its size and combat characteristics. | * '''Know your ships'''. Industrials, and even combat ships that are significantly less powerful than yours, can be ignored. [[File:Qs 11dscanprac.jpg|right|thumb|Show Info window for a potential hostile ship.]]You might want to set your Info Window to "Traits". That way if a ship you've never seen before shows up in the scanner, you can do a quick Show Info and immediately see its size and combat characteristics. | ||
* '''Spam to danger level'''. If you are in a wormhole, you probably want to be spamming the scan every few seconds or so ... every 8-10 seconds is often recommended. You do this because ANY ship that shows up is likely to be dangerous, and many will have expert pilots who can locate you very quickly. In a wormhole you may only have seconds to respond to an intrusion, so spam the scan and get every advantage that you can. In a level 0.9 system you may only want to scan every minute or so. Some people don't scan at all in high sec ... but the danger is still there ... high sec gankers are often slow and inexperienced, so you can get away with LESS scanning, but it is tempting fate to do NONE. | * '''Spam to danger level'''. If you are in a wormhole, you probably want to be spamming the scan every few seconds or so ... every 8-10 seconds is often recommended. You do this because ANY ship that shows up is likely to be dangerous, even industrials and exploration frigates, and many will have expert pilots who can locate you very quickly. In a wormhole you may only have seconds to respond to an intrusion, so spam the scan and get every advantage that you can. In a level 0.9 system you may only want to scan every minute or so. Some people don't scan at all in high sec ... but the danger is still there ... high sec gankers are often slow and inexperienced, so you can get away with LESS scanning, but it is tempting fate to do NONE. | ||
* '''Align to exit'''. When you set up your operation, take the time to point your ship in the direction you want to warp should you need to run. This may not turn out to be helpful in terms of speed, but it gives you one less thing to think about if a hostile suddenly appears. | * '''Align to exit'''. When you set up your operation, take the time to point your ship in the direction you want to warp should you need to run. This may not turn out to be helpful in terms of speed, but it gives you one less thing to think about if a hostile suddenly appears. | ||
*'''Move around'''. Particularly if you are mining, when you finish an asteroid, move to another belt and repeat. There are a variety of combat ships that your scanner simply cannot see, and there is no worse feeling that the sudden panic that you feel when a ship decloaks and tackles you. The longer you sit in one place, the more vulnerable you become. | *'''Move around'''. Particularly if you are mining, when you finish an asteroid, move to another belt and repeat. There are a variety of combat ships that your scanner simply cannot see, and there is no worse feeling that the sudden panic that you feel when a ship decloaks and tackles you. The longer you sit in one place, the more vulnerable you become. | ||
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==== Probes ==== | ==== Probes ==== | ||
While a good pilot can find you quickly using the d-scan, some hostiles rely primarily on combat probes. In any case, you should always use a d-scan filter that include probes. | While a good pilot can find you quickly using the d-scan, some hostiles rely primarily on combat probes. In any case, you should always use a d-scan filter that include probes. | ||
* While "core" scanner probes cannot locate ships, their presence may indicate | * While "core" scanner probes cannot locate ships, their presence may indicate a cloaked ship. So you should include them in your filter. | ||
* It will generally take at least 4 "combat" probes at a distance of 2 AU or less to pinpoint your position. A good rule of thumb is to run the scan at 360° at a range of 5-10 AU. Probes outside that range are not close to finding you, and ships outside that range will probably take some time to get a fix on your position. | * It will generally take at least 4 "combat" probes at a distance of 2 AU or less to pinpoint your position. A good rule of thumb is to run the scan at 360° at a range of 5-10 AU. Probes outside that range are not close to finding you, and ships outside that range will probably take some time to get a fix on your position. | ||
Probes themselves cannot hurt you; it is the ships that are controlling them that you have to worry about. Core scanner probes at a long distance may just be someone scanning for resources and probably should just be watched. Combat probes close to you should suggest a very high level of danger. | Probes themselves cannot hurt you; it is the ships that are controlling them that you have to worry about. Core scanner probes at a long distance may just be someone scanning for resources and probably should just be watched. Combat probes close to you should suggest a very high level of danger. | ||
==== | ==== Cloaky Ships ==== | ||
Remember that cloaked ships and certain "scan immune" ships will not appear on the directional scanner, so covert ops frigates, stealth bombers, recons and Tech 3 strategic cruisers (in some configurations) will be able to warp to you without being detected. | Remember that cloaked ships and certain "scan immune" ships will not appear on the directional scanner, so covert ops frigates, stealth bombers, recons, and Tech 3 strategic cruisers (in some configurations) will be able to warp to you without being detected. | ||
* If | * If a cloaked ship is using probes, the probes will show up on your scan even though the ship will not. So if you see probes, but no ship, assume that a cloaked ship is out there somewhere. | ||
* Depending on a pilot's skill, cloaked ships may become visible for a few seconds as they move away just after coming through a gate. If you see a brief contact that isn't there when you rescan, treat it seriously. (This is also a good argument for frequent rescanning, even in higher sec systems.) | * Depending on a pilot's skill, cloaked ships may become visible for a few seconds as they move away just after coming through a gate. If you see a brief contact that isn't there when you rescan, treat it seriously. (This is also a good argument for frequent rescanning, even in higher sec systems.) | ||
* Buying and equipping | * Buying and equipping a cloak ship is usually an expensive proposition, and making piracy pay depends not on the ships killed, but the cargo. Many pilots will wait patiently for you to fill your cargo hold before they attack. On your part, you need to know the risk/reward situation. Maybe your ore hold is only half full, but if this is a dangerous system, it still may be time to warp to a base and empty it out. Maybe you haven't checked every artifact that you can see ... but what is the value of the stuff in your cargo hold? Know the risk; and head out when you have enough. | ||
* Pilots of | * Pilots of cloaky ships tend to be careful and methodical. So, especially when mining, if you move frequently, causing them to need to restart their search, they may either decide that it's too much work, or they may move too fast and make a mistake. Try not to stay in the same place for very long. | ||
===Scouting=== | ===Scouting=== | ||
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:Note: ''To move the entire results of a scan. Click one of the result items. Press Ctrl+A to select all items. Press Ctrl+C to copy all the results. Go to where you want to put the results and press Ctrl+V to paste them.'' | :Note: ''To move the entire results of a scan. Click one of the result items. Press Ctrl+A to select all items. Press Ctrl+C to copy all the results. Go to where you want to put the results and press Ctrl+V to paste them.'' | ||
The d-scanner can also be used to check gates for [[gatecamps|gate camps]] without warping to the gate's grid. You will need to have an off-grid bookmark near the gate from which you can scan it. | The d-scanner can also be used to check gates for [[gatecamps|gate camps]] or warp disruption bubbles (in null-sec) without warping to the gate's grid. You will need to have an off-grid bookmark near the gate from which you can scan it. | ||
In low or null-sec, directional scanning can be used to check for player owned starbases ([[POS_and_YOU|POS]]) and other interesting structures near moons, bases or belts. | In low or null-sec, directional scanning can be used to check for player owned starbases ([[POS_and_YOU|POS]]) and other interesting structures near moons, bases or belts. | ||