Newcomer / Intro My frustration with Scanner Nomenclature!

You don't have a DSS equipped, assuming that second picture is correct. The DSS is something you must buy, as I mentioned before. If you had one equipped, it would be on that list under your other 3 scanners and you could assign it to a fire group like you have with the Discovery scanner.
OH! That's because I used to think the Data Link and Composition were just other names for the FSS and DSS! 😜
 
There is one more scanner nobody has yet mentioned and it is...
Anytime you target a ship this inbuilt scanner will identify it and collect any relevant data and encoded materials. Don't know what its official name is but I call it the ship scanner.
 
Damn, Hawk, I hadn't noticed that and I'm an Elite explorer with almost 5 years in. I ain't really been right since FDEV decided to change up all the scanners. I get confused so I can see how a newb can be totally perplexed. Honk, then FSS then DSS anything interesting. I wish there was an easy way to explain that without it being too complicated.
Ha! Its taken me heaps to understand it, and I'm still finding things out about the current crop of scanners. There's way more than 3. I think aRJay suggested 7, and just accepting that than trying to reduce them all down to 3 with 3 acceptable names. I just can't be done: there are just more than 3! Simple.
I think the problem has been because ED-Horizons has been built by adding/changing/modifying earlier versions of ED and scanners have taken a huge hit (change) during that time.

Sorry Hawk, still haven't read your post. :( I must do that before making any more comments here about scanners.

Currently I have two more nights and one day of a 14 day hotel quarantine period to complete. All this because I came back from Indonesia to Australia by air. All I'll say is that a contaminated dog would get better treatment. 😖
 
There is one more scanner nobody has yet mentioned and it is...
Anytime you target a ship this inbuilt scanner will identify it and collect any relevant data and encoded materials. Don't know what its official name is but I call it the ship scanner.

I think that's considered part of the ships core sensor module, since it allows you to directly lock on and target ships and other bodies, and is also tied in with the nav panel and sub-system targeting array. I didn't mention it on my breakdown because it's always just... there, but yeah, I guess for completeness sake it's the sensors that allow your nav panel to work, as well as giving you info on your central HUD, the sub-system targeting ability, giving you info on ships in the bottom left when you target them (which also locks you weapons on them, if you have anyway) and even your route planner (if you assign it a hotkey to target the next jump point). It can have a whole lot of extra buttons hotkeyed to it as it can be used to cycle through multiple nearby ships, cycle hostile vessels only, cycle back and forwards through sub-systems on those vessels, target stuff directly ahead, target next destination along route and you can even enhance the zoom on the HUD. That's all the sensors.
 
Sorry Hawk, still haven't read your post. :( I must do that before making any more comments here about scanners.
Ok ok ok. Let's clarify this in the most basic and straight forward way possible, by literally listing each scanner in the game with its proper name and a functional discription, and then then you can go forward with the proper presumption that anything not listed here is incorrect if it's from any other source.

To start with, there are 3 scanners built into every ship, which appear on the internal systems list on the right hand panel. These scanners are named thus;

Composition scanner
Data link scanner
Discovery scanner
You haven't included the FSS in this group ? It's built in, just not listed in the right-hand window under "Fire Group". Any reason why ? Thanks.

The composition scanner is used for scanning things like biological and geological sources in the game. Fumaroles, geysers, brain trees, that kind of thing. It's name is pretty apparent, in that it scans the composition of things, ie, their make up and structure of objects and entities.
Is it possible that this is the scanner that Martyn W mentions in post number #22 of this thread ?

Quote: "There is one more scanner nobody has yet mentioned and it is...
Anytime you target a ship this inbuilt scanner will identify it and collect any relevant data and encoded materials. Don't know what its official name is but I call it the ship scanner."
End Quote


There are of course, various other scanners in the game as well, all of which are modules that must be bought. They are;

Detailed Surface scanner
Pulse wave analyzer
Frame shift wake scanner
Kill warrant scanner
Manifest scanner
AX Xeno scanner

Of these, the Detailed Surface scanner (or DSS, for short) is a module that allows one to fire probes at a planet in order to map their surfaces. Mapping a planet increases the money you earn from selling cartographical data and puts the "First Mapped by ..." tag on the planet with you name, in the case of any planet not previously mapped. It is of extreme value to explorers, as this is the module that generates the most revenue for those in that trade.

The pulse wave analyzer (or PWA, for short) is used for mining (I assume this is what you meant by "mining scanner" in your first post), specifically for finding motherlode asteroids that can be blown apart with seismic charges. I believe it is currently bugged, and has yet to be fixed, but when working it shows asteroids within planetary rings as various hues of red and yellow, for identification of the minerals within.

The frame shift wake scanner (or just wake scanner, for short) is used to scan wakes, ie, the leftover energy that ships leave behind when they jump either to supercruise or to hyperspace. They can be used to track ships from one system to another for bounty hunting, but more often they are just used to acquire certain forms of data used to engineer ships.

The kill warrant scanner (abbreviated to KWS, for short) is also used in bounty hunting. It allows you to see additional bounties that may be placed on a ship, from sources outside of the current system. Normally you can only see bounties that have been accrued within that same system, so these additional bounties are hidden and can only be revealed by use of a KWS.

Manifest scanners (no abbreviation) are used by pirates to scan the cargo bays of target ships. That's really all that can be said on that one, I think it pretty much speaks for itself really. It scans the cargo manifest.

AX Xeno scanner is for scanning aliens, mostly Thargoids. Again, it's pretty self explanatory. It scans aliens. Nuff said.

These are the correct terms for the scanners that currently exist in the game and a basic overview of their functions. Any other terms are incorrect. If you wish for more information or don't beleive me, then check the wiki and do some more reading on there. If you're still confused even after this, then, IDFK man!
OK, ok, ok. 😜

Here's Hawk's complete list plus my addition of the FSS which might be wrong:

Composition scanner
Data link scanner
Discovery scanner
Full Spectrum System scanner (FSS)

Detailed Surface scanner (DSS)
Pulse wave analyzer scanner
Frame shift wake scanner
Kill warrant scanner
Manifest scanner
AX Xeno scanner

Before I move on and compare this with aRJay's list, what do we all think ? :unsure:
 
I think that's considered part of the ships core sensor module, since it allows you to directly lock on and target ships and other bodies, and is also tied in with the nav panel and sub-system targeting array. I didn't mention it on my breakdown because it's always just... there, but yeah, I guess for completeness sake it's the sensors that allow your nav panel to work, as well as giving you info on your central HUD, the sub-system targeting ability, giving you info on ships in the bottom left when you target them (which also locks you weapons on them, if you have anyway) and even your route planner (if you assign it a hotkey to target the next jump point). It can have a whole lot of extra buttons hotkeyed to it as it can be used to cycle through multiple nearby ships, cycle hostile vessels only, cycle back and forwards through sub-systems on those vessels, target stuff directly ahead, target next destination along route and you can even enhance the zoom on the HUD. That's all the sensors.
So ...... do we add it to Hawk's list and maybe call it the "Ship Scanner" as Martyn suggests ? Decisions, decisions ........ but that's what this thread is all about. 😉
 
You haven't included the FSS in this group ? It's built in, just not listed in the right-hand window under "Fire Group". Any reason why ? Thanks.
Because I was making the distinction between those 3 that do appear (which are built in and can be assigned to fire groups) and the one that is not (as in, it does not show in the system menu, but is built in but is not assigned to fire groups) for your own personal clarification since you were so confused by the terms being used.

Is it possible that this is the scanner that Martyn W mentions in post number #22 of this thread ?
Quote: "There is one more scanner nobody has yet mentioned and it is...
Anytime you target a ship this inbuilt scanner will identify it and collect any relevant data and encoded materials. Don't know what its official name is but I call it the ship scanner."
End Quote

No, as I said, all of what Martyn is referring to is the ships sensors, a core module. Since the entire purpose of this thread is to clear up confusion about correct nomenclature, then let's not get confused now and start making up names that don't exist. Those are a function of the sensors, as I described. Please don't start confusing the sensors with the composition scanner, or we're just going to keep going around in circles here. They're sensors. Nothing else. I really don't see how this can be made any simpler at this point. I even linked you the wiki page with all of this stuff on it.

EDIT; Honestly, you know what. I suggest you should probably re-read everything again, very carefully. Then, if it's still unclear, read the wiki pages on each of these things. And if you're still confused, then go and buy all of these modules, set them to fire groups, and try them out in-game and find their functions for yourself. Honestly, that last point might be the best way for you to learn this stuff. You'll understand the distinctions and what each one does far more clearly by actually using each one in game.
 
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Because I was making the distinction between those 3 that do appear (which are built in and can be assigned to fire groups) and the one that is not (as in, it does not show in the system menu, but is built in but is not assigned to fire groups) for your own personal clarification since you were so confused by the terms being used.
But, but, but ........ if FSS is not built in how did it get there ? I didn't buy it (or don't think I did ...... :oops: ). Ok, ok, ok ...... but you have to include it somewhere ...... maybe as part of the Discovery Scanner ?
[/Quote]

No, as I said, all of what Martyn is referring to is the ships sensors, a core module. Since the entire purpose of this thread is to clear up confusion about correct nomenclature, then let's not get confused now and start making up names that don't exist.
Oh what a great response!!! (y) KEEPING US ON TRACK!!! LOVE IT!!! I feel suitably chastised. 😉

Those are a function of the sensors, as I described. Please don't start confusing the sensors with the composition scanner, or we're just going to keep going around in circles here. They're sensors. Nothing else. I really don't see how this can be made any simpler at this point. I even linked you the wiki page with all of this stuff on it.
Ok, ok ...... get the message ....... you're starting to sound frustrated like me! 🤪

EDIT; Honestly, you know what. I suggest you should probably re-read everything again, very carefully. Then, if it's still unclear, read the wiki pages on each of these things. And if you're still confused, then go and buy all of these modules, set them to fire groups, and try them out in-game and find their functions for yourself. Honestly, that last point might be the best way for you to learn this stuff. You'll understand the distinctions and what each one does far more clearly by actually using each one in game.
No, no, sorry, I don't want to read WIKI, blah, blah, blah ....... lets us use your post regarding types of Scanners, and, quote from your post:
These are the Scanners:
Composition scanner
Data-link scanner
Discovery scanner
Detailed Surface scanner (DSS)
Pulse wave analyzer scanner
Frame-shift Wake scanner
Kill Warrant scanner
Manifest scanner
AX Xeno scanner
 
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Ok ....... now to compare it with aRJay's list:

Discovery Scanner built in scanner that makes the honk noise used by the FSS
Data Link Scanner
Composition Scanner
FSS abreviation of Full Spectrum System scanner
DSS abbreviation of Detailed Surface Scanner
*Full Spectrum System Scanner abbreviated to FSS
*Detailed Surface Scanner abbreviated to DSS
Discovery Scan Scanner see Discovery Scanner
Full Spectrum Scanner
see FSS etc above
*Short Range Composition Scanner see composition scanner
Frame Shift Wake Scanner
*Advanced Discovery Scanner (no longer in the game)
*Basic Discovery Scanner (no longer in the game)
Intermediate
Discovery Scanner (no longer in the game)

*Mining Scanner also known as Pulse Wave Analyser

*I've crossed out duplicate and names now obsolete.

Summarising:

Discovery Scanner
Data Link Scanner
Composition Scanner
FSS
DSS
Frame Shift Wake Scanner
Pulse Wave Analyser

Which is the same as Hawk's list except it's missing the Kill warrant scanner, Manifest scanner and AX Xeno scanner but includes the FSS.

So my final list and the list I will use:
Composition scanner
Data link scanner
Discovery scanner
Detailed Surface scanner (DSS)
Full Spectrum System scanner (FSS)
Pulse Wave Analyzer scanner
Frame-shift Wake scanner
(Kill Warrant scanner)
(Manifest scanner)
(AX Xeno scanner)

Well ....... that's enough from me. I'm away to buy and install a DSS. Wombat out. (y)
 
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Ok ....... now to compare it with aRJay's list:

Discovery Scanner built in scanner that makes the honk noise used by the FSS
Data Link Scanner
Composition Scanner
FSS abreviation of Full Spectrum System scanner
DSS abbreviation of Detailed Surface Scanner
*Full Spectrum System Scanner abbreviated to FSS
*Detailed Surface Scanner abbreviated to DSS
Discovery Scan Scanner see Discovery Scanner
Full Spectrum Scanner
see FSS etc above
*Short Range Composition Scanner see composition scanner
Frame Shift Wake Scanner
*Advanced Discovery Scanner (no longer in the game)
*Basic Discovery Scanner (no longer in the game)
Intermediate
Discovery Scanner (no longer in the game)

*Mining Scanner also known as Pulse Wave Analyser

*I've crossed out duplicate and names now obsolete.

Summarising:

Discovery Scanner
Data Link Scanner
Composition Scanner
FSS
DSS
Frame Shift Wake Scanner
Pulse Wave Analyser

Which is the same as Hawk's list except it's missing the Kill warrant scanner, Manifest scanner and AX Xeno scanner but includes the FSS.

So my final list and the list I will use:
Composition scanner
Data link scanner
Discovery scanner
Detailed Surface scanner (DSS)
Full Spectrum System scanner (FSS)
Pulse Wave Analyzer scanner
Frame-shift Wake scanner
(Kill Warrant scanner)
(Manifest scanner)
(AX Xeno scanner)

Well ....... that's enough from me. I'm away to buy and install a DSS. Wombat out. (y)
I have been thinking about this, a little, in regards to the FSS it might be more helpful to think of it as an analysis tool/package that is part of the Discovery Scanner rather than as a scanner in its own right.

While the Pulse Wave Analyser is a scanner the word scanner isn’t part of its name.
 
But, but, but ........ if FSS is not built in how did it get there ? I didn't buy it (or don't think I did ...... :oops: ). Ok, ok, ok ...... but you have to include it somewhere ...... maybe as part of the Discovery Scanner ?

It is built in. I literally said that in both my initial post, and the part that you quoted here. Please read what I am saying.

No, no, sorry, I don't want to read WIKI, blah, blah, blah ....... lets us use your post regarding types of Scanners, and, quote from your post:

Well, if you had, you'd have seen that nothing I've told you is any different from what's on there to begin with and we could have avoided this whole thread. The information on the wiki is perfectly clear and properly collated, with all the correct names and everything. Not sure why you seem afraid to use it?


So my final list and the list I will use:
Composition scanner
Data link scanner
Discovery scanner
Detailed Surface scanner (DSS)
Full Spectrum System scanner (FSS)
Pulse Wave Analyzer scanner
Frame-shift Wake scanner
(Kill Warrant scanner)
(Manifest scanner)
(AX Xeno scanner)

And this is literally all the same stuff I talked about in my first post. And yes I did talk about the FSS so I still have no idea why you feel that one was missing. I went through each and every one to begin with and explained what they are. Oh and you added the word "scanner" to the end of the Pulse Wave Analyzer unnecessarily. So much for correct nomenclature.

Sigh I have a headache, someone else take over.
 
Composition scanner
Data link scanner
Discovery scanner
Detailed Surface scanner (DSS)
Full Spectrum System scanner (FSS)
Pulse Wave Analyzer
Frame-shift Wake scanner
(Kill Warrant scanner)
(Manifest scanner)
(AX Xeno scanner)

Thank you. I now have my list and an understanding of each. If I give people headaches, just ignore me. You are not obliged to participate. Go and fly with others. Simple. 😉 But again ........ thank you. (y)
 
I have been thinking about this, a little, in regards to the FSS it might be more helpful to think of it as an analysis tool/package that is part of the Discovery Scanner rather than as a scanner in its own right.
...........

That is what I tried to explain many posts ago (#6). I do object to it being called a scanner as it is actually a "mode" of the discovery scanner, as per the patch notes:
  • Discovery Scanner upgraded to include access to the new Full Spectral System (FSS) scanner mode
  • Players use the FSS Mode to discover stellar bodies, stellar phenomenon, USSs, scenarios, distress calls, mission targets and more

It doesn't help that whatever (insert suitable adjective) amended the Wiki decided to list the FSS as a scanner rather than as a mode of the DiscoScanner. Of course it is also called the Full Spectrum System Scanner in the Options / Controls bindings section so I suppose I should surrender to the inevitable. ;)

I hesitate to mention something else since I don't want to upset the wombat and it isn't ship equipment but I don't think anyone has mentioned the WaveScanner in the SRV. ;)
 
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The wave scanner in the SRV... I seem to remember a post from oa long time ago where someone identified what each noise the scanner made denoted.

That seemed quite complex!
 
Ok, ok ...... get the message ....... you're starting to sound frustrated like me! 🤪

implied-facepalm.jpg
 
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