| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Critical survival tool. Scans the world to generate databank entries and fabrication blueprints. |
| Source | Crafting |
| Category | Tools |
"Stranded on 4546b, Ryley Robinson used a field scanner to outwit teleporting alien cyborgs and treat his kharaa infection. Behavioral economists still debate why Ryley abandoned a lucrative motivational speaking career to return to frontier life." — PDA upon first creation of Scanner
The Alterra Hyperspectral Scanner is one of your character's most important tools, allowing them to collect fragments of unknown blueprints and add information about lifeforms, technology, and raw materials to the databank.
Recipe
This recipe is available at the start of the game.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Titanium | 2 |
| Quartz | 2 |
| Basic Battery | 1 |
Crafted at: Fabricator
Appearance
The Scanner features a simple pistol-esque design. The battery is loaded into the rear, above the handle, and the front features the actual scanning device, which glows when the device is in use. A holographic display is present on the top.
Usage
The Scanner can be used to collect fragments in order to obtain Blueprints, as well as to scan Lifeforms and other miscellaneous objects to gain Databank entries.
While a Scanner is equipped, upon pointing the crosshair at a scannable object a circular indicator will appear on it, hinting that the scanner can be used. Additionally, the scanner will display an icon of the object on its holographic display. Holding the correct button will begin scanning the target. Scanning usually takes about 5 seconds, but may vary depending on the object. While scanning, a progress bar will appear on the display. If multiple fragment scans are required to unlock a blueprint, the progress bar will be divided. In addition, while holding the scanner, fragments that have not been scanned will faintly glow blue.
The scanning process can be interrupted if the player moves too far from the object or points away from it, and can be resumed without losing progress.
While not pointing at a target, the Scanner's holographic display will exhibit a radar that marks unscanned objects in the player's vicinity with yellow dots.
The Scanner features a faint light that is active at all times, which can slightly help visibility in low light areas, but it is not nearly as strong as that of a Flashlight.
The Scanner requires a Battery to function.
Databank Entry
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Equip to quick-access toolbelt. Never remove. Scan everything. Scanning technology fragments will generate new blueprints. Scanning organisms generates databank entries with recommended survival tactics.
A HUD icon will prompt you to equip and use the scanner when appropriate.
BACKGROUND
Alterra's pride, the essential science and survival tool. In cooperation with a PDA, the spectral scanner can image and analyze anything a pioneer encounters. Ryley Robinson used a standard field scanner to discover and cure 4546b's kharaa infestation, a feat of solitary survival unmatched in human history.
Hyperspectral Imager:
The scanner integrates techniques ranging from resonance enhanced Raman spectroscopy to Spiff muon tomography.
Blueprint Acquisition:
Scan fragments of technology to generate new blueprints for use with a fabricator, habitat builder, or other construction mode. If no new data can be retrieved, the scanner will mark the fragment as raw salvage.
Organism Analysis:
The PDA analyzes scanner imagery of alien organisms and generates a best-fit theory of behavior, evolutionary history and ecological niche*. Disinterested readers may skip ahead to the 'Recommendation' or 'Summary' field. When generating names for new species, the PDA considers (but does not always respect) the user's cultural background and educational history. The PDA's neural temperature determines the creativity and eccentricity of its output.
Self-Scan:
The scanner's use as a self-diagnostic health monitor is largely redundant with implanted PDA sensors and the biobed.
"The Alterra Hyperspectral Scanner: it's all you need to know*."
Intellectual property generated by use of the Alterra Hyperspectral Scanner (including but not limited to novel physical and biological theory, genetic and biomechanical applications, and licensing rights for charismatic species) is by default assigned to the user's employer in perpetuity.
Gallery
In Game
 
