EQUIPMENT

SHIELD UNITS
A shield unit is a defence against Electromagnetic radiation and by virtue of this provides protection against Laser damage. Each Shield Unit is able to absorb 100MW of energy and can regenerate at a rate of 30KW per second. Fitting extra shield units has a cumulative effect on both these figures and as an example, four shields units are able to absorb 400MW of energy and recharge the polarising field at a rate of 120KW/s.

Refer to the Combat Section for detailed information on the operation of Shield Units.

ENHANCED SHORT RANGE SCANNERS
Enhancement of the short-range scanners significantly improves the Radar that is fitted as standard to all Spacecraft by offering the following extra features:

1.  Five fold increase in range.
2.  Resolution adjustment.
3.  List of registered aggressor vessels
4.  Visual indication & audible warning of Missiles locked onto your Spacecraft

The illustration below describes the appearance of the enhancements.
 
 

ENHANCED LONG RANGE SCANNERS
Enhanced Long Range Scanners extend the range of the standard item so that all spacecraft within the local star system can be tracked.

TRACKING COMPUTERS
The tracking computer is an augment to the Enhanced Long Range Scanner that allows the position of the currently targeted spacecraft to be plotted within the Solar System Map. Although the device can be used in conjunction with the standard scanner its benefits are severely compromised.

SIGNAL INTERPRETER
A signal interpreter is capable of analysing the raw data from the scanners so that a comprehensive set of details concerning any targeted spacecraft can be displayed within the ‘Target Ship Status’ screen.

TRADING COMPUTER
The standard trading computer establishes a communications link with the cities and space stations within the local star system so that the details of available commodities can be displayed via the Solar System Map.

ENHANCED TRADING COMPUTER
The enhanced trading computer replaces the standard unit by extending its range to include systems selected from within the Galactic Map.

AFTERBURNER
The afterburner can be used to double the free flight velocity of the spacecraft by draining the energy banks of the shield units.  Fitting extra shield units will increase the burn time, however the device drains energy at a faster rate as available energy increases.

To activate the afterburner the pilot should simply keep the accelerator key (i.e. ‘+’) pressed.

TRAJECTORY COMPUTER
The trajectory computer is an invaluable aid to those pilots that favour the use of Rail guns rather than Lasers. The device will plot the course of the required target spacecraft and draw a cross hair to indicate where the weapons should aimed in order to hit it.

OBSERVATION CAMERA
The observation camera is activated/ deactivated using the ‘R’ key and provides rear or remote view of your spacecraft.

DEBRIS COLLECTOR
A Debris collector can purchased in preference to a heavy cannon and is fitted to the missile launcher in its place. Four classes of collector exist which are capable of scavenging debris of increasing size. The equipment can be used to retrieve cargo canisters that have been shed during the destruction of a spacecraft or they can be used to collect mineral ore that has been scattered due to asteroid mining activity.

DEBRIS ANALYSER
An augment to the Long Range Scanner that can be used determine the contents of cargo canisters. This piece equipment should be regarded as essential if a debris collector has been fitted.

ASTEROID ANALYSER
An extension to the Long Range Scanners which allows the mineral composition of an asteroid to be determined.