This guide will explain the basics mechanics behind the detection and stealth system in Pulsar: Lost Colony as of beta 15.1, the current version. Be advised that this may change the future.

At the end of the guide is a basic comparison between the starter ships and why some should be avoided in the beginning based solely on their ability to detect other ships since many players get stuck on missions that require you to find certain ships.

The range at which you can detect a hostile ship or drone depends on two factors:
1. Your ships current EM detection range
2. The targets EM emissions

The EM detection range is stated in kilometers, the EM emissions of the ship being scanned act as a multiplier to the detection range of the scanning ship.

Example:
Ship A has a detection range of 10.0 and EM emissions of 2.0
Ship B has a detection range of 20.0 and EM emissions of 3.0
Both ships are moving towards each other.
A will detect B at a range of 30.0 km (10.0 x 3.0 = 30)
B will detect A at a range of 40.0 km (20.0 x 2.0 = 40)


Sensor screens on a late game ship:



On the left hand screen (Computer) under the status tab you will find your own current detection range in the top left corner while you can find your own EM emissions in the top left corner on the right hand screen (Sensors).

Note: The locations of the screens might be different on other ships.

Your detection range is determined by the level of your sensors, the shield modulation setting and boni from either the ship itself or from the Captain's Chair.

Sensors come in different levels, higher level sensors have increased range. All starter ships have at least a level 2 sensor that offers a lowly 3.8 km range while other vessels come with level 3 and even level 4 sensors that have ranges of 9.0 km and 16.0 km respectively.

This range can be further boosted by the ship bonus of the Intrepid which offers a 30% EM detection range boost and by the Colonial Classic Captain's Chair which offers a 10% bonus.



To achieve the best possible EM detection range you have to make sure that the sensor is fully powered up and that your shield modulation is set to Static. It should look like this:




This allows you to get the maximum out of the hardware. And now we are going to boost your range tenfold.

By running an EM sensor sweep you boost your EM detection range by factor 10 for a duration of 10 seconds after the sweep has finished!

Be aware that the sensor sweep also boosts your EM emissions by factor 10.

With the detection formula being sensor range x EM signature the way to make yourself invisible to enemy eyes is through reduction of your own EM signature.

You can see your current EM signature on the Sensors panel:




Two modules influence your EM signature: The jump module and the reactor. Both have EM signature stats assigned to them but they only apply in certain situations.

The jump modules EM signature comes into play while you charge your jump drive. After it is charged it doesn't raise your EM signature any more, only during the process of charging.

Your main source of EM emissions will be your reactor. The reactors EM signature fluctuates with output - the more power your reactor needs to produce the higher its signature will be with the maximum being reached at maximum output.

The auxiliary power does not generate EM emissions and can be used to reduce the strain on the main reactor and reduce EM signature that way. This goes such a long way that you can even get a Roland in starting configuration down to an EM signature of 0.2 by reducing power output and turning off secondary systems to run the ship off of aux. power.

Note that the core temperature is not generating a signature, only the current power output is. When the needed output drops the signature also drops momentarily.

Nebulas reduce sensor ranges massively and make excessive sensor ranges useless through a hard cap that won't allow you to detect other ships at ranges of 16.5 km or more.

Even below the hard cap you are facing reduced sensor effectiveness that increases with distance from the target. At a distance of 6 km you are facing a 10 times reduction in effectiveness that increases to 20 times at a range of 12 km and increases further up to the hard cap at 16.5 km.

Every faction has a at least one mission that requires you to find abandoned/inactive ships that have very low EM signatures. This makes ships with very bad sensor ranges tough starter ships that should be avoided unless you have the experience to work around it.

Comparison chart of starter ships effective EM detection ranges (setup for maximum range without EM sensor sweep active):



As you can see the Destroyer and the Carrier* both have abysmal sensor ranges that make finding abandoned ships a search for the needle in a haystack. Even with an EM sensor sweep active you need to be quite close to ships with EM signatures of 0.3 or 0.2 like the mission ships have. Without the EM sweep you will see them with your eyes on screen earlier than your sensors will pick them up.

* The Carrier received an upgraded EM sensor with update 14.7 and is now on par with the Roland.