FFS Scanner
Author: Down To Earth Astronomy
Introduction
The FSS scanner or Full Spectrum System Scanner is a module built into every ship in Elite, that allows a cmdr to scan objects and signal sources in a system. In order to use the FSS scanner the system must first be scanned with the discovery scanner that also comes built into all ship in Elite.
All the controls for the FSS scanner can be found in its own sub-category in the controls setting.
The information in this guide is also available in a video by Down To Earth Astronomy
FSS Interface
Scanning planets
Once the FSS scanner is opened an interface like the one above will be displayed. If the system has been successfully scanned with the discovery scanner the number of signal sources and object (planets and moons) will be displayed in the upper right-hand corner. Here it is also shown how many objects in the system have currently been scanned.
The tuning bar shows at which frequencies there are objects to scan. By tuning into a signal on the tuning bar the object type is shown in the lower right-hand corner. This allows you to determine what type of object it is even before it has been scanned. Once tuned into a signal an object type indicator is shown above the tuning bar. This is shown as 3 rows with 0 to 3 small arrows, the combination of arrows is unique to each type of object. Earth-like planets will have one arrow-combination while high-metal content worlds will have another. The object type indicator is also shown in the centre reticle. This can be used to see in which direction a given object is.
Example
Using the image above you can see the scanner is currently tuned in to a Rocky Ice World. Above the tuning bar you can see the object type indicator is a set of 5 arrows in a 2 - 1 - 2 configuration.
You can also see there are currently 2 objects in our field view. In order to determine which of the two object is the rocky ice world you can look at the reticle. We are looking for the same 2 - 1 -2 combination as shown at the tuning bar.
Looking at the one to the left we can see that is in a 2 - 2 -1 combination and the one to the right is in a 2 - 1 -2 combination. Therefore, the rocky ice world must be the one to the right.
Mapping planets
Author: Down To Earth Astronomy
Introduction
After a planet has been scanned with the FSS scanner it can be mapped using a surface scanner. The surface scanner is a class 1 module that must be fitted to a ship and assigned a fire group.
Mapping a planet can reveal Locations on the surface like geological sites, Thargoid or guardian ruins or abandoned settlements like Dav’s Hope. Mapping data can also be sold like normal cartography data for additional money.
The information in this guide is also available in a video by Down To Earth Astronomy
Interface
Mapping Planets
Before heading out to map planets a surface scanner should be fitted and added to a fire group. Once a planet has been located with the FSS scanner head towards the planet until you are in range. Activating the surface scanner will bring up the UI shown above.
In the lower left-hand corner it is shown how much of the planet surface is currently mapped. Once 90% has been mapped it will jump to 100% and the planet will be fully mapped. To the right the current number of probes loaded is shown. A maximum 3 probes can be loaded at one time and it reloads automatically. An infinite number of probes is always available so there is no need to restock. Keep in mind that more than 3 probes can be in space at once, as the probe launcher has a “running” reload. (like the auto-loader experimental effect for multi-cannons)
In the lower right corner, the efficiency target is shown. If the planet is fully mapped using the number of probes listed or less, you will gain a bonus to the value of the data once it is sold at a station.
Probes are affected by the gravity of the planet being mapped. This gravitational effect allows us to slingshot probes around the planet to impact on the back side. It is often a good idea to launch one probe at the centre of the side facing you and one on the back. The remaining probes (up to the efficiency target) are spread evenly around the horizon of the planet.
In order to hit the horizon just aim at the horizon maker shown in the image above. This marker can also be used to get a feel for where to aim to hit the back side of the planet, but since this depends on your distance to the planet and the gravity of the planet it is something you will have to learn by trial and error.
Once a planet is 100% mapped the number of “points of interest” on the surface will be displayed in the info-box in the upper right corner. The points of interest can now also be targeted from the ships navigation panel.
Neutron Highway
Author: Down To Earth Astronomy
Introduction
The neutron highway is a method that allows players to cover great distances in Elite Dangerous, by super charging the FSD in the cones of neutron stars or white dwarfs. This dose come at a risk since it will damage the FSD and if caught in the jet cones the ship will slowly be destroyed.
There are 2 type of stars in Elite with jet cones that can be used for super charging an FSD, Neutron Stars and White Dwarfs. If super charging from a white dwarf you get a 50% bonus to your jump range and from a neutron star you get 300%. Both effects only last for one jump.
The information in this guide is also available in a video by Down To Earth Astronomy
Equipment
Before heading out you should ensure you have the following equipment.
A ship with good jump-range.
A fuel-scoop
At least one AFMU
Go into your ship menu in the right-hand panel under Pilot Preferences and make sure you have orbit lines turned on. This allows you to see the exclusion zone of the star so you don’t accidentally get too close and drop out.
Planning your trip
Before you head out on your trip it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance. The in-game route plotter can take Jet cone boosts into account but often it is better to use a third-party site like The Neutron Plotter. Here you can type in your starting location, destination and jump range and it will give you a neutron route to your destination.
Super Charging
When arriving in a system with a neutron star or a white dwarf align the ship so you are facing the star, flying towards it at low speed. Keep a close eye on the exclusion zone to avoid accidentally dropping out. As you get closer to the star turn off towards either of the 2 jet cones and slowly make you way into the cone. As soon as you enter the cone your ship will begin to move around violently, lower your throttle as low as it will go and try to keep the ship under control while waiting for the message informing you the FSD is super charged. Once super charged throttle to 100% and leave the jet cone.
From the galaxy map select the next system in the route and jump.
Fuel Scooping and Repairing
After a few jumps check the health of the FSD as it will take damage from being super charged, Once it drops below 75% you should stop and repair it with the AFMU.
When you run low on fuel simply select a scoop-able star close to the next system in the route and jump to that instead of the target system. Refill the fuel tank and do a normal jump to the system with the neutron start to begin the next super charge.