sensor query

[Dogboy]

In SEV, Basic Sensors level 5 will scan at level 3 for 9 sectors. Does this mean they can detect mines? If so, at what range? What does "level 3" scanning mean?
Also, if I pause a reply when a ship is near a mine field, should I be able to see the mines, or does my ability to sense mines only extend to the range from my ship at the point it reaches at the end of the turn?

Thanks!

[Fyron]

They can detect objects with a maximum cloak level of 3, out to 9 hexes away. The cloak level of mines ranges from 5 to 9. Thus, sensors with sight level of 3 cannot detect any mine.

[Dogboy]

Thanks for your reply! Is the cloaking 5-9 for mines a property of the default game? I'm playing Balance Mod, and the text for "small mine" indicates that it cannot be seen with sensors less than level 3.

[Fyron]

For reference, you can see the values for the mod in question Data\VehicleSize.txt. Balance Mod has a strange-looking formula for small mines:

Ability 1 Amount 1 Formula := ([%Level%] * 2) + Get_Empire_Tech_Level("Mines")

This boils down to level * 3, but its not that simple for the medium and large mines.

[BlueTemplar]

It was always confusing to me, which one was stronger: the cloak level, or the sensor level...
Maybe sensors should use odd numbers and cloaks even numbers to avoid any confusion?

[Captain Kwok]

If the Cloak Level > Sensor Level then the object is not visible.

[BlueTemplar]

It's the situation when Cloak Level = Sensor Level that is confusing.

[Captain Kwok]

How is it confusing? If the cloak level is not greater than the sensor level, then the sensor level wins. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Suicide Junkie]

I always have trouble remembering who wins the ties.

I suggest that the ability descriptions make it extra clear who wins a tie.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

"Sensors win ties."

That would do it.