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Combat Scanner Probes vs. Core Probes

Is it better to use combat scanner probes in the initial stage of signature detection and then swap over to core probes? Or is the base maximum deviation for combat scanner probes too great to allow for a fast lock on?

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varcynal
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All answers were very useful, so I up voted you all. However I feel that Selari, and in my recent experience, is the most accurate in answering the question.

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4 answers

  • 1

selari

It may be worth firing off a combat probe if the system is bigger than 32 AU. (Technically, if the system is bigger than 28, since signatures will be within 4 AU of the outer bound of a planet orbit) Otherwise it's a waste of time since a Core probe will scan with less deviation and better strength. But if you do, you'll still almost certainly need to switch to Cores at some point to lock down a signature, which is recalling and reloading the probe launcher... kind of a waste of time.

Or, if you're looking for people or Anomolies. Then a combat scanner makes sense..

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  • 2

khaaos

Combat probes are great in the larger systems as the scan range is much larger. But the sensor strength, and deviation are worse then that of a core scanner.

The only other thing I would add to the comments here already is that for the most part, in systems where you might not be "friendly" combat probes are seen as a sign of aggression. If you are running a cloaky scanner no big thing, but if not, you might find yourself being scanned down as well and "taken care" of.

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  • 1

lex starwalker [ Editor ]

I use combat probes exclusively. Not only do they have a larger maximum scan radius, I also find it useful to know what ships are around me. I have never been unable to find a signature with combat probes. If you have proper probe placement you will find what you're looking for.

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lex starwalker
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Nope, no typo. I only use combat probes. I use 6 now, but found signatures easily with 5.

sacrophyte
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Cool. I assume you use filters to get rid of the extra clutter when looking for signatures, then? 5 is a good number.

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  • 1

sacrophyte

I am thinking perhaps Lex had a typo? =)

The answer, of course, is "It depends". Are you looking for cosmic signatures, or ships? Core probes are designed to find cosmic signatures (as opposed to anomalies, which you can get to 100% with your ship scanner); combat probes are designed to pick out ships (and structures, to a degree). Core probes cannot detect ships, and Combat probes are a poor choice for signatures.

Selari makes a point about the size of the system - I personally find it faster to simply move a group of core probes around a large system, rather than start with combat and switch later. Even on large systems, you can set your probes to 8au (or 16au if you are paranoid) around each planet (in turn, not all at once) and go from there.

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bo red
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There are anomalies that can’t be detected by the ship scanner and require the use of probes.

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