Perception/Search vs Sensors with Macrobinocs

[Saberjunkie]

First time poster here...

Macrobinocs have three range increments. Presumably this is for a sensors roll. Does that mean you can make a sensors roll when using macrobinocs to detect/see something?

If yes, how does that interact with the search/Perception roll that you gain a +3D bonus on at ranges beyond 100m?

Is is a sort of Sensors roll for the ranges listed - if sensors is better than Search? Or make the sensors roll to then gain the +3D bonus to Search.

I guess ultimately I'm wondering if, when using Macrobinocs, and you have a better Sensors than Search, you can elect to use your sensors skill in place of search skill.
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If you choose the quick and easy path... You will become an agent of evil.
-Yoda

[garhkal]

By my reading on them from page 226 of the R&E book, the bonus is applied to search/perception checks.. not to sensors..
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Confucious sayeth, don't wash cat while drunk!

[Naaman]

[Saberjunkie]

Copied from REUP (which I realize is not the Revised), it's just easier to copy from

This is from the description in the equipment section... REUP p338.


Range: 100-250/500/1,000
Game Notes: All modes have an Easy sensors difficulty at short range,
increasing one level per range band. Search and other Perception-
based rolls may be increased when using macrobinoculars by
+3D when used to find something more than 100 meters away.
_________________
If you choose the quick and easy path... You will become an agent of evil.
-Yoda

[Naaman]

I see. If that is all the relevant text, I take that to mean the following:

Make a sensors roll against (whatever difficulty). Success allows the user to make a search check with a 3D bonus for quarries at least 100m away.

[Saberjunkie]

Ok thanks, that's what I was thinking, it just seems an odd mechanic.
_________________
If you choose the quick and easy path... You will become an agent of evil.
-Yoda

[Naaman]

It does come across as rather clunky. I feel that something like binos should just allow a search check to be made (using the characters own skill, no bonus) at distances normally beyond what his naked eye can see. In other words, the "bonus" is being allowed to make the roll at all from a click away, rather than being able to make the check and get a bonus on it. The rules do say that proximity modifiers apply, so the bonus could be seen as cancelling that out, but still, I agree: it's a bit cumbersome.

[dic1]

Maybe the sensors roll represents getting the focus right, using the right lens filter, blocking any glare e.t.c. before you get the bonus.
Bad roll on sensors = you realise the lenses are covered in gunk and can't see anything till you take time to clean them, a 1 on the wild die you have cracked the lens/prism assemble they are now a nice paperweight.