Realistic Sensor Rules

[CRMcNeill]

[garhkal]

Then why bother with different 'sensor ratings', if it matters NOT what the senors themselves are capable of, it matters HOW good a roll the operator makes?
Might as well do the same with shooting guns, where each weapon doesn't bother with a listed damage value, just base it on how WELL the shooter hits the target.
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Confucious sayeth, don't wash cat while drunk!

[CRMcNeill]

[garhkal]

No i don't. BUT IF YOU ARE USING PASSIVE< why should you get all the info, that someone else has to use focus for. JUST BECAUSE YOU ROLLED really well??? It to ME, makes no damn sense.
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Confucious sayeth, don't wash cat while drunk!

[KageRyu]

Sensors in SWD6 are not described in detail, form, or specific function - nor is there adequate descriptive detail in canon source materials to really say what modes of operation they have or the physical limits. They certainly can not be compared to contemporary sonar and radar, and are likely far more advanced. The game system is intentionally vague to help promote cinematic style situations which often are not grounded in any true reality. Given all of this, it is certainly not unreasonable that how much information is gained based on how high the roll is as the operator consults likely numerous different modes or channels of scanning or passive reception. A higher die code for sensors represents better detection systems without getting into the hard specifics of what those exactly are.

Having played a lot of Mecha/Sci-Fi games that got very detailed and specific, I can understand the desire to have these sorts of particulars. I personally like crunchy vehicle rules, which is something D6 does not have or use (though I was at one time working on such an overhaul to the vehicle system to add such rules while still keeping them compatible and optional). I would say, if you must add specific functionality given modes, then for each 1D of Sensor code add 1 specific feature module. A 0D sensor might be just a basic proximity detector. 1D might add energy detectors, mass scanners, velocity/vector tracking...etc... For this, you should make a list of all of the sensor modes you might think of, then assign them out. Though this will alter the play of SWD6 an limit how sensors are applied and used.
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"There's a set way to gain new Force Points and it represents a very nice system, where you're rewarded for heroism, not for being a poor conductor to electricity." ~Jachra

[Dr. Bidlo]

I read the sensor rules again from 2E T&E, 2E Blue Vader, and 1E (which I found had no rules for sensors). It sure doesn't say much, so I am not sure when I started using the rule that you have to first identify a target using one of the first three sensor modes before focung on them for more detailed data, but it has worked really well for a long time. That way, range and area of effect if the bug difference among the first three and focus is a full detailed scan after something is identified.

[CRMcNeill]

[CRMcNeill]

[Dr. Bidlo]

I have been simply doubling the ranges for Passive, Scan, and Sesrch sensor modes. I keep Focus unchanged since it seems appropriate, especially since I play that it only works withing the range of a previous successful Passive, Scan, or Search result with sensors.