Signal Decoding

Descryption

Signal decoding in Outspace is one of key activities as it is providing players with blueprints which are needed for construction of products in the factories. It is done by decoding signals which are placed around galaxy.

Main factors affecting decoding

1. Speed of decoding
   1. Science skill of astronaut stationed in science position of module (teS).
   2. Position of ship against source of signal.
   3. Objects around ship interfering with decoding.
2. Amount of signals that can be decoded at same time.
   1. Number of modules with science position (manned).

How to decode signal

1. Setting ship - Signal decoding can be done by any ship but most efective is exploration dedicated ship. Pathfinder MPCM commander module is best choice as it provides you with 2 science astronaut posts giving you ability to decode 2 signals by itself alone. Those science posts need to be manned by astronauts, idealy with high Science skill. Ship can use more antena modules for aditional signal decoding capacity (watch out, they have to be manned too). Ship needs warp module as it needs to travel long distances to position itself in the best way to effectively decode signals.
2. Finding signal - Signals can be found on map. To enter map, you have to press ´´SOL SECTOR´´ button in top left corner of screen. After that you have to unzoom with ´´-´´ button placed on left side of screen and press ´´Signals´´ button on left side of screen and maximize it. Now you can see bright lines apprearing on your Solar system map. Those are signals you are going to decode.
3. Positioning - To move our ship on map, you are going to use vector travel. To use it press ´´V´´ key. Signals source is in the middle. Signal strenght is mostly affected by distance between ship and source and by angle between ship and line running throught source. So basicaly its Distance*Angle=Sum. Lower the sum is => Better signal gets. So you are either trying to get as close to source, or you are going to get as close as you can to the LINE so the angle is minimal.After you have found your desired position, you left click there. After this you get second view on solar system map as space is 3D. You are going to look for your signal and do same thing. Now your ship is on its way to the position. Dont forget to click on warp because it would take ages to travel there with normal engines.

File:Signal hunting tutorial.jpg

How to position yourself for good signal.

Example of good signal.

1. Exiting Solar map - To exit Solar map press the name of the ship in left corner. If its in warp it might not work so choose other ship to play with while it travels.
2. Starting decoding - After you have travelled to the signal, you have to manualy start decoding. To do it, you need to get to the ´´signal recorder´´ tab which is placed at right side of your screen. There you see the list of availible signals. You pick the one you want to decode and press ´´DECODE´´ button. After it gets decoded you can pick your rewards.

Tips

1. You can decode same signal at more decoding slots at same time, giving you rewards for each slot.
2. You can decode signal any amount of times as you want, you are limited only by how long it stays there.
3. Signal can dissapear while you are traveling to it, so its good to check on it from time to time so you are not traveling for nothing.
4. For good signal decoding as newbie, you should put your ships robot in Sciene slot for best decoding possible.