The gist:

Started as a Gank. Chose cyberlimb scanner for information superiority.

Barely any information on the cybernetic.

No idea about radius/distance, can see through thin surfaces?

Anyone got some info I might have missed?

most scanners seem to be fairly light on the details from what I have read.

Scanners are pretty vague. R2 uses his built in scanner to detect life forms, difficult to determine a range for it though. I tend to think of them as life form, heat, movement, energy sensors.

Edit: Just had a thought. As a houserule maybe treat personal scanners like personal scale starship sensors. Assign them short, medium, long, or extreme range based on make/model and quality. Would need to work with the players/gm to interpret the computer rolls and what they can and cant detect before hand.

Scanners are pretty vague. R2 uses his built in scanner to detect life forms, difficult to determine a range for it though. I tend to think of them as life form, heat, movement, energy sensors.

Edit: Just had a thought. As a houserule maybe treat personal scanners like personal scale starship sensors. Assign them short, medium, long, or extreme range based on make/model and quality. Would need to work with the players/gm to interpret the computer rolls and what they can and cant detect before hand.

There sadly is no basis for it.. But I treat them at Personal Scale for difficulties in scanning for a Standard Scanner (Engaged, short, medium, long, extreme)... But for a Hand scanner I increase the difficulty by 2 degrees.

So essentially it seems like I should just ask the DM to allow me to retcon my starting cybernetic because this is barely better than a normal, handheld scanner I can get for under 300 credits if I recall. Vs a whole arm for 4.000 credits.

So essentially it seems like I should just ask the DM to allow me to retcon my starting cybernetic because this is barely better than a normal, handheld scanner I can get for under 300 credits if I recall. Vs a whole arm for 4.000 credits.

I've used several different scanners. When I can access my books later I'll take a look and give you my take on it. Which book is the cyberscanner limb in?

The item description states that it "shows nearby motion, life-forms, energy signatures and other common targets as desired". That it a pretty awesome piece of gear; it's basically a General Purpose Scanner built into your arm. You can set it to scan for almost anything, like comlink transmissions, power cables in the wall you're about to cut your way through, explosives, concealed weapons, and all the stuff listed above.

Anyone who has this piece of gear and fails to make excellent use of it in a number of situations has no one to blame but themselves.

@ OP:

Despite what some individuals may be implying (and possibly rather rudely, at that), an inability to find a good use for this gear may not be because you are a bad or less creative player. Its effects may not suit your perceived character concept, or you may have a GM that has a limited or narrow view of what that gear can do.

If you don't think this gear is right for you, then you should talk to your GM about ret-conning it out.

However, if you think you can put in the narrative 'elbow grease' and your GM is pretty open and accommodating, then you may be able to get some serious mileage out of this hardware. Basically, based on my reading of description, it can do whatever a hand scanner can do. That's actually a lot. There's tons of situations where you could use a hand scanner to get some boost dice or even an upgrade on a roll. Some example skills that come to mind are Mechanics, Perception, even Medicine. You could even apply to initiative rolls if you know combat is coming.

Now where the cyberlimb scanner has the advantage over the hand scanner is that it's *subtle*. You can scan things covertly, and that can be very handy (pun intended) narrative. It also can't be disarmed (HA!) or confiscated.

The point is, it's possible to get some serious use out the device, provided your GM is permissive and you're looking for situations to use it.

You should discuss with your GM either way.

I've used several different scanners. When I can access my books later I'll take a look and give you my take on it. Which book is the cyberscanner limb in?

It's in the EotE & AoR core books.

@ OP:

Despite what some individuals may be implying (and possibly rather rudely, at that), an inability to find a good use for this gear may not be because you are a bad or less creative player. Its effects may not suit your perceived character concept, or you may have a GM that has a limited or narrow view of what that gear can do.

If you don't think this gear is right for you, then you should talk to your GM about ret-conning it out.

However, if you think you can put in the narrative 'elbow grease' and your GM is pretty open and accommodating, then you may be able to get some serious mileage out of this hardware. Basically, based on my reading of description, it can do whatever a hand scanner can do. That's actually a lot. There's tons of situations where you could use a hand scanner to get some boost dice or even an upgrade on a roll. Some example skills that come to mind are Mechanics, Perception, even Medicine. You could even apply to initiative rolls if you know combat is coming.

Now where the cyberlimb scanner has the advantage over the hand scanner is that it's *subtle*. You can scan things covertly, and that can be very handy (pun intended) narrative. It also can't be disarmed (HA!) or confiscated.

The point is, it's possible to get some serious use out the device, provided your GM is permissive and you're looking for situations to use it.

You should discuss with your GM either way.

I've used several different scanners. When I can access my books later I'll take a look and give you my take on it. Which book is the cyberscanner limb in?

It's in the EotE & AoR core books.

This is what I was expecting to end up saying myself, I just wanted to read the book entries to make sure I didn't misrepresent anything.

I played a character with a general purpose scanner and used it semi-frequently. It was fairly helpful. Having that covertly in your person and not needing to take it out to utilize it would seem to be worth the extra credits (which also include the work needed to install the thing in your body).

The item description states that it "shows nearby motion, life-forms, energy signatures and other common targets as desired". That it a pretty awesome piece of gear; it's basically a General Purpose Scanner built into your arm. You can set it to scan for almost anything, like comlink transmissions, power cables in the wall you're about to cut your way through, explosives, concealed weapons, and all the stuff listed above.

Anyone who has this piece of gear and fails to make excellent use of it in a number of situations has no one to blame but themselves.

As first to clearly misunderstand the reason for this post, I'll re-iterate it.

I can think of 101 ways to use this. But is there any reason to fork over 4k worth of credits and an arm for something I can do with a utility belt and a hand scanner. So far, the answer seems like "Not really."

I wasn't questioning the usage, but "Is this better than the general purpose scanner that fits into my back pocket?"

@ Lethal

While that is a good point, I'm fairly sure I could emulate that with say...a cybernetic cavity or smugglers coat.

The holoscreen above my palm will be as concealable as the scanner itself. Which is why I'm conflicted. It seems amazing at first, but then just basic scanner :C

@ Lethal

While that is a good point, I'm fairly sure I could emulate that with say...a cybernetic cavity or smugglers coat.

The holoscreen above my palm will be as concealable as the scanner itself. Which is why I'm conflicted. It seems amazing at first, but then just basic scanner :C

I think when I'm seeing this used, I envision the scan occurring without the display showing up. I'd allow a player to activate the scan with a mental command or imperceptible hand gesture. Then you'd walk by some crates, all nonchalant, scanning them in the process, then leave and see the results.

Also, in my head, the holodisplay is projected above the user's palm when when he wants it there, and isn't apparent at any other time. If the screen or display is always there, or even just always there when operational, then yeah, I don't think it's worth 4k credits.

@ Lethal

While that is a good point, I'm fairly sure I could emulate that with say...a cybernetic cavity or smugglers coat.

The holoscreen above my palm will be as concealable as the scanner itself. Which is why I'm conflicted. It seems amazing at first, but then just basic scanner :C

I think when I'm seeing this used, I envision the scan occurring without the display showing up. I'd allow a player to activate the scan with a mental command or imperceptible hand gesture. Then you'd walk by some crates, all nonchalant, scanning them in the process, then leave and see the results.

Also, in my head, the holodisplay is projected above the user's palm when when he wants it there, and isn't apparent at any other time. If the screen or display is always there, or even just always there when operational, then yeah, I don't think it's worth 4k credits.

I'll talk with GM and check wookiepedia on the scanners to make sure. The casual walk by scanner seem like a neat idea.

And meant when in use, both would likely light up in the same manner, screen vs a holoprojection.

Thanks for the help. Least I figured out that there's no specific ranges and info I missed in the book so far, just vague descriptions that seem to border on "Ask the GM for details." which gives me an idea how to proceed.

@ Lethal

While that is a good point, I'm fairly sure I could emulate that with say...a cybernetic cavity or smugglers coat.

The holoscreen above my palm will be as concealable as the scanner itself. Which is why I'm conflicted. It seems amazing at first, but then just basic scanner :C

I think when I'm seeing this used, I envision the scan occurring without the display showing up. I'd allow a player to activate the scan with a mental command or imperceptible hand gesture. Then you'd walk by some crates, all nonchalant, scanning them in the process, then leave and see the results.

Also, in my head, the holodisplay is projected above the user's palm when when he wants it there, and isn't apparent at any other time. If the screen or display is always there, or even just always there when operational, then yeah, I don't think it's worth 4k credits.

I'll talk with GM and check wookiepedia on the scanners to make sure. The casual walk by scanner seem like a neat idea.

And meant when in use, both would likely light up in the same manner, screen vs a holoprojection.

Thanks for the help. Least I figured out that there's no specific ranges and info I missed in the book so far, just vague descriptions that seem to border on "Ask the GM for details." which gives me an idea how to proceed.

The general purpose scanner gives a range in KM.

The general purpose scanner gives a range in KM.

Yeah but, unless I'm mistaken, the General Purpose scanner has an encumbrance of 2. The Cyberlimb Scanner is much more akin to the hand-held scanner based on their descriptive fluff, and I don't believe either provides any range info whatsoever.

The general purpose scanner gives a range in KM.

Yeah but, unless I'm mistaken, the General Purpose scanner has an encumbrance of 2. The Cyberlimb Scanner is much more akin to the hand-held scanner based on their descriptive fluff, and I don't believe either provides any range info whatsoever.

The fluff for the hand scanner indicates they are essentially a general purpose scanner with a single function. The fluff for the general purpose scanner says it is hand held.

So looking over the fluff descriptions for the Cyberscanner Limb, the General Purpose Scanner, and the Hand Scanner, here it what I noticed.

The Cyberscanner Limb says it works up to medium range. I don't know if they meant the combat range band from the combat rules, or a more general "medium" (vs short or long as you and I would use them). Might be worth asking the devs. It basically has the same functions as a general purpose scanner, just without the encumbrance. Yes, it is 8x as much, however it has no encumbrance, is fully concealed, but does have a shorter range (or so it would seem), and that price factors in having it installed.

Personally, as a GM if a player inquired I would allow them to purchase cybernetics at a discount and attempt to have a party member "install" it via a medicine check. If the check failed, the PC would have some type of penalty until they were able to pay an expert the difference to have it properly installed. This would depend on the cybernetic and the penalty would depend on the results of the roll.

So looking over the fluff descriptions for the Cyberscanner Limb, the General Purpose Scanner, and the Hand Scanner, here it what I noticed.

The Cyberscanner Limb says it works up to medium range. I don't know if they meant the combat range band from the combat rules, or a more general "medium" (vs short or long as you and I would use them). Might be worth asking the devs. It basically has the same functions as a general purpose scanner, just without the encumbrance. Yes, it is 8x as much, however it has no encumbrance, is fully concealed, but does have a shorter range (or so it would seem), and that price factors in having it installed.

Personally, as a GM if a player inquired I would allow them to purchase cybernetics at a discount and attempt to have a party member "install" it via a medicine check. If the check failed, the PC would have some type of penalty until they were able to pay an expert the difference to have it properly installed. This would depend on the cybernetic and the penalty would depend on the results of the roll.

Seems I'll be going for a Repulsor Fist implant as free Gank implant for an iconic falcon punch scenario and will carry a general purpose scanner in a smugglers coat or utility belt.

One thing to note, the "hand scanner" for 100cr is a single purpose item. You have an atmospheric scanner to tell you if the air is breathable, or you have a circuit tracer to tell you where the damage is in the circuit. The one in the arm does all that and more, so it is more comparable to the 500cr GP scanner from the books.

Given that, the 0 encumbrance is worth a bit - 250 cr to put it into a helmet. The ability to ALWAYS be able to have it on you is worth something also, but it's up to you to determine if it's worth the extra cash.

One thing to note, the "hand scanner" for 100cr is a single purpose item. You have an atmospheric scanner to tell you if the air is breathable, or you have a circuit tracer to tell you where the damage is in the circuit. The one in the arm does all that and more, so it is more comparable to the 500cr GP scanner from the books.

Given that, the 0 encumbrance is worth a bit - 250 cr to put it into a helmet. The ability to ALWAYS be able to have it on you is worth something also, but it's up to you to determine if it's worth the extra cash.

I agree.

The temptation to always have a multi-purpose scanner is there.

Perhaps I can talk to the GM and ask to allow me to upgrade it with say, a shorter but 360 scan radius mode?