Signal Simulator

Signal Simulator

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I wish I knew this before I started!
By FlutterFeet Fetish
Everything you need to know to play this game explained in a way I wish someone explained it to me. Please rate the guide if you like it and if not tell me what's wrong. I've genuinely tried to make it as cohesive as possible. Really hope it will be useful to you.
   
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-----------Station breakdown-----------
Main Screen
On this screen you can see the status of many things, but the only one that actually matters is server temperature.


Frequency Scanner
Frequency scanner is used to lock into the signal's frequency once it was detected.



1 - Your current frequency
2 - This button searches for the signal's frequency for you at the cost of Electronics
3 - This knob is used to find the signal's frequency manually
4 - This button stop's the automatic signal search prematurely
5 - This knob control's the volume of the interference that you hear while searching for the correct frequency
6 - This LED lights up when you have detected a signal
7 - This LED lights up when you are ready to search for the correct frequency and are currently on the wrong frequency. Once you find the correct frequency it turns off
8 - This LED lights up when you've found the correct frequency
System Vitals
On this screen you can see the vitals of your systems. If they are in bad shape - your system will work slower or cease functioning.



1 - This value affects the speed of all systems. It goes down if your recharge rate is lower than your consumption rate and vice versa
2 - This value displays your solar panels efficiency. If solar panels get dirty, it's night time or the weather is cloudy - the value drops
3 - This value displays how fast you're recharging your systems
4 - This value displays how much power you're consuming
5 - These icon's help you understand whether it's night or day outside, as well as how bad your systems are feeling. If your systems are feeling bad - the battery icon will change color
Signal Detection
On this screen you can see how close you are to the source of the signal. Note that it is impossible to fill out the bars completely, but the more they are filled - the more you will be paid.



1 - This bar shows how close you are to the signal source on the horizontal plane
2 - This bar shows how close you are to the signal source on the vertical plane
3 - This graph shows the waveform of the signal when you're listening to it
4 - This LED lights up when you're close to the signal on either verticies
5 - These icons are cosmetical, they don't do anything
Coordinates Tracking
On this panel you can see where your dishes are currently pointing towards and can control their direction.



1 - This screen shows your current position on the horizontal plane
2 - This screen shows your current position on the vertical plane
3 - This knob turns the panel on and off. It is recommended to keep it off when you're not using it to conserve power
4 - This set of knobs helps you set the coordinates value for the horizontal plane
5 - This set of knobs helps you set the coordinates value for the vertizal plane
6 - This button starts repositioning the dishes once you've entered new coordinates
7 - This button tracks the signal's coordinates automatically at the cost of Electronics. It is recommended to stop auto tracking once you're locked in on the signal to conserve Electronics
8 - This button stops repositioning the dishes prematurely and disables auto tracking
Detection Control
This panel controls signal's download and disposes of the signal once you're done downloading it.



1 - This button disposes of the signal. Once the download is finished - you press this button to move on to searching for a new signal
2 - This switch inverts the detection bar. Green becomes red and vice versa
3 - This screen shows you how big of a gap you're breaching in signal detection. The more red you see on the signal detection bars - the more green you need to set on this screen.Detection value shows the exact amount you're compensating for. Energy value shows how much power the panel is consuming. It is recommended to keep the bar fully red until you need to start downloading and only fill it out as much as needed to conserve energy
4 - This knob controls filling out the bar on the screen
Coordinates Detection
This screen tracks the coordinates of the signal once you've found one and locked into its frequency



1 - This table tracks the horizontal coordinate of the signal
2 - This table tracks the vertical coordinate of the signal
3 - This table shows the minimum and maximum detected value of the horizontal coordinate. The average value approximates where the signal is
4 - This table shows the minimum and maximum detected value of the vertical coordinate. The average value approximates where the signal is
5 - This switch turns detection on and off. It is recommended to keep it off when not in use to conserve energy
6 - This switch turns on and off a visual graph of the signal's location. It doesn't help the process
7 - This knob controls the volume of coordinate detection panel
8 - This button turns the sound of the panel on and off
Servers Status
On this screen you can see many values related to the server status, but the only one that actually matters is the status itself.

The Weather
This screen shows you outside temperature, wind speed and overcast status. Strong winds and thunderstorms mess with calibration of the dishes, so it will be harder to detect signals. They can also cause a power outage, in which case all of your systems will halt for about 5 seconds. The satellite view shows your approximate location. It serves no purpose.

Signal Audio Control
This panel enables you to hear the actual audio emmited by the detected signal. It will always be unintelligible noise, don't count on hearing actual speech. It is recommended to keep it off, so you wouldn't be constantly blasted with sounds of space.



1 - This button turns the sound on and off
2 - This knob controls the sound's volume
VHS Player
On this screen you can play videos from your computer. By default it shows surveilance footage from one of the dishes.



1 - Play button
2 - Stop button
3 - VHS slot. Clicking on it opens a window where you have to input the full path to the video on your computer. This player can only play MP4 files.
4 - Volume knob
5 - Fast forward
Download Audio Control
This panel controls the sound of downloading data. It is recommended to keep it on so if your download gets interrupted you won't miss it.



1 - This button turns the sound on and off
2 - This knob controls the sound's volume
Signal Output
On this screen you can see the signal download progress and read the message that is being transmitted. Most of the time it's gibberish, but sometimes you can find actual messages. Pay attention to decoded data to not miss it. Sometimes you would see the message saying you've downloaded module schematics. It is a free upgrade to your modules that applies instantly.

Signal Information
This screen will display information about the source of the signal.

Radio
The game has a list of radio stations to listen to. They are real life radio stations that stream live. By default the radio is set to play NASA archives.



1 - Volume knob
2 - On and off switch
Geiger Counter
Geiger Counter only works with the Rover. When the Rover approaches an anomaly in the field - Geiger Counter will signal you with sound and a lit up LED. You can not pick up the Geiger Counter and walk around with it.

Coffee Mug
Even though you can actually drink coffee - it serves no purpose other than immersion. Coffee can be replenished at the coffee machine in the kitchen.

Laptop
The Laptop is like a separate station that serves its own purpose. Mostly upgrades, finding signals and using command line.

-----------Laptop breakdown-----------
Home Screen
Most of the time you will be using scanner, upgrades and terminal.



1 - Scanner is the most important section of the laptop. That is how you find signals
2 - Databse contains signals that you have found. You can see all information about them and listen back to them
3 - Upgrades is where you improve your systems for money
4 - Modules are specials types of upgrades that can only improve from finding module schematics. Buying a module enables it and each module takes a percentage of your income as operational cost
5 - Storage is where you keep your resources, such as fuel, electronics, transmitters, etc.
6 - Terminal is where you perform commands for remote control of the systems and their diagnostics
7 - Rover is a little drone that you can operate remotely to explore the field. When rover finds an anomaly it awards resources and money
8 - Radio is where you can see all available radio stations and change them. You can also add your own stations if you insert the station's streaming link. If you delete a radio station - it can not be restored unless you have its streaming link
9 - Shooter is a minigame that is based on Space Invaders. It's a past time that doesn't award anything
10 - Skins is where you can buy cosmetic appearance for your dishes
11 - Docs is a database of tutorial documents. I personally found them useless, hence the existence of this guide
Scanner
This is where you start searching for signals. Hold down LMB until scanning is 100% complete and follow the direction arrows to find the source. Once you've scanned the signal, you need to tune its frequency with the dial at the bottom left. Simply use A and D to go left and right until you get the message SIGNAL DETECTED.

Database
Here you can find all signals you've discovered. They are split in random, story and event signals. Random signals don't mean anything, they are a source of income and module schematics. Story signals are part of the game's lore. There is a total of 118 story signals. Event signals are easter eggs which's detection depends on specific circumstances, like time and date.

Upgrades
Upgrades improve your system's performace. Each upgrade has 10 lvls with escalating cost.

Modules
Modules are special upgrades that can be toggled and and off at the cost of 7 credits. While a module is active, it will consume a percentage of your income and power. Multiple modules power and income consumption adds up. Max is consumption at lvl 0 and current is at current lvl. Modules can be upgraded up to lvl 30 each. Module upgrades are discovered with a small chance through finding signals and analyzing them with the SIGNAL ANALYZE command.

Storage
Storage is where your resource are located. Fuel is used to power the generator. Electronics are used for automating the search process. Transmitters are used to transmit your own message into space in hopes of receiving a reply. Data analysis schematics are used to analyze signals with SIGNALANALYZE command. Chargers are used to temporarily boost your system's performance with POWERBOOST command.

Terminal
Terminal is used to perform commands that help with system maintenance and their remote operation. Use the HELP command to display information about all possible commands. If you right click anywhere in the Terminal - a panel on the right will show up that allows you to use the commands without having to memorize them or even type.

Rover
Rover is used to find anomalies in the field. Finding anomalies awards you credits and sometimes resources. You can tell that you're near an anomaly if the Geiger Counter on your table starts signaling.



F - Forward
B - Backward
L - Left
R - Right
AE - Arm Extend

The scrollers are used to define how far in the selected direction Rover will move. You can chain commands by queueing multiple of them before clicking Execute. Reset Pos respawns the Rover at its default location behind your observatory in case it gets stuck or to fast travel it back to base. Cam control allows Rover to look around. The button in the middle stops camera's motion. To exit the Rover view press Logout.
Radio
This is where you can choose different available radio stations to play on your radio. You can delete them or add your own. Deleting a radio station can't be reversed unless you add it back manually. Use the Reload button to refresh the radio in case of technical difficulties.

Shooter
Here you can play a Space Invaders type game to pass the time. It doesn't award anything.

Skins
Here you can buy cosmetic appearance for your satellite dishes. Each skin costs 1000 credits and doesn't affect their performance.

Docs
Here you can read up on how the game works. The explanations are vague, so I personally did not find them useful.

--------------How to Play--------------
Step 1
Log into your laptop and open the Scanner. Hold left mouse button to scan for a signal. Use WASD to navigate towards the source of the signal. Center the scanner on the signal source and wait for it to process. Once it's processed, tune into its frequency using A and D until you see the message SIGNAL DETECTED.
Step 2
Use the Frequency Scan panel to lock into the signal's frequency. You can do it either manually through the Manual Mode knob or Auto Scan button if you have Electronics in your Storage. You've done it right if the Frequency Locked LED lights up.
Step 3
Enable the Coordinate Detection panel and let the coordinates roll for about 30 seconds to get a stable average value on both Azimuth and Elevation.
Step 4
Enable the Coordinates Tracking panel and set the Azimuth and Elevation to their respective average values from the Coordinates Detection panel and press the Start Rotation button. If you have Electronics you can press the Track Coordinates button to do it automatically.
Step 5
Once the dishes stop - check the Signal Detection screen to see if you have any green on Azimuth and Elevation. If you don't - use Coordinates Tracking panel to move the dishes between the MIN and MAX coordinates values from the Coordinate Detection screen at an increment of 1. Once you see any green - fine tune the position by using increments of 0.1 and 0.01 to have as much green as possible.
Step 6
Use the knob on the Detection Control panel to fill it it with enough green to compensate for amount of red on the Signal Detection screen. You will know if you did it right if the signal download starts.
Step 7
Once you've finished downloading the signal - press the Signal Disable button on the Detection Control panel and start over to find a new signal.
----------System Maintenance----------
Server Temperature
Server temperature increasing will slow down the signal download. It is recommended to use the TURBO command in the Terminal once the server temperature reaches 70 degrees.

Server Error
If the server status says ERROR - your download speed will be drastically lowered. To fix this you need to use the REBOOTALL command in the Terminal. If REBOOTALL returns error - it will tell you which dish failed to reboot.



In this case you have to go outside and reboot the dish manually. You can see the position of each dish on this map.



You can also tell which dish is which by the number on one of their legs.



Climb the dish and enter the server room. There you will find a Terminal on which you have to use the REBOOT command.
Antenna Shutdown
Sometimes during thunderstorms one of the antennas might shutdown. In this case you will hear loud beeping and a message about.



Use the DIAGNOSTICS command in the Terminal to see which dish shutdown.



Go out to the failed dish and flip this switch underneath it.

Antenna Calibration
Over time, and especially during thunderstorms, your antenna's calibration will drift. Bad calibration will make it harder to detect signals. Regularly check your antenna's calibration by using the CALIBRATION command in the Terminal. The values should be as close to 0 as possible. If the value drifts above 10 or below -10 - it's a severe misalignment that requires attention.



The easiest way to recalibrate your dishes is to use the CALSTART command in the Terminal and going to bed to skip time.



You can also calibrate dishes manually. First thing you need to do is set the Azimuth on the Coordinates Tracking panel to 0 and start rotation. You can also use the SERVICE command followed by STARTROTATION command in the Terminal. If you don't do this - the bridge to the second level of the dish will be misaligned and you won't be able to climb up there.





Once at the top - find this box and open it. Inside you will find a screen displaying current calibration value and calibration controls.



1 - This knob increases or decreases the value
2 - These LEDs tell you if the dish is calibrated right, as well as which value needs to be calibrated
3 - Once you've finished adjusting the value - press this button to calibrate
4 - This knob switches the value you are currently adjusting

This is how it should look like if everything is good.

Solar Panels
Over time your Solar Panels will lose their efficiency due to dust and snow. It is recommended to clean them every in-game morning or when their efficiency drops below 80%. To clean the solar panels you have to go out and find this transformer. There will be a box with a button inside. Press the button and Solar Panel will clean themselves.

-----------------Pro Tips-----------------
Power Distribution
When using Coordinate Detection panel, rotating dishes or downloading a signal - use the Power Distribution panel to the right of your station. It will take power away from the systems marked with a red LED and direct it to the system marked with a green LED. It will help the system you're currently using work faster.

Useful Commands
These are some commands that you don't necessarily need to use, but they are handy.

SIGNALANALYZE - Once you've found lots of signals you can use this command to scan them for module schematics. For this command to operate you need Data Analysis Schematics



POWERBOOST - If you need power quick this command will drastically increase your recharge rate for a limited time. For this command to operate you need Chargers



TRANSMISSION - After you're done downloading the signal you can try transmitting your own message back. On a rare occasion you will get a reply, which will download an extra signal with extra payout. For this command to operate you need Transmitters



BOINCSTART - This command will start a computing process that can generate a module schematic with a small chance. The speed and chance to generate module schematics can be upgraded. It doesn't cost anything except extra power usage

Mobility
Use the golf car to move around. It has the System Vitals screen embeded into it. Don't go too fast because it can turn over easily.



Unfortunately, you can not drive the Cybertruck.

Meteorites
There's always one meteorite on the map. They can be scanned by the Rover for extra money. To easily spot them use the telescope on the roof of the observatory. If you can't see the meteorite in the telecope - it is either somewhere behind the observatory or behind a hill.





Power Conservation
Aside from only enabling panels on your station when in use - you can also conserve power by turning off all light sources. They leech a lot of power and serve no real purpose. Here's all light switch locations.













I would also recommend to never use the Generator. From my experience it consumes more power than it generates even at max upgrade lvl. Use the POWERBOOST command instead. Here's the Generator's on and off switch.

1 Comments
MoffCH 17 Oct @ 10:08pm 
Thanks for this guide. For the Coordinates Tracking, the numbers in 1 and 2 show the target coordinates, not the current coordinates. Do you have a link or suggestion for a guide on where to send the rover, other than meteorites?