The Echo Detector is a basic anomaly and artifact detector featured in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat.
Overview[]
The Echo detector is capable of finding artifacts, although its effective search range is short compared to other detectors. This device only vaguely determines the distance of the player from the artifact when it flashes and "beeps". As the player gets closer to the artifact, the faster the flashing and beeping goes and if one is getting farther, vice versa. It's possible to determine the direction of an artifact, as turning towards or away from the artifacts location will slightly speed up or slow down the detector's beeping. However, it is hard to distinguish this from the artifact moving around.
Detected Artifacts[]
- Crystal
- Fireball
- Jellyfish
- Stone Flower
- Stone Blood
- Meat Chunk
- Sparkler
- Flash
- Altered Wheel
- Altered Insulator
- Compass
Appearances[]
Clear Sky[]
This anomalous activity detector, with a built-in Geiger counter, produces an alarm signal when you approach an anomaly. It can also register the presence of artifacts and measure the distance to the nearest one. When closed, the device registers only radiation and anomalies. To switch to artifact search mode, raise the device's front cover (antennae).
― In-game description
The Echo is the first detector given to Scar when he awakes at the beginning of the game. The earliest chance to replace it is once the player enters the Great Swamps on their own – they can go back to the Clear Sky base and purchase a Bear detector or visit a cache in the far northwest of the Swamps for a Veles detector. Echo detectors can often be found on Loners, and sometimes Freedomers and Dutyers, but are rarely if ever dropped by Bandits – despite the common drop rate, it is typically not a good idea to stockpile them for selling, as each will often only fetch around 100 RU even at the best of traders. Despite its low quality, it can detect just as many artifacts as the Bear, but like the Bear can not detect the most valuable artifacts, such as Goldfish or Bubble .
Call of Pripyat[]
This dated anomalous activity detector produces an alarm signal when anomalous particles enter a special chamber as you approach an anomaly. It can also register the presence of artifacts and measure the distance to the nearest one. The distance is indicated by the frequency of the sound the detector emits. To switch to artifact search mode, open the device's front cover. Due to its simple design, Echo can only be used to locate the most common artifacts.
― In-game description
Major Degtyarev comes into the Zone with an Echo detector. Since Bear detectors are far more commonly dropped – most often by Experienced Stalkers of all kinds, but especially by Zombified Stalkers – it is unlikely they'll have to suffer for very long. A Bear can also be procured by saving Petruha from the Boiler Anomaly in Zaton. They are marginally more useful for selling than in Clear Sky – if the enemy's weapon is too low condition to be sold for profit, the detector is much lighter and does not require repairs to be sold.
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