Infrared Imaging Sensors

Infrared Imaging Sensors (TL9)

This is technically known as thermal imaging, and is equivalent to the Infravision advantage. These sensors detect the infrared (heat) spectra emitted by objects at different temperatures, then build up a false-color television image of the environment.

Infrared sensors lets the user observe or fight at no penalty even in absolute darkness, if the target emits heat (this includes all living beings and most machines). The sensors give a +2 on all vision rolls to spot such targets, since their heat stands out from the background. It can also distinguish targets that are colder than their surroundings (there is no bonus). Infrared sensors can be used to follow a heat trail when tracking: add +3 to Tracking rolls if the trail is no more than an hour old.

Infrared sensors do not distinguish real colors (which may limit the ability to use some controls), and only allow the user to judge the general size and shape of heat-emitting objects. Roll at -4 to distinguish objects of similar size and shape. The GM may also require a Vision-4 roll to read by reflected heat. Flare, fiery explosions, infrared lasers and other sudden flashes of heat can blind the imaging system, just as a flash of light can blind ordinary vision.

Infrared sensors usually come with one or more levels of telescopic magnification. The user can switch freely between normal vision and infravision.

The infrared sensors described below also have a daylight TV optical channel as well. This gives telescopic magnification at the same level without providing infravision. It takes a Ready maneuver to switch settings.

They come in the styles and features described under Passive Visual Sensor Configurations, with various levels of telescopic magnification.

Infrared Imaging Sensor Array (TL9): 64× magnification. $40,000, 50 lbs., 2D/12 hr. LC3.

Infrared Binoculars (TL9): 16× magnification. $2,500, 3 lbs., C/10 hr. LC4.

Infrared Surveillance Camera (TL9): 4× magnification. $250, 0.6 lbs., 2B/100 hr. Often uses external power. LC4.

Infrared Goggles or Visor (TL9): 2× magnification. They're an integral feature of many suit helmets, but if purchased separately are $500, 0.6 lbs., B/10 hr. LC4.

Infrared Video Glasses (TL9): 1× magnification. $500, 0.1 lb., A/10 hr. LC4.

Infrared Contacts (TL10): 1× magnification. $300, neg. weight. LC4.

Double magnification one TL later, or quadruple the magnification two TLs later. However, many users are more likely to upgrade to hyperspectral vision.