Lei Cheung: Difference between revisions

Current answers. Practical procedures. Reliable reference.
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Browse history interactively
← Older editNewer edit →

Sythan ✓ (talk | contribs)

4 user groups
7,072 edits
VisualWikitext
Second pass: streamline Engineer verification caveat wording
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Article header|eyebrow=EDFM // Engineer|deck=Shield specialist based in the Laksak system, reached after The Dweller.}}
{{Article header
{{Article status|status=Needs review|mode=Both|version=Live and Legacy; exact patch scope not yet directly verified|reviewed=2026-08-07|reviewer=Desk research; pending direct in-game verification — see Sources|source_quality=Location and specialty cross-referenced against Inara's Engineers listing; prerequisite/discovery/invitation/unlock detail drawn primarily from a single community unlock-chain guide — see Sources|uncertainty=Maximum engineering grade and full blueprint names were not found in the sources checked; the prerequisite/discovery/invitation chain is single-sourced and not yet directly verified.}}
|eyebrow=EDFM // Engineer
|deck=A Grade 5 Shield Generator, Sensors, and Detailed Surface Scanner Engineer based at Trader's Rest in Laksak, reached through The Dweller.
}}


{{Infobox
{{Engineer infobox
  |name = Lei Cheung
  |name = Lei Cheung
  |label1 = Engineer type |row1 = Ship (optional internal)
  |image = Leicheung.png
  |label2 = System |row2 = Laksak
|engineer_type = Ship Engineer
  |label3 = Facility |row3 = Trader's Rest
  |system = [[Laksak]]
  |label4 = Specialties |row4 = Shields
  |facility = Trader's Rest
  |label5 = Prerequisite Engineer |row5 = [[The Dweller]]
  |specialties = Shield Generator, Detailed Surface Scanner, Sensors, Shield Booster
  |label6 = Discovery requirement |row6 = Referral from The Dweller
  |prerequisite_engineer = [[The Dweller]]
  |label7 = Invitation requirement |row7 = Trade at 50 or more markets
  |discovery_requirement = Referral from The Dweller
  |label8 = Unlock requirement |row8 = Donate 200 tonnes of Gold
  |invitation_requirement = Trade at at least 50 unique markets
  |unlock_requirement = Deliver 200 units of [[Gold]]
}}
}}


Lei Cheung specialises in shields modifications. They're reached through [[The Dweller]]. See Engineer Unlock Chain below for their relationship to [[Ram Tah]].<ref name="inara-list" />
'''Lei Cheung''' is a ship Engineer based at '''Trader's Rest''' in the [[Laksak]] system. He is reached through [[The Dweller]] and is best known for providing '''Grade 5 Shield Generator Engineering'''. He also provides Grade 5 Engineering for Sensors and Detailed Surface Scanners, along with Grade 3 Shield Booster Engineering.<ref name="inara-lei">[https://inara.cz/elite/engineer/10/ Lei Cheung — Engineer], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref><ref name="newp-engineers">[https://newp.io/engrhighlight Engineer Highlight], New Pilots Initiative, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
Lei is therefore useful beyond shields alone. His Grade 5 Sensors and Detailed Surface Scanner access also makes him a maximum-grade Engineer for several exploration and utility-focused builds.<ref name="inara-lei" />
 
{{Field note|Receiving The Dweller's referral does not automatically unlock Lei. You must also satisfy his trading requirement and provide 200 units of Gold before his workshop becomes available.}}


== Location ==
== Location ==
* '''System:''' Laksak
* '''Facility:''' Trader's Rest


== How to Discover This Engineer ==
* '''System:''' [[Laksak]]
Referral from The Dweller.<ref name="wanderer-chain">[https://wanderer-toolbox.com/guides/engineering-unlock/ Engineering Unlock Guide], Wanderer's Toolbox, accessed 2026-08-07.</ref><ref name="inara-list">[https://inara.cz/elite/engineers/ Engineers], Inara, accessed 2026-08-07.</ref>
* '''Facility:''' [[Trader's Rest]]
* '''Body:''' Laksak A 1
* '''Engineer type:''' Ship Engineer
* '''Referral required:''' [[The Dweller]]
* '''System permit required:''' No
 
Trader's Rest is a surface Engineer base located on Laksak A 1.<ref name="inara-traders-rest">[https://inara.cz/elite/station-market/52146/ Trader's Rest — Station Market], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
== How to Discover Lei Cheung ==
 
Lei Cheung is discovered through [[The Dweller]].
 
Reach '''Grade 3 access and progress at least one-third of the way toward Grade 4''' with The Dweller to receive his referral to Lei.<ref name="newp-engineers" />
 
{{Field note|Receiving The Dweller's referral makes Lei known to you. His separate market-trading requirement must still be completed before he can be unlocked.}}


== How to Receive an Invitation ==
== How to Receive an Invitation ==
Trade at 50 or more markets.<ref name="wanderer-chain" />


== How to Unlock This Engineer ==
Trade at '''at least 50 unique commodity markets'''.<ref name="newp-engineers" />
# Have [[The Dweller]] unlocked and build reputation with them to trigger the referral.
 
# Meet the invitation requirement: trade at 50 or more markets.
The requirement tracks the number of different markets with which your Commander has traded. Repeated trading at the same market does not increase the number of unique markets used.
# Travel to Trader's Rest in Laksak.
 
# Donate **200 tonnes of Gold** — an ordinary mined/refined commodity, deliverable a full cargo hold at a time.
A reliable way to progress the requirement is to make at least one commodity sale at each new market you visit.
# Confirm access at the Engineer's terminal.
 
{{Tip|If you know you intend to unlock Lei later, begin building this requirement naturally while working on other activities. When visiting a new station with a commodity market, carrying and selling a small amount of ordinary cargo can gradually build your market count without requiring a dedicated 50-stop trip later.}}
 
See [[Trading at 50 Markets for Lei Cheung]] for a dedicated walkthrough, including how to track your progress and an efficient method for completing the requirement.
 
{{Important|The 50-market requirement and the '''200 Gold''' donation are separate. Trading at enough markets allows you to meet Lei; the Gold is then required to unlock his workshop.}}
 
== How to Unlock Lei Cheung ==
 
To gain access to Lei's Engineering workshop:
 
# Reach '''Grade 3 access and at least one-third progress toward Grade 4''' with [[The Dweller]].
# Receive The Dweller's referral to Lei Cheung.
# Trade at '''at least 50 unique commodity markets'''.
# Obtain a total of '''200 units of [[Gold]]'''.
# Travel to '''Trader's Rest''' in [[Laksak]].
# Donate the 200 units of Gold to Lei Cheung.
# Enter the Engineer workshop and begin [[Engineer Reputation|increasing your reputation with Lei]].
 
{{Important|'''Gold is an ordinary commodity.''' It is not a Raw, Manufactured, or Encoded Engineering material. Each unit occupies one tonne of cargo space.<ref name="inara-gold">[https://inara.cz/elite/commodity/42/ Gold — Commodity], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>}}
 
=== Obtaining Gold ===
 
Gold can be:
 
* purchased through commodity markets; or
* obtained through mining.<ref name="inara-gold" /><ref name="newp-engineers" />
 
You do '''not''' need to mine the Gold yourself. Purchased Gold satisfies Lei's unlock requirement.
 
The full unlock requires '''200 tonnes''', but the donation can be completed over multiple trips if your ship cannot carry all 200 tonnes at once.<ref name="frontier-lei-gold">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/lei-cheung-200-gold-one-lump-sum.306239/ Lei Cheung — 200 Gold, one lump sum?], Frontier Forums, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
{{Tip|A ship capable of carrying 200 tonnes can complete the Gold donation in one trip, but using a smaller ship only means making additional deliveries.}}
 
Because Gold prices and supply change with current market conditions, use current market information when choosing where to buy it rather than relying on a fixed station listed in an older guide.
 
{{Field note|Current Engineer data notes that station services may not become available immediately after Lei is unlocked. If the workshop or other expected services do not appear after completing the unlock, logging out and back in may make them available.<ref name="inara-lei" />}}
 
== Increasing Engineer Reputation ==
 
Reputation with Lei Cheung can be increased by:
 
* crafting Engineering modifications at Trader's Rest; or
* selling commodities at Trader's Rest.<ref name="inara-lei" />
 
Higher Engineer reputation gives access to the higher grades Lei supports for each blueprint.
 
Reaching '''Grade 3 access and progressing at least one-third of the way toward Grade 4''' also allows Lei to provide the referral to [[Ram Tah]].<ref name="newp-engineers" />
 
See [[Engineer Reputation]] for how ship Engineer reputation, grade access, blueprint progression, referrals, and alternative reputation methods work.
 
{{Tip|If you still have ordinary commodities aboard after completing Lei's Gold donation, selling appropriate cargo through the commodity market at Trader's Rest can help increase your Engineer reputation without relying entirely on Engineering rolls.}}


== Engineer Unlock Chain ==
== Engineer Unlock Chain ==
{{Unlock chain|The Dweller|Lei Cheung|Ram Tah}}


Lei Cheung sits between [[The Dweller]] and [[Ram Tah]].<ref name="wanderer-chain" />
Lei Cheung belongs to [[The Dweller]] branch of the ship Engineer network.
 
The route to Lei is:
 
<pre>
The Dweller
└── Lei Cheung
</pre>
 
After reaching '''Grade 3 access and progressing at least one-third of the way toward Grade 4''' with Lei, he provides the referral to:
 
* [[Ram Tah]]
 
The complete branch is:
 
<pre>
The Dweller
├── Lei Cheung
│  └── Ram Tah
└── Marsha Hicks [Colonia]
</pre>
 
Current Engineer data independently lists Ram Tah as being discovered through Lei Cheung.<ref name="inara-ram">[https://inara.cz/elite/engineer/18/ Ram Tah — Engineer], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
{{Field note|A referral from Lei does not automatically unlock [[Ram Tah]]. Ram Tah has his own meeting and unlock requirements that must still be completed.}}
 
See [[Engineer Unlock Guide]] for the complete referral network.


== Available Engineering ==
== Available Engineering ==
Lei's Engineering coverage is shown below. The listed grade is the highest grade he can apply to that module.<ref name="inara-lei" />
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Module !! Notes !! Maximum grade
! Module
! Available blueprints
! Maximum grade
|-
| [[Shield Generator]]
|
* Enhanced Low Power
* Kinetic Resistant
* Reinforced
* Thermal Resistant
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Detailed Surface Scanner]]
|
* Expanded Probe Scanning Radius
* Long Range Detailed <small>(Live only; compatible Merc modules)</small>
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
|-
| Shield Generator || Strength and other variants || To be confirmed
| [[Sensors]]
|
* Lightweight
* Long Range
* Wide Angle
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Shield Booster]]
|
* Blast Resistant
* Heavy Duty
* Kinetic Resistant
* Resistance Augmented
* Thermal Resistant
| '''Grade 3'''
|}
|}
Full blueprint names and maximum grades were not confirmed to the same depth as the core chain pages for this pass — see [[Elite Dangerous Field Manual:Engineering Architecture]] for the site's policy on not inventing unconfirmed specifics.<ref name="wanderer-chain" />
 
Lei therefore provides maximum-grade Engineering for three of his four module types. Only his Shield Booster capability stops below Grade 5.
 
== Detailed Surface Scanner Engineering ==
 
Lei provides both current Detailed Surface Scanner blueprints through '''Grade 5''':<ref name="inara-lei" />
 
* '''Expanded Probe Scanning Radius'''
* '''Long Range Detailed'''
 
=== Long Range Detailed ===
 
'''Long Range Detailed''' increases probe radius in exchange for increased module mass and power draw.<ref name="inara-dss-long">[https://inara.cz/elite/blueprint/205/ Detailed Surface Scanner — Long Range Detailed], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
Lei can apply the blueprint through '''Grade 5'''.
 
{{Important|'''Live only:''' Long Range Detailed was introduced with the Operations-era Engineering additions and is not available in Legacy. It can only be applied to compatible '''Merc modules'''.<ref name="frontier-operations">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/update-notes/4-4-0-0 Elite Dangerous: Operations — Update Notes], Frontier Developments, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref><ref name="inara-dss-long" />}}


== Experimental Effects ==
== Experimental Effects ==
To be added — not confirmed in the sources checked for this pass.


== Increasing Engineer Reputation ==
Experimental Effects are separate from the main Engineering blueprint. A compatible module can normally have one Experimental Effect in addition to its blueprint modification.
Reputation increases through crafting modifications at their workshop, in line with the general mechanic covered on the main [[Engineering]] page.
 
Of Lei's specialties, Shield Generators and Shield Boosters support Experimental Effects. Sensors and Detailed Surface Scanners do not currently have Experimental Effects available.
 
=== Shield Generator ===
 
Available Shield Generator Experimental Effects include:<ref name="inara-shield-generator">[https://inara.cz/elite/blueprint/20/ Shield Generator — Enhanced Low Power], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
* [[Double Braced]]
* [[Fast Charge]]
* [[Force Block]]
* [[Hi-Cap]]
* [[Lo-Draw]]
* [[Multi-Weave]]
* [[Stripped Down]]
* [[Thermo Block]]
 
=== Shield Booster ===
 
Available Shield Booster Experimental Effects include:<ref name="inara-experimentals">[https://inara.cz/elite/experimentaleffects/ Engineering — Experimental Effects], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
* [[Blast Block]]
* [[Double Braced]]
* [[Flow Control]]
* [[Force Block]]
* [[Super Capacitors]]
* [[Thermo Block]]
 
See [[Experimental Effects]] for the effects, tradeoffs, and material costs of each option.
 
{{Field note|Experimental Effects cannot be applied through ordinary [[Remote Engineering]]. The module must be taken to an Engineer who works on that module.}}
 
== Recommended Engineering ==
 
Lei's most important capability for many ship builds is his '''Grade 5 Shield Generator Engineering'''.
 
Unlike several module types where one blueprint dominates general-purpose use, Shield Generator Engineering depends heavily on the type of shield fitted and the purpose of the ship.
 
=== Thermal Resistant ===
 
[[Thermal Resistant Shield Generator|Thermal Resistant]] increases thermal resistance while reducing kinetic resistance and slightly reducing overall shield strength.
 
It is particularly useful when building shields around balanced resistances, including many Bi-Weave configurations.
 
=== Reinforced ===
 
[[Reinforced Shield Generator|Reinforced]] increases overall shield strength and shield-generator integrity at the cost of additional power draw and mass.
 
It is useful when raw shield capacity is more important than minimizing mass or balancing resistances.
 
{{Tip|'''There is no universal Shield Generator blueprint.'''
 
A resistance-focused Bi-Weave build may favor '''Thermal Resistant''', while a build intended to maximize raw shield strength may favor '''Reinforced'''.
 
Choose the blueprint based on the shield type and the rest of the ship's Shield Booster configuration rather than treating one option as correct for every ship.}}
 
=== Sensors ===
 
Lei also provides [[Lightweight Sensors]] through '''Grade 5'''.
 
Reducing Sensor mass can be valuable on exploration and other mass-sensitive ships, while Long Range or Wide Angle can be preferable when scanner performance is the priority.


== Blueprint Pinning ==
== Blueprint Pinning ==
'''Fact:''' Lei Cheung's confirmed specialties are Shields, per [[#Available Engineering|Available Engineering]] above.


'''EDFM recommendation:''' Not yet made. A pinning recommendation needs the maximum-grade and full blueprint data above filled in first — see [[Elite Dangerous Field Manual:Engineering Architecture]] for why EDFM treats pinning guidance as editorial judgement, not a database fact.
After earning sufficient reputation with Lei, one of his blueprints can be '''pinned''' for use through [[Remote Engineering]].
 
{{Tip|'''EDFM recommendation:''' [[Thermal Resistant Shield Generator]] is a useful default blueprint to consider pinning at Lei if you regularly use balanced-resistance or Bi-Weave shield builds.
 
Lei provides the blueprint through '''Grade 5''', making the entire progression available through Remote Engineering once the blueprint has been pinned.


== Related Engineers ==
If your fleet relies more heavily on raw shield strength, [[Reinforced Shield Generator]] may be the more useful pin instead.}}
{{Related articles|label=Related Engineers|[[The Dweller]] [[Ram Tah]]}}


== Related Guides ==
The best pin depends on the shield configurations you use most often. Lei also provides Grade 5 Sensors and Detailed Surface Scanner Engineering, so those remain viable alternatives if your Shield Generator blueprints are already pinned elsewhere.
{{Related articles|[[Engineering]] [[Engineer Unlock Guide]]}}
 
{{Important|A pinned blueprint does '''not''' allow you to apply Experimental Effects remotely. Experimental Effects still require visiting an appropriate Engineer workshop.}}
 
== What Lei Cannot Fully Engineer ==
 
Lei provides Grade 5 Engineering for most of his specialties.
 
His maximum grades are:
 
* '''Shield Generator:''' Grade 5
* '''Detailed Surface Scanner:''' Grade 5
* '''Sensors:''' Grade 5
* '''Shield Booster:''' Grade 3<ref name="inara-lei" />
 
For maximum-grade Shield Booster Engineering:
 
* [[Didi Vatermann]] provides '''Grade 5 Shield Booster''' Engineering.
* [[Mel Brandon]] provides '''Grade 5 Shield Booster''' Engineering in Colonia.<ref name="inara-engineers">[https://inara.cz/elite/engineers/ Engineers], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
Lei is therefore a maximum-grade Engineer for Shield Generators, Sensors, and Detailed Surface Scanners, but Commanders seeking fully engineered Shield Boosters will eventually need another Engineer.
 
== What Next? ==
 
Progressing Lei's reputation opens the route to [[Ram Tah]].
 
{{What next|title=Continue Engineering|
* '''Continue Lei's referral branch:''' [[Ram Tah]]
* '''Grade 5 Shield Boosters:''' [[Didi Vatermann]]
* '''Another Grade 5 Shield Generator Engineer:''' [[Mel Brandon]]
* '''Previous Engineer:''' [[The Dweller]]
* '''Complete the market requirement:''' [[Trading at 50 Markets for Lei Cheung]]
* '''See the whole network:''' [[Engineer Unlock Guide]]
* '''Learn about Engineer reputation:''' [[Engineer Reputation]]
* '''Learn the system:''' [[Engineering]]
}}


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
<references />
<references />


Line 70: Line 308:
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Optional Internal Engineering]]
[[Category:Optional Internal Engineering]]
[[Category:Utility Engineering]]
[[Category:Engineering]]
[[Category:Engineering]]

Revision as of 03:24, 15 August 2026

EDFM // Engineering / Engineers

A Grade 5 Shield Generator, Sensors, and Detailed Surface Scanner Engineer based at Trader's Rest in Laksak, reached through The Dweller.

Lei Cheung
ENGINEER
Engineer type
Ship Engineer
System
Laksak
Body
Laksak A 1
Facility
Trader's Rest
Specialties
Shield Generator, Detailed Surface Scanner, Sensors, Shield Booster
Maximum grade
Grade 5
ACCESS
Prerequisite
The Dweller
Discovery
Referral from The Dweller
Invitation
Trade at at least 50 unique markets
Unlock
Deliver 200 units of Gold

Lei Cheung is a ship Engineer based at Trader's Rest in the Laksak system. He is reached through The Dweller and is best known for providing Grade 5 Shield Generator Engineering. He also provides Grade 5 Engineering for Sensors and Detailed Surface Scanners, along with Grade 3 Shield Booster Engineering.[1][2]

Lei is therefore useful beyond shields alone. His Grade 5 Sensors and Detailed Surface Scanner access also makes him a maximum-grade Engineer for several exploration and utility-focused builds.[1]

Field note

Receiving The Dweller's referral does not automatically unlock Lei. You must also satisfy his trading requirement and provide 200 units of Gold before his workshop becomes available.

Location

Trader's Rest is a surface Engineer base located on Laksak A 1.[3]

How to Discover Lei Cheung

Lei Cheung is discovered through The Dweller.

Reach Grade 3 access and progress at least one-third of the way toward Grade 4 with The Dweller to receive his referral to Lei.[2]

Field note

Receiving The Dweller's referral makes Lei known to you. His separate market-trading requirement must still be completed before he can be unlocked.

How to Receive an Invitation

Trade at at least 50 unique commodity markets.[2]

The requirement tracks the number of different markets with which your Commander has traded. Repeated trading at the same market does not increase the number of unique markets used.

A reliable way to progress the requirement is to make at least one commodity sale at each new market you visit.

Tip

If you know you intend to unlock Lei later, begin building this requirement naturally while working on other activities. When visiting a new station with a commodity market, carrying and selling a small amount of ordinary cargo can gradually build your market count without requiring a dedicated 50-stop trip later.

See Trading at 50 Markets for Lei Cheung for a dedicated walkthrough, including how to track your progress and an efficient method for completing the requirement.

Important

The 50-market requirement and the 200 Gold donation are separate. Trading at enough markets allows you to meet Lei; the Gold is then required to unlock his workshop.

How to Unlock Lei Cheung

To gain access to Lei's Engineering workshop:

  1. Reach Grade 3 access and at least one-third progress toward Grade 4 with The Dweller.
  2. Receive The Dweller's referral to Lei Cheung.
  3. Trade at at least 50 unique commodity markets.
  4. Obtain a total of 200 units of Gold.
  5. Travel to Trader's Rest in Laksak.
  6. Donate the 200 units of Gold to Lei Cheung.
  7. Enter the Engineer workshop and begin increasing your reputation with Lei.

Important

Gold is an ordinary commodity. It is not a Raw, Manufactured, or Encoded Engineering material. Each unit occupies one tonne of cargo space.[4]

Obtaining Gold

Gold can be:

  • purchased through commodity markets; or
  • obtained through mining.[4][2]

You do not need to mine the Gold yourself. Purchased Gold satisfies Lei's unlock requirement.

The full unlock requires 200 tonnes, but the donation can be completed over multiple trips if your ship cannot carry all 200 tonnes at once.[5]

Tip

A ship capable of carrying 200 tonnes can complete the Gold donation in one trip, but using a smaller ship only means making additional deliveries.

Because Gold prices and supply change with current market conditions, use current market information when choosing where to buy it rather than relying on a fixed station listed in an older guide.

Field note

Current Engineer data notes that station services may not become available immediately after Lei is unlocked. If the workshop or other expected services do not appear after completing the unlock, logging out and back in may make them available.[1]

Increasing Engineer Reputation

Reputation with Lei Cheung can be increased by:

  • crafting Engineering modifications at Trader's Rest; or
  • selling commodities at Trader's Rest.[1]

Higher Engineer reputation gives access to the higher grades Lei supports for each blueprint.

Reaching Grade 3 access and progressing at least one-third of the way toward Grade 4 also allows Lei to provide the referral to Ram Tah.[2]

See Engineer Reputation for how ship Engineer reputation, grade access, blueprint progression, referrals, and alternative reputation methods work.

Tip

If you still have ordinary commodities aboard after completing Lei's Gold donation, selling appropriate cargo through the commodity market at Trader's Rest can help increase your Engineer reputation without relying entirely on Engineering rolls.

Engineer Unlock Chain

Lei Cheung belongs to The Dweller branch of the ship Engineer network.

The route to Lei is: 

The Dweller
└── Lei Cheung

After reaching Grade 3 access and progressing at least one-third of the way toward Grade 4 with Lei, he provides the referral to:

The complete branch is: 

The Dweller
├── Lei Cheung
│   └── Ram Tah
└── Marsha Hicks [Colonia]

Current Engineer data independently lists Ram Tah as being discovered through Lei Cheung.[6]

Field note

A referral from Lei does not automatically unlock Ram Tah. Ram Tah has his own meeting and unlock requirements that must still be completed.

See Engineer Unlock Guide for the complete referral network.

Available Engineering

Lei's Engineering coverage is shown below. The listed grade is the highest grade he can apply to that module.[1]

Module Available blueprints Maximum grade
Shield Generator
  • Enhanced Low Power
  • Kinetic Resistant
  • Reinforced
  • Thermal Resistant
 Grade 5
Detailed Surface Scanner
  • Expanded Probe Scanning Radius
  • Long Range Detailed (Live only; compatible Merc modules)
 Grade 5
Sensors
  • Lightweight
  • Long Range
  • Wide Angle
 Grade 5
Shield Booster
  • Blast Resistant
  • Heavy Duty
  • Kinetic Resistant
  • Resistance Augmented
  • Thermal Resistant
 Grade 3

Lei therefore provides maximum-grade Engineering for three of his four module types. Only his Shield Booster capability stops below Grade 5.

Detailed Surface Scanner Engineering

Lei provides both current Detailed Surface Scanner blueprints through Grade 5:[1]

  • Expanded Probe Scanning Radius
  • Long Range Detailed

Long Range Detailed

Long Range Detailed increases probe radius in exchange for increased module mass and power draw.[7]

Lei can apply the blueprint through Grade 5.

Important

Live only: Long Range Detailed was introduced with the Operations-era Engineering additions and is not available in Legacy. It can only be applied to compatible Merc modules.[8][7]

Experimental Effects

Experimental Effects are separate from the main Engineering blueprint. A compatible module can normally have one Experimental Effect in addition to its blueprint modification.

Of Lei's specialties, Shield Generators and Shield Boosters support Experimental Effects. Sensors and Detailed Surface Scanners do not currently have Experimental Effects available.

Shield Generator

Available Shield Generator Experimental Effects include:[9]

Shield Booster

Available Shield Booster Experimental Effects include:[10]

See Experimental Effects for the effects, tradeoffs, and material costs of each option.

Field note

Experimental Effects cannot be applied through ordinary Remote Engineering. The module must be taken to an Engineer who works on that module.

Lei's most important capability for many ship builds is his Grade 5 Shield Generator Engineering.

Unlike several module types where one blueprint dominates general-purpose use, Shield Generator Engineering depends heavily on the type of shield fitted and the purpose of the ship.

Thermal Resistant

Thermal Resistant increases thermal resistance while reducing kinetic resistance and slightly reducing overall shield strength.

It is particularly useful when building shields around balanced resistances, including many Bi-Weave configurations.

Reinforced

Reinforced increases overall shield strength and shield-generator integrity at the cost of additional power draw and mass.

It is useful when raw shield capacity is more important than minimizing mass or balancing resistances.

Tip

There is no universal Shield Generator blueprint.

A resistance-focused Bi-Weave build may favor Thermal Resistant, while a build intended to maximize raw shield strength may favor Reinforced.

Choose the blueprint based on the shield type and the rest of the ship's Shield Booster configuration rather than treating one option as correct for every ship.

Sensors

Lei also provides Lightweight Sensors through Grade 5.

Reducing Sensor mass can be valuable on exploration and other mass-sensitive ships, while Long Range or Wide Angle can be preferable when scanner performance is the priority.

Blueprint Pinning

After earning sufficient reputation with Lei, one of his blueprints can be pinned for use through Remote Engineering.

Tip

EDFM recommendation: Thermal Resistant Shield Generator is a useful default blueprint to consider pinning at Lei if you regularly use balanced-resistance or Bi-Weave shield builds.

Lei provides the blueprint through Grade 5, making the entire progression available through Remote Engineering once the blueprint has been pinned.

If your fleet relies more heavily on raw shield strength, Reinforced Shield Generator may be the more useful pin instead.

The best pin depends on the shield configurations you use most often. Lei also provides Grade 5 Sensors and Detailed Surface Scanner Engineering, so those remain viable alternatives if your Shield Generator blueprints are already pinned elsewhere.

Important

A pinned blueprint does not allow you to apply Experimental Effects remotely. Experimental Effects still require visiting an appropriate Engineer workshop.

What Lei Cannot Fully Engineer

Lei provides Grade 5 Engineering for most of his specialties.

His maximum grades are:

  • Shield Generator: Grade 5
  • Detailed Surface Scanner: Grade 5
  • Sensors: Grade 5
  • Shield Booster: Grade 3[1]

For maximum-grade Shield Booster Engineering:

Lei is therefore a maximum-grade Engineer for Shield Generators, Sensors, and Detailed Surface Scanners, but Commanders seeking fully engineered Shield Boosters will eventually need another Engineer.

What Next?

Progressing Lei's reputation opens the route to Ram Tah.

Sources

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Lei Cheung — Engineer, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Engineer Highlight, New Pilots Initiative, accessed 2026-08-14.
  3. ↑ Trader's Rest — Station Market, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Gold — Commodity, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  5. ↑ Lei Cheung — 200 Gold, one lump sum?, Frontier Forums, accessed 2026-08-14.
  6. ↑ Ram Tah — Engineer, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Detailed Surface Scanner — Long Range Detailed, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  8. ↑ Elite Dangerous: Operations — Update Notes, Frontier Developments, accessed 2026-08-14.
  9. ↑ Shield Generator — Enhanced Low Power, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  10. ↑ Engineering — Experimental Effects, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  11. ↑ Engineers, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
Engineering Navigation
Engineering Engineering Blueprints Experimental Effects Engineers Engineering Materials Engineer Unlock Guide
Retrieved from "https://edfieldmanual.com/index.php?title=Lei_Cheung&oldid=761"