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{{Article header|eyebrow=EDFM // Engineer|deck=Defensive and utility module specialist based in the Meene system, reachable through Lei Cheung.}}
{{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.}}
|eyebrow=EDFM // Engineer
|deck=A limpet, defensive utility, and Guardian-technology specialist based at Phoenix Base in Meene, reached through Lei Cheung.
}}


{{Infobox
{{Engineer infobox
  |name = Ram Tah
  |name = Ram Tah
  |label1 = Engineer type |row1 = Ship (optional internal)
  |image = Ramtah.png
  |label2 = System |row2 = Meene
|engineer_type = Ship Engineer
  |label3 = Facility |row3 = Phoenix Base
  |system = [[Meene]]
  |label4 = Specialties |row4 = Frame Shift Drive Interdictor, Kill Warrant Scanner
  |facility = Phoenix Base
  |label5 = Prerequisite Engineer |row5 = [[Lei Cheung]]
  |specialties = Cargo Rack, Chaff Launcher, Electronic Countermeasure, Collector Limpet Controller, Fuel Transfer Limpet Controller, Hatch Breaker Limpet Controller, Heat Sink Launcher, Point Defence, Prospector Limpet Controller, Guardian technology
  |label6 = Discovery requirement |row6 = Referral from Lei Cheung
  |prerequisite_engineer = [[Lei Cheung]]
  |label7 = Invitation requirement |row7 = Not yet confirmed
  |discovery_requirement = Referral from Lei Cheung
  |label8 = Unlock requirement |row8 = Deliver 50 units of Classified Scan Databanks
  |invitation_requirement = Exploration rank Surveyor or higher
  |unlock_requirement = Deliver 50 [[Classified Scan Databanks]]
}}
}}


Ram Tah specialises in frame shift drive interdictor, kill warrant scanner modifications. They're reached through [[Lei Cheung]].<ref name="inara-list" />
'''Ram Tah''' is a ship Engineer based at '''Phoenix Base''' in the [[Meene]] system. He is reached through [[Lei Cheung]] and specialises in limpet controllers, defensive utility modules, and Guardian technology.<ref name="inara-ram">[https://inara.cz/elite/engineer/18/ Ram Tah — Engineer], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
His current Engineering coverage includes Grade 5 work on several utility modules and limpet controllers, along with specialised modifications for Guardian technology and, in Live, the Operations-era Extended Cargo Rack.<ref name="inara-ram" />
 
{{Field note|Ram Tah is not primarily a scanner Engineer despite his unlock requiring Encoded scan data. His Engineering specialties are focused on limpets, defensive utilities, cargo capacity, and Guardian technology.}}


== Location ==
== Location ==
* '''System:''' Meene
* '''Facility:''' Phoenix Base


== How to Discover This Engineer ==
* '''System:''' [[Meene]]
Referral from Lei Cheung.<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:''' [[Phoenix Base]]
* '''Body:''' Meene AB 5 d
* '''Engineer type:''' Ship Engineer
* '''Referral required:''' [[Lei Cheung]]
* '''System permit required:''' No
 
Phoenix Base is a surface Engineer base on '''Meene AB 5 d'''.<ref name="inara-phoenix">[https://inara.cz/elite/station/55499/ Phoenix Base — Station], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
== How to Discover Ram Tah ==
 
Ram Tah is discovered through [[Lei Cheung]].
 
Reach '''Grade 3 access and progress at least one-third of the way toward Grade 4''' with Lei to receive his referral to Ram Tah.<ref name="newp-engineers">[https://newp.io/engrhighlight Engineer Highlight], New Pilots Initiative, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
{{Field note|Receiving Lei's referral makes Ram Tah known to you. His separate Exploration-rank requirement must still be satisfied before his workshop can be unlocked.}}


== How to Receive an Invitation ==
== How to Receive an Invitation ==
Not yet confirmed.<ref name="wanderer-chain" />


== How to Unlock This Engineer ==
Reach the Pilots Federation '''Exploration rank of Surveyor''' or higher.<ref name="inara-ram" />
# Have [[Lei Cheung]] unlocked and build reputation with them to trigger the referral.
 
# Meet the invitation requirement: not yet confirmed.
The early Exploration-rank progression is:
# Travel to Phoenix Base in Meene.
 
# Deliver **50 units of Classified Scan Databanks** — a data-type material.
<pre>
# Confirm access at the Engineer's terminal.
Aimless
└── Mostly Aimless
    └── Scout
        └── Surveyor
</pre>
 
If your Exploration rank is already Surveyor, Trailblazer, Pathfinder, Ranger, Pioneer, Elite, or a higher Elite tier, Ram Tah's Exploration-rank requirement has been satisfied.
 
See [[Exploration Rank]] for how Exploration rank is earned and how to check your current progress.
 
{{Tip|Ram Tah can gain Engineer reputation from exploration-data sales after he is unlocked. If you are close to Surveyor, the exploration activity used to reach the required rank may also leave you with data that can later be sold at Phoenix Base.}}
 
== How to Unlock Ram Tah ==
 
To gain access to Ram Tah's Engineering workshop:
 
# Reach '''Grade 3 access and at least one-third progress toward Grade 4''' with [[Lei Cheung]].
# Receive Lei's referral to Ram Tah.
# Reach '''Surveyor''' or higher in [[Exploration Rank]].
# Obtain '''50 [[Classified Scan Databanks]]'''.
# Travel to '''Phoenix Base''' in [[Meene]].
# Provide the 50 Classified Scan Databanks to Ram Tah.
# Enter the Engineer workshop and begin [[Engineer Reputation|increasing your reputation with Ram Tah]].
 
{{Important|'''Classified Scan Databanks are Encoded Engineering materials.''' They are not commodities and do not occupy normal cargo space.<ref name="inara-csd">[https://inara.cz/elite/component/17/ Classified Scan Databanks — Component], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>}}
 
== Obtaining Classified Scan Databanks ==
 
Classified Scan Databanks are '''Encoded''' materials in the Data Archives category.<ref name="inara-csd" />
 
Current material data lists them as obtainable from:
 
* basic ship scans, particularly transport vessels;
* certain surface points of interest; or
* trading other Encoded materials through an [[Encoded Material Trader]].<ref name="inara-csd" />
 
See [[Classified Scan Databanks]] for current collection methods and efficient ways to obtain the full 50 units.
 
{{Tip|Because Classified Scan Databanks are stored in your Engineering-material inventory rather than your cargo hold, you do '''not''' need to fit cargo racks to transport them to Phoenix Base.}}
 
{{Field note|Current Engineer data notes that station services may not become available immediately after Ram Tah 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-ram" />}}
 
== Increasing Engineer Reputation ==
 
Reputation with Ram Tah can be increased by:
 
* crafting Engineering modifications at Phoenix Base; or
* selling exploration data at Phoenix Base.<ref name="inara-ram" />
 
Higher Engineer reputation gives access to the higher grades Ram Tah supports for each blueprint.
 
See [[Engineer Reputation]] for how ship Engineer reputation, grade access, blueprint progression, referrals, and alternative reputation methods work.
 
{{Tip|If you have unsold exploration data when Ram Tah is unlocked, selling it through Universal Cartographics at Phoenix Base can help raise your Engineer reputation without relying entirely on repeated Engineering rolls.}}


== Engineer Unlock Chain ==
== Engineer Unlock Chain ==
''No verified multi-Engineer chain to display for this Engineer.''


Ram Tah is reachable through [[Lei Cheung]].<ref name="wanderer-chain" />
Ram Tah belongs to [[The Dweller]] branch of the ship Engineer network.
 
The route to Ram Tah is:
 
<pre>
The Dweller
└── Lei Cheung
    └── Ram Tah
</pre>
 
Ram Tah does '''not''' currently lead to another Engineer in the ship Engineer referral network.<ref name="inara-engineers">[https://inara.cz/elite/engineers/ Engineers], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
{{Field note|Ram Tah is the end of this referral branch. Increasing his reputation is still necessary to gain access to his higher Engineering grades, but it does not currently unlock another Engineer.}}
 
See [[Engineer Unlock Guide]] for the complete referral network.


== Available Engineering ==
== Available Engineering ==
Ram Tah's current Engineering coverage is shown below. Where individual blueprints have different maximum grades, those grades are shown separately.<ref name="inara-ram" />
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Module !! Notes !! Maximum grade
! Module
! Available blueprints
! Maximum grade
|-
| [[Cargo Rack]]
|
* Extended <small>(Live only; compatible Merc modules)</small>
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Chaff Launcher]]
|
* Ammo Capacity — Grade 1
* Lightweight — Grade 5
* Reinforced — Grade 5
* Shielded — Grade 5
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Collector Limpet Controller]]
|
* Lightweight
* Reinforced
* Shielded
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Electronic Countermeasure]]
|
* Lightweight
* Reinforced
* Shielded
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
|-
| Kill Warrant Scanner || Range and other variants || To be confirmed
| [[Fuel Transfer Limpet Controller]]
|
* Lightweight
* Reinforced
* Shielded
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Hatch Breaker Limpet Controller]]
|
* Lightweight
* Reinforced
* Shielded
| '''Grade 3'''
|-
| [[Heat Sink Launcher]]
|
* Ammo Capacity — Grade 1
* Lightweight — Grade 5
* Reinforced — Grade 5
* Shielded — Grade 5
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Point Defence]]
|
* Ammo Capacity — Grade 1
* Lightweight — Grade 5
* Reinforced — Grade 5
* Shielded — Grade 5
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Prospector Limpet Controller]]
|
* Lightweight
* Reinforced
* Shielded
| '''Grade 5'''
|-
| [[Guardian Gauss Cannon]]
|
* Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance <small>(Live only)</small>
| '''Grade 1'''
|-
| [[Guardian Plasma Charger]]
|
* Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance <small>(Live only)</small>
| '''Grade 1'''
|-
| [[Guardian Shard Cannon]]
|
* Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance <small>(Live only)</small>
| '''Grade 1'''
|}
|}
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" />
 
Current blueprint data lists Ram Tah through '''Grade 5''' for Collector, Fuel Transfer, and Prospector Limpet Controllers.<ref name="inara-collector">[https://inara.cz/elite/blueprint/108/ Collector Limpet Controller — Lightweight], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref><ref name="inara-fuel-transfer">[https://inara.cz/elite/blueprint/111/ Fuel Transfer Limpet Controller — Lightweight], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref><ref name="inara-prospector">[https://inara.cz/elite/blueprint/117/ Prospector Limpet Controller — Lightweight], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
== Operations-era Cargo Rack Engineering ==
 
The '''Extended Cargo Rack''' was introduced with the Operations update.<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>
 
The blueprint increases cargo capacity, with Ram Tah able to apply it through '''Grade 5'''.<ref name="inara-extended-cargo">[https://inara.cz/elite/blueprint/206/ Cargo Rack — Extended], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
At Grade 5, the blueprint increases the rack's cargo capacity by '''34.4%'''.<ref name="inara-extended-cargo" />
 
{{Important|'''Live only:''' Extended Cargo Rack Engineering is part of the Operations-era system and can only be applied to compatible '''Merc modules'''. It also uses [[Merc Coin]] as part of its Engineering cost.<ref name="inara-extended-cargo" />}}
 
== Guardian Technology Engineering ==
 
Ram Tah has a special role in modifying Guardian technology.
 
=== Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance ===
 
'''Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance''' provides resistance to the Anti-Guardian field used by certain Thargoid threats.
 
Frontier expanded Ram Tah's work in Update 18.07 so Guardian technology could receive Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance without the previous weapon-damage penalty.<ref name="frontier-agzr">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/update-notes/4-0-18-07 Elite Dangerous — Update 18.07], Frontier Developments, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
Current Engineer data explicitly lists the modification for:
 
* [[Guardian Gauss Cannon]]
* [[Guardian Plasma Charger]]
* [[Guardian Shard Cannon]]<ref name="inara-ram" />
 
The modification provides '''+100% Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance''' on the supported Guardian weapon.<ref name="inara-agzr">[https://inara.cz/elite/blueprint/182/ Guardian Gauss Cannon — Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
{{Important|'''Live only:''' Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance was introduced after the Live/Legacy split and is not part of the Legacy Engineering system.}}
 
See [[Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance]] and [[Guardian Engineering]] for the current Guardian equipment that can receive the modification, its material requirements, and when the modification is useful.


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


== Increasing Engineer Reputation ==
Ram Tah's current Engineering specialties do '''not''' use the ordinary Experimental Effect system.
Reputation increases through crafting modifications at their workshop, in line with the general mechanic covered on the main [[Engineering]] page.
 
Current blueprint data lists no Experimental Effects for his:
 
* Cargo Rack Engineering;
* Chaff Launcher Engineering;
* limpet-controller Engineering;
* Electronic Countermeasure Engineering;
* Heat Sink Launcher Engineering;
* Point Defence Engineering; or
* Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance modifications.<ref name="inara-extended-cargo" /><ref name="inara-collector" /><ref name="inara-agzr" />
 
{{Important|Do not confuse '''Ammo Capacity''' with an Experimental Effect. On Chaff Launchers, Heat Sink Launchers, and Point Defence, Ammo Capacity is a normal Grade 1 Engineering blueprint.}}
 
See [[Experimental Effects]] for modules that do support the separate Experimental Effect system.
 
== Recommended Engineering ==
 
Ram Tah's Engineering is less centered on one universally dominant module than many other Engineers. His usefulness depends strongly on the role of the ship.
 
=== Heat Sink Launcher — Ammo Capacity ===
 
The Grade 1 '''Ammo Capacity''' blueprint is a practical option for ships where additional heat sinks are more valuable than minimizing module mass.
 
The modification increases maximum Heat Sink ammunition by '''50%''', while increasing module mass and reload time.<ref name="inara-heatsink-ammo">[https://inara.cz/elite/blueprint/147/ Heat Sink Launcher — Ammo Capacity], Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.</ref>
 
{{Tip|Additional Heat Sink ammunition can be particularly useful on ships that expect repeated high-heat situations, but the increased mass makes the blueprint less attractive on very mass-sensitive builds.}}
 
=== Lightweight utility modules ===
 
Ram Tah can apply '''Grade 5 Lightweight''' Engineering to several utility modules and limpet controllers.
 
Lightweight Engineering is particularly useful where the module's normal mass is undesirable and additional integrity is not a priority.
 
For exploration and other mass-sensitive builds, this can make Ram Tah useful for reducing the mass of support equipment such as:
 
* Collector Limpet Controllers;
* Fuel Transfer Limpet Controllers;
* Prospector Limpet Controllers;
* Heat Sink Launchers;
* Chaff Launchers; and
* Electronic Countermeasures.
 
=== Extended Cargo Racks ===
 
Live Commanders using compatible Merc Cargo Racks can apply '''Extended''' through Grade 5 to increase cargo capacity.<ref name="inara-extended-cargo" />
 
This is particularly relevant to ships where maximizing usable cargo space is more important than using the internal slot for another module.
 
=== Guardian equipment ===
 
For Commanders operating against Thargoid threats that deploy Anti-Guardian effects, Ram Tah's [[Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance]] capability can be more important than his conventional utility Engineering.
 
See [[Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance]] before modifying Guardian equipment, as this Engineering serves a specialized anti-xeno purpose rather than a general ship-build role.


== Blueprint Pinning ==
== Blueprint Pinning ==
'''Fact:''' Ram Tah's confirmed specialties are Frame Shift Drive Interdictor, Kill Warrant Scanner, 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 Ram Tah, one of his ordinary blueprints can be '''pinned''' for use through [[Remote Engineering]].
 
{{Tip|'''EDFM recommendation:''' [[Heat Sink Launcher#Ammo Capacity|Ammo Capacity]] is a practical blueprint to consider pinning at Ram Tah.
 
The modification is useful on many ships that rely heavily on Heat Sinks, and because Ammo Capacity is only a Grade 1 blueprint, it is inexpensive to apply remotely when needed.
 
If your fleet places greater value on reducing module mass, a Grade 5 '''Lightweight''' blueprint for one of Ram Tah's supported utility or limpet modules may be a more useful pin instead.}}
 
Blueprint pinning should reflect the modules and ships you actually use; there is no requirement to use the suggested pin.
 
{{Important|Pinned blueprints only provide ordinary Remote Engineering. Special Guardian modifications and other workshop-specific work may still require visiting the appropriate Engineer.}}
 
== What Ram Tah Cannot Fully Engineer ==
 
Ram Tah provides Grade 5 Engineering for most of his current conventional specialties, but not all individual blueprints reach Grade 5.


== Related Engineers ==
Notable limits include:
{{Related articles|label=Related Engineers|[[Lei Cheung]]}}


== Related Guides ==
* '''Hatch Breaker Limpet Controller:''' Grade 3
{{Related articles|[[Engineering]] [[Engineer Unlock Guide]]}}
* '''Chaff Launcher — Ammo Capacity:''' Grade 1
* '''Heat Sink Launcher — Ammo Capacity:''' Grade 1
* '''Point Defence — Ammo Capacity:''' Grade 1
* '''Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance:''' Grade 1 special modification<ref name="inara-ram" />
 
The Grade 1 limit on Ammo Capacity is a property of the blueprint itself; there are no higher grades of that modification to pursue.
 
Likewise, Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance is a specialized one-grade modification rather than an incomplete Grade 1–5 progression.
 
For other limpet-controller specialties:
 
* [[The Sarge]] provides Grade 5 Engineering for Hatch Breaker Limpet Controllers.
* [[Tiana Fortune]] provides Grade 5 Engineering for several limpet-controller types.
* [[Marsha Hicks]] provides extensive Grade 5 limpet-controller Engineering in Colonia.<ref name="inara-engineers" />
 
== What Next? ==
 
Ram Tah is the end of his Engineer referral branch and does not currently introduce another Engineer.
 
After unlocking him, your next target depends on the modules and activities you want to pursue.
 
{{What next|title=Continue Engineering|
* '''Higher-grade Hatch Breaker Limpet Engineering:''' [[The Sarge]] or [[Tiana Fortune]]
* '''More Grade 5 utility Engineering:''' [[Tiana Fortune]]
* '''Colonia limpet Engineering:''' [[Marsha Hicks]]
* '''Guardian technology:''' [[Guardian Engineering]]
* '''Anti-xeno Guardian protection:''' [[Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance]]
* '''Previous Engineer:''' [[Lei Cheung]]
* '''Get the unlock material:''' [[Classified Scan Databanks]]
* '''See the whole network:''' [[Engineer Unlock Guide]]
* '''Learn about Engineer reputation:''' [[Engineer Reputation]]
* '''Learn the system:''' [[Engineering]]
}}


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


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[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Optional Internal Engineering]]
[[Category:Utility Engineering]]
[[Category:Limpet Controller Engineering]]
[[Category:Guardian Engineering]]
[[Category:Engineering]]
[[Category:Engineering]]

Revision as of 03:59, 15 August 2026

EDFM // Engineering / Engineers

A limpet, defensive utility, and Guardian-technology specialist based at Phoenix Base in Meene, reached through Lei Cheung.

Ram Tah
ENGINEER
Engineer type
Ship Engineer
System
Meene
Body
Meene AB 5 d
Facility
Phoenix Base
Specialties
Cargo Rack, Chaff Launcher, Electronic Countermeasure, Collector Limpet Controller, Fuel Transfer Limpet Controller, Hatch Breaker Limpet Controller, Heat Sink Launcher, Point Defence, Prospector Limpet Controller, Guardian technology
Maximum grade
Grade 5
ACCESS
Prerequisite
Lei Cheung
Discovery
Referral from Lei Cheung
Invitation
Exploration rank Surveyor or higher
Unlock
Deliver 50 Classified Scan Databanks

Ram Tah is a ship Engineer based at Phoenix Base in the Meene system. He is reached through Lei Cheung and specialises in limpet controllers, defensive utility modules, and Guardian technology.[1]

His current Engineering coverage includes Grade 5 work on several utility modules and limpet controllers, along with specialised modifications for Guardian technology and, in Live, the Operations-era Extended Cargo Rack.[1]

Field note

Ram Tah is not primarily a scanner Engineer despite his unlock requiring Encoded scan data. His Engineering specialties are focused on limpets, defensive utilities, cargo capacity, and Guardian technology.

Location

  • System: Meene
  • Facility: Phoenix Base
  • Body: Meene AB 5 d
  • Engineer type: Ship Engineer
  • Referral required: Lei Cheung
  • System permit required: No

Phoenix Base is a surface Engineer base on Meene AB 5 d.[2]

How to Discover Ram Tah

Ram Tah is discovered through Lei Cheung.

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

Field note

Receiving Lei's referral makes Ram Tah known to you. His separate Exploration-rank requirement must still be satisfied before his workshop can be unlocked.

How to Receive an Invitation

Reach the Pilots Federation Exploration rank of Surveyor or higher.[1]

The early Exploration-rank progression is: 

Aimless
└── Mostly Aimless
    └── Scout
        └── Surveyor

If your Exploration rank is already Surveyor, Trailblazer, Pathfinder, Ranger, Pioneer, Elite, or a higher Elite tier, Ram Tah's Exploration-rank requirement has been satisfied.

See Exploration Rank for how Exploration rank is earned and how to check your current progress.

Tip

Ram Tah can gain Engineer reputation from exploration-data sales after he is unlocked. If you are close to Surveyor, the exploration activity used to reach the required rank may also leave you with data that can later be sold at Phoenix Base.

How to Unlock Ram Tah

To gain access to Ram Tah's Engineering workshop:

  1. Reach Grade 3 access and at least one-third progress toward Grade 4 with Lei Cheung.
  2. Receive Lei's referral to Ram Tah.
  3. Reach Surveyor or higher in Exploration Rank.
  4. Obtain 50 Classified Scan Databanks.
  5. Travel to Phoenix Base in Meene.
  6. Provide the 50 Classified Scan Databanks to Ram Tah.
  7. Enter the Engineer workshop and begin increasing your reputation with Ram Tah.

Important

Classified Scan Databanks are Encoded Engineering materials. They are not commodities and do not occupy normal cargo space.[4]

Obtaining Classified Scan Databanks

Classified Scan Databanks are Encoded materials in the Data Archives category.[4]

Current material data lists them as obtainable from:

  • basic ship scans, particularly transport vessels;
  • certain surface points of interest; or
  • trading other Encoded materials through an Encoded Material Trader.[4]

See Classified Scan Databanks for current collection methods and efficient ways to obtain the full 50 units.

Tip

Because Classified Scan Databanks are stored in your Engineering-material inventory rather than your cargo hold, you do not need to fit cargo racks to transport them to Phoenix Base.

Field note

Current Engineer data notes that station services may not become available immediately after Ram Tah 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 Ram Tah can be increased by:

  • crafting Engineering modifications at Phoenix Base; or
  • selling exploration data at Phoenix Base.[1]

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

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

Tip

If you have unsold exploration data when Ram Tah is unlocked, selling it through Universal Cartographics at Phoenix Base can help raise your Engineer reputation without relying entirely on repeated Engineering rolls.

Engineer Unlock Chain

Ram Tah belongs to The Dweller branch of the ship Engineer network.

The route to Ram Tah is: 

The Dweller
└── Lei Cheung
    └── Ram Tah

Ram Tah does not currently lead to another Engineer in the ship Engineer referral network.[5]

Field note

Ram Tah is the end of this referral branch. Increasing his reputation is still necessary to gain access to his higher Engineering grades, but it does not currently unlock another Engineer.

See Engineer Unlock Guide for the complete referral network.

Available Engineering

Ram Tah's current Engineering coverage is shown below. Where individual blueprints have different maximum grades, those grades are shown separately.[1]

Module Available blueprints Maximum grade
Cargo Rack
  • Extended (Live only; compatible Merc modules)
 Grade 5
Chaff Launcher
  • Ammo Capacity — Grade 1
  • Lightweight — Grade 5
  • Reinforced — Grade 5
  • Shielded — Grade 5
 Grade 5
Collector Limpet Controller
  • Lightweight
  • Reinforced
  • Shielded
 Grade 5
Electronic Countermeasure
  • Lightweight
  • Reinforced
  • Shielded
 Grade 5
Fuel Transfer Limpet Controller
  • Lightweight
  • Reinforced
  • Shielded
 Grade 5
Hatch Breaker Limpet Controller
  • Lightweight
  • Reinforced
  • Shielded
 Grade 3
Heat Sink Launcher
  • Ammo Capacity — Grade 1
  • Lightweight — Grade 5
  • Reinforced — Grade 5
  • Shielded — Grade 5
 Grade 5
Point Defence
  • Ammo Capacity — Grade 1
  • Lightweight — Grade 5
  • Reinforced — Grade 5
  • Shielded — Grade 5
 Grade 5
Prospector Limpet Controller
  • Lightweight
  • Reinforced
  • Shielded
 Grade 5
Guardian Gauss Cannon
  • Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance (Live only)
 Grade 1
Guardian Plasma Charger
  • Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance (Live only)
 Grade 1
Guardian Shard Cannon
  • Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance (Live only)
 Grade 1

Current blueprint data lists Ram Tah through Grade 5 for Collector, Fuel Transfer, and Prospector Limpet Controllers.[6][7][8]

Operations-era Cargo Rack Engineering

The Extended Cargo Rack was introduced with the Operations update.[9]

The blueprint increases cargo capacity, with Ram Tah able to apply it through Grade 5.[10]

At Grade 5, the blueprint increases the rack's cargo capacity by 34.4%.[10]

Important

Live only: Extended Cargo Rack Engineering is part of the Operations-era system and can only be applied to compatible Merc modules. It also uses Merc Coin as part of its Engineering cost.[10]

Guardian Technology Engineering

Ram Tah has a special role in modifying Guardian technology.

Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance

Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance provides resistance to the Anti-Guardian field used by certain Thargoid threats.

Frontier expanded Ram Tah's work in Update 18.07 so Guardian technology could receive Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance without the previous weapon-damage penalty.[11]

Current Engineer data explicitly lists the modification for:

The modification provides +100% Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance on the supported Guardian weapon.[12]

Important

Live only: Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance was introduced after the Live/Legacy split and is not part of the Legacy Engineering system.

See Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance and Guardian Engineering for the current Guardian equipment that can receive the modification, its material requirements, and when the modification is useful.

Experimental Effects

Ram Tah's current Engineering specialties do not use the ordinary Experimental Effect system.

Current blueprint data lists no Experimental Effects for his:

  • Cargo Rack Engineering;
  • Chaff Launcher Engineering;
  • limpet-controller Engineering;
  • Electronic Countermeasure Engineering;
  • Heat Sink Launcher Engineering;
  • Point Defence Engineering; or
  • Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance modifications.[10][6][12]

Important

Do not confuse Ammo Capacity with an Experimental Effect. On Chaff Launchers, Heat Sink Launchers, and Point Defence, Ammo Capacity is a normal Grade 1 Engineering blueprint.

See Experimental Effects for modules that do support the separate Experimental Effect system.

Ram Tah's Engineering is less centered on one universally dominant module than many other Engineers. His usefulness depends strongly on the role of the ship.

Heat Sink Launcher — Ammo Capacity

The Grade 1 Ammo Capacity blueprint is a practical option for ships where additional heat sinks are more valuable than minimizing module mass.

The modification increases maximum Heat Sink ammunition by 50%, while increasing module mass and reload time.[13]

Tip

Additional Heat Sink ammunition can be particularly useful on ships that expect repeated high-heat situations, but the increased mass makes the blueprint less attractive on very mass-sensitive builds.

Lightweight utility modules

Ram Tah can apply Grade 5 Lightweight Engineering to several utility modules and limpet controllers.

Lightweight Engineering is particularly useful where the module's normal mass is undesirable and additional integrity is not a priority.

For exploration and other mass-sensitive builds, this can make Ram Tah useful for reducing the mass of support equipment such as:

  • Collector Limpet Controllers;
  • Fuel Transfer Limpet Controllers;
  • Prospector Limpet Controllers;
  • Heat Sink Launchers;
  • Chaff Launchers; and
  • Electronic Countermeasures.

Extended Cargo Racks

Live Commanders using compatible Merc Cargo Racks can apply Extended through Grade 5 to increase cargo capacity.[10]

This is particularly relevant to ships where maximizing usable cargo space is more important than using the internal slot for another module.

Guardian equipment

For Commanders operating against Thargoid threats that deploy Anti-Guardian effects, Ram Tah's Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance capability can be more important than his conventional utility Engineering.

See Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance before modifying Guardian equipment, as this Engineering serves a specialized anti-xeno purpose rather than a general ship-build role.

Blueprint Pinning

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

Tip

EDFM recommendation: Ammo Capacity is a practical blueprint to consider pinning at Ram Tah.

The modification is useful on many ships that rely heavily on Heat Sinks, and because Ammo Capacity is only a Grade 1 blueprint, it is inexpensive to apply remotely when needed.

If your fleet places greater value on reducing module mass, a Grade 5 Lightweight blueprint for one of Ram Tah's supported utility or limpet modules may be a more useful pin instead.

Blueprint pinning should reflect the modules and ships you actually use; there is no requirement to use the suggested pin.

Important

Pinned blueprints only provide ordinary Remote Engineering. Special Guardian modifications and other workshop-specific work may still require visiting the appropriate Engineer.

What Ram Tah Cannot Fully Engineer

Ram Tah provides Grade 5 Engineering for most of his current conventional specialties, but not all individual blueprints reach Grade 5.

Notable limits include:

  • Hatch Breaker Limpet Controller: Grade 3
  • Chaff Launcher — Ammo Capacity: Grade 1
  • Heat Sink Launcher — Ammo Capacity: Grade 1
  • Point Defence — Ammo Capacity: Grade 1
  • Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance: Grade 1 special modification[1]

The Grade 1 limit on Ammo Capacity is a property of the blueprint itself; there are no higher grades of that modification to pursue.

Likewise, Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance is a specialized one-grade modification rather than an incomplete Grade 1–5 progression.

For other limpet-controller specialties:

  • The Sarge provides Grade 5 Engineering for Hatch Breaker Limpet Controllers.
  • Tiana Fortune provides Grade 5 Engineering for several limpet-controller types.
  • Marsha Hicks provides extensive Grade 5 limpet-controller Engineering in Colonia.[5]

What Next?

Ram Tah is the end of his Engineer referral branch and does not currently introduce another Engineer.

After unlocking him, your next target depends on the modules and activities you want to pursue.

Sources

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Ram Tah — Engineer, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  2. ↑ Phoenix Base — Station, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  3. ↑ Engineer Highlight, New Pilots Initiative, accessed 2026-08-14.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Classified Scan Databanks — Component, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Engineers, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Collector Limpet Controller — Lightweight, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  7. ↑ Fuel Transfer Limpet Controller — Lightweight, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  8. ↑ Prospector Limpet Controller — Lightweight, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  9. ↑ Elite Dangerous: Operations — Update Notes, Frontier Developments, accessed 2026-08-14.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Cargo Rack — Extended, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  11. ↑ Elite Dangerous — Update 18.07, Frontier Developments, accessed 2026-08-14.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Guardian Gauss Cannon — Anti-Guardian Zone Resistance, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
  13. ↑ Heat Sink Launcher — Ammo Capacity, Inara, accessed 2026-08-14.
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