Hacking

Hacking. Because sometimes you need to get places you shouldn't be, get items you don't have access to, or even be a hero and disarm a bomb. Hacking is a vital skill for the Engineering department and is often useful to many others too.

Not to be confused with e-magging. Please check out E-maggable objects for all E-maggable objects in the game.

Tools of the Trade

Insulated Gloves - Stop you getting shocked.

Screwdriver - A necessary tool, used to expose the hackable interface on many devices.

Wirecutters - A necessary tool, used for 'Permanent' hacking. Is also much easier to get than the Multitool.

Multitool - A better tool, used for shorter, safer hacking. Often harder to get, however.

Crowbar - A brute-force tool, for opening depowered airlocks and other such tasks.

Keep an eye out for:

Budget Insulated Gloves- Budget versions of the insulated gloves. More common in Maint, can be bought from hacked tool vendors, but no guarantee of quality.

• 1 in 7 chance of Full Insulation, Shock Immunity.
• 4 in 7 chance of 50% Damage Decrease
• 1 in 7 chance of 25% Damage Decrease
• 1 in 7 chance of 50% Damage Increase

Fake Insulated Gloves - Sometimes found in maint, sometimes made by jokers using washing machines and crayons, these gloves probably offer zero insulation. On close inspection (Examine), "They don't feel like rubber".

Major Hackables

The main things you'll be hacking into. These often have multiple wires, the ability to shock you, or other fun side-effects. Caution, and insulated gloves, are advised.

If you're new to SS13, or hacking in general, be sure to check out the Beginner's Guide to Hacking below.

A Beginner's Guide to Hacking

Important, before you begin:

• Whilst hacking, in general, is accepted by server rules, deliberately shocking half the station as a non-antag will get you in trouble.
• This also goes for hacking into secure areas and taking High-Risk Items - if you're not an antag, don't do it.
• Hacking into places you shouldn't be is at least Breaking and Entering. Even public areas might be considered Damage to Station Assets. If the security are having a slow shift, expect them to come after you.
• If Engineering over-charge the station grid, the shocks delivered can become lethal. Proceed with preparation, or at your own risk.

What do I need?

Insulated Gloves - Shocks hurt. If possible, you want real insulated gloves. If not, you can roll the dice with Budget Gloves, or find a pair of Latex gloves for minor insulation. If none of this is to your taste, you probably want to have a Burn patch from medbay ready or suit sensors on in case you get shocked to death.

Screwdriver - Absolutely vital, to open airlock hatches. You can usually find one in Primary Tool Storage, Auxiliary Tool Storage, Maintenance, or ask Cargo to print you one.

Wirecutters / Multitool - Multi is better if you can get one but if not wirecutters will do. Try asking Cargo for a multitool, but don't be surprised if they say no. Wirecutters, however, can be found in the same places as screwdrivers. Just be aware they incur a minor risk of shock when used to hack.

Crowbar - To open the door when you're done. Again, found in the same places as Screwdrivers.

Practice, learning the wires

First, pick an airlock nobody will mind you breaking. Little rooms in maintenance, public toilets are good choices. If you try to practice on the Captain's door, expect a smack from security.

Use your screwdriver on your door to open its wiring hatch, then click on the door with Wirecutters or Multitool in hand. This should open an interface with a list of wires. These are randomized every round, but the same for all airlocks in each game. If you have a Multitool in hand, you want to press 'Pulse' for each wire and watch for any changes. If Wirecutters, you want to be Cutting.

Each wire you Pulse / Cut might do something (see the wiring table below for detailed information), but the two you want to be finding, for now, are Main Power (aka Test) and Bolts. If all the indicator lights on the hacking interface go out (you will see "The Test light is Off!" at the bottom of the hacking window) chances are you've hit Main Power. Write this down, or memorize it, as you'll be needing it when you go against real doors.

If you hear a click and the airlock's red bolt lights turn on, this is bolts. Memorize it, another useful one. If you've been using Wirecutters, be aware that you cannot reverse this. Be careful not to trap yourself.

Finally, if the door starts continually sparking and delivers a massive shock to you, you've hit shock. Go and find a new door to continue testing, as this one will be broken for 30 seconds (multitool) or until Engineering come fix it (wirecutters). You can test if a door is still shocked by throwing a metallic object (such as a screwdriver) against it.

Real targets

So now you know Test and Bolts. When you come up across a door you need to bypass, Screwdriver the Panel open then Pulse / Cut the known power wire. The door is now offline for ten seconds. Use your Crowbar to force it open (then Cut / Pulse Bolts to lock it there if you'll need to make a getaway), and proceed in. Congratulations, you're now a basic door hacker.

Airlocks

How to:

1. Use a Screwdriver to open the maintenance panel.
2. (If Plasteel Secured) Use Wirecutters to cut the electrified grille. Insulated Gloves required!
3. (If Plasteel Secured) Use a Welding Tool to cut the outer armor.
4. (If Plasteel Secured) Use a Crowbar to remove the outer armor.
5. (If Plasteel or Metal Secured) Use a Welding Tool to cut the inner armor.
6. (If Plasteel Secured) Use a Crowbar to remove the inner armor.
7. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
8. Use a Screwdriver to close the maintenance panel when done.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
Main Power	Supplies Power to the airlock. When off, and unbolted, can be opened using a Crowbar. After 10 seconds, Backup Power will activate (if possible).	Main Power off for 60s.	Main Power off until Mended. 50% Shock Risk.	Main Power restored. 50% Shock Risk.	Pulse / Cut each wire in turn until the Test light indicator (on the hacking UI) turns off. Since you're cutting power, the Bolt Lights, AI Control, and most other lights will also turn off. However, the Test light is the one to be sure of.
Backup Power	If Main Power is cut / pulsed, will engage after 10 seconds to restore function.	Backup Power off for 60s.	Backup Power off until Mended. 50% Shock Risk.	Backup Power restored. 50% Shock Risk.	On a 'Clean' airlock, Pulse / Cut the Main Power wire. After 10 seconds, when backup power is active, Pulse / Cut each unknown wire in turn until the Test Light turns off again.
Shock / Electrify	Responsible for shocking the airlock.	Shocks the airlock for 60s.	Shocks the airlock until mended.	Removes any shocks on the airlock. Cut-Mend to instantly fix a shocked airlock.	Pulse / Cut each wire in turn until the airlock begins sparking. Insulated Gloves recommended!
AI Control	Controls the AI's ability to remotely interface with the door.	Momentarily turns off the AI Control Indicator.	Turns off the AI Control Indicator. AI and Borgs can no longer instantly use the airlock, and instead must run a 30s delayed bypass.	Restores normal function.	Pulse / Cut each wire in turn until the AI Control indicator turns Off.
Bolts	Controls the airlock's sealing bolts, the airlock cannot be opened if lowered.	Toggles the Bolts.	Lowers (Locks) the bolts, and prevents them being raised until repaired.	Allows the bolts to be raised again but does not raise them itself.	Pulse / Cut each wire in turn until you hear a click, and the red bolt lights on the airlock turn on.
Bolt Lights	Controls the bolt lights on the Door.	Toggles the bolt lights on / off.	Locks the bolt lights off.	Allows the bolt lights to be toggled again and turns them on.	Pulse / Cut each wire in turn until the Bolt Lights indicator turns off, but with the Test Light indicator still on.
Safety Control	Controls the safety locks on the airlock, allowing it to crush those unfortunate enough to be inside it when it closes.	Toggles Safety On / Off	Unable to toggle	Able to toggle	Pulse each wire in turn until the "Check Wiring" indicator turns On, indicating Crush Hazard.
Timing Control	Controls the timing system on the airlock, causing it to close much more rapidly.	Toggles Fast mode On / Off	The timer is broken, the door will stay open until manually closed.	Repairs timer function.	Pulse each wire in turn until the "Check Timing Mechanism" indicator turns On, indicating Fast Mode.
ID Scan	Controls access to the Airlock's ID Sensors. On a Public/unrestricted door, no effect. On a locked door, stops the airlock opening even if you have access.	Flashes the Red lights on the airlock, as if you tried to enter a door you do not have access to.	Cuts access to the ID controls, denying access to all if it has any restrictions.	Restores access controls to normal.	Pulse each wire in turn until the Airlock flashes at you, as if attempting to access a restricted area.
Open / Door Control	Opens the door if it has no access restrictions.	Toggles the airlock open/closed.	Opens and locks open the airlock, similar to bolting.	Restores normal function.	On a Public door (e.g. Toilets), pulse each wire in turn until the door opens by itself.
Dud Wires	Two of these, they have no effect. Easy to confuse with Open and Backup power, with both also have no visible effect unless their criteria are met!	None.	None.	None.	Should be two left-over wires when all others have been found.

APCs

How to:

1. Use a Screwdriver to expose the wiring.
2. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
3. Use a Screwdriver to hide the wires again when done.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
Power (x2)	The control wires responsible for managing the main power.	Shorts out the APC, turning off power to the room, for 2 minutes.	If either power wire is cut, the APC will be shorted until repaired. 50% Shock Risk.	If both wires are mended, repair Short. 50% Shock Risk.	Pulse or Cut a wire. If it turns the APC off, you've found one of them.
AI Control	Much like Airlocks, controls AI ability to interface.	Will turn the AI control light off, briefly.	Will block AI / Borg ability to use the device.	Will repair AI / Borg ability to use the device.	Pulse / Cut the wires until the AI control light turns off.
ID Lock	Controls the lock on the APC.	Will unlock the APC interface for anyone, for 30 seconds.	No Effect.	No Effect.	Pulse a wire until the ID lock changes, or cut a wire and have nothing happen.

Air Alarms

How to:

1. Use a Screwdriver to expose the wiring.
2. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
3. Use a Screwdriver to hide the wires again when done.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
ID Lock	Controls ability to access the alarm.	Unlocks for all for thirty seconds.	Restricts access, nobody can use it.	Restores normal function.	Pulse wires until the air alarm is unlocked.
Alarm	Controls the Atospherics Alarms on this device.	Resets any outstanding alarms on this device.	Causes an atmospheric alarm to show at this location. May draw the AI's gaze!	Restores normal function.	If an alarm is active, pulse wires until it shuts off. If no alarms active, cut wires until one occurs!
Siphon	Controls Siphoning in the area. Expect atmospherics to be extremely displeased if you go around cutting this wire on several alarms.	Begins Panic Siphon mode.	Begins (and locks) Panic Siphon mode.	Allows siphon to be turned off at the alarm but does not turn it off itself.	Pulse or Cut wires until all the scrubbers in the room light up and start draining your atmosphere.
AI Control	Much like Airlocks, controls AI ability to interface.	Will turn the AI control light off, briefly.	Will block AI / Borg ability to use the device.	Will repair AI / Borg ability to use the device.	Pulse / Cut the wires until the AI control light turns off.
Power	Controls power to the Air Alarm itself.	Turns off the alarm for 20 Minutes - Cut and Mend to repair function.	Will Deactivate the alarm, and all functions. 50% Shock Risk.	Will resume normal function. 50% Shock Risk.	Pulse or Cut wires until all the lights on the device turn off, and the air alarm itself looks blank.

Autolathes

How to:

1. Use a Screwdriver to expose the wiring.
2. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
3. Use a Screwdriver to hide the wires again when done.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
Hacked Production (Blue Light)	Enables more items to be built at the autolathe.	Toggles hacked production for up to 5 seconds. Toggles the Blue Light.	Enables hacked production.	Disables hacked production.	Pulse / Cut wires until the Blue light changes.
Shock / Electrify (Green Light)	Delivers an electrical shock to anyone trying to build.	Toggles shock mode for up to 5 seconds. Toggles the Green Light.	Will shock anyone using the lathe until repaired.	Returns normal operation.	Pulse / Cut wires until the Green light changes.
Disable (Red Light)	Disables the Autolathe, preventing anyone from building anything.	Toggles Disabled mode for up to 5 seconds. Toggles the Red Light.	Disables the autolathe until repaired.	Returns the autolathe to normal function.	Pulse / Cut wires until the Red light changes.
Dud Wires	The remaining wires on the board are duds and have no effect.	None	None	None	Any wire that does not change the status lights

MULEs

How to:

1. Unlock the controls using a QM or Cargo Tech ID.
2. Use a Screwdriver to expose the wiring.
3. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
4. Use a Screwdriver to hide the wires again.
5. Use the Mule's interface to re-enable Power.
6. lock the controls again.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
Power (x2)	Controls Power to the device.	Displays a message, "The Charge Light Flickers."	Cutting one or both will disable the MULE.	Mending both will return the MULE to function.	Pulse each wire until you hear, "The Charge Light Flickers."
Motor (x2)	Controls the speed of the MULE's drive motor.	Displays a message, "The drive motor whines briefly."	Cutting one will increase the MULE's speed significantly. Both will immobilize the MULE.	Mending Both will return the MULE to normal speed.	Pulse each wire until you hear, "The drive motor whines briefly."
Avoidance	The 'safety' wire, disabling this will cause the MULE to run over anyone in its path. Don't cut this without good reason.	Displays a message, "The external warning lights flash briefly."	Disables safety mode, allowing the MULE to run people over.	Repairs safeties.	When Pulsing, "The external warning lights flash briefly."
Load Controller	Controls what can and cannot be loaded onto the Mulebot.	Displays a message, "The load platform clunks."	Removes limiter on the Cargo Loader, allowing People, animals, and many other things to be loaded.	Returns the MULE to normal cargo function.	Pulse each wire until you hear, "The load platform clunks."
Remote Reciever	One of the three remote control wires. You never need to cut these.	Displays a message, "You hear a radio crackle."	Disables remote control of the MULE, by QM or Cargo PDAs.	Returns normal function.	Pulse each wire until "You hear a radio crackle." Then, cut this wire, close up the bot and see what function has been disabled.
Remote Transmitter	One of the three remote control wires. You never need to cut these.	Displays a message, "You hear a radio crackle."	Disables remote notification and updating of delivery systems.	Returns normal function.	Pulse each wire until "You hear a radio crackle." Then, cut this wire, close up the bot and see what function has been disabled.
Beacon	One of the three remote control wires. You never need to cut these.	Displays a message, "You hear a radio crackle."	Disables the GPS beacon used by Cargo to find their missing MULEs.	Restores normal function.	Pulse each wire until "You hear a radio crackle." Then, cut this wire, close up the bot and see what function has been disabled.

Security Cameras

How to:

1. Use a Screwdriver to expose the wiring.
2. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
3. (Optional) Use a Screwdriver to close the maintenance panel.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
Power	Controls Active status of the camera.	Toggles the Camera on/off.	Turns the Camera Off.	Turns the Camera On. Also heals any damage to the camera.	There are only two wires. Cut / Pulse one, and see what happens.
Focus	Controls the Focus Lenth of the lens, essentially limiting the camera's range. Good for restricting vision without sounding any alarms.	Will toggle the camera between normal and short-range.	Will lock the camera at short range.	Will return the camera to long-range.	There are only two wires. Cut / Pulse one, and see what happens.

File:Particle Accelerator Emitter Middle.png Particle Accelerator

How to:

1. First, setup the PA as normal.
2. Use a Screwdriver to expose the wiring.
3. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
4. Use a Screwdriver to hide the wires again when done.
5. Use the console to scan for parts again.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
Power Toggle	Main Power to the Particle Accelerator.	Toggles the PA On/Off.	Disables the PA.	Re-enables the PA.	Pulse / Cut each wire until the PA turns off.
Strength	Controls the Strength Level of the PA.	Increases the strength of the PA by 1.	Sets strength to 0 and disallows attempts to increase it. Good for Singularity safety!	Returns normal function.	Cut wires until strength drops to 0, or Pulse wires on level 0 or 1 until strength increases.
Interface Lock	Controls the interface. If locked, the PA cannot be powered down until repaired.	Toggles the interface control.	Disables interface control, rendering the console inoperable.	Re-enables interface control.	Pulse wires and attempt to use the PA controls until it becomes impossible.
Power Limit	Allows the Particle Accelerator to be overcharged.	Displays a message, "makes a large whirring noise."	Raises the maximum strength limit to Level 3.	Returns maximum strength setting to Level 2.	Pulse wires until you hear the message, "makes a large whirring noise."

Vending Machines

How to:

1. Use a Screwdriver to expose the wiring.
2. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
3. Use a Screwdriver to hide the wires again when done.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
Contraband (Green Light)	Controls access to the Vendor's restricted stocks.	Toggles Contraband access. Green Light On = Contraband Enabled.	Will turn Contraband off if on.	No Effect.	Pulse wires until green light switches.
Access (Purple/Yellow Light)	Controls ID lock on the vendors. Purple means ID locked, Yellow means ID open. (Remember, Yellow is YellOpen!)	Toggles ID scan On/Off.	Disables ID scan, unlocking the vendor.	Re-enables ID Scan, locking the vendor.	Pulse / Cut wires until the Purple/Yellow light changes states.
Electrify (Orange Light)	Electrifies the device, shocking anyone who uses it.	Shocks the Vendor for 30 seconds.	Shocks the Vendor until repaired.	Removes all shocks on the device.	Pulse / Cut wires until the Vendor begins sparking.
Throw (Red Light)	Causes the Vendor to launch random items at passersby for minor damage. Red Light Blinking means Safe, Red Light Off means throwing.	Toggles safeties on/off.	Disables safeties, begins throwing.	Repairs safeties, ends throwing.	Pulse / Cut wires until the Red Light changes states.

Syndicate Bomb

How to:

1. Check the Timer - If it's high, you can ask for a bomb suit. If its very low, reach minimum safe distance (or try not to be gibbed).
2. Use a Screwdriver to expose the wiring.
3. Hack using a Multitool or Wirecutters.
4. Good luck

Cutting the bomb wires carries a 2 in 5 chance of detonation. Pulsing only 1 in 5 - although you will need to cut the Activate wire when you've found it. Either way, be careful and listen for messages after each wire you tamper with.

Wire	Effects	Pulsing	Cutting	Mending	Finding the Wire
Boom	The Big-Bad. You do not want to hit this wire.	Detonate.	Detonate. An Inactive bomb will be defused.	N/A	If you're pulsing an active bomb, and suddenly you're dead, you found this wire!
Activate	The wire you need to cut to Disarm the Bomb!	An Inactive bomb will begin the countdown. An Active bomb "seems to hesitate for a moment" on the first pulse (+10s timer) On further pulses, "Nothing Happens."	DISARM. You win!	N/A	Pulse each wire in turn. Provided you don't get unlucky and hit Boom, your bomb will eventually seem to hesitate for a moment - this is your cue. Cut this wire, hero.
Unbolt	Controls the bolts locking the Bomb in place.	Displays message, "The bolts spin in place for a moment".	Will remove the anchoring bolts if deployed.	N/A	Pulse each wire in turn until you get the message about the bolts.
Proceed	Will hasten the end.	Displays message, "The bomb buzzes ominously!" If the timer is over 60s, timer reduces by 60. If the timer is over 20, timer reduces by 10. If the timer is between 10 and 20, the timer is set to 10 seconds. No effect if the timer is under 10 seconds.	Detonate.	N/A	Pulse wires. If your timer suddenly accelerates, you've found Proceed. Do NOT cut it!
Delay	Will hold off the end.	Displays message, "The Bomb chirps.". The first pulse increases timer by 30 seconds. Further pulses have no effect.	No Effect	N/A	Pulse wires. If the timer increases, you've hit Delay.

Nuclear Bomb

The Redsuits have done it. The Nuclear bomb is armed and ticking. But is this the end?

Decoupling the Nuke.

1. Firstly, check how long the timer is left on the nuke. You may need to get out of there.
2. With welder in hand, weld the nuke.
3. Now, use your crowbar to pry it out.
4. Use your welder to weld it some more!
5. Wrench it to loosen some bolts.
6. Lastly crowbar, the nuke should move after this! Pull it into space, push it out of the station sector, and maybe save the day.

Disarming the nuke.

1. Insert the Nuclear Authentication Device and unlock the Nuke.
2. Apply a crowbar and remove the panel.
3. Use your wirecutters on the device and pick a random wire. Be aware you have a one in seven chance of disarming the nuke. You also, however, have a one in seven chance of setting the nuke off instantly.

Good luck.

Minor Hackables

There are many minor items that also can be hacked, although you rarely have to need to do so. For completeness sake, we have included the Safe in this section.

Fire alarm

Fire alarms on getting cut will not detect or activate the fire doors in the case of a fire or a breach.

Security Gasmask

Using a screwdriver on a Security Gasmask will change the lines it uses. A wirecutter will break the gasmasks hailer, causing it to switch to a set of lines permanently. An emag will cause the hailer to spout a long string of curse words.

Radio & Signaler

1. Screwdriver in hand, click on the offending radio so it can be modified or attached
2. The usual radio use panel will pop up, but now with access to the wiring. If you've closed it by accident, just click on the radio as if you were going to change the settings on it.
3. There are three wires. Two have apparent uses; the third is pretty much useless.
   • Output wire will disengage the speakers (or signal-receiving on a signaler)
   • Input wire will permanently disengage the microphone (or signal-sending on a signaler)

Interestingly, tracking beacons and station intercoms also count as radios.

Secure Briefcase & Secure Safe

1. Screwdriver in hand, click on the (briefcase/safe) to open the panel and expose the wiring
2. Multi-tool-spam the (briefcase/safe) until you get a confirmation that the memory is reset.
3. The memory is now reset. Punch in your favorite code and hit E to set it.
4. Screwdriver the panel shut.

Smartfridge

Much like Vending Machines:

• Pulsing the orange light will electrify the fridge for half a minute.
• Setting the red light to blink will make the fridge shoot items at people.
• Changing the purple light to yellow will remove the permission lock on the fridge.

Safes

Although not technically Hacking, we're still breaking into something. You are here because you need something locked up in that stupid indestructible metal box. Either for something very dangerous, or just because you have a good reason. If you don't feel like doing it the subtle way, there's always the option to make some noise.

1. Examine the safe to determine its number of tumblers.
2. Hold a stethoscope in one hand, then interact with the safe using an empty hand.
3. Spin the dial to the left until you hear a "Klink", "Tink", or "Plink" (not to be confused with "Clink").
4. Spin the dial to the right until you hear a "Tonk", "Krunk", or "Plunk". If you spin past this to the left, you have misaligned the tumblers and you'll need to start over from step 3.
5. Repeat this process, alternating between left and right. Do so until you have unlocked all of the tumblers on the safe.
6. When you reach the final tumbler, the safe will also make a "Spring", "Sprang", "Sproing", "Clunk", or "Krunk" sound. It will show up as a big bolded word, which is hard to miss.
7. Open the safe.

Cargo Computer

Want access to a few illegal items, but don't have an emag?

1. Deconstruct the Cargo Computer console
2. Use a Multitool on the control board
3. Rebuild the computer

Simple as that! You should now have the option to buy a couple of naughty crates. Be aware, however, that much of this is class C or even class S contraband, so security is within rights to put you all in jail for the rest of the round!

Tips and Strategies

Finally, a brief list of a few fun things you can do.

Airlock Deadlock

• Cut the bolts wire on an airlock. Now cut the Power wires. The door will be impossible to open until repaired. Now, cut all the wires (to make it less obvious which is which), use a sheet of Plasteel or Metal to reinforce the wires compartment (hiding the wires) then weld the whole airlock shut for good measure.

Remote Signal Devices

• You can attach remote signalers to wires which, when receiving their frequency, will act like a multitool. Place a signaller on the Bolts wire, and remotely lock someone in or out. Signaller on the shock wire, set the door sparking from a safe distance.

The Crusher

• Cut the Safety wire on a door. Manually close the door on someone. Repeatedly open and close the airlock, crushing them to death while they're stunned there. If you can knock someone down and get them into a crusher, you can kill them without ever owning a lethal weapon.