Brain vat

 is an optional side mission featured in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Lost Alpha.

"Yes... Psi-emitters. I know much of it. I can help you to protect yourself from the psi-rays, if you're interested."

- Sakharov

Overview
After you encountered the Brain Vat in Yantar underground, e.g. during side mission Find the experimental ecolog suit, Sakharov offers the dialog option ''Professor!.. I urgently need your help!..''. Finishing the conversation will start the side mission  and add a PSI-1 Brain wave scanner and (only in v1.4005) a Psi-blocker to your inventory.

A Find The Item side mission:
 * Get to the place
 * Take all the measurements (not initially visible, see below)
 * Bring the measurement results

Get to the place

 * The place to go is obviously the Brain Vat in Yantar underground.
 * Before entering the Brain Vat hall attach the PSI-1 Brain wave scanner to your belt and put in measuring mode. The scanner is comparable to an Anomalous Activity Detectors (Detector "Echo" or Detector "Bear") with regard to handling.
 * With the activated scanner move closer to the Brain Vat until a message Take all the measurements appears and a countdown is shown in the upper right corner of the screen.
 * The following task is added to the task list.

Take all the measurements

 * Stay close to the Brain Vat until the countdown has finished. You will be teleported to the storage room.
 * When you get too far away from the Brain Vat or holster the scanner, the countdown will stop and restart when you get closer or unholster the scanner.
 * During the measurement one to three Controller will spawn and attack you.
 * Note: Do note that while the scanner is taken out, the only other things you can use is your bolts (obviously useless) and your pistol, so if you don't wish to be a helpless stalker while measuring, bring along a strong sidearm, preferably chambered in .44 magnum or .45 acp

Bring the measurement results

 * Return to Sakharov and start the dialog option Done all the measurements. Wasn't easy and I was hit by the psy attack again.

Trivia

 * (1.4007) If you attempt to enter the fenced room behind the Vat WHILE taking the measurements, a 'scripted-death' will occur
 * (1.4007) If you climb up the Ladder while taking the measurement, the Timer will reset.