Response: Upgrading the Echo Detector in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl involves equipping it with additional slots to accommodate more artifacts, which can enhance your character’s abilities. Here are the detailed steps to upgrade and use the Echo Detector:

1. **Obtaining the Echo Detector**
– **Initial Acquisition**: You can obtain an Echo Detector early in the game. For example, in the tutorial section, you might already have one, or you can get another one from Gloomy in the boiler house as a reward.

2. **Using the Echo Detector**
– **Equipping**: The Echo Detector is used to detect anomalies where artifacts are located. To use it, press the default key (usually `7` on keyboard or bring up the radial wheel on controller) to take it out or put it away.
– **Tracking Anomalies**: Once you have the Echo Detector, track down an anomalous field by pulling it out and using its signal to pinpoint the artifact’s location. The device will start beeping and flashing when you’re near an artifact.

3. **Upgrading Armor for Artifact Slots**
– **Radiation Protection**: To effectively use artifacts that radiate, you need to upgrade your armor to include radiation-proof slots. You can do this by visiting a technician and adding slots to your armor. This allows you to equip more artifacts without taking excessive radiation damage.
– **Equipping Artifacts**: Once you have upgraded your armor, you can equip artifacts by bringing them into your inventory and right-clicking (or using another method specific to your platform) to equip them on your armor.

4. **Managing Radiation**
– **Combining Buffs**: To manage radiation effectively, you need to find artifacts that provide resistance to radiation. Combine these with gear that increases radiation protection to allow you to equip artifacts that radiate while minimizing damage.
– **Using Vodka**: In the early game, vodka can help reduce radiation damage. However, it is not a long-term solution and should be used sparingly.

5. **Artifact Locations**
– **Exploring the Zone**: Artifacts are typically found near anomalies in various Points of Interest within the Zone. Use your Echo Detector to track down these anomalies and locate the artifacts.
– **Specific Locations**: For example, in the Magnetic Cave, pull out your Echo Detector and carefully maneuver around fire anomalies to find an artifact.

By following these steps, you can effectively use and upgrade your Echo Detector in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl to locate and utilize valuable artifacts.