What's the most efficient way to mine Tritium?

[Northpin]

Depends on ship's manuver.
As for T9 I use 4 limpets per beam. Good numbers are 3-4 per beam for big ships, 2-3 for mid-sized. This includes values like 2.5, meaning 5 for 2 beams.

Depends on limpet travel path - shorter the path, less limpets needed, faster the collection (in conjunction with the number of mining lasers).
Ideally you'd want to have no floating fragments waiting to be picked (which would imply bad positioning and/or not enough limpets), nor idling limpets (which would imply you need more mining lasers)

The Conda i posted above is sporting 13 collectors, 3 medium and 2 small efficient mining lasers (lets say the equivalent of 4 mediums) and with good positioning i got several idling limpets at any time during lasering an asteroid - that's why i said i could have used (at least) one more medium mining laser

 

[Riverside]

Depends on limpet travel path - shorter the path, less limpets needed, faster the collection (in conjunction with the number of mining lasers).
Ideally you'd want to have no floating fragments waiting to be picked (which would imply bad positioning and/or not enough limpets), nor idling limpets (which would imply you need more mining lasers)

The Conda i posted above is sporting 13 collectors, 3 medium and 2 small efficient mining lasers (lets say the equivalent of 4 mediums) and with good positioning i got several idling limpets at any time during lasering an asteroid - that's why i said i could have used (at least) one more medium mining laser

I have a Conda built for mining too (and a 196t Python), I don't use it much but I did notice recently (before U16) that it had gone back to only using the front cargo hatch.

Mine has 5xC2 mining lasers with a wep focused power distributor, and 13(?) collectors (one is a C3 multi-limpet controller) and 320t shieldless cargo capacity. For laser mining it's easier to control than the Cutter & really excels at plat mining where it's virtually all laser & hardly any surface or sub-surface. For Trit mining where the yield per rock mined is much more variable the Cutter knocks it out of the park on capacity & the difference between 5xc2 beams & 13 collectors vs 4 beams & 15 collectors doesn't give the conda any real advantage because more time is spent searching for a good rock for trit than plat.

The Conda is still very good, it's got the best power distributor & weapon hardpoint combo for laser mining. I have to keep an eye on range & temperature when firing all 5, if I'm a little too far away from the rock & end up mining at a slower rate it can overheat pretty easily and if I only effectively use 4 I may as well be in the larger capacity Cutter.

 

[St0rmFury]

I have a Conda built for mining too (and a 196t Python), I don't use it much but I did notice recently (before U16) that it had gone back to only using the front cargo hatch.

Mine has 5xC2 mining lasers with a wep focused power distributor, and 13(?) collectors (one is a C3 multi-limpet controller) and 320t shieldless cargo capacity. For laser mining it's easier to control than the Cutter & really excels at plat mining where it's virtually all laser & hardly any surface or sub-surface. For Trit mining where the yield per rock mined is much more variable the Cutter knocks it out of the park on capacity & the difference between 5xc2 beams & 13 collectors vs 4 beams & 15 collectors doesn't give the conda any real advantage because more time is spent searching for a good rock for trit than plat.

The Conda is still very good, it's got the best power distributor & weapon hardpoint combo for laser mining. I have to keep an eye on range & temperature when firing all 5, if I'm a little too far away from the rock & end up mining at a slower rate it can overheat pretty easily and if I only effectively use 4 I may as well be in the larger capacity Cutter.

Your opinion on a mining corvette?

 

[Riverside]

Your opinion on a mining corvette?

I did try it briefly, it uses most of the same components but the conda has more slots I think.

I do almost all my mining in the Cutter now, the Conda is kept for variety as much as anything. I built the conda just to see if it would work, it does so I kept it but for me the cutter is less compromised overall.

 

[Northpin]

I have a Conda built for mining too (and a 196t Python), I don't use it much but I did notice recently (before U16) that it had gone back to only using the front cargo hatch.

Conda using front or aft hatch depends on build.
My build, posted above, is also using the front hatch and it significantly shortens the limpet travel path (in conjunction with good positioning)

Your opinion on a mining corvette?

IMO, Conda better than Vette - front cargo hatch, one more hardpoint, better hardpoint placement (which means Conda have it easier to get the flow of fragments under the ship instead of above/sides

ine has 5xC2 mining lasers with a wep focused power distributor, and 13(?) collectors (one is a C3 multi-limpet controller) and 320t shieldless cargo capacity. For laser mining it's easier to control than the Cutter & really excels at plat mining where it's virtually all laser & hardly any surface or sub-surface. For Trit mining where the yield per rock mined is much more variable the Cutter knocks it out of the park on capacity & the difference between 5xc2 beams & 13 collectors vs 4 beams & 15 collectors doesn't give the conda any real advantage because more time is spent searching for a good rock for trit than plat.

I also tried Conda vs Cutter, and i found Conda a faster Tritium miner than Cutter

 

[tekwerk]

I would say between larges the difference is mostly academic. I mined Painite in a Type 10, wasn't a huge deal. Just try to aim for 400t or so

 

[Schmack]

I did try it briefly, it uses most of the same components but the conda has more slots I think.

I do almost all my mining in the Cutter now, the Conda is kept for variety as much as anything. I built the conda just to see if it would work, it does so I kept it but for me the cutter is less compromised overall.

The cutter is my favorite mining platform as well.

 

[mtwill333]

Agree. A dedicated fully outfitted large sized mining ship designed for deep space. I would recommend packing it with collector limpet controllers.

My cutter has three 5A collectors, one 5A prosector controller, 4A refinery, and shields for bumping into stuff. I only have 320t cargo space which I find fine.

I would also recommend a full set of additional spare modules including extra mining hardpoints of every type, collector limpet controllers, and cargo racks of every size. If you don't use flight assist modules, bring some along anyway. Bring everything including the kitchen sink.

• Allows the cmdr to make adjustments to ship build in deep space without the need to return to human space.
• Switch out modules to try various strategies that maybe you never considered before.
• Flexibility when mining game mechanics change with future updates. Being able to switch between mining equipment really handy.

I apologize for being lazy and not reading back through 7 pages, that appear to be filled with rants...

I want to explore in the black using FC + my trusty DBX.
I just got back to the bubble with about $6B saved up and want to buy another Imperial Cutter (1 set up as freighter already) dedicated to Laser Mining (not worried about the most "efficient" method, laser mining is simple and I like simple in my busy life).

Made "Elite" and got my Jameson Memorial-related permit so the 10% discount will be a bit helpful...

What is a good SOLO build for the Cutter, considering I will not be encountering ANY humans of any kind? This will be strictly for refueling my FC.
I saw mention of a 1D modified laser @Zetian's Recall, so that can be part of the build as I plan on getting Allied with Torval Mining LTD right away.

Thank you for your time!

 

[alexzk]

What is a good SOLO build for the Cutter, considering I will not be encountering ANY humans of any kind? This will be strictly for refueling my FC.

T9 or Anaconda then.
Cutter is super bad with side moves, and you will be using subsurface missiles which means close orbiting.
I use MK-2 with 140t cargo if I want just finish refuel asap (I do 140t per 5 jumps, that is my calculated plan to go). It takes like 35-40 mins then. Otherwise I use T9 with 512t with 3 lasers + subsurfaces, I can stay 2-3 hours with this beast and have 200-300t. Also I saw Anaconda do very good on videos with about 400t. Maybe I could make one even out there to try.

 

[GreySix]

... since there is absolutely no reason to bother with deep space far away from either bubble.

Outside the bubble is where I spend 95 percent of my time. FCs seem designed for deep space exploration support.

Regarding Tritium mining, I tried Anaconda mining but found I prefer the Python.

 

[mtwill333]

T9 or Anaconda then.
Cutter is super bad with side moves, and you will be using subsurface missiles which means close orbiting.
I use MK-2 with 140t cargo if I want just finish refuel asap (I do 140t per 5 jumps, that is my calculated plan to go). It takes like 35-40 mins then. Otherwise I use T9 with 512t with 3 lasers + subsurfaces, I can stay 2-3 hours with this beast and have 200-300t. Also I saw Anaconda do very good on videos with about 400t. Maybe I could make one even out there to try.

I appreciate the comment and I guess it is my fault for not being specific enough...
I am looking to build an Imperial Cutter Laser Miner.

Thanks though!

 

[mtwill333]

Not sure why this double posted... uggg

 

[Codger]

I appreciate the comment and I guess it is my fault for not being specific enough...
I am looking to build an Imperial Cutter.

Thanks though!

I think they understood that, but they are saying it isn't the best idea Of course it's entirely up to you.

The thing is, for Tritium, you want to be able to do sub-surface mining as well as laser mining, because the sub-surface stuff really helps fill the hold. Tritium mining is slow as heck as it is. And the Cutter isn't a great choice because of how slow it is to fly sideways and line up your shots. It's just very cumbersome compared to a Python, for instance.

That said, you can certainly use a Cutter if you want to. Just fit it out for laser mining and add a couple sub-surface missiles and a Pulse Wave Analyzer (to find the sub-surface stuff with).

As long as it's fun for you, it's all good.

 

[Marvin the Martian]

I am looking to build an Imperial Cutter Laser Miner.

Here are just a few reasons you shouldn't do that for Tritium mining:

1. The Cutter handles like a pig in tight spaces.
2. The optimal laser mining build on a cutter means you have to land manually and there is no auto-cruise, which is for some folks not very easy, especially on a carrier.
3. The optimal laser mining build on a cutter also dictates that you run sheildless, which is troublesome for people flying around in an asteroid field and landing manually that aren't very experienced at it.
4. Core mining is essentially impossible with the cutter due to not only its very poor handling but it's extreme size, which you'll be doing most of the time to get good Tritium deposits as you will find laser deposits scarce more times than not.

That said, if you insist on being a glutton for punishment and doing things in the most unpractical, difficult, non-productive way possible, here you go.

 

[Brrokk]

Here are just a few reasons you shouldn't do that for Tritium mining:

1. The Cutter handles like a pig in tight spaces.
2. The optimal laser mining build on a cutter means you have to land manually and there is no auto-cruise, which is for some folks not very easy, especially on a carrier.
3. The optimal laser mining build on a cutter also dictates that you run sheildless, which is troublesome for people flying around in an asteroid field and landing manually that aren't very experienced at it.
4. Core mining is essentially impossible with the cutter due to not only its very poor handling but it's extreme size, which you'll be doing most of the time to get good Tritium deposits as you will find laser deposits scarce more times than not.

That said, if you insist on being a glutton for punishment and doing things in the most unpractical, difficult, non-productive way possible, here you go.

5. Tritium is obtained much more efficiently from subsurface deposits than by laser mining.

=> Python!

Well, blaze your own trail and laser mine if that's what you enjoy. It's just that we too-often see people ranting about the low yields when actually they've been ignoring the subsurface stuff.

 

[Rat Catcher]

5. Tritium is obtained much more efficiently from subsurface deposits than by laser mining.

=> Python!

Well, blaze your own trail and laser mine if that's what you enjoy. It's just that we too-often see people ranting about the low yields when actually they've been ignoring the subsurface stuff.

Agreed on all!
Python is lively enough to flit around the rock to get to the deposits, and stable enough to line up the sub-surface shots.

I was out in one just yesterday with a junior alt, primarily mat collecting, but made a handsome return on mined Tritium for my hour of fun.

 

[Marvin the Martian]

5. Tritium is obtained much more efficiently from subsurface deposits than by laser mining.

Really? Seriously?

Wish I had known that.

OH WAIT! I DID!

Core mining is essentially impossible with the cutter due to not only its very poor handling but it's extreme size, which you'll be doing most of the time to get good Tritium deposits as you will find laser deposits scarce more times than not.

 

[Greasetrap42]

I appreciate the comment and I guess it is my fault for not being specific enough...
I am looking to build an Imperial Cutter Laser Miner.

My dedicated deep space mining ship was designed for laser mining back a year or two ago. At the time laser mining was the best option for tritium I can't remember why. I used the cutter alot and it worked well. But apparently there might be better options now. I also have a dedicated Python mining ship but I haven't used it in several years and its just holding equipment.

I spend a lot of time in deep space, but in the last year I haven't mined, so I can't comment on the best method. I depart the bubble or colonia with 22,000t of tritium travel around using my carrier as a mobile base. On my current trip I might stay out longer requiring me to mine Tritium again...

... And here lies my underlying advice:

---> If you plan on staying in deep space for a long time bring a wide variety of mining stuff and extra modules, cargo racks, anything you can think of. Maybe even a secondary mining ship. You might never use this stuff, who cares, you've got it. And its all relatively cheep. This allows you to switch your mining style. Following your deep space departure you will want to try new things. You research will give alternate ideas which you can try. Anything you learn today will be different tomorrow. Also game mechanics will change (or bugs get introduced) changing the best mining methods.

 

[mtwill333]

My dedicated deep space mining ship was designed for laser mining back a year or two ago. At the time laser mining was the best option for tritium I can't remember why. I used the cutter alot and it worked well. But apparently there might be better options now. I also have a dedicated Python mining ship but I haven't used it in several years and its just holding equipment.

I spend a lot of time in deep space, but in the last year I haven't mined, so I can't comment on the best method. I depart the bubble or colonia with 22,000t of tritium travel around using my carrier as a mobile base. On my current trip I might stay out longer requiring me to mine Tritium again...

... And here lies my underlying advice:

---> If you plan on staying in deep space for a long time bring a wide variety of mining stuff and extra modules, cargo racks, anything you can think of. Maybe even a secondary mining ship. You might never use this stuff, who cares, you've got it. And its all relatively cheep. This allows you to switch your mining style. Following your deep space departure you will want to try new things. You research will give alternate ideas which you can try. Anything you learn today will be different tomorrow. Also game mechanics will change (or bugs get introduced) changing the best mining methods.

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. I may get a Type 9 in addition to another Cutter just to have it for who knows what...
Any chance you have your Cutter Mining build handy?
All the builds I have seen have tons of stuff related to fighting off pirates, with shields and weaps, and I am trying to figure out how much of that is really necessary in deep space, in so far as, I can ditch it and add more mining stuff.

 

[Greasetrap42]

Here is my cutter deep space laser mining build: Cutter Laser Miner

It only has 320t cargo space which I found fine. The time to fill was just right for me.
If you replace the 8A shields with a size 8 cargo rack, and installed a 6A shield you would get 512t cargo capacity.

Edit: There is absolutely no need for the shield boosters in deep space!
Edit: Replacing one of the 5A limpet controllers with a 3E mining multi limpet controller would be an improvement.