First trip to Sag A* - Need some basic tips

[Symbiont]

Hey bros,

I am actually intended to take part in Buckyball A* but my problem is I never did any exploration or long- distance journeys so far. I need some advices from you experienced explorers.

1. What is the most necessary equipment on my ship? I want to delete all my weapons, shield, cargo racks, tools to reduce the excess mass to a minimum. I want to attach the best advanced scanner and detail surface scanner I can get, further the best FSD device and fuel scoop I can find anywhere. Do I need some further equipment? Is it recommend to leave any shield and weapons back either?

2. How to avoid ending in a patch of not scoopable stars? I mean, it's not possible plotting the route from star to star manually all the 26.000ly. What is the best way to make sure not running out of fuel?

3. I read that it's sometimes possible to crash in a very close star when jumping out of hyperspace. Is that really an issue?

Is there any further advice for a exploration newbie and especially for that long trip? Thank you

 

[Alex Brentnall]

What ship are you looking at, what's your price range for ship + upgrades?

If money is no object then you're looking at this kind of build:
http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=60g,0Wg0Wg0Wg0Wg,2-3I6u7_6u2C8S8I,52W0Nc0KU0KU7Q42jw2UI

Basically FSD to max and everything else to lowest weight (Class D). You could go without the shield since you don't normally encounter ships after about 100LY away from human space but I personally find it nice to know its still there. Some players also like to put chaff/point defence in but I'd stick to HSL and just run and hide until outside interdiction ranges.

Set your galaxy map to only show scoopable stars:

Spoiler

View attachment 34540

Make sure the solid line goes through one of the visible stars before turning dashed and you'll be fine. I also find since my jump is set to fastest route that if I get stuck there is usually a nearby star still within range.
If you are really paranoid just keep an eye on the fuel indicator and always top tank to 100% whenever it looks like you only have 2 or 3 jumps left.

Yes, in most cases you get hull and module damage, possibly some heat damage on the way out (but thats what the Heat sink launchers are for). Its a lot worse on Neutron stars, set throttle to 0 when jumping if you need to make 100% sure you don't.
Worst cases you get canopy damage and after about 8/9 emergency drops from supercruise it looks like this and you need to head home:

Spoiler

View attachment 34541

In rare cases with binary systems the second star is in orbit right where you jump out and you have no choice but to emergency drop. Although I got this in 1/2500 systems so far. Much more likely to be human error whilst fuel scooping that causes above problems.


Other advice is set yourself targets and prepare not to be able to return to a station in a long time. Best case you're talking 24hrs solid play to get there and back. With scanning a few systems and taking it easy It took me 30hrs from Lave area just to get there.

 

[777Driver]

Ship type doesn't matter if you are heading to the Core. @Op, whilst not 100% essential, you should consider taking a few heat sinks, at least 1 AFM (in case your FSD gets damaged. If you can afford it take two AFM's

You don't need shields when on a long range trip,they just add weight and generate heat. If you are bad at escaping enemies then it's a good idea to take one in case you get interdicted on the way home.

To check scoopable stars, filter the gal map to show OBAFGKM, when you plot your 1000LY route you'll see what you can't scoop.

 

[Alex Brentnall]

Ship type doesn't matter if you are heading to the Core. @Op, whilst not 100% essential, you should consider taking a few heat sinks, at least 1 AFM (in case your FSD gets damaged. If you can afford it take two AFM's

You don't need shields when on a long range trip,they just add weight and generate heat. If you are bad at escaping enemies then it's a good idea to take one in case you get interdicted on the way home.

True but if you take a ship with 18LY jump range it will take forever, personally i'd not explore in anything except: Adder, ASP, Type 6, Anaconda.

But yeah, otherwise I'd say top advice

 

[Symbiont]

I want to get there with my Imperial Clipper. Money is actually not that big deal for me. My total assets are about 60MCr but I have some time left until start date next Thursday so I can easily gain multiple additional millions of credits.

If I ever will be interdicted I can easily escape with fast Clipper but probably I will equip a light shield just in case

What is the reason for the mentioned damages? Did you talk about emergency dropouts from hyperspace?

So the heatsinkers are just for the case that I accidentally get too close to a star?

 

[Zeeman]

Always throttle back when the countdown starts.

Learn to check your jump points to make sure you don't jump into a binary or trinary star (just zoom in on the next system - if the yellow line intersects a star tat is very close to the main star - by very close I mean obviously a companion star) take a different route.

That'll do for staying alive.

Next - biggest fuel scoop you can afford.. I wouldn't go with anything less than 5A, personally...

If you can't afford one, do a short 500Ly trip to get the hang of exploration, and make sure you have a detailed surface scanner and an advanced discovery scanner. You should make enough cash to help you out from that, and hopefully learn a lesson or two if needed.

Z...

 

[Alex Brentnall]

I want to get there with my Imperial Clipper. Money is actually not that big deal for me. My total assets are about 60MCr but I have some time left until start date next Thursday so I can easily gain multiple additional millions of credits.

If I ever will be interdicted I can easily escape with fast Clipper but probably I will equip a light shield just in case

What is the reason for the mentioned damages? Did you talk about emergency dropouts from hyperspace?

So the heatsinkers are just for the case that I accidentally get too close to a star?

Yeah actually a clipper with this sort of setup will give you a range of 26LY which isn't bad at all. Its not great compared to the ASP at ~34LY but it will get you there at a reasonably good speed.

http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=603,mpW0Wg0Wg0Wg0Wg,2-5A8S7_8S2C8S6k,52MmpU7RempU2jw2UI

Edit: I put a 6C fuel scoop in but if you have creds you can go higher. Its just after 6C things get real expensive real quick.
Just add a few repair units in the open slots (B class have highest ammo) and you're good to go (repair units are weightless).

Yeah, 100% damage due to dropouts. I've had about 9-10 in total and expect the next one will blow my canopy and kill me so im taking things very slow at the moment (10,000LY to get back).
Yes, I used several heatsinks escaping stars that I dropped into and at least 3 when messing with black holes (they heat your ship up really fast)...


Edit: Galaxy map setup that will help immensely:

Spoiler

View attachment 34549

If you see the star (as on the left) you can scoop it, if not then it looks like the bit on the right. Check for long stretches of nothing when plotting and whenever you're short on fuel.
Note: I have non-sequence and white dwarf showing since they're high value. They are not scoopable!

 

[CMDR Brock Samson]

Hey bros,

I am actually intended to take part in Buckyball A* but my problem is I never did any exploration or long- distance journeys so far. I need some advices from you experienced explorers.

1. What is the most necessary equipment on my ship? I want to delete all my weapons, shield, cargo racks, tools to reduce the excess mass to a minimum. I want to attach the best advanced scanner and detail surface scanner I can get, further the best FSD device and fuel scoop I can find anywhere. Do I need some further equipment? Is it recommend to leave any shield and weapons back either?

2. How to avoid ending in a patch of not scoopable stars? I mean, it's not possible plotting the route from star to star manually all the 26.000ly. What is the best way to make sure not running out of fuel?

3. I read that it's sometimes possible to crash in a very close star when jumping out of hyperspace. Is that really an issue?

Is there any further advice for a exploration newbie and especially for that long trip? Thank you

1. 3xHeat sinks to manage heat and avoid taking damage if you happen to be unlucky and drop between a couple of close stars.
2x Auto field Maintenace Unit(so they can repair each other).
Buy the largest fuel scoop you can afford.

2. Scoop a little bit at every star, never let your tank <25%, if you happen to stumble upon 3-4 non scoopable stars, open the galaxy map and check your surroundings for FOG KBAM stars.All those kinds are scoopable.

3. You have to make a habit to throttle down during hyperspace countdown.This way you can avoid dropping out of SC and take damage.Dropping at full speed can be dangerous with Neutron stars especially.

Safe journeys CMDR!

 

[marx]

Edit: I put a 6C fuel scoop in but if you have creds you can go higher. Its just after 6C things get real expensive real quick.

Note: the Clipper can fit a 7D scoop, which is better than the 6C in every way. It's cheaper, scoops faster, and even uses a bit less power.
Also, a 3A power plant would give you better heat efficiency than the 3C, for the same weight. While both this and the fuel scoop aren't terribly big differences, you're going to be scooping hundreds of stars, so in my opinion every little bit helps.

Having been to Sag A* and back in a Clipper, in my opinion the ship has three great things going for it if you want to explore: it can fit a class 7 scoop, the ship looks much nicer on screenshots than an Asp (my personal opinion, of course) and it has a great view from the cockpit.

Oh yeah, and take at least one cargo rack with you, so you can use the slider at the route planner settings. That will help when you get closer to the core and the route planner starts to slow down due to the sheer number of stars.

Finally, you might want to load up on music and/or audiobooks to listen to. It's going to be a long trip, and if you're doing a timed run for Buckyball A*, it's going to be monotone as well.

 

[Symbiont]

How much dropouts should I expect then ? To avoid damage?

Thank you for all that useful advices bros. Route planning, fuel scooping, throttling down before jumps, 2x AFM and 2x HSL, I will consider all those things. Do you have any other further tip for me? Everything will help!

 

[concolor]

Plan your route about 1000LY above or below the galaxy disc when you reach the galaxy core (it's about 3-5k LY after NGC 6357) - because route calculating takes an eternity with that crazy stars density in the core regions.

 

[EddyRockSteady]

How much dropouts should I expect then ? To avoid damage?

If you're careful, none at all. Only damage I suffered to date in my Conda was through my negligence and I've jumped into the middle of 4 stars already, never mind two.......Another tricky one is Neutrons. Whatever you do, don't slam your throttle forward looking for the star if you exit witchspace with nothing in front of you - just breath and wait it out. It's strange the first time so be ready for it. Scan and turn 180 without throttle as any small amount of throttle input will raise your temps. Once 180 then accelerate. Same with black holes.

Fair solar winds CMDR.

 

[Dommarraa]

Always throttle back ? OK advice for beginners, but if you do that all the way to Sag A it will have evaporated by time you get there.
You have 1000+ jumps to get there, so make sure you have, or at least quickly discover a good jump procedure. If you go by the seat of your pants you will bump frequently.

Something like:
Full speed entry (unless previously warned)
Head for the apex of the star towards your exit (honking)
Scoop
Pull out of the refueling zone
Start Jump
Hit 0% engines
Check System Info to see if you want to stop and scan anything (Hotkey)
Check Galaxy Map to see if the next system is dangerous (NS, BH, WD) and its scoopability (Hotkey)
Exit Galaxy Map (same Hotkey as above)
Hit 100% to carry on to the next system or cancel Jump if you wish to scan anything

This is by no means the only procedure, but it gets you places just about as fast as physically possible, ensures you are never surprised, and allows you to scan anything you like.

Bumping ? You will certainly bump something or other sooner or later. I would put money on it being a NS or a BH. These dont hurt a great deal, and you should be able to get out of them without any extra heat damage or use of Heat Sinks
You really shouldnt be bumping into regular hot stars, thats just a bit careless.
A Close Binary is a possibility, but a remote one, in my case 1 in 8000 systems. You may find you take a little heat damage, but as long as you dont panic and just get of of dodge ASAP, it should not cripple you. REAL Close Binarys that crash you out of SC are even rarer, and that is the point of Heat Sinks.
My current journey is 100 Kylie and am on 98% PP, 96% Hull

The most painfully expensive fuel scoop is a must
Keep it topped up, abandon route when below 50% (in a Clipper, Asp can go much longer)
A grade PP is a must (small is better)
Turn off everything you are not using, including Power Dist and AMFU. It keeps your base heat down.
No need to go bonkers with AMFUs, your canopy and PP will pop before a decent AMFU is broken or runs out of ammo (I take a B5 in my Asp, its ample) - It really only needs to keep the Thrusters and FSD in tip top condition until you are nearly home.
The Cargo Rack idea is OK, not massively useful, but you have the spare slots

 

[neXib]

Always throttle back ? OK advice for beginners, but if you do that all the way to Sag A it will have evaporated by time you get there.
You have 1000+ jumps to get there, so make sure you have, or at least quickly discover a good jump procedure. If you go by the seat of your pants you will bump frequently.

Nothing to do with beginners. If it's likely I will always be scanning something I zero-throttle and if I'm exploring I will be at least scanning the main star. For a long trip like Sag A* if you just want to speed through everything there's surely areas where nothing, I'd probably speed through those if I checked the gal map anyway like you say.
Sometimes you get some really crap areas where it feels like you might as well just keep the throttle going, and that's fine, but having zero-throttle in the muscle memory helps when it's the 200th jump and something dangerous appears.

My advice is pretty much in general just the fact that it will be insanely boring, so prepare for it. I have only been about 7k out, perhaps 20k total distance on that trip and in a circle around from that to a degree. I had an insanely long run of systems with _nothing_ of interest, it was utterly boring I must admit. I would suspect big parts of a Sag A* trip is too

 

[Symbiont]

I expect the trip to Sagittarius will be boring and I just want to rush forward as fast as possible. On the way back when I reached the goal in good time I will take the time to scan and explore the unknown and visit some nebulas. I want to gain multiple millions for system data and my plan is to do that exploration on the way back

 

[Alex Brentnall]

I expect the trip to Sagittarius will be boring and I just want to rush forward as fast as possible. On the way back when I reached the goal in good time I will take the time to scan and explore the unknown and visit some nebulas. I want to gain multiple millions for system data and my plan is to do that exploration on the way back

I'd still check for earth like worlds and scan any neutron stars/black holes unless you are really really wanting to go for that best time on the buckyball. I usually start my FSD and check system map as its charging.
No point letting those go to waste when they are that rare.
I mean an undiscovered earth world can come to 100,000CR alone. There's also a neutron star field just above Sag A if you want quick money and/or explorer ranks.

 

[Kancro Vantas]

I expect the trip to Sagittarius will be boring and I just want to rush forward as fast as possible. On the way back when I reached the goal in good time I will take the time to scan and explore the unknown and visit some nebulas. I want to gain multiple millions for system data and my plan is to do that exploration on the way back

OP, this worries me...you really need to find the explorer in you at least a bit for this trip... is really awesome... but you could end up hating it altogether with that mind set.... 25,000 ly distance divided by 28 ly jumps, is 893 jumps...one way...1,786 round trip, and that's with an imaginary perfect route, which doesnt exist, so you will be around 1,850 more or less.

That's a lot of jumps, and you better get a taste for the systems and the sight....

Safe travels CMDR! Who knows, maybe we meet there? Currently on my way... should be getting there in or around May 16th.

EDIT: Just re-read that you are planning to explore back...whew...way better!

 

[Dommarraa]

In my experience, once I have decided to come back, I need to get home QUICK. It always seems like forever to get home and I get impatient.

 

[Iron Orchid]

Don't disable thrusters in super cruise. It's easily done.

 

[Symbiont]

Hey, thank you for re-reading Kancro! I am not that kind of player, the way to Sag is just the challenge, not the way back. Not at all. Can't wait to explore the unknown