Hey everyone! Looking to get started out for my first time. I figured I would start off slow so how far you peeps think is good for the first time. My next question is what's better. to let the computer set course or should I? My ship is ready for a good haul but I would love some expert advice. thanks!
First Exploration trip
- Thread starter Manthing
- Start date
It depends on what ship / equipment you have, how long do you think you'll want to stay out there, etc. For example, distances between stars become greater as you get closer to the edge of the galaxy, and in between galactic arms, so you want a ship with a long jump range for that.
Another factor to consider, since this is your first trip out, that you may get bored after a while and decide you want to do some fighting, smuggling or some other activity you need to be in inhabited systems for. It wouldn't do to get bored and then have 25k ly to travel back home
So, until you've had a taste I suggest not going crazy with distances, just do a few hours expedition for starters and see how you like it.
Another factor to consider, since this is your first trip out, that you may get bored after a while and decide you want to do some fighting, smuggling or some other activity you need to be in inhabited systems for. It wouldn't do to get bored and then have 25k ly to travel back home
So, until you've had a taste I suggest not going crazy with distances, just do a few hours expedition for starters and see how you like it.
I'd say that 1500LY is a good range to start with. Should take about 45-60 minutes to get out that far for a beginner explorer. You'll get much faster with practice though.
To avoid multiple unscoopble stars, stay 50ly above or 100ly below the galactic plane, and computer route plotting should be fine.
Other misc tips:
Bring the biggest scoop you can afford. Use the smallest A-rated Power supply that will work for your ship. If you run above 25% heat in SuperCruise, then you'll need to bring some heat sinks in case you crash into anything. Shut off your shields and Power Dist when in the black as they are useless and will spike your heat when scooping or charging FSD. Likewise with any weapons or other unused systems you brought, including AFMUs that aren't currently in use.
Good Luck!! And report back anything interesting that you find here on the forums
To avoid multiple unscoopble stars, stay 50ly above or 100ly below the galactic plane, and computer route plotting should be fine.
Other misc tips:
Bring the biggest scoop you can afford. Use the smallest A-rated Power supply that will work for your ship. If you run above 25% heat in SuperCruise, then you'll need to bring some heat sinks in case you crash into anything. Shut off your shields and Power Dist when in the black as they are useless and will spike your heat when scooping or charging FSD. Likewise with any weapons or other unused systems you brought, including AFMUs that aren't currently in use.
Good Luck!! And report back anything interesting that you find here on the forums
What ship and what is it equipped with? Fuel scoop is mandatory to get anywhere out of occupied space for starters. Computer will not set a course for you. Use the galaxy map and start clicking on dots away from the center.
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computer route plotting should be fine.
How do you do that?
If you want to get your name on a lot of unexplored stuff,just remember the universe is actually in 3D .. People seem to forget that.
He's not talking about setting a random course. He's talking about letting the computer pick the stars between himself and target on the GalMap, rather than picking his way through choice systems along the way. Or so I imagine. I could be misreading the OP though. The only problem with "computer route plotting" is if you pass through the narrow band of unscoopables between -25 and -45 altitude, you can easily drain your fuel tank, and be forced to replot a new course, or just get stuck if you aren't paying attention. This not only wastes time, but those unscoopables are very low value targets with nothing interesting about them except that they exist in a tight disk that divides the plane of the entire galaxy.
Ok thanks, I thought I had been missing some method of travel.