An Update No One Needs to Care About

[MrFailfactory]

Greetings again, fellow Commanders.

Some time ago, I had mentioned that I had a launch goal of October 1st...well, I didn't make it.

Nor will I make November 1st, but I do think I have a decent shot of making a December 1st launch. I have most of what I need/want from the Engineers now (finally), though one of the components for the L5 jump range continues to elude me (the Manipulators). That said, I just got one heck of a L4 roll, so I may just go with that.

CG after CG is part of the reason for the delay, but mostly it's been mucking around with Engineers, and to a lesser degree, the Sol permit. Strictly speaking, I don't need that permit, of course, but there is something compelling (to me) about the cheesy *journey started and ended at Sol* angle. It's not at the top of the priority list, but I would like to obtain it, just the same. The grind for the Clipper (or Cutter) is just going to take too long, so I think I am going to table that until a later date. I really wanted to take the trip in either of those ships, but the delay is just too much. Besides, it might be a worthwhile thing to do once I return.

So now, I would like to reach out to the tenured Explorers in this forum, to ask a question that, while subjective, I am hoping to get objective answers from. As I sit here, I would like to think that I will still be playing this game 2+ years from now, but life and priorities can change, so perhaps I will not be able to be the lone wolf Explorer that I would like to become.

Knowing what you know now, and seeing what you have seen: if one were to only take one Exploration trip, where should he go, and why. For the moment, please assume that distance is not a factor, and that jump range will be no greater than 40Ly, unmodified. I am also unlikely to farm a lot of Jumponium mats, though I will probably have some by the time I launch.

At the moment, I am very strongly considering following the Distant Worlds path. That seems like it would be a good, all-around experience, but maybe someone has a better idea. I would like to join one of the upcoming expeditions, but I don't know that I could fully commit, and my word is important to me. I realize that no one would cry foul if I had to step out, but that doesn't change what I just said.

On a related note: the patches that I see in some of your sigs - are those also Liveries on your ships? The 65k, DWE, etc?

Thanks everyone, and fly...however it is that you fly. o7

Riôt

 

[disorganise]

The waypoints for DWE this side of Sag A* are all superb. The path is now well trodden but that's a very relative term.

If you make to Sag A* without losing the will to jump one more time, then the options are aplenty. I'd probably look at the FGE Sag Carina mission for example and do a loop of half the galaxy. Then you've have covered every conceivable variation I imagine.

 

[Jaiotu]

Only ONE exploration trip? If I had to pick only one it would be the quest for Raxxla. Like the Ouroboros in my avatar though that is a never-ending quest. Every time I venture beyond the bubble the quest for Raxxla is at least partly what keeps me going.

The patches? No. They aren't livery on our ships. They are created by players. Distant Worlds was successful enough that Frontier did create a livery version that was made available to everyone who participated in that expedition and reached Beagle Point within a set time frame.

 

[dynamicbob]

The waypoints for DWE this side of Sag A* are all superb. The path is now well trodden but that's a very relative term.

If you make to Sag A* without losing the will to jump one more time, then the options are aplenty. I'd probably look at the FGE Sag Carina mission for example and do a loop of half the galaxy. Then you've have covered every conceivable variation I imagine.

Its those that have begun to map the 100ly around each of these waypoints who are filling in the gaps of exploration. More variance and more discoveries

 

[Kenneth McGrew]

Greetings again, fellow Commanders.

Some time ago, I had mentioned that I had a launch goal of October 1st...well, I didn't make it.

Nor will I make November 1st, but I do think I have a decent shot of making a December 1st launch. I have most of what I need/want from the Engineers now (finally), though one of the components for the L5 jump range continues to elude me (the Manipulators). That said, I just got one heck of a L4 roll, so I may just go with that.

CG after CG is part of the reason for the delay, but mostly it's been mucking around with Engineers, and to a lesser degree, the Sol permit. Strictly speaking, I don't need that permit, of course, but there is something compelling (to me) about the cheesy *journey started and ended at Sol* angle. It's not at the top of the priority list, but I would like to obtain it, just the same. The grind for the Clipper (or Cutter) is just going to take too long, so I think I am going to table that until a later date. I really wanted to take the trip in either of those ships, but the delay is just too much. Besides, it might be a worthwhile thing to do once I return.

So now, I would like to reach out to the tenured Explorers in this forum, to ask a question that, while subjective, I am hoping to get objective answers from. As I sit here, I would like to think that I will still be playing this game 2+ years from now, but life and priorities can change, so perhaps I will not be able to be the lone wolf Explorer that I would like to become.

Knowing what you know now, and seeing what you have seen: if one were to only take one Exploration trip, where should he go, and why. For the moment, please assume that distance is not a factor, and that jump range will be no greater than 40Ly, unmodified. I am also unlikely to farm a lot of Jumponium mats, though I will probably have some by the time I launch.

At the moment, I am very strongly considering following the Distant Worlds path. That seems like it would be a good, all-around experience, but maybe someone has a better idea. I would like to join one of the upcoming expeditions, but I don't know that I could fully commit, and my word is important to me. I realize that no one would cry foul if I had to step out, but that doesn't change what I just said.

On a related note: the patches that I see in some of your sigs - are those also Liveries on your ships? The 65k, DWE, etc?

Thanks everyone, and fly...however it is that you fly. o7

Riôt

i found if i set a way-point to a lonely star 50kly away these have turned into failed missions where i have got bored along the way and mainly honked my way there, interestingly my most successful (in my eyes) exploration trips have been those which are unplanned and iv just nipped out to visit x, and oohh there is something only 3kly away from here, then next minute i know i have travelled the same 50kly, seen a lot more and actually explored along the way

in the latter way of exploration jump range is irrelevant as time spent jonking is minimal, each to their own though, there is no right way or wrong way to exploration but knowing what i know now i wouldn't set an end destination and just head out letting the galaxy pull me in different directions until it leads me back home.. if it leads me back home.

 

[Hell Razor5543]

If I were to head out for a one time only exploration trip, I would go looking for a patch of boredom 1 week wide. If I were to find it I would then head back in, goal achieved. However, I would expect to take several months looking for it.

 

[Freebird]

i found if i set a way-point to a lonely star 50kly away these have turned into failed missions where i have got bored along the way and mainly honked my way there,

This ^

I've done DWE, Jaques, The Rift and they've all devolved into a honk and scoop tedious mess. That's not exploring, it's travelling.

My 2nd Cmdr is now out in the black, exploring. Flying an Adder on economical setting so the average jump is <10ly. I look at Galmap and see if there's anything close that looks interesting; black hole, Herbig and so on. If there is I take the slow road to have a look. If not I just plot about 100ly, and when I get there have another look. It removes the temptation to rush

 

[MrFailfactory]

Thanks for the responses, everyone - I really appreciate it.

My main concern is getting out there, and not having anything to do but scan, and maybe look at stuff. This does not equal boredom, as such, because I enjoy doing it, but the concern persists, just the same.

I am also concerned about *missing out* on cool developments, because those aren't likely to be happening out in the black, and even less likely to be happening near wherever I happen to be.

Perhaps a second account solves this problem...

Riôt

 

[m1dane24]

Perhaps a second account solves this problem...

Riôt

This is what im thinking too. Im currently a few thousand LYs away from the Bubble (will probably be out for several weeks/months) but would still like to take a dip with all the other stuff every once in a while

 

[Satsuma]

I think the question you have to ask yourself is why do you want to explore?

Personally, I do it because I'm passionate about astronomy and I like going out and seeing how things like planetary nebula are done in Elite. I like flying around and finding things and coming up with reasons why they would be the way they are. Other people do it for other reasons - to solve puzzles, or find earthlike worlds, or the farthest points they can reach. You have to find your own reasons for doing it, and then you can think about what sort of trip you'd like to take.

Distant Worlds was a really enjoyable trip and we saw some amazing sights. Every explorer should see Sagittarius A* at least once in their lives. But if I had to choose only one expedition, I think I'd do the Sagittarius-Carina mission. It's a complete traversal of the Sagittarius-Carina arm, with an aim towards gathering data about it. Points of interest, routes of travel, etc. It's long, so you could spend a long time on it, but you would also be able to contribute to the mission even if you only played a little.

As far as the manipulators for a grade 5 FSD tweak, you might take a nimble combat ship and hang out at a nav beacon. Shoot anything the cops shoot, and then scoop up the materials they drop. I got more manipulators than I could use out of doing that for a few days.

 

[MrFailfactory]

Greetings Commanders,

It looks like I'm not going to make a December 1st launch either - too many things left that I want to do with Engineers before I leave. On the other hand...progress.

Sol permit obtained, and I also now have a Courier. I had some fun in it, but it's on the bench until I have G5 Thrusters. The Coriolis website is incorrect with the power draw (by 2) on the Enhanced Thrusters, which is putting a damper on my build.

It's down to a few ships, the builds are coming along, and which one I take will largely be decided by where I go.

Speaking of, FD has now given me 3 destinations that might be worth checking out. Perhaps I will head towards the one that is between the bubble and the Core, and take a look around (long after the CG has completed and the things found, sadly), and decide from there if I want to continue to the Core, or head back home.

Thanks again for the suggestions so far!

Riôt

 

[MattG]

Just a heads up, I think the old coriolis dev is too busy to maintain the site, but there is another version that's up-to-date here. Looks to have correct power draw for enhanced thrusters. Good luck planning your trip.

 

[MrFailfactory]

Just a heads up, I think the old coriolis dev is too busy to maintain the site, but there is another version that's up-to-date here. Looks to have correct power draw for enhanced thrusters. Good luck planning your trip.

Thank you very much for this link - not only is it up to date, but it allows you to input your mods, which is fantastic.

Things have taken an interesting turn - I decided to try a passenger mission of medium distance, just to see how that goes. I had assumed that it would have taken me somewhere in the direction of the Core, but this destination is on the edge of the galaxy.

It seems that I might get to view things from outside the box after all, or close. On the final 1500ly, and so far, only one close call.

Riôt

 

[Ginger chris]

This ^

I've done DWE, Jaques, The Rift and they've all devolved into a honk and scoop tedious mess. That's not exploring, it's travelling.

My 2nd Cmdr is now out in the black, exploring. Flying an Adder on economical setting so the average jump is <10ly. I look at Galmap and see if there's anything close that looks interesting; black hole, Herbig and so on. If there is I take the slow road to have a look. If not I just plot about 100ly, and when I get there have another look. It removes the temptation to rush

I have to second this, my last trip out I went a meandering route to Sag A*, then back via Jaques, with real world pressures I was managing about an hour or two twice a week, and it just turned into a Jonking fest to get back, I don't really feel that I did a lot of exploring. My next trip will have no set goals, although I still need another 70 million or so to reach Elite, so may consider something longer at some point.

 

[Scoopy Doopy]

You don´t seem particularly committed to exploration as yet, though who knows, you may become so. The most difficult thing for many explorers, particularly new ones is actually the return home. With this in mind, I would suggest making your destination Sol. Do a kind of circle from Sol, take in some of the DW sights, maybe Barnards loop and make sure you get into the core for some of the trip. For some reason, travelling in the core is more interesting than in the outer arms. At least it is for me.

Your 40LY range is far more than you will need so good luck on your travels.

 

[thundernuns]

This ^

I've done DWE, Jaques, The Rift and they've all devolved into a honk and scoop tedious mess. That's not exploring, it's travelling.

My 2nd Cmdr is now out in the black, exploring. Flying an Adder on economical setting so the average jump is <10ly. I look at Galmap and see if there's anything close that looks interesting; black hole, Herbig and so on. If there is I take the slow road to have a look. If not I just plot about 100ly, and when I get there have another look. It removes the temptation to rush

Man, I have just had an epiphany reading this, I need to go exploring in the ship I like, instead of the highest jump range, to keep me interested out there

 

[MrFailfactory]

So, time has passed, and things have happened. Some goals completed, and others have taken their place.

I was able to get past Qwent fairly quickly thanks to my home and surrounding systems, and I had enough mats to power through Palin...which means, I might finally be done (for the time being) with Engineers. Now, the focus is on building more wealth, and deciding which ship to get used to seeing in screenshots. I have several, but not all are being considered. The criteria are jump range *around* 35 loaded, able to hold the equipment I prefer, and photogenic. Anything else is bonus.

On to the ships in question, in no particular order:

Anaconda - unlikely, mostly because of the expense if disaster strikes. I would have to travel approximately 25k (rough napkin math) per occurrence, which is prohibitive in my world. Still a candidate, though.

Python - can't really go wrong with this, no sacrifices other than a fighter bay, though the rebuy is higher than I'd like.

Courier - does the job well, is very photogenic, and is faster than the fighters by a fairly large margin. Cheap.

Clipper - requires more rep, but might be worth the wait. Looks so good with the Midnight paint.

Viper IV - the sleeper surprise. Cheap, fast, and holds everything I need.

Beluga - somewhat ridiculous, really, and yet...tempting. Need more credits to make this happen, but it might be worth it.

I haven't done a lot of experimentation with fuel scoops, so I had a curiosity - how long can one stay at max scoop rate and remain under 80% heat? Is it possible to last 6-7 minutes (4A on the Beluga, if you were curious)? None of my ships can do that the way they are currently built, but I don't want to change anything unless I know 100% for sure it can be done without using heat sinks, or flipping power switches. I know there are many here who can't stand the thought of more than 30s scooping, but scoop time doesn't concern me.

Fly with passion, Commanders.

Riôt

 

[MattG]

I haven't done a lot of experimentation with fuel scoops, so I had a curiosity - how long can one stay at max scoop rate and remain under 80% heat? Is it possible to last 6-7 minutes (4A on the Beluga, if you were curious)?

It is highly ship-dependent, and you'd need to disable non-essential systems - so shields etc. The Beluga? IME, not a chance, she runs hot hot hot. Not too much experience heat-wise with the other ships. My feeling is the Courier wouldn't manage it. Anaconda, possibly but I expect you'd need to engineer it a bit to lower heat output - if it's even possible. It's not in your list but the DBE is probably the best ship when it comes to heat management, I expect that'd handle it just fine.

 

[MrFailfactory]

It is highly ship-dependent, and you'd need to disable non-essential systems - so shields etc. The Beluga? IME, not a chance, she runs hot hot hot. Not too much experience heat-wise with the other ships. My feeling is the Courier wouldn't manage it. Anaconda, possibly but I expect you'd need to engineer it a bit to lower heat output - if it's even possible. It's not in your list but the DBE is probably the best ship when it comes to heat management, I expect that'd handle it just fine.

The other ships wouldn't need to be able to do it, unless they are using extra fuel tanks - just the Beluga, or other ships that can carry 64T+ without crippling their jump range. I have a feeling that you can't sit there and refuel from near-empty to max in one sitting without overheating. Leaving the corona, cooling off, and coming back, would become a drag very quickly, I think.

In light of recent events, the Python just moved a bit higher, since she always comes equipped with a Wake Scanner...

Riôt