Have questions, want answers

[thirstyfish]

As per the title, I have some questions. Things to make note of: I am a PvE player (may not be entirely relevant but worth mentioning), I have only just now started doing anything with engineers, and anyone is welcome to answer (in fact, I welcome a PvPer perspective on one of my questions).

1. Specialized legacy firmware: How do I actually go and get it? What should I look for? Any places with missions that seem to drop it frequently? Details please.

2. Python: I have clean drive tuning on it right now. Is is safe for me to assume it would benefit more from dirty drive tuning?

3. Power Distributor: For PvE purposes, is this worth engineering (note: ships in question are a Python for general purpose and an FDL for combat)? If so, what modification and why? What about some sort of ENG related modification for my fuel rat ship (either an Asp X or a Cobra mk III)?

4. Weapons: I typically use pulse lasers/burst lasers and rail guns/MCs on the ships I have that are intended to fight ( Bursts and MCs on Python, Pulse and rails on FDL). What modifications should I use? I have been leaning toward short range blaster at least for the MCs because I don't like using them at extreme range and leaning toward efficient on the laser options.

5. Powerplant: I like the low-emissions powerplant mod. Especially on my FDL where cooling is key. Not as important on my Python because I don't intend to put rail guns on it. Thoughts and/or suggestions?

6. Chemical manipulators: I have seen some horror stories about gathering these. Tips and tricks?


Please answer the questions to the best of your ability/knowledge. I am trying to get the best information I can before I go and make these changes to my ships. If there is anything I can clarify, please let me know.

Rep to anyone who gives a good answer. Assuming the forum lets me give it.

Putting thread here to try to get more input from others.

Edit: Assume g3 access at best right now.

 

[JetsonRING]

(1) I think you can get Specialized Legacy Firmware scanning the wakes of ships leaving stations but, Google it to make sure.
(2) Define "benefit". I like the speed the Dirty Drive mod gives because my A-rated power-plant offers excellent thermal performance. Some CMDRs might be OK with trading speed for better thermal performance if they don't have an A-rated power-plant.
(3) Modify everything, there are no negative mods just bad rolls.
(4) CMDRs choice. I have seeker missiles topside-forward, big gimbal-MCs topside-aft and a big, gimbal beam laser on the chin-mount. I have been using efficient laser mods and light-weight MC mods, high-cap magazines for the missiles.
(5) My Python has the overcharged mod, again the A-rated power-plant, I have no problems with heat. For those occasions when I do something dumb and get hot, I have a Heat-Sink fitted.
(6) Unidentified Signal Sources (USS). Fly around, stop at USS, scan wreckage, collect Chemical Manipulators. Rinse, repeat. Not common but do-able in a couple of hours.

For most Elite Dangerous questions, outside this forum Google and YouTube are your friends. Just Google "Elite Dangerous, anything", "anything" being what you need to learn. YouTube is chock full of great video and Reddit has a good Elite Dangerous thread. o7

 

[thirstyfish]

(1) I think you can get Specialized Legacy Firmware scanning the wakes of ships leaving stations but, Google it to make sure.
(2) Define "benefit". I like the speed the Dirty Drive mod gives because my A-rated power-plant offers excellent thermal performance. Some CMDRs might be OK with trading speed for better thermal performance if they don't have an A-rated power-plant.
(3) Modify everything, there are no negative mods just bad rolls.
(4) CMDRs choice. I have seeker missiles topside-forward, big gimbal-MCs topside-aft and a big, gimbal beam laser on the chin-mount. I have been using efficient laser mods and light-weight MC mods, high-cap magazines for the missiles.
(5) My Python has the overcharged mod, again the A-rated power-plant, I have no problems with heat. For those occasions when I do something dumb and get hot, I have a Heat-Sink fitted.
(6) Unidentified Signal Sources (USS). Fly around, stop at USS, scan wreckage, collect Chemical Manipulators. Rinse, repeat. Not common but do-able in a couple of hours.

For most Elite Dangerous questions, outside this forum Google and YouTube are your friends. Just Google "Elite Dangerous, anything", "anything" being what you need to learn. YouTube is chock full of great video and Reddit has a good Elite Dangerous thread. o7

1. Specialized firmware I know is gotten from surface settlements or missions, However, I haven't been able to get any so far. Trying to get something specific from people who have gotten it before.

2. Benefit is speed, but the cost of said benefit is thermal load/power requirements. I can get up to a g3 dirty/clean drive tuning (assuming I ever find that firmware) right now. Leaning toward dirty because the python really needs the help, and my FDL can keep with clean because it has more heat issues when in combat (rail guns do that).

3. Wondering what distributor mod works the best for that ship, the role I use it in, and my general playstyle

Didn't quite answer question 4. It was more about how to engineer the weapons I like, not what weapons to choose.

5. Thanks for that. I have a 6A powerplant. Shouldn't need the 7a. Will go with low emission until that simply doesn't work.

6. Any specific USS after scanning them to watch for?

 

[Ian Skippy]

1. Specialized firmware I know is gotten from surface settlements or missions, However, I haven't been able to get any so far. Trying to get something specific from people who have gotten it before.

2. Benefit is speed, but the cost of said benefit is thermal load/power requirements. I can get up to a g3 dirty/clean drive tuning (assuming I ever find that firmware) right now. Leaning toward dirty because the python really needs the help, and my FDL can keep with clean because it has more heat issues when in combat (rail guns do that).

3. Wondering what distributor mod works the best for that ship, the role I use it in, and my general playstyle

Didn't quite answer question 4. It was more about how to engineer the weapons I like, not what weapons to choose.

5. Thanks for that. I have a 6A powerplant. Shouldn't need the 7a. Will go with low emission until that simply doesn't work.

6. Any specific USS after scanning them to watch for?

Go for overcharged multis and mod your lasers to get rid of damage dropoff at range. Use this to find out where to find stuff: http://inara.cz/galaxy-components

 

[thirstyfish]

Go for overcharged multis and mod your lasers to get rid of damage dropoff at range. Use this to find out where to find stuff: http://inara.cz/galaxy-components

I know about INARA already. Sometimes hearing from someone else can provide a better explanation. I have tried surface data points with no success and have had no luck on missions. Hence the question.

So get long range on the lasers then? Also not digging overcharged MCs on paper. I use gimbal mounts, and I don't really want to introduce jitter. Maybe once I have g5 access, but not there yet.

 

[Ian Skippy]

I know about INARA already. Sometimes hearing from someone else can provide a better explanation. I have tried surface data points with no success and have had no luck on missions. Hence the question.

So get long range on the lasers then? Also not digging overcharged MCs on paper. I use gimbal mounts, and I don't really want to introduce jitter.

There is no jitter when you go for G5 overcharged. As for lasers (Inara hasnt been updated, many blueprints are miles off), not sure if its LR or focussed. Its not about increasing range, but increasing damage within the range.

 

[thirstyfish]

There is no jitter when you go for G5 overcharged. As for lasers (Inara hasnt been updated, many blueprints are miles off), not sure if its LR or focussed. Its not about increasing range, but increasing damage within the range.

Don't have g5 access yet. I didn't specify, my apologies.

 

[Globusdiablo]

As per the title, I have some questions. Things to make note of: I am a PvE player (may not be entirely relevant but worth mentioning), I have only just now started doing anything with engineers, and anyone is welcome to answer (in fact, I welcome a PvPer perspective on one of my questions).

1. Specialized legacy firmware: How do I actually go and get it? What should I look for? Any places with missions that seem to drop it frequently? Details please.

2. Python: I have clean drive tuning on it right now. Is is safe for me to assume it would benefit more from dirty drive tuning?

3. Power Distributor: For PvE purposes, is this worth engineering (note: ships in question are a Python for general purpose and an FDL for combat)? If so, what modification and why? What about some sort of ENG related modification for my fuel rat ship (either an Asp X or a Cobra mk III)?

4. Weapons: I typically use pulse lasers/burst lasers and rail guns/MCs on the ships I have that are intended to fight ( Bursts and MCs on Python, Pulse and rails on FDL). What modifications should I use? I have been leaning toward short range blaster at least for the MCs because I don't like using them at extreme range and leaning toward efficient on the laser options.

5. Powerplant: I like the low-emissions powerplant mod. Especially on my FDL where cooling is key. Not as important on my Python because I don't intend to put rail guns on it. Thoughts and/or suggestions?

6. Chemical manipulators: I have seen some horror stories about gathering these. Tips and tricks?


Please answer the questions to the best of your ability/knowledge. I am trying to get the best information I can before I go and make these changes to my ships. If there is anything I can clarify, please let me know.

Rep to anyone who gives a good answer. Assuming the forum lets me give it.

Putting thread here to try to get more input from others.

Please change your font colour. I can't read what you wrote.

 

[thirstyfish]

Please change your font colour. I can't read what you wrote.

This help? I understand the problem, I am orange/brown colorblind. Please note that I don't know what theme you are using. On my screen, its white letters on black background. Now yellow letters on black background

 

[Ian Skippy]

This help? I understand the problem, I am orange/brown colorblind. Please note that I don't know what theme you are using. On my screen, its white letters on black background. Now yellow letters on black background

No, thats is still yellow on a white background for most here. Just go for default, that'll work for people. Here is the OP:

--------------------
As per the title, I have some questions. Things to make note of: I am a PvE player (may not be entirely relevant but worth mentioning), I have only just now started doing anything with engineers, and anyone is welcome to answer (in fact, I welcome a PvPer perspective on one of my questions).

1. Specialized legacy firmware: How do I actually go and get it? What should I look for? Any places with missions that seem to drop it frequently? Details please.

2. Python: I have clean drive tuning on it right now. Is is safe for me to assume it would benefit more from dirty drive tuning?

3. Power Distributor: For PvE purposes, is this worth engineering (note: ships in question are a Python for general purpose and an FDL for combat)? If so, what modification and why? What about some sort of ENG related modification for my fuel rat ship (either an Asp X or a Cobra mk III)?

4. Weapons: I typically use pulse lasers/burst lasers and rail guns/MCs on the ships I have that are intended to fight ( Bursts and MCs on Python, Pulse and rails on FDL). What modifications should I use? I have been leaning toward short range blaster at least for the MCs because I don't like using them at extreme range and leaning toward efficient on the laser options.

5. Powerplant: I like the low-emissions powerplant mod. Especially on my FDL where cooling is key. Not as important on my Python because I don't intend to put rail guns on it. Thoughts and/or suggestions?

6. Chemical manipulators: I have seen some horror stories about gathering these. Tips and tricks?


Please answer the questions to the best of your ability/knowledge. I am trying to get the best information I can before I go and make these changes to my ships. If there is anything I can clarify, please let me know.

Rep to anyone who gives a good answer. Assuming the forum lets me give it.

Putting thread here to try to get more input from others.

Edit: Assume g3 access at best right now.

 

[thirstyfish]

No, thats is still yellow on a white background for most here. Just go for default, that'll work for people. Here is the OP:

--------------------
As per the title, I have some questions. Things to make note of: I am a PvE player (may not be entirely relevant but worth mentioning), I have only just now started doing anything with engineers, and anyone is welcome to answer (in fact, I welcome a PvPer perspective on one of my questions).

1. Specialized legacy firmware: How do I actually go and get it? What should I look for? Any places with missions that seem to drop it frequently? Details please.

2. Python: I have clean drive tuning on it right now. Is is safe for me to assume it would benefit more from dirty drive tuning?

3. Power Distributor: For PvE purposes, is this worth engineering (note: ships in question are a Python for general purpose and an FDL for combat)? If so, what modification and why? What about some sort of ENG related modification for my fuel rat ship (either an Asp X or a Cobra mk III)?

4. Weapons: I typically use pulse lasers/burst lasers and rail guns/MCs on the ships I have that are intended to fight ( Bursts and MCs on Python, Pulse and rails on FDL). What modifications should I use? I have been leaning toward short range blaster at least for the MCs because I don't like using them at extreme range and leaning toward efficient on the laser options.

5. Powerplant: I like the low-emissions powerplant mod. Especially on my FDL where cooling is key. Not as important on my Python because I don't intend to put rail guns on it. Thoughts and/or suggestions?

6. Chemical manipulators: I have seen some horror stories about gathering these. Tips and tricks?


Please answer the questions to the best of your ability/knowledge. I am trying to get the best information I can before I go and make these changes to my ships. If there is anything I can clarify, please let me know.

Rep to anyone who gives a good answer. Assuming the forum lets me give it.

Putting thread here to try to get more input from others.

Edit: Assume g3 access at best right now.

Fixed it.

 

[askavir]

1. Specialized legacy firmware: How do I actually go and get it? What should I look for? Any places with missions that seem to drop it frequently? Details please.

I got that covered.

Forget about signal sources or SRV driving.

Go to any of these places to scan the satellites and you're golden! (My favorite is the Scientific Installation at San Tu.)

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/322136-Most-pleasant-way-to-find-Specialized-Legacy-Firmwares

 

[Deleted member 115407]

Specialized legacy firmware pops out of just about any public data-point. A very easy way to get it and make some money in the meantime is to take surface data point scan missions.

If you go visit Farseer, she always has POIs right outside the base. Last time I was there, at least one of them was a private data point. I scanned it and got Specialized Legacy Firmware.... and a bounty, but hey...

Go to any system with lots of ground bases, then go to each one that is low-no security. Scan the public data points you find. You'll have plenty of specialized legacy firmware in no time.

BTW, as long as you don't violate any exclusion zones, you should be able to scan public data points at no risk to you. Private data points are a different story.

 

[thirstyfish]

Specialized legacy firmware pops out of just about any public data-point. A very easy way to get it and make some money in the meantime is to take surface data point scan missions.

If you go visit Farseer, she always has POIs right outside the base. Last time I was there, at least one of them was a private data point. I scanned it and got Specialized Legacy Firmware.... and a bounty, but hey...

Go to any system with lots of ground bases, then go to each one that is low-no security. Scan the public data points you find. You'll have plenty of specialized legacy firmware in no time.

BTW, as long as you don't violate any exclusion zones, you should be able to scan public data points at no risk to you. Private data points are a different story.

public data point. cool. Have some rep on the house.

 

[Gunnet]

1. Not sure offhand, it's been ages since I have rolled any mods which require it. Inara says surface data points and signal sources near Earth-likes though.

2. It will be faster and more manoeuvrable with DDs, yes. There is a tradeoff in the form of much higher thermal load, but it's almost always better to take the speed on anything other than an exploration ship.

3. Everything is worth modding unless it only has joke mods like shielded fuel scoops or refineries. The PD in particular is easily one of your most important mods. Charge enhanced is the way to go for multirole or combat ships, preferably with a secondary effect further improving weapon capacity/recharge in the latter case. Engine focused is good for exploration ships because it allows you to boost more (or at all) with a downgraded PD and shields/weapons don't matter.

4. I'll pass on this since I'm yet to refit my combat ships after 2.2.03 changed things and my opinions are probably outdated.

5. PPs are the one place where you might want to take a lower grade mod than you could. Unless I need the power from a high grade OC, I usually roll G1 low emissions or OC until I get a secondary which allows it to have both increased power capacity and decreased thermal load. You might want to consider leaving this mod until last, since exactly how much power you require will be a function of the rolls you get on other mods.

6. I always get them from combat aftermath signal sources. They're relatively plentiful in shipping lanes in war or retreat systems.

 

[Spacecat]

The only place I've ever found chemical manipulators is by destroying Type 7s and 9s at anarchy RES sites (don't waste time on type-6, haulers, or keelbacks). Supposedly, you can find multiple Type 9s at "seeking weapons" in war or "seeking meds" in outbreak systems, but I never seem to be able to find them. The drop rate is lousy. Expect 1 for every 6-10 ships you destroy. Supposedly also found at USS's, but I never have.

 

[IndigoWyrd]

As per the title, I have some questions. Things to make note of: I am a PvE player (may not be entirely relevant but worth mentioning), I have only just now started doing anything with engineers, and anyone is welcome to answer (in fact, I welcome a PvPer perspective on one of my questions).

1. Specialized legacy firmware: How do I actually go and get it? What should I look for? Any places with missions that seem to drop it frequently? Details please.

Search signal sources near earth-like planets for Encoded Emissions. If you find one with a satellite in it, you've probably just found some specialized legacy firmware. Otherwise you'll need to scan data points on planetary installations or settlements. This means searching out Points of Interest, driving around in an SRV and gettings lucky. Taking Planetary Scan missions can often help with this.

2. Python: I have clean drive tuning on it right now. Is is safe for me to assume it would benefit more from dirty drive tuning?

Depends on what benefit you're looking to gain. If you're just looking for better top speed, then definitely. If you want to keep it cooler, clean drives are the way to go.

3. Power Distributor: For PvE purposes, is this worth engineering (note: ships in question are a Python for general purpose and an FDL for combat)? If so, what modification and why? What about some sort of ENG related modification for my fuel rat ship (either an Asp X or a Cobra mk III)?

Again, depends on what you're planning to use your python to do. For combat purposes, Charge Enhanced or even Shielded are tough to beat.

4. Weapons: I typically use pulse lasers/burst lasers and rail guns/MCs on the ships I have that are intended to fight ( Bursts and MCs on Python, Pulse and rails on FDL). What modifications should I use? I have been leaning toward short range blaster at least for the MCs because I don't like using them at extreme range and leaning toward efficient on the laser options.

For Multicannons, I'm rather fond of High Capacity Magazines with Autoloader. For lasers, efficient isn't bad, but rapid fire is also quite useful.

5. Powerplant: I like the low-emissions powerplant mod. Especially on my FDL where cooling is key. Not as important on my Python because I don't intend to put rail guns on it. Thoughts and/or suggestions?

Again, it really depends - Overcharged is nice if you need the power, low emissions are nice for staying cool, and shielded is handy if you're a combat regular, as NPC's like to shoot these and distributors.

6. Chemical manipulators: I have seen some horror stories about gathering these. Tips and tricks?

Again, Signal Sources can be a blessing for these, otherwise bounty hunting in War systems will often yield Type-6, Type-7 and Type-9's which drop these when they feel like it. Otherwise, pick an anarchy system and, well, it's anarchy. Be a monster.

Please answer the questions to the best of your ability/knowledge. I am trying to get the best information I can before I go and make these changes to my ships. If there is anything I can clarify, please let me know.

Rep to anyone who gives a good answer. Assuming the forum lets me give it.

Putting thread here to try to get more input from others.

Edit: Assume g3 access at best right now.

Hope this helps. Fly safe!

 

[Deleted member 115407]

The only place I've ever found chemical manipulators is by destroying Type 7s and 9s at anarchy RES sites (don't waste time on type-6, haulers, or keelbacks).

Yeah, this is really good advice. Transport-farmed mats are one of the easiest mats to get when you do it this way, as all you need to do is kill miners in Anarchy RES. Don't carry any cargo, and the other pirates will leave you alone. As a matter of fact, they'll help you gang up on unsuspecting transports.

 

[metatheurgist]

1) Already covered.

2) Python runs cool so there is no reason not to dirty drive it

3) Always charged enhanced, nothing else comes close

4) That's all personal choice

5) Python runs cool so no need for low emissions, spam lots of G1 overcharged until you get one with great side effects (like a lowering of heat, best of both worlds)

6) These are lies. CMs are found in almost every Encoded, Combat Aftermath USS and easy to get from high rank trade ships in RES. You also sometimes get then from FDLs and Asps in those RES.

 

[JetsonRING]

1. Specialized firmware I know is gotten from surface settlements or missions, However, I haven't been able to get any so far. Trying to get something specific from people who have gotten it before.

2. Benefit is speed, but the cost of said benefit is thermal load/power requirements. I can get up to a g3 dirty/clean drive tuning (assuming I ever find that firmware) right now. Leaning toward dirty because the python really needs the help, and my FDL can keep with clean because it has more heat issues when in combat (rail guns do that).

3. Wondering what distributor mod works the best for that ship, the role I use it in, and my general playstyle

Didn't quite answer question 4. It was more about how to engineer the weapons I like, not what weapons to choose.

5. Thanks for that. I have a 6A powerplant. Shouldn't need the 7a. Will go with low emission until that simply doesn't work.

6. Any specific USS after scanning them to watch for?

(1) I must have gotten mine from missions. I do not believe there is any "type" of mission that drops particular types of commodities but I have been running data & cargo delivery grinding FED and IMP rank, wound up with plenty.
(3) I went with the Charge Enhanced Power Distributor since I did not need "Focused" or "Shielded" power distribution and Charge Enhanced seems to offer nearly the same advantages of the High Charge Capacity mod but with lower negative values.
(5) If you plan to fight that ship you will probably, eventually want to upgrade the power-plant for increased capacity to run weapons. For fighting (heck, for about anything), IMO stick with A-rated for the thermal benefit and relative weight savings over "B" models.
(6) It's wreckage you're looking for so a Convoy USS isn't going to do it. I just target each USS I see as I fly along, as I am doing whatever it is I am doing and if it does not say "convoy" I drop in and take a quick scan. You will find them mixed in with other debris, usually only in ones and twos.