Newcomer / Intro 4D or 3A power plant?

[Flatkat]

G'day commanders, I need a little more juice for my shiny new Python. I'm currently running a 3A power plant and like my current jump range. Would a 4D give me more power and approx the same jump? Thanks in advance for any assistance. [up]
EDIT: 4A is better yet. Sorry bout that

 

[metatheurgist]

Questions like this are best answered with ED Shipyard or Coriolis.

 

[Flatkat]

Thanks buddy,, 4A is just PERFECT [yesnod]

 

[OldSchoolPlayer]

I found 3A gives a higher jump range than a 4D. This is cause 4D has a higher mass. Although stonger in integrity, you'll want to keep the mass as light as possible to maximise jump range. You could always engineer the 3A for more power.

 

[Stinja]

In general A rated powerplants are better, unless you really want to save weight, as they have an additional advantage of running much cooler. This makes scooping fuel easier, as you heat slower, so even for explorers it's usually better to drop a class and go A rather than a higher D.

 

[Henkka77]

Always, A rate PP. Because of best heat management.

 

[Flatkat]

Thanks guys. I didn't know about the heat management aspects of the A rated PP's. That's a great point.

 

[colprice2002]

If you're really after max jump range, you can take a smaller A rated power unit to an engineer and have it overcharged.

Be a bit careful that this doesn't increase the mass too much...

Take the power unit in a small ship (I find a Hauler is an excellent taxi), then swap it over in outfitting.

IIRC, my python has a 7A overcharged power unit - sufficient to ensure that I have all the essential systems (FSD, thrusters, sensors) below 50%.
You probably know that a power unit can be damaged in combat - but only down to 50%. So, if you're likely to be receiving damage, make the essential (get out of Dodge) modules priority 1, everything else lower priority.
Eg
Thrusters, FSD, Sensors priority 1
Weapons priority 2, possibly some to 3 (you can't jump with weapons deployed, so they're a lower priority.)
Shields priority 2 or 3 - if you're under attack and your power module is damaged seriously, you can take some ore damage while running...
Life support 2 - 3, you have 7.5 minutes of oxygen and now you replenish by synthesis.

Things like auto repair modules can be disabled in flight saving power.

Fly safe!

 

[Flatkat]

More great tips,,Thanks Col. I needed the extra juice for some weapons and an AMFU. Only playing solo for now but the NPC's are starting to give me some headaches now that I'm using the Python. Better safe than sorry at this rebuy cost

 

[JonathanBurnage]

Don’t forget power management. You probably won’t use your AFMU in the middle of combat; if you want to patch up afterwards just park somewhere safe, turn off your thrusters and you’ll have plenty of power spare. Also, turn off your cargo hatch - it’ll save you 0.6MW. If you are careful you can also adjust module priorities to shut down your FSD when you deploy hardpoints and have it come back online when you retract them. Just be aware it takes about 10 seconds to come back online, so factor that in if you need to escape.

My exploraconda runs off a 2A low emissions power plant - many others do the same I’m sure.

 

[Flatkat]

Thanks JB. So to how do i disable the cargo scoop and AFMU whilst in flight and parked?

 

[Snowygerry]

(...) If you are careful you can also adjust module priorities to shut down your FSD when you deploy hardpoints and have it come back online when you retract them. Just be aware it takes about 10 seconds to come back online, so factor that in if you need to escape.

My exploraconda runs off a 2A low emissions power plant - many others do the same I’m sure.

I've done this more or less by accident, after maximizing my Cobra, deploying weapons shuts down my cargo bay and auto docking computer, which is acceptable - but the "Power Limit Exceeded" message in dooming voice just before combat is disheartening and always gives me the impression I'm doing something wrong

So exceeding the powerlimit when deploying weapons is in fact standard procedure with no other negative effects then shutting down the modules marked in red ?

Thanks JB. So to how do i disable the cargo scoop and AFMU whilst in flight and parked?

I think you can manually shut down modules, in the right hand panel by clicking on them, not sure, I don't have the game at hand atm.

 

[Flatkat]

Thanks Snowy, I'll check this out. Cheers

 

[Dommarraa]

Thanks JB. So to how do i disable the cargo scoop and AFMU whilst in flight and parked?

Or change their Priority Number on the Modules Tab to a higher one. Then they will be turned off automatically when necessary.
When you want them to come back on, just turn off some of the Priority 1 modules that you currently are not using. (NB. Never turn off Thrusters or FSD in Supercruise. Always use your AMFU in normal space)

 

[Flatkat]

Thanks Dom. I have the module priority sorted so i think I'll stick with that

 

[Rob_the_Sparky]

So exceeding the powerlimit when deploying weapons is in fact standard procedure with no other negative effects then shutting down the modules marked in red ?

Depends on what modules are shutdown, e.g. some people choose to shutdown the FSD with weapons as you can not engage it with weapons deployed anyway. However, it takes a few seconds for the FSD to become functional after powering up so it can delay your exit if you need to get out of dodge quick. I.e. there can be downsides.

 

[Snowygerry]

Yes, instinctively I decided that shutting down the one function that can take me out of a losing fight quickly was not a thing to do, but I figured maybe overloading the powerunit may have had an effect on the unit itself, maybe causing it to breakdown or something.

Glad that's not the case, tnx.

 

[shadragon]

If exploring, weapons are not needed. If you have a ship lightened and optimized for max jump range it's useless in a fight. Dropping weapons will give you additional power to play with and longer range.

Turn off AFMU when not using them. When in normal space turn off thrusters and shields before turning on AFMU. This allows you to run a much smaller power unit, again giving you better range.

Experiment here: https://coriolis.edcd.io

 

[Flatkat]

Thanks Shadragon. I've started using coriolis, fantastic site. Ooh the options are endless. With the 4A PP i found my jump range suffered very little. Thinking of some gimballed multi's on the lower grade NPC's that are causing me some mission grief. This space chicken is getting ready to fly the coup!

 

[shadragon]

Thanks Shadragon. I've started using coriolis, fantastic site. Ooh the options are endless. With the 4A PP i found my jump range suffered very little. Thinking of some gimballed multi's on the lower grade NPC's that are causing me some mission grief. This space chicken is getting ready to fly the coup!

Some ships you can drop the PP to a C3 or even a C2 for massive range improvements. Post your ship design when you get it and we'll all take a look.

Fill in the blanks. https://coriolis.edcd.io/outfit/python