As the title says, I’d like to fly to Sagittarius A. I just recently purchased an Asp Explorer, but would like to know what I should install, to make my trip go smooth.
Greetings CMDR,
nice target you have there. And totally worth going to Sagittarius. I made my first journey to the center of the Galaxy in an Asp, currently deep in space in Clipper (tried DBX and Cutter but didn't finished). Here are my list of preferences for the set up.
Basic essentials
1. Fuel Scoop.
Take the biggest you can afford, preferably A-rated. IndigoWyrd has his theory about it and I respect that but I would suggest A-rated anyway (bit more about that later). With greatest scoop you will refill faster and leave heated star proximity earlier so you can do other things, like scanning.
2. Detailed Surface Scanner.
Before the recent patch there was a combo, DSS + ADS (adv. discovery scanner - this one was permanently integrated into our ships, freeing one module slot) but for exploration you should equip with surface scanner. When you spot valuable target, map it with DSS for extra exploration credit.
3. Shields.
Smallest D-rated you can fit. Exploration is safe in terms of shields - no real need to protect yourself against enemies so one would think it's safe to save some mass and not take shields. True, granted you won't be landing anywhere but your final station after you return. Otherwise - take smallest shields to protect your ship from bouncy planetary/station landing. In case your landing goes wrong those shields may save your life.
And that's it. Ship is minimally equipped for exploration. But that's far from optimal. For that you need to modify your Core Internals, quick guide:
- FSD. Biggest A-rated there is. No question
- everything else D-rated.
- Power plant - D-rated and downgraded close or even below the needs.
- Power distributor as above, D-rated and downgraded. Don't be afraid to loose boost, you won't need that.
Why above? Simple, to shave off mass. Less mass = more jump range. Applying above will give you ~35 +-1LYs of range. Not bad, my Asp from about 2 years ago, properly outfitted and somewhat engineered had 33 LYs max.
Better safe than sorry
All right, basics we have covered, time for additional things that may come handy but are totally optional and not necessary. Up to you.
1. AFMU - aka on field module repairs
As name says - if you overheat, you get modules damaged. Damage below certain threshold and you may get FSD malfunction - bad idea when you're 20k LYs away from nearest mechanic. AFMU restores your modules. Biggest A-rated you can afford.
2. Hangar and SRV.
Smallest with single SRV is enough, some take bigger with 2 rovers. For a first journey to see hole and back, one is plenty. With that you can break the monotony of a journey and go surface sightseeing. Also, with SRV you can collect surface materials for your ship's printer (jumponium, limpets, AFMU refills...)
3. Repair limpet controller + limpets.
If you're paranoid and want to be covered from every angle - RLC is for you. AFMU repairs modules but cannot repair hull. RLC repairs hull so you won't be bothered with that low hull %. Just remember about securing cargo space for limpets.
Nice, now optional things covered, you're almost ready to go. Essentials installed, core internals modified, additional modules picked and installed. What left?
Range enhancers
There are two things that can increase your range significantly, Engineering and Guardian tech.
1. Engineering.
Felicity Farseer in Deciat system offers up to grade-5 FSD range increase mod. I'd say essential for every explorer. Apart from that it's worth to take Overpowered Power Plant - if your pick is too weak you can overpower it and it may be enough for your needs. Dirty Drives are an option. Also, try to Lightweight as much as you can, some modules offer this as experimental effect. Shaves off some mass even further.
2. Guardian tech.
Especially Guardian FSD booster. CMDR Exigious made perfect YT guide to unlocking it. Essentially - find guardian ruins, shoot things till console opens, take blueprint, then shoot more things to get enough materials, go to tech broker and unlock booster. Buy 4H (+10,5 LYs) and install.
At this point your max jump range should be somewhat doubled.
Also, is there any certain route I should go?
No, not really. The most fun is going places, not getting there. So you set your target and go in the general direction. Unless you aim for the quickest run just to get there, there is no route you should take. Side stepping off course for a 1k or 2k LYs is nothing strange. Just mind that almost every system about 2k LYs aaway from Bubble (toward Sag) will already be mapped. YOu will start seeing undiscovered systems after that point, 2.5k, maybe even 3k if you pick the most obvious straight line.
For max exploration profit I start with heavy side step - to the sides or above/below the disc. 1k LY is min, then I plot rout toward my goal.
All right, I think that should do it. Good luck and endurance for you will need it. It's a long journey.
