Newcomer / Intro Problem installing 'smaller' thrusters

[Balin]

I have a Python, and instead of the standard Size 6 Thrusters, I wanted to fit Size 5D thrusters to improve jump range.

I had an engineered 5D thruster in my stored modules, so I tried to swap it in to the Python. The system wouldn't let me. If I tried to swap it from the Core Modules screen, the 5D module was not on the list of available modules to fit.

If I went to the Stored Modules screen, it said 'Transfer Unavailable' in red.

However, if I go to 'Browse Shop', I can fit a 5D module with no problem at all.

In fact, I did just that; I fitted a clean, standard 5D module, bought from the shop, took it off to Prof Palin and modded it up to Dirty Drives 5 and Drag Drives, and came back to Jameson Memorial. Swopped it out for my standard 6A thruster module, then tried to switch the 5D back in again, and it won't let me.

In an EDSY breadboard build, it also gives errors in the recipe, suggesting that a 5D cannot be used by a Python.

So is it that there is a bug where the shop lets my buy one where it shouldn't? Or is there something else I am missing here? It's all really weird...

 

[Ashnak]

What's the maximum loaded mass of your Python? 5D DD drag have a maximum mass of 827 tons. So, if your Python has an unloaded mass of, let's say, 700 tons and a loaded mass (to grab another number form the hat) of 900 tons, you can fit an standard 5D thruster (maximum mass 945 tons), then engineer it (probably no check against ship mass) and take off/fly around unless you load her up.
But you can't fit a thruster to your ship where the loaded ship mass exceeds the maximum thruster mass - like in the case of the engineered 5D.

 

[sinisalo]

How slow is a Python with 5D dirty drags? And how much jump range does it add over 6As?

 

[Para Handy]

The Dirty Drive G5 mod has a -13% optimal mass penalty so that is probably the issue. You can degrade it when it is fitted, giving you urine-poor performance but outfitting won't let you stick a modded one on.

 

[[VR] Orodruin]

Please link the EDSY build.

 

[Balin]

Aha! Yes, that is indeed what the problem was. I was trying to add the 5D to the ship as she was fitted out as a combat tank. With the exploration setup, much lighter, so it works. Thank you

Link to the exploration build is here:

EDSY

EDSY is a ship outfitting tool for Elite Dangerous

edsy.org

 

[Balin]

How slow is a Python with 5D dirty drags? And how much jump range does it add over 6As?

Added about 3Ly iirc...

 

[Chris Simon]

Maybe a stupid question, but why would you want an exporation Python in the first place?

I mean except the reason that you love that ship so much that you want to use specifically her (which is a valid reason, I'm not judging), there is probably like 20 other ships that will be more suited for that role.

 

[Anticon]

Maybe a stupid question, but why would you want an exporation Python in the first place?

I understand the sentiment behind that question. I started with an exploPython, really liked it. But then I flew a Phantom.... Ta Da! Much better (for me anyway). Have you tried other ships? Not that you have to, of course.

 

[Balin]

Maybe a stupid question, but why would you want an exporation Python in the first place?

I mean except the reason that you love that ship so much that you want to use specifically her (which is a valid reason, I'm not judging), there is probably like 20 other ships that will be more suited for that role.

I mean that's a great question, not a stupid one.

First reason is that I already had the ship in my fleet, so decided to use her for the 'mission' since she has a reasonable jump range when fitted with a Guardian 5 FSD Booster - just over 50Ly I think.

The 'mission' is that I want to do a long-range exploration, but without using the Conda I have (I used her on the last such mission) because she was just too big. She steers like a block of flats and is restricted in where she can land on mats planets - sometimes it's hard to find a sufficiently large level space to set down.


My proposed exploration setup is this:

EDSY

EDSY is a ship outfitting tool for Elite Dangerous

edsy.org

...the fuel transfer limpet because I am a Fuel Rat and if I am going to be outside the Bubble then I may as well be equipped to help others who may get into dificulty that far out. Sure, it would need a pretty big coincidence to be near them, but there's a good chance I could help where no-one else can.

Why a 64-cap cargo rack? Because that loadout has everything else I need already, so the only space left is a size-6 slot, I need a cargo space for my limpets (I would probably buy four and then synth further units as/if required) and so why not a huge cargo rack; it doesn't weigh any more than a size 1 unless you actually put cargo in it

My Conda exploration setup was this:

EDSY

EDSY is a ship outfitting tool for Elite Dangerous

edsy.org

...which also included a collection limpet controller, goodness knows why

I would prefer to have two AFMUs on board, one to repair the other. I also prefer to haev a two-SRV vehicle hangar, so a size 4. But that latter is not essential.

TBH I have so far done exploration only using ships already in my stable. I know there are probably countless threads on optimum exploration ships and configurations, but if you have any suggestions then I'm all ears.

 

[Chris Simon]

I mean that's a great question, not a stupid one.

First reason is that I already had the ship in my fleet, so decided to use her for the 'mission' since she has a reasonable jump range when fitted with a Guardian 5 FSD Booster - just over 50Ly I think.

The 'mission' is that I want to do a long-range exploration, but without using the Conda I have (I used her on the last such mission) because she was just too big. She steers like a block of flats and is restricted in where she can land on mats planets - sometimes it's hard to find a sufficiently large level space to set down.


My proposed exploration setup is this:

EDSY

EDSY is a ship outfitting tool for Elite Dangerous

edsy.org

...the fuel transfer limpet because I am a Fuel Rat and if I am going to be outside the Bubble then I may as well be equipped to help others who may get into dificulty that far out. Sure, it would need a pretty big coincidence to be near them, but there's a good chance I could help where no-one else can.

Why a 64-cap cargo rack? Because that loadout has everything else I need already, so the only space left is a size-6 slot, I need a cargo space for my limpets (I would probably buy four and then synth further units as/if required) and so why not a huge cargo rack; it doesn't weigh any more than a size 1 unless you actually put cargo in it

My Conda exploration setup was this:

EDSY

EDSY is a ship outfitting tool for Elite Dangerous

edsy.org

...which also included a collection limpet controller, goodness knows why

I would prefer to have two AFMUs on board, one to repair the other. I also prefer to haev a two-SRV vehicle hangar, so a size 4. But that latter is not essential.

TBH I have so far done exploration only using ships already in my stable. I know there are probably countless threads on optimum exploration ships and configurations, but if you have any suggestions then I'm all ears.

That is a very thought-through reason so I agree with it.
After all, my main concern was the range but you seem to have succeeded at that. I was just curious about what led you to this decision and your Python looks like she will be able to do all the things you want to do.

 

[Balin]

That is a very thought-through reason so I agree with it.
After all, my main concern was the range but you seem to have succeeded at that. I was just curious about what led you to this decision and your Python looks like she will be able to do all the things you want to do.

Thanks Chris My main concern, like yours, was also the range issue. I haven't yet tried to cross the Abyss but a 53Ly max jump range may be a hindrance there. I would need to visit some tips threads to see how others did out there.

But I meant what I said about suggestions. I find this whole subject fascinating and money isn't really an object; while not a lot by Fleet Carrier owners' standards, I have just over 2bn credits so I can afford any ship.

 

[Ashnak]

The 'mission' is that I want to do a long-range exploration, but without using the Conda I have (I used her on the last such mission) because she was just too big. She steers like a block of flats and is restricted in where she can land on mats planets - sometimes it's hard to find a sufficiently large level space to set down.

And the Python is better?

If agility and landing space are your main concerns, never ever even think about setting up a Dolphin.

 

[[VR] Orodruin]

If agility and landing space are your main concerns, never ever even think about setting up a Dolphin.

Three letters: DBX.

 

[Ashnak]

Thanks Chris My main concern, like yours, was also the range issue. I haven't yet tried to cross the Abyss but a 53Ly max jump range may be a hindrance there. I would need to visit some tips threads to see how others did out there.

But I meant what I said about suggestions. I find this whole subject fascinating and money isn't really an object; while not a lot by Fleet Carrier owners' standards, I have just over 2bn credits so I can afford any ship.

I've recently (well, I parked at Salomé's Reach a month or so ago) crossed The Abyss with a 40-and-a-bit ly Dolphin and a few boosts via the Rock Rat Run. Many fewer boosts than theoretically necessary if you follow the route - in some cases, it's simply the question whether you want to trade a single boost for ~10 jumps around the hole. IMO, anything that can reach 42 ly on fumes (that's what you need for Salomé's Reach) is perfectly viable.

If I ever return to the Bubble (at my current pace, that might take another three years - yes, I have a secon CMDR in the Bubble), my choice of exploration ship is torn between the Dolphin (similar, if not identical, to the build I linked above) and a Krait Mk.II for the fighter hangar.
I did the run to Colonia in a Python. Once.

 

[Ashnak]

Three letters: DBX.

More range, less internals, that pesky size 4 scoop for a size 5 FSD - and it can't do this:

Spoiler

Admittedly, that's my racing loadout - I haven't tested an exploration loadout yet, but since there's still a bit löeeway, I don't see why that wouldn't work.

 

[Chris Simon]

I haven't yet tried to cross the Abyss but a 53Ly max jump range may be a hindrance there. I would need to visit some tips threads to see how others did out there.

From my personal experience, if you want to push the ship beyond 50LY, you're need to start seriously compromising all her other components so it's not worth it.
My longest-jumping ship (and the one I usually use for long range exploration) is a DBX and she's got something around 56 LY and I am unwilling to do any more things to her.

 

[Para Handy]

One of the main advantages of the Python surely must be that if you are in the cockpit for a long journey it is pleasant to have that faux-walnut dashboard so reminiscent of the ancient classic land travel vehicle, the "motor car".