Newcomer / Intro Chaff - low power?

[Abiodyan]

Hey All:

Any ideas as to why my chaff system frequently says 'low power' and isn't available for use? I'm running a pretty tight power config on my Viper, but I have more than enough modules disabled (set to priority: 2) when my hardpoints are deployed that the module itself should have enough power to function. It seems like if I divert power to systems (rather than weapons or engines) then the system will power back up... but I could be imagining this. I can't seem to make heads or tales of why the system is *sometimes* powered down but other times powered up.

Thanks!

 

[andyraptor]

could be that chaff comes under "system" rather than "weapons" ?

reading on here .. most people seem to have a offensive set-up with max pips to weapons and engines and only divert power to systems when they go defensive.... I would count chaff as a defensive measure ???

I'm grasping at straws here so I could be completely wrong.... sorry

 

[thorn-]

Chaff requires that you have at least 1 pip in System to recharge. Once it's recharged you can put the pip somewhere else if you like, and repeat the process as needed.

 

[Cooperman]

Chaff requires that you have at least 1 pip in System to recharge. Once it's recharged you can put the pip somewhere else if you like, and repeat the process as needed.

yup this,manage your pips on system and you can always move them after its "charged"

 

[Abiodyan]

Great, thanks for the quick replies everyone!

 

[JohnRoberts]

Yeah, I don't get this "4 pips to weapons, 2 to engines" approach. At least in combat, your available power needs to be continuously micro-managed. You need to keep one eye on the capacitors, and read the situation ahead to make sure whatever capacitor you will need has enough in it before you need it.

(That's not a criticism - it's a great mechanic that adds a lot to the game).

 

[thorn-]

Yeah, I don't get this "4 pips to weapons, 2 to engines" approach.

Ditto. I'm reassigning pips constantly across all 3 banks during combat. If i'm not able to get a good shot (turning around, boosting away to come around for a new pass) then in those moments I'm pulling pips off weapons and back to shields or engines. You can't just have a "0/2/4" combat setting" and leave it there.

 

[Abiodyan]

I'm also constantly reassigning, which is why I couldn't figure out why I could use my chaff sometimes, but not others (further complicated by the fact that once there's 'one in the chamber' you can reassign the pip). TBH, though, in my Viper I'm really only distributing pips between weapons and engines. I'll recharge SYS between fights for my shields, but if I start taking serious fire at any point, I go full ENG + SYS, bug out, and reassess the situation.

 

[Firebeard]

Have to admit I tend to default to 2 in systems 4 in weapons on my viper but as you say if I need engines/ more speed in shield recharge will modify on the fly.

Chaff needs systems power definitely as I found last night.