General Computer Core Module - a wrapper post for the highly requested feature

"October 5th 3306. A major breakthrough have been reached by a little-known startup company Norlin Technologies with a headquarter in a rural system near the Bubble's edge.
Based on the leaked report, the company's specialists have invented a new approach to building a sofisticated and universal computer modules with no risk of accidentally unleashing a general AI into the Galaxy. In the same report, there are traces of contacts between the startup company and several of the major ship manufacturers, specifically: Core Dynamics, Gutamaya and Faulcon DeLacy corporations.

The investigative journalist Kathria Campbail tried to get any official commentaries from the involved parties, but yet to be answered. After the further research, she have shared the assumption that companies are discussing adding a new Core Module for all the manufactured ships, which will use the startup's technology to replace the outdated modules such as docking computers and limpet controllers. The report says that the new technology have a strict limitations, so it will not allow to instantly implement anything beyond current capabilities, rather it introduces the same features in a much more convenient way.

Indeed, a lot of commanders and other pilots did publicly criticized the current approach, where such a basic features requires them to occupy a whole module slots, which are very limited even on a large ships. Those critics are not included directly in this report, but can easily be found on the Galaxy Network forums.

With the suggested Computer Core Module, commanders will have the access to new Software Slots section, allowing to install multiple software modules with already-existing features. For instance, the docking and flight assist will only occupy the software slots, while limpet controllers and scanners will still require a dedicated hardware modules each (one for all the limpet types, another for all the scanner types).

We can't say if the small and practically unknown company will be able to introduce such a major update to all the humanity, but the same as you, we're really interested to know more details about how the major corporations are designing their ships - does they listen to their customers or merely thinking about possible profits?"

The (non-complete) list of the related commanders critics:

  1. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/merge-utility-modules.555648/
  2. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/autodock-should-now-be-standard.553795/
  3. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...anics-but-heres-how-to-make-it-better.550468/
  4. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/limpet-types.543289/
  5. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/add-programs-scripts-for-sc-assist.545138/
  6. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...and-supercruise-assist-as-sub-modules.510121/
  7. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...ouldnt-occupy-optional-internal-slots.527796/
  8. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...ist-please-dont-make-these-cost-slots.508347/
  9. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/where-is-the-ships-computer-core.360936/
  10. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/computer-room-module.322887/
  11. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/computer-scanner-stacking.313852/
  12. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/suggestion-computer-cards.308246/
  13. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/why-does-the-docking-computer-take-space.345977/
  14. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/onboard-computer-extensions.287411/
  15. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/docking-computers.269186/
  16. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/computer-module-with-loadable-programs.303778/
  17. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...g-computer-shouldnt-need-a-cargo-slot.331146/
  18. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...ated-ship-computer-core-module-please.276683/
  19. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...-a-core-module-for-the-ships-computer.315669/
  20. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/flight-computer.219827/
  21. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/wasted-compartments-for-scanners-and-docking-computer.277819/
  22. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/feature-suggestion-ship-computer-as-upgradeable-module.243831/
  23. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/scanners-suites-and-computers-combo-ideas.232767/
 
Or, have it fit into a larger slot, and contain the scanners too.

I'm okay with a limpet launch and control system using larger slot (s), with limpets as ammo instead of tying up cargo space.

But the programs should be software. Because they ARE software, theres only the one limpet type anyway.
 
I have had a similar problem recently when I tried to run Windows 10 on an Amstrad CPC 128K.

I mean there should be no problem here, I have hardware, the Amstrad CPC 128K is a Colour Personal Computer with 16 whole individual colours and a whopping 128kb of random access memory. It even has a built in floppy disk drive.

So the software should have run on it just fine. I mean that's all Windows 10 is after all, it's just software.
 
Well, I guess if it should run on an Amstrad CPC, it should also run on a Commodore Vic 20 too, right???

Now where did I put that thing???

:"{P~~~
 
How about we replace all module slots in all ships with one big size 8 slot and just have an A rated "Everything" module?

Surely that'll make player choice and gameplay more dynamic?
 
I aret in fullest of agreements with thou good sir!

Nah seriously, I dont understand why deny us convenience, most of those scanners dont provide an actual tactical bonus, but are necessary in order to be able to travel around picking up multimissions. Basic features like these shouldnt punish the player, by making him choose between convenience, or pretty much everything else.

Personally for a space combat sim, whose combat resembles Mechwarriors Online alot, twitch shooting is a thing.And having to swtich between weapons, to be able to kill scan some sidewinder that decied to join the fight is just plain mean. If anything Kill warrant/manifest/wake should all activate automatically upon selectiion of target just like normal sensor does. And they should be merged, in order to effectively bounty hunt and get most credits, on any ship that isnt a Huge, you have to sacrifice around 4 slots between utility/optional, in order to carry all your tools.

I feel that small things like these, and the time it takes to travel within a system to get to any activity, are features that punish the players, and discourage some of the more commercial players/weekend warriors, that have real life, and just wanna jump in and have fun. Either the quest for realism is just being taken to far, or someone implemented stuff like thes just to overcomplicate things, or punish the players.

And dont get me started on trying to roleplay as the savior of all lost souls in the black, and trying to carry all the necessary limpets to fuel/repair/decontaminate, on top of recon/collector, and also a FSD booster so your giant Beluga with 256 fuel doesnt get nerfed to 40 LS, and not end up being able to do surface scans, or carry an AFM to save yourself, or even some kinda survival gear, so I dont crash and die against the first rock I accidentally hit.
 
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How about we replace all module slots in all ships with one big size 8 slot and just have an A rated "Everything" module?

Surely that'll make player choice and gameplay more dynamic?
the point of the Computer Core Module is to have more space to builds variety, not less.
Would you be glad if we didn't have the Utilities slots? Or no separate hardpoint slots?
The "software" slots will add more depth in fitting, which I believe is a good thing with no downsides (at least I did not saw any yet)

I'd take suggestions more seriously if they weren't dressed up in roleplay. 😛
yeah, sorry for that xD but there are literally dozens of non-rp suggestions on this topic, so I tried another approach…
 
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the point of the Computer Core Module is to have more space to builds variety, not less.
Would you be glad if we didn't have the Utilities slots? Or no separate hardpoint slots?
The "software" slots will add more depth in fitting, which I believe is a good thing with no downsides (at least I did not saw any yet)


yeah, sorry for that xD but there are literally dozens of non-rp suggestions on this topic, so I tried another approach…

I was being sarcastic.

My point was I'm not fond of the idea of one-size-fits-all computer slot that contains all the flight assists, limpet controllers & scanners I could ever need, it just sounds like ship outfitting on super easy mode.

Creativity in design is born out of limitation.

I don't use any flight assists, so docking/SC software but be useless for me.

I like mixing and matching different grades of limpet modules for different ship roles.
Having everything in an all-in-one package would remove all the fun of finding the right balance.

Most of my combat ships (apart from my Bounty Hunter FDL) have absolutely no need for any Limpets, Flight Assists or a DSS, so a Computer Core Module would be a giant waste of space and power on over half my fleet and you can't remove core modules so I'd be stuck with it.

If we're asking FDev for new toys I'd rather have some new engineer blueprints/effects to play with.
There are still a few current modules & weapons with little or no modifications available.
 
My point was I'm not fond of the idea of one-size-fits-all computer slot that contains all the...
That's why I don't suggest such an idea in any ways... My idea is to have a new Core Module (obviously it would have different sizes, depending on the ship size) and so different amount of Software slots (a new limiting factor).
It can also have a new parameter of "computational power" or something like that, adding a second limiting factor (thus encouraging even more creativity).

I don't use any flight assists, so docking/SC software but be useless for me.
A lot of explorers does not use any hardpoints. Should we remove all the hardpoints and weapon modules from the game?
Even more commanders are never using the Life Support core module. Is it a waste of space and power (and mass)?

I don't really understand these arguments, which are highly subjective...

The balance will still need to be found, but with different limits and new possibilities - as I said, it does not reduce the variety of fits, in fact it's significantly increasing the field of option => more fits possible => more space for creativity.
As a bonus, it opens the way to impelement more "software" modulels in future, maybe something for combat, or even for trading.
 
That's why I don't suggest such an idea in any ways... My idea is to have a new Core Module (obviously it would have different sizes, depending on the ship size) and so different amount of Software slots (a new limiting factor).
It can also have a new parameter of "computational power" or something like that, adding a second limiting factor (thus encouraging even more creativity).


A lot of explorers does not use any hardpoints. Should we remove all the hardpoints and weapon modules from the game?
Even more commanders are never using the Life Support core module. Is it a waste of space and power (and mass)?

I don't really understand these arguments, which are highly subjective...

The balance will still need to be found, but with different limits and new possibilities - as I said, it does not reduce the variety of fits, in fact it's significantly increasing the field of option => more fits possible => more space for creativity.
As a bonus, it opens the way to impelement more "software" modulels in future, maybe something for combat, or even for trading.

I never mentioned removing any slots or taking anything away.

And I understand a lot of explorers don't use or need weapons.
What I'm trying to say is in their current iteration Flight Assists, Limpets, Scanners & Weapons are essentially "Optional" modules.
If you don't want them then don't equip them, as it frees up space for other things.

Your suggestion is to add a "Core" Module that combines half a dozen "Optional" modules into one unit with a variety of packages and potentially add a new stat parameter that would need programming and balancing (how would it work? Would it affect other stats?).
"Core" modules are non-removable and all have mass & power consumption.
Sure you can exchange them for higher or lower grades, but you can't remove them.
This would force players into having a new permanent power drain/mass on their ships, half of which they'd probably neither want nor need depending on their ships purpose and could really mess up some ship builds.

And say we did get a Computer core mod that now frees up space in your Optional slots, what would you fill those empty slots with as you've now removed half a dozen of your Optional Modules? More cargo racks, another fuel tank, more armour which adds yet more mass?

The creativity comes from equipping only the things you need rather than having all the toys you want, and your idea could easily be resolved by simply asking for more "Optional" slots.

Also anyone who doesn't see the point of Life Support on a space ship doesn't have a healthy respect for the vacuum of space 😉
 
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Your suggestion is to add a "Core" Module that combines half a dozen "Optional" modules into one unit with a variety of packages and potentially add a new stat parameter that would need programming and balancing (how would it work? Would it affect other stats?).
"Core" modules are non-removable and all have mass & power consumption.
Sure you can exchange them for higher or lower grades, but you can't remove them.
This would force players into having a new permanent power drain/mass on their ships, half of which they'd probably neither want nor need depending on their ships purpose and could really mess up some ship builds.

And say we did get a Computer core mod that now frees up space in your Optional slots, what would you fill those empty slots with as you've now removed half a dozen of your Optional Modules? More cargo racks, another fuel tank, more armour which adds yet more mass?
As I've said in a few other threads when this idea comes up - none of these issues are insurmountable. My suggested approach would actually be to make the computer an optional internal module, so you can omit it if you don't want one, and you can choose to have more or less program slots by installing a larger or smaller one, analogous to how refineries work. Since this would significantly reduce the number of slots taken up (in some builds) by limpet controllers and flight computers, it would make sense to adjust the optional internal slots in existing ships. Consolidating slots to give fewer larger module slots would let you maintain about the same cargo capacity as before, and have the nice side benefit of reducing hitpoint stacking bullet sponge ships from loading up on HRPs and SCBs.
 
Your suggestion is to add a "Core" Module that combines half a dozen "Optional" modules into one unit with a variety of packages and potentially add a new stat parameter that would need programming and balancing (how would it work? Would it affect other stats?).
It does not "combine" anything. It moves some of the option modules from the "Internal Optional" slots to the new suggested "Software" slots (which are also optional).

"Core" modules are non-removable and all have mass & power consumption.
Sure, and this will add new variaty to the fitting. Though the Computer module might not to have any significant mass, since it would decrease the everyones-loved jump range.

Sure you can exchange them for higher or lower grades, but you can't remove them.
As well as you can't remove the Life Support module.

This would force players into having a new permanent power drain/mass on their ships, half of which they'd probably neither want nor need depending on their ships purpose and could really mess up some ship builds.
Players are "forced" to have a power consumption from almost any modules, I don't really get this argument. Though you already can turn off any core module, if you would like to.

And say we did get a Computer core mod that now frees up space in your Optional slots, what would you fill those empty slots with as you've now removed half a dozen of your Optional Modules? More cargo racks, another fuel tank, more armour which adds yet more mass?
There are plenty of options here. More universal limpet controllers - to control more limpets at once. More cargo racks. More shield boosters. More hull reinforcments. Though it's not neccesery to fill ALL the available slots even now, in some cases.

The creativity comes from equipping only the things you need rather than having all the toys you want, and your idea could easily be resolved by simply asking for more "Optional" slots.
That's why I'm not suggesting to simply combine the mentioned modules into a single one. Player will still have to choose, just with improved convenience and partially based on another parameters.
 
I must say I like it a lot, it reminds me of the Traveller ship building system where you had to choose software for the computer. Only thing is I'm not sure about including limpet controllers as well, if you did then I suspect all ships would have to lose the class 1 slot where the docking computer usually goes.
 
I must say I like it a lot, it reminds me of the Traveller ship building system where you had to choose software for the computer. Only thing is I'm not sure about including limpet controllers as well, if you did then I suspect all ships would have to lose the class 1 slot where the docking computer usually goes.
In my suggestion, Limpet Controller should still be a separate optional module, but it would be enough to have just a single one. And actual capabilities will depends on which software you install (separate "software module" for each of the limpet types).
Though maybe it will require the revise of optional slots amount, not sure about that.
 
"October 5th 3306. A major breakthrough have been reached by a little-known startup company Norlin Technologies with a headquarter in a rural system near the Bubble's edge.
Based on the leaked report, the company's specialists have invented a new approach to building a sofisticated and universal computer modules with no risk of accidentally unleashing a general AI into the Galaxy. In the same report, there are traces of contacts between the startup company and several of the major ship manufacturers, specifically: Core Dynamics, Gutamaya and Faulcon DeLacy corporations.

The investigative journalist Kathria Campbail tried to get any official commentaries from the involved parties, but yet to be answered. After the further research, she have shared the assumption that companies are discussing adding a new Core Module for all the manufactured ships, which will use the startup's technology to replace the outdated modules such as docking computers and limpet controllers. The report says that the new technology have a strict limitations, so it will not allow to instantly implement anything beyond current capabilities, rather it introduces the same features in a much more convenient way.

Indeed, a lot of commanders and other pilots did publicly criticized the current approach, where such a basic features requires them to occupy a whole module slots, which are very limited even on a large ships. Those critics are not included directly in this report, but can easily be found on the Galaxy Network forums.

With the suggested Computer Core Module, commanders will have the access to new Software Slots section, allowing to install multiple software modules with already-existing features. For instance, the docking and flight assist will only occupy the software slots, while limpet controllers and scanners will still require a dedicated hardware modules each (one for all the limpet types, another for all the scanner types).

We can't say if the small and practically unknown company will be able to introduce such a major update to all the humanity, but the same as you, we're really interested to know more details about how the major corporations are designing their ships - does they listen to their customers or merely thinking about possible profits?"

The (non-complete) list of the related commanders critics:

  1. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/merge-utility-modules.555648/
  2. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/autodock-should-now-be-standard.553795/
  3. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...anics-but-heres-how-to-make-it-better.550468/
  4. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/limpet-types.543289/
  5. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/add-programs-scripts-for-sc-assist.545138/
  6. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...and-supercruise-assist-as-sub-modules.510121/
  7. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...ouldnt-occupy-optional-internal-slots.527796/
  8. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...ist-please-dont-make-these-cost-slots.508347/
  9. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/where-is-the-ships-computer-core.360936/
  10. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/computer-room-module.322887/
  11. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/computer-scanner-stacking.313852/
  12. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/suggestion-computer-cards.308246/
  13. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/why-does-the-docking-computer-take-space.345977/
  14. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/onboard-computer-extensions.287411/
  15. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/docking-computers.269186/
  16. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/computer-module-with-loadable-programs.303778/
  17. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...g-computer-shouldnt-need-a-cargo-slot.331146/
  18. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...ated-ship-computer-core-module-please.276683/
  19. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...-a-core-module-for-the-ships-computer.315669/
  20. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/flight-computer.219827/
  21. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/wasted-compartments-for-scanners-and-docking-computer.277819/
  22. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/feature-suggestion-ship-computer-as-upgradeable-module.243831/
  23. https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/scanners-suites-and-computers-combo-ideas.232767/
It seems that at least part of the technological breakthrough from Norlin Technologies will be available already this week with the new universal limpet controller ;)
 
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