Computer/scanner stacking

[Br0th3r]

[h=2]Greeting,[/h]

There is a question that running through my head for quite some time already and I believe this is the time to talk about it.

We all hahe this issue when we whant to go exploring with a big ship : We use size 4 compartment for scanner or even for docking computer once in a time. But I was wondering... Since it's all of thoses part's are computer part, would it be possible to stack them to a point? I mean, could it be possible to put a body scanner in the same compartment than a surface scanner?

Or, since they are supposed to be seperate module, they could take more place, like each of the computer module that you want to put together double in size in order to seperate them accordingly. By example, a body scanner and a surface scanner together could use a size 4 compartment.

Or, maybe creating a computer module who's purpose is to stack scanner or other computer devices that can do this feature?

Sincerely,
Cpt. Bax​

 

[trollson]

This is what I was trying to suggest in the thread "Computer Module with loadable Programs" - to have a computer component into which you can load programs (separate configuration tab) to perform various functions currently represented by seperate modules; have the performance of these programs depend on the computer and ancillary systems (eg sensors).

 

[Non Grata]

can't read that text colour.

 

[evilscoop]

+1
Id actually like to see this as compartment limit....ie If you have a 3 compartment you can fit 3x1slot or 1x2 + 1x1 etc....whatever adds up to the limit.
It annoys me to think there is wasted space there....

Computer module sounds like a good idea, especially if we can get a "hacking module" and upload a virii to other computers to siphon off credits

 

[Br0th3r]

Computer module sounds like a good idea, especially if we can get a "hacking module" and upload a virii to other computers to siphon off credits

That would be abusing XD

 

[Meckruco]

i agree with OP, trollson, and evilscoop. i always thought that the scanners could go togeather in a single space if it was 3 or above.

 

[Galactic Fork]

Greeting,

There is a question that running through my head for quite some time already and I believe this is the time to talk about it.

We all hahe this issue when we whant to go exploring with a big ship : We use size 4 compartment for scanner or even for docking computer once in a time. But I was wondering... Since it's all of thoses part's are computer part, would it be possible to stack them to a point? I mean, could it be possible to put a body scanner in the same compartment than a surface scanner?

Or, since they are supposed to be seperate module, they could take more place, like each of the computer module that you want to put together double in size in order to seperate them accordingly. By example, a body scanner and a surface scanner together could use a size 4 compartment.

Or, maybe creating a computer module who's purpose is to stack scanner or other computer devices that can do this feature?

Sincerely,
Cpt. Bax​

But sensors aren't just part of the computer, or even part of the internal sensors. It's not like our space probes have "sensors" and we add capabilities in software packages. We need a particular device to look into space in infrared, or another to detect x-rays, another for cosmic rays. Each one is its own device, and each one takes space. So the device that detects all the bodies in a solar system has a completely different set of components than the one that specifically scans an individual body to detect specific details. Why they have to be 2 tons and 1.3 tons is anyone's guess, but they are not simply added to the computer or sensors.

As for module stacking, I see it like a PC. Sure you can get an form adapter to fit 2 2.5" HDDs in a 3.5" bay, But if your PC has 2 3.5" bays, Even if you put in 4 2.5" hdds in this method, it won't matter if your motherboard only had 2 SATA ports to match its 2 bays, you'd only be able to use 2 of the HDDs. So imagine the bays have associated ports and none extra.

Docking computers though... yeah, not sure why it's not just a software package.
Limpet controllers are interesting. 1) the transmitter are probably very specific and take up some space on their own. 2) I kinda figured the controllers also print out specific hardware to load onto the limpets. The prospector limpet needs to be loaded with clamps to attach to asteroids, and sensors to scan complete composition. The hatch breaker needs special equipment the prospector wouldn't need. And so on. So I could imagine he limpet adujstment machinery takes up space.

 

[IamKnowjaun]

Id actually like to see this as compartment limit....ie If you have a 3 compartment you can fit 3x1slot or 1x2 + 1x1 etc....whatever adds up to the limit.
It annoys me to think there is wasted space there....

+1
Maybe a ship 'chassis engineer' for reconfiguring compartments... and adding utility points.

could mod 2x2 into 1x4 for 8 extra tons!

 

[James Son]

I (and i'm sure many others before me) have already requested a similar thing in the past. For the scanners at least, it's a pity in large ships to have to waste 2x3 or 2x4 compartments to put the 2 scanning devices. I expect FD to somehow release a new kind of device in the future which will combine a Detailed Surface Scanner and an Advanced Discovery Scanner. Could be more expensive than the two separate devices but will consume only 1 compartment (hopefully a x2 one).

In order for these things to be released though, time is required to check whether adding them unbalances things. There are already several things that could use fine-tuning, i assume FD doesn't want to add to that pile. It seems now with 2.2.03 beta, they are trying to rebalance quite a few of them in one try. I wish them luck and also to be able to include a device similar to what i'm describing here.

IMO such a device should not be heavier and should not consume more power than the combination of the two existing ones (doesn't really make sense), for that reason though should be much more expensive than their combined prices.

could mod 2x2 into 1x4 for 8 extra tons!

Nope, don't agree with that. You have to take into consideration the space the frames would consume for such a result, so 2x2 would not make 1x4 but probably 1x3. This complicates things. Combining modules would probably produce a simpler result.