First big jaunt around the stars....

[Capt. Hook]

Currently 8K from starting system and about to jump to a black hole in NGC 6357 then head to Rohini before back to the bubble. Maybe about 16k all in?

Next run might make it to sag A but will save that for another day!

 

[OldManKnott]

Nice work Commander. Would be interesting to know what your ship & setup is.

 

[Capt. Hook]

Just an Aspx, stripped down to d modules with exception of 5a Frameshift, 3a fuel scoop, 3a field maintenance. Have 32t cargo and planetary buggy. Adv. Scanner for exploration. Its getting max 34ly a jump which suits me.

Looking at galaxy chart more like 20k to get back to where I begun but heyho!

 

[Paul Bambury]

Sounds similar to what I've just bought and fitted. Headed out into the black for my first big trip yesterday. No particular goal in mind, just want to get my name on the map. Currently about 400Ly out from Sol heading along the Orion Spur between Barnard's Loop and the Coalsack; so quite a way to go yet

 

[OldManKnott]

The only problem I see is the fuel scoop. That must take a while to re-fuel with a 3a? Might be worth a small grind when back in the bubble to engineer the FSD up then you can seriously upgrade the scoop, (assuming you have horizons). With my 5a scoop, (also an AspX), I can refuel in a minute, (which is usually more than enough time to check out the system map for anything interesting).

 

[ITZC0ATL]

The only problem I see is the fuel scoop. That must take a while to re-fuel with a 3a? Might be worth a small grind when back in the bubble to engineer the FSD up then you can seriously upgrade the scoop, (assuming you have horizons). With my 5a scoop, (also an AspX), I can refuel in a minute, (which is usually more than enough time to check out the system map for anything interesting).

I'll second that, you'll save precious time by fitting your ship with the largest fuel scoop you can afford.

You can also downsize your powerplant, a 3A or 2A (with some engineering) will both work well in an exploration Asp. Size 2/3 because you don't need everything powered at once, A-rated because it's better for heat dispersion which helps with fuel scooping.

 

[KillaALF]

Just an Aspx, stripped down to d modules with exception of 5a Frameshift, 3a fuel scoop, ...

Ouch, just reading that hurts. For exploration builds you should always put the Fuel Scoop in the biggest slot you have available - even if you can't afford an "A" rated one, the lower grades are often far more effective than high graded, but smaller scoops.

6D Fuel Scoop / Rate 0.502 T/s / 449,430Cr
3A Fuel Scoop / Rate 0.175 T/s / 902,950Cr

Half the price and 3x as fast.

 

[dognosh]

Just an Aspx, stripped down to d modules with exception of 5a Frameshift, 3a fuel scoop, 3a field maintenance. Have 32t cargo and planetary buggy. Adv. Scanner for exploration. Its getting max 34ly a jump which suits me.

Looking at galaxy chart more like 20k to get back to where I begun but heyho!

Purely for long term exploration :
1) Make sure your power plant is A rated(3A, 4A or 5A. I have 3A) , the heat mechanics on A is exceptional
2) Biggest Fuel scoop is a must !!!
3) Get rid of your cargo racks, why do you need them ?

4) My(nearly) build for Distant Worlds 2 : ASP E DW2 BUILD

Why nearly ? because I am using it for Guardians so I needed racks. I will replace one cargo rack with an AFMU,the other I will wait and see in Q4 what FD is giving exploration(maybe the Guardian Booster?).
Why 2 SRVs ? You would know if you went on DW1

p.s. I love boosting,but if not, you can go lower on P Dist and Thrusters for more jump range.

 

[the source 0179]

Just an Aspx, stripped down to d modules with exception of 5a Frameshift, 3a fuel scoop, 3a field maintenance. Have 32t cargo and planetary buggy. Adv. Scanner for exploration. Its getting max 34ly a jump which suits me.

Looking at galaxy chart more like 20k to get back to where I begun but heyho!

I'm in my python out in the black at the moment. Doing my first trip to colonia. Not direct though. She has a 40.8ly jump. Scoops in about 15sec or so. About 3000lys out at the moment. Going slower than I expected as I have found a path of undiscovered that has been going for over 2000lys. I guess because most cmdrs go the most direct or use neutron highway. But its great because I'll get a ton of first discovered and a nice payout when I get to colonia. Only 2 earth like so far. About 15 water worlds. And all the usual otherwise. Stars are getting a little thin as I'm about a 1000lys up and about to cross the gap in the arm I'm on.
Enjoying the trip. I may head to Sag A again on my way back.

 

[Capt. Hook]

All good advice. Sadly no engineered modules as not touched engineers yet... fuel scoop is a drag; takes a good minute to fill - don't take it above 65degrees as paranoid!

As it happens the cargo space has been abit useful. So far on this little trip I've managed to collect 9 large survey data caches and 11 small ones. Bit random and prob would swap out for other mods.

 

[ITZC0ATL]

All good advice. Sadly no engineered modules as not touched engineers yet... fuel scoop is a drag; takes a good minute to fill - don't take it above 65degrees as paranoid!

As it happens the cargo space has been abit useful. So far on this little trip I've managed to collect 9 large survey data caches and 11 small ones. Bit random and prob would swap out for other mods.

Even without engineers, you can downsize the powerplant and power distributor, if you are careful It all depends how much you want to min/max your ship!

For some, they only need enough jump range to get where they're going - for others, ship optimisation is a large part of exploration!

 

[Paul Bambury]

As others have said, you definitely want to put an A rated fuel scoop in the largest slot on any explorer build; it doesn't add to weight and the retank times making fuelling a doodle. Re engineers, get access to Felicity Farseer and overcharge your power plant. She only does L1 upgrades but even that 12% means you can fit an AspX with a D rated plant and still carry shields/weaponry - just in case...

Here's my build https://eddp.co/u/rzPcLKeC

 

[sinisalo]

As others have said, you definitely want to put an A rated fuel scoop in the largest slot on any explorer build

To be fair, I don't think that's what's being said, a 6A fuel scoop is what, 27 million? I think you want to put the biggest fuel scoop, not necessarily A-rated. My deep diver Asp X uses a 6C.

 

[Capt. Hook]

Thanks everyone for advice. Managed to drag my butt to Rohini last night and see that there is outfitting available so will see if I can adjust a few things

Interestingly I went from aimless to pioneer in this one run. I reckon a dedicated 2 week exploration run would see me getting elite if I put my mind to it. Right now my commander will chuck me out of the airlock if I suggest it! Have not mentioned the 260 jumps back to start position yet....