Newcomer / Intro Question on Power useage of FSD

[Lightfoot]

When configuring a ship it tell you the Power requirements of the different components but doesn't tell you if those components are always drawing power.

For example, the FSD 3D is rated with a -2.79 Power draw. But in normal space for a dog fight is it drawing any power? Or does that number only matter when you engage the FSD?

Are their other components like that? Only drawing power when in use?

 

[SeregDuin]

Most components will try to draw power even when not needed. Weapons will only draw power when deployed.
If you are using too much power all modules will shut down. You need to go into the modules tab and set the priorities for unneeded modules so that only they shut down when you are drawing too
much power.
Set FSD, Frameshift interdicters and any other modules that are only used in supercruise to priority 3 or 4
and only those modules will shut down when you deploy your weapons. When you put your weapons away
they will turn back on and you can go to supercruise.
You can also turn modules off if you don't need them like extra shield cell banks and cargo hatch
so that they use no power until you turn them on manually.
If you go to http://www.edshipyard.com/ you can see how your setup will use power and turn
modules on and off to see the results of priorities.

 

[Shaele]

If a component lists a power usage in the modules screen, it will pull that all the time, except for weapons as they only use power when deployed.

Typically what I do for combat ships is set the cargo hatch, FSD and similar to #2 priority, that way they get disabled when fighting, but as soon as I close the weapons ports they re-activate.

The EDShipyard link is very good for working out whats possible