So if I have power in reserve with all hardpoints deployed (with several un-needed modules turned off, I run at about 95% with hard points deployed in combat), does that extra un-used power do anything? Will I be able the maintain a longer charge on my beam weapons?
Question regarding power usage...
- Thread starter Blitzen Trap
- Start date
its just unused power. If you are able to turn off non-essential modules for combat then you would probably gain from adding something that uses more power but would be an upgrade for you.
I might be wrong but I see it more as 'power draw'.
If you turn off some lights in your house in doesn't make the remaining ones brighter, it simply draws less power.
Your power plant will convert fuel from your fuel tank into energy.
This energy supplies electricity to your systems (such as shields), electricity to your weapons, and plasma to your engines.
A higher class / larger power plant will produce more energy. This will allow you to run modules that need to draw more power.
A higher rated power plant will be more efficient and waste less energy / run cooler.
To get this energy from your power plant to your systems weapons and engines you need to distribute it among them.
The power distributor stores energy in capacitors, and also works to recharge these capacitors as the energy gets used. Better power distributors will have larger capacitors to satisfy the needs of high draw weapons like beam lasers, and will also recharge at a faster rate.
As a practical example, if you want something to keep on shooting for a long time... simply use a weapon with a low power draw (class 1 pulse laser) drawing from a really good power distributor (large capacitors and fast recharge rate) which runs off a really good power plant (producing an abundance of energy and less heat).
I hope that helps!!
If you turn off some lights in your house in doesn't make the remaining ones brighter, it simply draws less power.
Your power plant will convert fuel from your fuel tank into energy.
This energy supplies electricity to your systems (such as shields), electricity to your weapons, and plasma to your engines.
A higher class / larger power plant will produce more energy. This will allow you to run modules that need to draw more power.
A higher rated power plant will be more efficient and waste less energy / run cooler.
To get this energy from your power plant to your systems weapons and engines you need to distribute it among them.
The power distributor stores energy in capacitors, and also works to recharge these capacitors as the energy gets used. Better power distributors will have larger capacitors to satisfy the needs of high draw weapons like beam lasers, and will also recharge at a faster rate.
As a practical example, if you want something to keep on shooting for a long time... simply use a weapon with a low power draw (class 1 pulse laser) drawing from a really good power distributor (large capacitors and fast recharge rate) which runs off a really good power plant (producing an abundance of energy and less heat).
I hope that helps!!
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Got it. So an A rated class 3 generator with an A rated class 4 ( I think) distributor for a Viper mrk4 is about the best I can get for power to the beam weapons
The lower your power consumption the lower your fuel burn rate and the better your powerplant manages heat build up. Although this help is not nearly as useful as a better rated powerplant.
A 5A powerplant at 92% is still more heat/fuel efficient than say a 6C at 88% (yes a 6C has a higher power output then a 5A powerplant.)
-Ozy
A 5A powerplant at 92% is still more heat/fuel efficient than say a 6C at 88% (yes a 6C has a higher power output then a 5A powerplant.)
-Ozy
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I think that's how it works yes. Also worth looking at the 'power draw' in the information tab when you purchase other modules like thrusters / shields etc. You don't have to 'A-rate' everything all the time, and as I understand it, modules that draw less power will free up more of it for your weapons. The lower power draw also produces less heat if you want to reduce your heat signature for stealth reasons, and become slightly harder to detect at range.
I am still getting used to outfitting ships, although I have a grasp of it there are people who will be able to advise you on combat load outs much better than myself!
No, your power distributior is responsible for that.
As a habit, I always purchase the lowest class A rated powerplant I need to buy to meet my energy needs. It is a carry over from exploring, but what i live by for heat management.
-Ozy
-Ozy