Retractable fuel scoops

noodle · Dec 24, 2014

For the love of all that is holy, please make fuel scoops retractable/deployable. It's incredibly annoying to start shopping when you're trying to interdict someone close to the sun (or escape interdiction). Is there any legitimate reason for them being permanently deployed? Also, it would feel more plausible if their use was dependent upon orientation.

schuesseled · Dec 24, 2014

Does it even slow you down?

noodle · Dec 24, 2014

No, but it dramatically increases your heat.

schuesseled · Dec 24, 2014

True but rarely a problem. Just submit or escape away from the star.

Have you tried cutting power to it.

Edson · Dec 24, 2014

Can the scoop not be disabled in the power management screen on the right?

Edit: Just looked. Seems you can turn it off.

schuesseled · Dec 24, 2014

Awesome. Problem solved.

Lestat · Dec 24, 2014

I think this would annoy people then anything. Maybbe add something like a on/off feature.

schuesseled · Dec 24, 2014

If you ask me every function on the right systems panel needs to be bindable.

Kramster · Dec 24, 2014

noodle said:
No, but it dramatically increases your heat.

Isn't that due to the big glowie thing off the starboard bow?

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An on off toggle would be preferable, I like the scoop working on auto.

noodle · Dec 24, 2014

Doesn't make much sense as things stand though. Where is the thing? Shouldn't a scoop be something you deploy? And shouldn't it only work if the scoop is on the sun facing side? Just feels like a half-implemented mechanic.

Tettric · Dec 24, 2014

If you're deep enough to scoop then whatever you're scooping is all around you not just underneath you.

noodle · Dec 24, 2014

Tettric said:
If you're deep enough to scoop then whatever you're scooping is all around you not just underneath you.

Handwavium. And unless FD explain the mechanic, it's just supposition.

Oss133 · Dec 24, 2014

I am not fussed about orientation but I do agree that it seems odd not to have to deploy it before use.

mojonaut · Dec 24, 2014

Jeez I can just see the fuss now if it were made manual, another thing for the pilot to do, the 'I need a Docking Computer and Autopilot brigade' would have palpitations

noodle · Dec 24, 2014

mojonaut said:
Jeez I can just see the fuss now if it were made manual, another thing for the pilot to do, the 'I need a Docking Computer and Autopilot brigade' would have palpitations

I know, right? Actually, maybe the fuel tank should just top itself up over time without having to mess around with stars

schuesseled · Dec 24, 2014

The scoop is not a literal scoop, read its description.

Besides which, point up and away from the star and it loses effectiveness.

starjump · Dec 24, 2014

noodle said:
Doesn't make much sense as things stand though. Where is the thing? Shouldn't a scoop be something you deploy? And shouldn't it only work if the scoop is on the sun facing side? Just feels like a half-implemented mechanic.

Agreed. Either make it deployable or at least make bindable buttons to the right screen functions so we can shut the fuel scoop down when we dont need it. Should be an easy fix.

noodle · Dec 24, 2014

schuesseled said:
The scoop is not a literal scoop, read its description.

Besides which, point up and away from the star and it loses effectiveness.

Where is it on my ship then? I can't see it

starjump · Dec 24, 2014

noodle said:
Where is it on my ship then? I can't see it

Maybe a hatch opening that expose some gadget to the heat & radiation? No idea. Maybe magical?

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EDIT: Again, would be nice with a bindable button to toggle it on/off so you can do that quick when needed.

noodle · Dec 24, 2014

On a related note, I'd prefer to see shields/scoops/landing grade cause shields to drop, just for a bit of extra spice