I've been thinking about Discovery and Surface Scanners, Docking Computers and the Planetary Approach Suite, and how they are currently implemented and what could be done with them in the future.
Currently, they follow the same implementation as any other internal compartment device does - they are entirely separate systems that take up relatively small amounts of space, often significantly less than the slot can hold. Also, each of these devices has a certain amount of overlap with other modules in regards to their functions.
With the upcoming arrival of Engineers to the game, and given the ongoing R&D of certain tech-oriented factions and corporations, it seems logical that we start to see new variants of these old standards designed for efficient use of space, power, and resources.
There are two avenues these variants could be introduced - through engineers or the outfitting market directly that are offered at a very limited number of locations first, then slowing expanding availability throughout occupied space over the next two years. Given their somewhat limited availability, these new items should be available for Engineers to create their own improvised versions, though not as efficiently, using 20% more power and weight. Since these items only free up the smallest compartments, I don't believe these pose much of a threat to game balance.
Currently, they follow the same implementation as any other internal compartment device does - they are entirely separate systems that take up relatively small amounts of space, often significantly less than the slot can hold. Also, each of these devices has a certain amount of overlap with other modules in regards to their functions.
With the upcoming arrival of Engineers to the game, and given the ongoing R&D of certain tech-oriented factions and corporations, it seems logical that we start to see new variants of these old standards designed for efficient use of space, power, and resources.
- Combined System Scanner - Mass:3T Class: 1 Rating: A Power: 1MW Price: for 4 Million CR, you get an Advanced Discovery Scanner and Surface Scanner in one.
- Combined Approach Suite - Mass:1T Class: 1 Rating: A Power: 0.45 MW Price: 150,000 CR combines your docking computer with the standard Approach Suite.
There are two avenues these variants could be introduced - through engineers or the outfitting market directly that are offered at a very limited number of locations first, then slowing expanding availability throughout occupied space over the next two years. Given their somewhat limited availability, these new items should be available for Engineers to create their own improvised versions, though not as efficiently, using 20% more power and weight. Since these items only free up the smallest compartments, I don't believe these pose much of a threat to game balance.