If the SA, PAS & ADC are fitted as standard, then they shouldn't occupy optional internal slots. These three systems, one might argue, are more than likely just software based and wouldn't require any physical hardware in order for them to function. So, I think it would be a good idea to make them so that they are just part of the software and don't require internal slots, with the option of disabling them in the systems panel. That would free up three internal slots that could be much better utilised for something else. Yes, we can currently get rid of them, but if they're installed by default anyway, then surely it's given that they shouldn't take up optional internal slots?
General Supercruise Assist, Planetary Approach Suite and Advanced Docking Computer shouldn't occupy optional internal slots
- Thread starter Grinnygog
- Start date
Robert Maynard
Volunteer Moderator
The PAS lives in a slot that cannot accommodate anything else - that slot (and the module itself) was added to each ship when Horizons was released (for players playing Horizons and not the base game).
When the SA and ADC were introduced, two Class 1 slots were added to small ships and one to medium and large ships.
The only ships that lose out on a single Class 1 slot are those who fit both SA and ADC.
When the SA and ADC were introduced, two Class 1 slots were added to small ships and one to medium and large ships.
The only ships that lose out on a single Class 1 slot are those who fit both SA and ADC.
Yeah, if given the choice between SA/ADC I almost always find some better use for the slot. A limpet controller, AFMS, pretty much anything else, even if it just a size 1 slot. As it is, I almost never have one of those modules. I would have preferred they just made the PAS engineerable to include the functions of all three in that slot that exists only for it, or to allow people to buy a module that has all of those functions.
The only FA i think that should be locked in is the simple DC.
You were actually given option to uninstall them (SA and ADC) and gain additional slot(s) that weren't there before.
If they would be made part of the software and not require internal slots, our ships would loose some of those slots that we've otherwise gained thanks to that.
I agree with you, OP. From an immersion/logical perspective using physical "slots" for software is pretty inane. I guess FDev though that automatic docking was some huge advantage and needed to be balanced. Ironically, the current system handicaps new players by making them choose between being able to land their ships or use an extra slot. Veterans have no problem with ditching the assists.
The only assist I use is the docking computer, and only on some "luxury" builds. I prefer to have it, since I play with a controller and it does convenient things like putting away the landing gear upon takeoff. For serious PvP builds, I rarely use the DC.
There's a lot that doesn't make sense in ED though. Sensor arrays weighing 120 tons? Just gotta roll with the punches of unrealism.
I'm grateful for the new addition of the Advanced Docking Computer. Navigating out of a Coriolis station in my Anaconda was always a terrifying prospect because it was tricky to judge where your eye-level was in relation to that narrow exit. With the old docking computer entering the station was no worry, so I was glad for the upgrade. I've got stuck on the pylons on the exit a few times and ended up getting destroyed, usually because I forgot to retract the undercarriage. That said, with smaller ships I quite enjoy landing and taking off manually.
What I would personally like to see in a future update is an automatic fuel scoop and jump. This would be great if you wanted to travel thousands of light years but didn't want to do it all manually. You'd simply select your destination, plot the route by filtering to KGBFOAM stars, switch on the auto pilot then go watch the TV/go down the pub and come back to find your ship safely in orbit around your destination system's primary star. I know some players wouldn't like such a feature, but they could do it manually if they wanted and those of us who'd love such an autopilot system would be happy too! (I'm expecting a bit "flame" for this suggestion, but if no-one suggests these things then they'll never get implemented.)
Amazing how many people buy a game about flying spaceships and then petition to get all the spaceship flying automated ....