Thoughts on this Anaconda Exploration build, or should I spring for a Cutter?

[Hooplah]

Here's my luxury A-rated exploration Anaconda. I need to tweak it a little per the mining aspect. Are limpets even needed? Can limpets be restocked via synthesis? I like the 35LY jump range (37LY if I convert the old FSD and max it out with the new engineering) to see more systems versus going from A to B with the least jumps. Might be a problem with longer jumps required thus coming up to speed with neutron star FSD increases. Still it worked fine for that 5,000LY requirement to unlock an Engineer.

Having two accounts I was thinking the PC is my main do everything and the PS4 for extreme exploration. Still I haven't taken the plunge yet...too many friends made on the PS4. Guess I'll need another account when they go on sale!

 

[Bob Lighthouse]

I initially had a 2a PP installed and it was within numbers, but it gave less than 1/2 of a ly in jump range, so went with the 3a as it wouldn't need to work as hard, and gave me "more" wiggle room when deciding what to keep on, or turn off. But ya, smallest if your worried about every .10th of a ly in jump range.

I wasn't commenting on your build ftr.
The OPs updated build has a 7D PP, when a 5A would be a better bet; much lighter, slightly higher integrity and much better efficiency.

Both of you, with the docking computers though?

 

[[VR] Muskoka]

I wasn't commenting on your build ftr.
The OPs updated build has a 7D PP, when a 5A would be a better bet; much lighter, slightly higher integrity and much better efficiency.

Both of you, with the docking computers though?

No problem, was just commenting that smallest a rated isn't "absolutely" necessary, but for op, yes he could do better. Docking computer, ya why not, use every tool that's available, sit back and enjoy. Does anyone really think we'll be manually landing ships in 3304, no chance.

 

[Bob Lighthouse]

No problem, was just commenting that smallest a rated isn't "absolutely" necessary, but for op, yes he could do better. Docking computer, ya why not, use every tool that's available, sit back and enjoy. Dies anyone really think we'll be manually landing ships in 3304, no chance.

I actually suggested the PP should be about 2x as powerful as the bare minimum to keep you going.
No absolutes were mentioned.
It was contrasting the A rated vs the D in the OPs builds, and giving a good minimum threshold, to be included in "small as possible".

The DC is simply "low hanging fruit".
Enjoy your game as you see fit.

 

[[VR] Muskoka]

Here's my luxury A-rated exploration Anaconda. I need to tweak it a little per the mining aspect. Are limpets even needed? Can limpets be restocked via synthesis? I like the jump range to see more systems versus going from A to B with the least jumps. Might be a problem with longer jumps required thus coming up to speed with neutron star FSD increases. Still it worked fine for that 5,000LY requirement to unlock an Engineer.

https://inara.cz/data/ships/48/48250x6833.jpg​

Yes, you can synthesis limpets. Seems crazy to me to go that far, and Sag A isn't really that far, and not have every tool you possibly can with you, to sustain the health of your ship. The only reason to take a conda out there is you "can" take everything (almost), including a docking computer.[yesnod] If your not interested in fully outfitting a big ship for a long journey, then you may as well just take a DBX. I did the Palin unlock in a DBX and it was great for that 5000ly get done as soon as possible trip, but for extended trips I want my microwave as well.

I actually suggested the PP should be about 2x as powerful as the bare minimum to keep you going.
No absolutes were mentioned.
It was contrasting the A rated vs the D in the OPs builds, and giving a good minimum threshold, to be included in "small as possible".

The DC is simply "low hanging fruit".
Enjoy your game as you see fit.

Again, no problem, and I will. I have a blast every time I fire this game up. It's a great ship, and build.

 

[Ebel]

Remember to equip a cargo rack of some type as if you want to use the repair limpets you have to have it.
I could get a bit more range out of mine, but I like the bit larger thrusters, a bit better for the occasional high-g landing. The 57 or so ly I get are just dandy. Runs really cool, and you can really fuel up fast and just no danger of heat problems.

I also strip it a bit and use it as a fast bubble jumper and have ships delivered where I need them.

Here is my Explor'o Conda; https://eddp.co/u/ieF2TBve

 

[Mysturji]

I do want to thank people, I am getting some ideas.

For one thing, the mining laser and refinery are out. The reason I had them is that I was thinking about the AFMU. I have never actually refueled one in the field. However, I can just pick up the components I need in the ground. the same with the heat sinks, if I need to reload one, I can just use synthesis to get what I need.

And yes, the plan is to fly with the AFMU powered down. As far as the collection limpits, I do not plan to pick much up, just materials, which do not take cargo space, and occupied escape pods. With that in mind, I am removing them (plus, the controller is heavy). There is no need for the extra fuel tank on the Cutter, it already has a pretty big tank.

I realize the Anaconda is the obvious choice. However, thanks to the Smeaton Run (now nerfed) I can spend some credits and do something a bit out of the norm.

I took the liberty of tweaking your build. If I was taking that ship on a long exploration, that's what I'd do.
Downsize and D-grade everything you can. Obviously, engineer it to the limit - lightweight everything, clean drives, low power shields, and go for the stripped down special effect whenever it's offered.
My recently purchased and engineered Anaconda gets 60LY, and I'm still working on it.
https://coriolis.io/outfit/imperial...2AWEoFMCGBzANokICMF9A===&bn=Exploration build

 

[Titler]

I wasn't commenting on your build ftr.
The OPs updated build has a 7D PP, when a 5A would be a better bet; much lighter, slightly higher integrity and much better efficiency.

Both of you, with the docking computers though?

Docking computers weigh nothing, can be powered off for the journey, but after staring at hundreds of stars, will ensure you don't plough into the station if you forget how to squeeze an Anaconda through the slot... it's insurance with no cost, so why not take one?

 

[Titler]

My plan is to head out to Colonia, then pick a direction. The limpet control is simply I would hate to stumble on someone outside the bubble who needs fuel and be unable to help them (even though they are NPCs').

Here is my current Anaconda build.

My thought is, should I go for a Cutter before heading out?

Have you flown this kind of distance before? If not, be aware that the amount of jumps required is collosal; the kind of people in Exploration are a self selecting group who dont mind hundreds to thousands of jumps and days of travel time. Get your two current choices and plot a 20,000ly distance, then give yourself a rough time of 1:30 for each jump to see the kind of time scale you're looking at... then remember that Colonia is just a little further than that, and you have to come back too.

I flew with a friend to Sagitarius A* whilst he was in a Clipper; there's something to be said for using what ship you like the most... but he wouldn't do it again because the commitment was punishing.

So I would argue for maximizing range, which you wont be able to do as effectively in Cutter. It's possible, you can shove it beyond what an Asp Explorer used to get, but you'll halve the travel time in a well specced Anaconda over the Cutter.

AMFU size isn't important; it just gives more charges. Take more than 1 however to repair the other if needed; however you shouldnt be taking any damage at all unless you whack a planet trying to land.

With the new engineering, anyone can get a monster exploration range like mine. Im carrying an SRV, all the scanners, a 7a fuel scoop, a docking computer and a tiny shield just to avoid planetary bumps if I feel like landing. All fully powered. And I have 71.86ly range. That's a tiny bit better than most can get because I rolled over the current maximum on the only module that doesn't have a Grade 5 upgrade... for now. But you can get within .3ly of my range, which hardly matters.

You can't boost with this build, but again, you'll be in supercruise for the vast majority of your time, and if you need to boost because you're coming in to a planet too fast, you've likely already screwed up too badly. So don't worry about not having it.

Don't add more fuel tanks, weapons, anything. It all adds unwanted weight. And DONT carry any cargo, because if you do and you get interdicted the NPCs will fire on you. With an empty hold they'll ignore you.

And do take a docking computer just to get rid of that "20,000lys and I've forgotten how to dock" concern.

 

[Hasaf]

Well, I am now on the way to Cats Paw Nebula in my Cutter. The main thing I am noticing is that jumps over 30Ly really slurp down the fuel. My max is a little over 33Ly. I am about 1K Ly out at this point and am not having any issues. Of course, I haven't done any planetary landings other than to engineer.

I am not hurrying; however, if I have a general feeling of dissatisfaction when I get to Colonia, I will head back. I am at work right now; however, I will post the load-out and modifications later.

 

[Cpt Shadow Wolfe]

I'd keep the mining laser, but maybe go with 2 size 1's, you can really get by with just one sz 1 mining laser really. I prefer the mining lance myself if you want to do the power play grind for it, but on long exploration trips, its nice to pop down into some asteroid belt and mine for materials, which is more lucrative now because you can build up you material library to break up the monotony of exploring. And you don't need limpets for that, you just shoot the rock until you get the notification "Asteroid Depleted", then check the contact screen for any materials thrown off, move forward and scoop them up, easy, shoot the next rock.

 

[Titler]

I'd keep the mining laser, but maybe go with 2 size 1's, you can really get by with just one sz 1 mining laser really. I prefer the mining lance myself if you want to do the power play grind for it, but on long exploration trips, its nice to pop down into some asteroid belt and mine for materials, which is more lucrative now because you can build up you material library to break up the monotony of exploring. And you don't need limpets for that, you just shoot the rock until you get the notification "Asteroid Depleted", then check the contact screen for any materials thrown off, move forward and scoop them up, easy, shoot the next rock.

And then get shot by NPCs because you've got cargo in the hold. Getting to Colonia and then being gunned down and losing all that data, and thus the money from it would be agonizing. And it reduces your range on every jump too. It's really, really not worth mining as a long distance explorer, especially as Jumponium doesn't require cargo, only materials and NPCs don't notice those.

 

[Titler]

Well, I am now on the way to Cats Paw Nebula in my Cutter. The main thing I am noticing is that jumps over 30Ly really slurp down the fuel. My max is a little over 33Ly. I am about 1K Ly out at this point and am not having any issues. Of course, I haven't done any planetary landings other than to engineer.

I am not hurrying; however, if I have a general feeling of dissatisfaction when I get to Colonia, I will head back. I am at work right now; however, I will post the load-out and modifications later.

Went with the Cutter in the end then? Just make sure that when you're crossing the arms of the galaxy you check you have enough fuel to make at least 1 more jump beyond the next star, as scoopable stars are rare there; you can filter your route by type to help with that (FOGKBAM), but don't get lax with the scooping even so. Use this guide to the values of scanning planetary bodies to maximise your income, and rank as it's based on money made via scans. And good luck!

 

[Bob Lighthouse]

Mining lasers all have the same mass, and a c2 does more work than 2 c1s.
Take a single c2 if anything.


(Hahaha, people are so funny about their DCs...)

 

[Hasaf]

Went with the Cutter in the end then? Just make sure that when you're crossing the arms of the galaxy you check you have enough fuel to make at least 1 more jump beyond the next star, as scoopable stars are rare there; you can filter your route by type to help with that (FOGKBAM), but don't get lax with the scooping even so. Use this guide to the values of scanning planetary bodies to maximise your income, and rank as it's based on money made via scans. And good luck!

Thanks, I was looking for that poster. Like I said, I got the Cutter up to about 33yl. I will decide when I get to Colonia. If I don't like it, I will make a big loop back and pick up my Anaconda. The main think that I don't like is that when I drop into normal space, it takes a while to come to a full stop. That has more to do with going lite on the thrusters than anything else.

I definitely like the size 8 fuel scoop. I have also noticed that the Cutter handles heat well. It is easy to handle in normal space (of course, when in the bubble I usually stick to my T-9, so my point of comparison may be different that yours).

 

[seko]

My first thought is whether you have consciously decided to eschew any kind of jump range optimisation with that..

Just this gives you another 10ly without visiting any engineers...

I've just equipped an exploconda ... mining lazer, never given it a thought, hmmmm maybe a re-think

 

[Krash]

My explore conda gets 63ly while maintaining the ability to boost and a decent distributor. I've been using it to ferry mods across the bubble for engineering visits. As such, I loaded it up with 8 class 1 lasers to deal with "interruptions" along the way. With all that it's still at 61ly. I'll be head to the core soon

 

[Thorberg Shavestroke]

Twenty five light years isn't very good for exploration or long-distance travel.

You can easily double your jump range by dumping a bunch of weight. You can drop your weight drastically by going with lower ratings on several of your modules, and get rid of several of your modules that are simply unnecessary for exploring. Switch to a 5A powerplant, 5A thrusters, 5A power distributor, 5C shields, and 2G planetary hangar. Get rid of the hull reinforcement, limpet controller, and all of your utilities. Also, engineer your FSD to Grade 5, if you haven't already.

By doing this, I was able to get the jump range of my exploration Anaconda to 59.43! I can boost, run cool when fuel scooping, and have the power to do anything I need to.

 

[iain666]

Twenty five light years isn't very good for exploration or long-distance travel.

25ly is fine for anything but trying to reach the absolute fringes. You can go a fair old way with a 25ly ship.

Spoiler

I did this in my stock Mk III before all this fancy engineering and jumponium stuff was a thing, after all.

Just sayin'

 

[Titler]

Thanks, I was looking for that poster. Like I said, I got the Cutter up to about 33yl. I will decide when I get to Colonia. If I don't like it, I will make a big loop back and pick up my Anaconda. The main think that I don't like is that when I drop into normal space, it takes a while to come to a full stop. That has more to do with going lite on the thrusters than anything else.

I definitely like the size 8 fuel scoop. I have also noticed that the Cutter handles heat well. It is easy to handle in normal space (of course, when in the bubble I usually stick to my T-9, so my point of comparison may be different that yours).

When you see the 4 second timer start, throttle down to zero. You'll arrive at the next star stationary. I hear there may be a bug with the VR client where you carry speed into the next system even so though. It can also not recognise your throttle setting if you're alt-tabbed away from Elite. If you want to take a break, do it before you leave or after you arrive

You can manage heat by always aiming for the same spot on the corona, the line where it ceases to be visible is the optimum fueling spot for every star, although one or two may be too hot even there. If you see the temperature rising through 60% you're too close, pull away.

One last tip then... do you have the Elite Market Connector tool? Link it to EDSM.net to record all your journey. You can go back and add previous logs to track where you've already been. And safe flying!