Postby Roger Wilco Jr » Tue Dec 06, 2016 7:09 pm
For just going to Colonia ...
You will be interdicted leaving the bubble. I'm 3xElite and get jumped my hopped up Elite Dropships. If you are a newer player, then they may not be so bad. You can live w/o shields, but you may take some damage. Chaff, point defense, and bob & weave may be enough to escape. Good news is that you have AMFUs, outposts along the way, and Jaques for repairs. You'll also generally take some damage when landing w/o shields. I'd recommend some shields, but you don't need super strong ones with boosters and shield cells unless you plan on really using them. Once you leave the bubble, shut off the shields (cargo scoop, other unused equipment) so you run cooler and can scoop fuel faster. Just remember to turn them back on when needed.
If you are following the outpost route, don't bother scanning. Every star in sight has already been scanned - exaggeration, but close enough to the truth. I suppose honking will still get you something, as well as scans, but if you want discovered by tags, then you need to get off the beaten path.
If you are going to be doing a lot of exploring and scanning, then a little extra time scooping fuel shouldn't be a big deal. Scoop while scanning the star and nearby planets. You can get by with a 4A scoop, and certainly with a 5A scoop. If you want to get there asap, then a 6A or larger will definitely speed things up. You may also want to think about the trip back - if you want to go fast then, then you will need the bigger scoop now.
If you don't plan on fighting, then you don't need weapons or fighters.
Heat sink launchers are (may be) a waste, unless you plan on flying into a star and keep going w/o turning around - for example, if watching TV and not paying attention after a jump. I'm not familiar with recent changes and if they have another function that you will need.
You don't need an SRV either, but if you plan on landing on planets and exploring, then you will want at least two.
And if you are working on your exploration rank, the you will want the DSS.
I guess AMFUs still don't weigh anything, so it won't hurt to take one or two, but I doubt you will really need them.
D rated modules are an explorer's best friend - especially if you don't have the money for A rated modules. I said explorer's - not combateer's.
This will give you a light load with a lot of empty slots. But for a short trip out to Colonia, with repair facilities along the way, you don't need a lot of equipment that you might otherwise want.
But all that depends on what you are preparing for? The trip out is one thing, but exploring the galaxy after that, or bounty hunting, and etc., changes everything. I hear there's not a great selection at Jaques, and no outfitting at the outposts (so far), but I expect things may change in the near future and the area grows.
It's time to give this another go.