[SPOILER] Fuel Converter - How to use it effectively in the corona of a sun

[XenonSurf]

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Fuel can be rather expensive in some systems, that's why a Fuel Converter can be an equipment of choice. This device may show some huge price differences within the same system, therefore it's both interesting for trade and refueling. Before re-selling this device with profit, be sure to use it for refueling your ship. Here is how you can use the Fuel Converter:

- In a nebula (easiest)
- In the corona of a sun (easy but dangerous)
- In the upper atmosphere of a gas giant (hard because of turbulences)

If your system has a nebula, once you are in, come to a rest and hit ALT-B. Your tanks will slowly fill. If there's no nebula, just forget about the gas giants: it's too hard to scoop fuel there because the turbulences will cause your ship to get bounced in any direction, also a considerable part of your scooped fuel will be consumed when returning in orbit.

Scooping in the corona of a sun is dangerous but can be handled easily if you pay attention to the following:

First, jump to a safe distance in the vicinity of the sun and put all energy to your shields (5S,-5W). For the next manoeuvre steps, always use IDS, never use Inertial mode!

Approach the sun carefully aiming a little above the horizon and do some test scoopings to see if you are near enough (just hit B: when scooping works, your fuel should go up at a rate of 2 units per seconds).

Start watching the Gravity value on your left HUD and reduce your speed so that the gravity + ship's speed remains below 1200. Once you get the "Gravity Field" warning reduce your speed further. Also watch the Shield & Hull bars in the HUD and invert the route immediately if the bars start to decrease!
Note that the Heat bar on top of your aiming reticle will NOT help you: If you see it turning red, then it's too late, you are just about to explode. Better luck next time!

As soon as you can scoop fuel, wait some seconds then activate the Beaming device permanently with ALT-B, turn your ship around to have exactly the center of the sun in rear view, put your forward velocity a little above the gravity value. By doing so you will have a very small relative speed away from the sun keeping your ship almost in place so you can scoop from a safe distance.

Always be aware that the gravity value is the speed at which you are flying towards the sun! This means if you don't put an equivalent speed AWAY from the sun which counteracts the gravity, you will just fly in the sun and explode! This also means you should not be near a sun when your fuel level is low (red value) because you need fuel to work against the sun's gravity!


xENONs

[Edited on 1-5-2013 by XenonSurf]

[Busch]

Hey X-S! Your tips on how to use an FC aren't necessarily spoiler info. Just practical, thoughtful advice of your particular technique and very nicely done.

[XenonSurf]

Hi Busch,
glad you appreciate. I've added it as spoiler mainly because of the Gas Giants: it's really fun trying to scoop there, so I don't want to discourage anybody.
Also, to pay my next frame, I will just load 3 FCs on my next trip from Saphire to Cerulian
Oh, I once found a FC on the planet surface. Waiting to find a walker in the box :P:P:P:P

Cheers,
XenonS

[Busch]

Yep, the game's like a BIG, un-opened box-o-chocolates ! Ye never know jist whatcher gonna git!

[Frozen Eagle]

I believe for a sun the gravity value has to be over 700 for the fuel converter to work. (actual value may be +/- 50 I can't remember)