Module priority control

Module priority control is a form of smart power management. By manipulating the power draw priority of lesser ship modules the power limit of a ship can be effectively exceeded without shutting down vital functions of the ship especially when weapons are activated.

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Once the power limit of a ship is exceeded, certain modules are disabled

Resourceful pilots use this method to outfit their ships with higher-grade parts which would otherwise overburden the power plant of their ships.

Usage

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Thanks to clever power management, this Vulture is kept completely operational at a grand total power usage of 121%

To set a hierarchy for the modules' power draw, the priority number in the Modules tab on the right-side panel can be changed for each module. Priority numbers range from 1 (highest priority) to 5 (lowest priority). For instance, a module with 5 as priority will shut down first in the case of power draw excess.

The goal is to set the highest number for secondary modules which have no use in combat so that they get disabled automatically when hardpoints are deployed. This includes Cargo Hatch, Frame Shift Drive, Fuel Scoop, and other modules.

If done right, whenever power draw exceeds power output, the modules with the highest number will be automatically disabled first, and the ship is kept completely operational in and out of combat as a result.

Notes

  • Irrespective of whether module priority control is applied correctly, the player will still receive the mandatory cockpit warning when hardpoints are deployed that the power limit was exceeded and modules have been disabled.