Module priority control
Module priority control is a form of smart power management.
By manipulating the power draw priority of lesser modules this method allows players to outfit their ships with higher-quality compartments which would otherwise cause system shutdown due to power draw excess.
Usage
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) through "5" (lowest priority). For instance, a module with "5" as priority will shut down first in the case of power draw excess.
The idea is to set the highest number (5) for those modules which are expendable in combat. This includes Cargo Hatch, Frame Shift Drive, Fuel Scoop, etc.
If done right, whenever hardpoints get deployed now (power draw exceeds power output), those modules with the highest number will be automatically disabled first. Once hardpoints are fully retracted, they will be re-engaged automatically after a few seconds. This way power draw never exceeds power output and the ship is kept completely operational in and out of combat.
Example
The following table lists a rather power-consuming bounty hunter loadout for the Vulture including assigned module priorities and the power usages between deployed and retracted hardpoints.
Without setting module priorities, this particular loadout would render the ship entirely inoperational due to power draw excess.
| Vulture | Power (MW) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component | Module Priority |
Deployed Hardpoints |
Retracted Hardpoints | |
| A4 | Power Plant | – | +15.60 | +15.60 |
| C3/G | Beam Laser | 1 | -1.78 | off |
| C3/G | Beam Laser | 1 | -1.78 | off |
| A0 | Shield Booster | 1 | -1.20 | -1.20 |
| I0 | Chaff Launcher | 1 | -0.20 | off |
| E0 | Kill Warrant Scanner | 1 | -0.20 | off |
| I1 | Lightweight Alloy | – | – | – |
| D5 | Thrusters | 1 | -4.59 | -4.59 |
| A4 | Frame Shift Drive | 5 | off | -0.45 |
| E3 | Life Support | 1 | -0.42 | -0.42 |
| A5 | Power Distributor | 1 | -0.74 | -0.74 |
| A4 | Sensors | 1 | -1.02 | -1.02 |
| A5 | Shield Generator | 1 | -3.64 | -3.64 |
| A4 | Shield Cell Bank | 5 | off | -1.72 |
| B2 | Auto Field-Maintenance Unit | 5 | off | -1.29 |
| B1 | Fuel Scoop | 5 | off | -0.28 |
| H1 | Cargo Hatch | disabled | off | off |
| Total power remaining | 0.03 | 0.25 | ||
| Total power usage | 15.57 (100%) | 15.35 (99%) | ||
Notes
- Irrespective of module priority control, the player will still receive the mandatory cockpit warning whenever hardpoints are getting deployed that the power limit was exceeded and modules have been disabled.