Solar reactor

[Joel Schultz]

Reading the manual, and the appendixes, I consistantly come across references (see end of post) that imply that the solar reactor works by channelling solar energy into a battery, which can be tapped later. However, I've yet to really see any behavior like this. Here's what I observed.

* When near a star, changing the ship's orientation makes the SRE meter on your HUD change its level. This models the changing angle of the solar panels, and is consistant with the given documentation.

* The output of the solar reactor always seems to be added to total power output, and is dependant (as mentioned) on ship orientation. This seems true regardless of the state of anything else, including the energy being channeled into the reactor according to Logistix Power control.

* Turning off the solar reactor from Logistix (reducing its power level to 0/10) seems to increase total available energy for other systems since it isn't going into the reactor. I would have thought it would reduce it since the reactor is no longer providing power?

* I've never seen the solar reactor output power when the solar panels are shaded, as if from a reserve battery. I checked this by turning off the main reactor and orienting the ship so the panels were in the shade. Had absolutely no power for anything.

So I guess I'm asking: what's the solar reactor doing anyway? Do we really need to have it turned on in Logistix? What's the point to that power control in Logistix anyway? What happens if I turn on the solar reactor power to something other than 0/10 or 10/10? Maybe I just didn't try the right experiments.

Anyway, here's the references that confuse me. The "battery" bits puzzle me most, although various references to "deploying solar panels" also confuse me since AFAIK they always seem deployed.

Manual, p 96 par 5

Manual, p 137 par 6

Appendix L, p 1

[Wold]

I think it's because your shinny new battlecruiser was built by the lowest government bidder. They probably used the Never-Ready Battery.

Solar reactor output is going to depend on orientation (which you said) and how close you are to the light source. When your highly polished reactor built by the other low bidders pukes all over your BC that solar reactor can save your booty. If the current output of the solar reactor is less then 10 your total available power will increase when you disable the solar reactor.

I personally keep mine (solar reactor) tucked away until then. I have this unfounded belief that it stays a bit more protected that way.

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Commodore Wold

ICV-Drakr, Spectre HQ (Antis)

Commanding Officer, Spectre HQ

Spectre Fleet

ICQ 4669033

"You can only love or hate something you truly understand"