Any way to prioritize researchers using the long range scanner?

[Gojak_v3]

Right now low supply of components is my limiting factor. But it seems like colonists set to research will always prioritize researching before scanning. I know you can force prioritize them to scan, but I'd rather not have to micromanage them all the time. I also have several colonists set to research, but they also have other things to do. So it's like I got two people researching, then they'll do other stuff, and then the next two will come in and research.

So what I'm asking is there a way to prioritize long range scanning without micromanagement, turning the power off on my benches, or setting up work so they do nothing but research (this would be a waste as some of them are also skilled in other areas)? Basically I need components and I read it can take a really long time to find anything, so I really need them doing that first. I don't want to have to completely turn off research (by not setting a new tech when one finishes), I'd just rather they scan first.

[Monoxide]

Originally posted by Gojak_v3:

So what I'm asking is there a way to prioritize long range scanning without micromanagement.

Have more than 1 person prioritize researching. If you only have 1 research bench and 2 researchers, the second pawn will go to the scanner.

However, my suggestion would be get your orbital beacon up and running and trade for them. Bulk traders usually have 30 or so on them. Or make a caravan and go out and trade for them. Much easier/simpler in my opinion.

[BlackSmokeDMax]

If you have your research bench in a room, you could always forbid the door as well. When they can't go use the bench they will have no other choice.

[PhoenixLabella]

Try this mod.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=725219116

[BlackSmokeDMax]

Originally posted by PhoenixLabella:

Try this mod.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=725219116

LOL, duh, can't believe I didn't think of that in addition to my other solution. I have been using that mod religiously since it was first released!

[Morkonan]

Originally posted by Gojak_v3:

Right now low supply of components is my limiting factor.... Basically I need components and I read it can take a really long time to find anything, so I really need them doing that first. I don't want to have to completely turn off research (by not setting a new tech when one finishes), I'd just rather they scan first.

Others have answered regarding scanning, but your goal is really "Components," correct? If you're hitting a Component Crisis and you have a Long Range Mineral Scanner, you're already progressing in Tech faster than you're developing and incorporating that Tech into your base's operations. IOW - You should be over the Component Crisis and manufacturing your own Components by now. Maybe cool down a bit on Research and work on building up and incorporating that tech into daily operations?

For components, look for Outlander faction camps and send a Caravan to them to see if you can buy some. Or, give them a call and have them send a Caravan to you. Or... do both. :)

Take destroy/rescue missions and deconstruct the enemy's camp, check around its map for Compacted Machinery, grab the loot.

It's possible you could find Compacted Machinery nodes on any map. Make sure you have selected to have more than one base in the game options, so you can enter/settle/exploit a chosen map tile, and then send out a Mining Expedition to a tile two spaces from your own base. Set up camp and explore for Compacted Machinery. You don't actually have to keep this temporary base, just keep it long enough to mine some Compacted Machinery and then abandon it when you're done.

You should be Focusing efforts on researching Fabrication. And, don't forget to buy at least two Advanced Components from a caravan/trader/camp so you can make that darn Fabrication Bench... (It's an intended hurdle to require two of a thing you can't make yet, yourself.) Right now, the difficulty that is facing you isn't necessarily a lack of Components, but a lack of a Fabrication Bench and, likely, two Advanced Components needed to actually construct the thing. That's the real crisis you're facing. :)

Aside from existential risks and events, focus your efforts on Fabrication, gaining Advanced Components, and building a Fabrication Bench.

[Astasia]

Create a new area, invert it, remove the research bench, assign that area to the pawn(s) you want scanning.

I have never seriously used the long range mineral scanner though, there are generally much faster/easier ways to get resources, as listed above.

[LIMP BISQUICK]

Don’t underestimate trading. You can easily acquire a lot of components this way.

[Morkonan]

Originally posted by Astasia:

...I have never seriously used the long range mineral scanner though, there are generally much faster/easier ways to get resources, as listed above.

The only time I can remember wanting/needing/using it was in search of Uranium, maybe Gold. And, that was in a particular late-game situation trying to give everyone power armor and the like. I think I've actually caravanned and mined the indicated area once... It's a niche tech, useful for certain tough biomes/maps with a shortage of certain niche resources, I suppose.

With what the Deep Drill can access, alongside some more diverse resource spawning mechanics I assume, I have yet to find a critical need for Long Range Scanning. (Doesn't mean there isn't one, just that it's likely not a common occurrence for most players.)