How do I use container controllers properly?

[Spaghettioz]

New to the game, and read some on logistics. But these things seem odd to me. I can increase volume....but I can only fit pretty much the same amount of stuff inside as I would any other singular cargo box. So how are these controllers and their expansion boxes any different from a normal single modular container?

Any anyone explain at a noob level how I can use these to expand my ability to cram more loot in? My last good go, I had 9 modular containers and they were all filled up fast with useful stuffs.

[NimrodX]

Do you have volume limits enabled? If not then they don't do anything and you're better off with regular cargo boxes. The extenders don't expand the grid size.

The extenders have to be placed next to a controller, or another extender next to a controller, to do anything. They increase the volume capacity shown in the lower right corner of the grid. But this number is ignored if you don't have volume limits enabled in difficulty settings.

The latest version introduced dynamic grid size for containers with 8000VU or more. If you don't have volume limits enabled then it will be easier to just use lots of small cargo boxes on an HV or SV.

[Spaghettioz]

Ok! No volume limits already on, so I will stick with the multiple modular stuff. I was reading too these things are enormously energy intensive as well.

[NimrodX]

For HVs and SVs the container extenders aren't too bad, just one power unit each. but for bases and CVs (the large ones) they're 10 power units each. So you're better off using the large cargo boxes on bases, then building a separate storage cache base like this:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1641115802

that way the 30 or so container extenders can't suck all of your power away

But anyway without volume limits enabled you don't have to worry about this.

[Spaghettioz]

Damn thats cool :O Loot does have a way of growing FAST once you get some toys and armor to beat the baddies with. I may use this :O

Wait, without VL enabled (I dont) I dont gotta sweat it lo..

[NimrodX]

One thing that cuts down on stack sizes is placing a core (not a starter block, just a core) on a POI and then using Retrieve Blocks to retrieve the whole blocks. This is good for using the blueprint factory where it will cut down on production time, but if you want to turn the blocks into steel plates etc to make ammo or something then you'll either need a deconstructor, or you'll have to place them and salvage them (which is low and less efficient).

[Spaghettioz]

I actually have been salvaging capital ship crashes where I find them. I undercut the structure till it collapses. When THAT happens, you scramble to collect the debris as you will get all the plates, bars, and other items the ship was made of. Its a little time consuming, but boy does it ever pay off when you get that huge payout.

[NimrodX]

It's less efficient though. You only get 30% material from picking up collapsed debris. But if you're getting enough to do whatever it is you want then it doesn't matter too much and there are plenty of wrecks and other POIs

[Spaghettioz]

Dammit :P Didnt know that lol. Still got something like 5000 steel plates and about half that in hardened steel plating. Still, i'll do it the long way next go. Still loads of mats to be taken out of those capital ships.

[NimrodX]

Once you can unlock it try using a multiturret on an HV instead of the hand held.

[Spaghettioz]

Never tried using it yet. Will do so when I get back up to unlocking it :O Enormous amounts of salvage in those crashed capitals.

[MacShell]

I was looking for some thread about this subject... So, for what I read here, the container controllers just make "one single box" even if I have mora boxes in a place, is that right? So, it is more a manager way to deal with lots of boxes, to mirror like a single one? This is the only feature it has? For about more 10 PU...? I am having a CPU crash in a BP that didn't have that before and now I got a hint why it is happen... Thanx! :)

[MacShell]

By the way, interesting idea the storage BP :)