"Start position defence" for stations

[Dexter092 [ITA]]

Hello, I "just" got to remember that "Start position defence" task, which was initially for carriers only, was lately added to stations as well so that you could also use it as some sort of main HQ for repairs of all ships in case it is also a Wharf/Shypyard.

However, such command requires you to have multiple groups to be able to form multiple markers. Groups that on stations is limited to 5, 3 of which are already occupied by station's economy (mining, trading, trading for construction) AND you apparently cannot split defence forces like you would do with military ships.

So right now, I'm quite literally limited to ONE position marker, which is, well... useless. I tried to see if I could set carriers under such command, to branch hierarchy under multiple "position defence" subcommands, but apparently they cannot be issued if the carrier is under something else's command.

Am I missing something? Is it possible to add PD markers without needing to make multiple groups? Thank you.

[conrado.lacerda]

If you have a carrier that can set multiple PD locations, why do you need to do it via a station instead?

[Dexter092 [ITA]]

Originally posted by conrado.lacerda:

If you have a carrier that can set multiple PD locations, why do you need to do it via a station instead?

Because the idea was that also my L and XL ships can go to the shipyard they are taking orders from to resupply and repair in case it's needed, instead of having to manually check each ship and doing so one by one. Yes, that's also the job of auxiliary ships, but it would be nice to not have to buy/build one for every single fleet protecting a portal...

It also means automatic rebuild of such ships in case they're lost, with the new copy having same exact orders as previous one. Unless I misunderstood how the "allow ship replacement" command works.

[conrado.lacerda]

You can also set an auxiliary to "supply for a sector" instead of the usual "for a fleet"; check the behaviors tab and you should see the option.

[Ketraar]

To note that this is currently in 7.50 Beta so people not opted into the beta wont see this option at all.

As for just havign one yes that is expected, PD is intended for carriers, it was just expanded for stations as a "bonus" so to speak and not to replace the or compeat with the carrier version.

Its still usefull as PD is a step uo from Defend for Commander, as ship on PD also react to other stations distress calls iirc. Its good used on mining outposts to cover mining locations or as addition to Gate defense. Its also much cheaper to set up compared to a carrier once you have the admin module blueprint.

MFG

Ketraar

[Dexter092 [ITA]]

Originally posted by conrado.lacerda:

You can also set an auxiliary to "supply for a sector" instead of the usual "for a fleet"; check the behaviors tab and you should see the option.

That's already very useful information. Thank you!

[Dexter092 [ITA]]

Originally posted by Ketraar:

To note that this is currently in 7.50 Beta so people not opted into the beta wont see this option at all.

As for just havign one yes that is expected, PD is intended for carriers, it was just expanded for stations as a "bonus" so to speak and not to replace the or compeat with the carrier version.

Its still usefull as PD is a step uo from Defend for Commander, as ship on PD also react to other stations distress calls iirc. Its good used on mining outposts to cover mining locations or as addition to Gate defense. Its also much cheaper to set up compared to a carrier once you have the admin module blueprint.

MFG

Ketraar

Hm. Makes sense. So should I just give the station a bunch of fighters and tell it to help with distress calls? I have a bunch of miners and Manticores taking care of Xenon wreckages that are constantly being chased by Khaaks and Xenons. Would that count as distress calls or just stations?

[Ketraar]

If the miners are subordinates to a station and are in same sector then yes. You assign ships to defend for commander for example, then RMB on station to start position defence and place the marker just like you would do for carriers to define the position.

MFG

Ketraar

[zpc]

Also, buy building several mini guardposts one can cover an asteroid belt quite nicely.

On that note - would be awesome if the AI uses those guardposts as well. Or even offer building missions for those

[Doom]

Originally posted by Ketraar:

If the miners are subordinates to a station and are in same sector then yes. You assign ships to defend for commander for example, then RMB on station to start position defence and place the marker just like you would do for carriers to define the position.

MFG

Ketraar

Do they auto-repair on the station now, like they would with a carrier? This sounds interesting. I've not played beta much beyond testing the radar.