CMDR Jarenstad
@cmdr-jarenstad.bsky.social
Tricentennial explorer, bounty hunter and space trucker. Currently residing on my Victory class carrier Bernard Fokke, my pride and joy. (And it can be anywhere in the Milky Way.)
Yeah, I have one of those too, permanently stationed in Colonia (no need for long jump range in the inner regions).
It's a bit different since it comes with an undersized fuel scoop, but it works well thanks to the huge fuel tank. Make 8-9 quick jumps, then stop to scan and scoop.
It's a bit different since it comes with an undersized fuel scoop, but it works well thanks to the huge fuel tank. Make 8-9 quick jumps, then stop to scan and scoop.
November 27, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Yeah, I have one of those too, permanently stationed in Colonia (no need for long jump range in the inner regions).
It's a bit different since it comes with an undersized fuel scoop, but it works well thanks to the huge fuel tank. Make 8-9 quick jumps, then stop to scan and scoop.
It's a bit different since it comes with an undersized fuel scoop, but it works well thanks to the huge fuel tank. Make 8-9 quick jumps, then stop to scan and scoop.
I don't know if I agree, really. My exploraconda (with around 85 ly jump range and every module you can possibly need, incl. 4 SRVs and 1 SLF) is quite nimble thanks to being a lightweight build.
And when I use it I use SRVs a lot, and have the ship function more or less like a mobile base.
And when I use it I use SRVs a lot, and have the ship function more or less like a mobile base.
November 27, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I don't know if I agree, really. My exploraconda (with around 85 ly jump range and every module you can possibly need, incl. 4 SRVs and 1 SLF) is quite nimble thanks to being a lightweight build.
And when I use it I use SRVs a lot, and have the ship function more or less like a mobile base.
And when I use it I use SRVs a lot, and have the ship function more or less like a mobile base.
Oh, and a shield, of course. Even a small one to protect from bumps.
Anyway, perhaps we could have a "mk2 fuel scoop" that offers the scoop rate of the 8A while still being a size 7?
That would sell the Caspian to me, no doubt.
Anyway, perhaps we could have a "mk2 fuel scoop" that offers the scoop rate of the 8A while still being a size 7?
That would sell the Caspian to me, no doubt.
November 27, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Oh, and a shield, of course. Even a small one to protect from bumps.
Anyway, perhaps we could have a "mk2 fuel scoop" that offers the scoop rate of the 8A while still being a size 7?
That would sell the Caspian to me, no doubt.
Anyway, perhaps we could have a "mk2 fuel scoop" that offers the scoop rate of the 8A while still being a size 7?
That would sell the Caspian to me, no doubt.
Then there are lots of "nice to have" features (where the Conda shines).
- Research/collector limpet controller.
- Mining laser for mat gathering.
- SLF (in situations when you don't want to risk your ship).
The issue with the Caspian is that it offers the extras, but not all of the essentials.
- Research/collector limpet controller.
- Mining laser for mat gathering.
- SLF (in situations when you don't want to risk your ship).
The issue with the Caspian is that it offers the extras, but not all of the essentials.
November 27, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Then there are lots of "nice to have" features (where the Conda shines).
- Research/collector limpet controller.
- Mining laser for mat gathering.
- SLF (in situations when you don't want to risk your ship).
The issue with the Caspian is that it offers the extras, but not all of the essentials.
- Research/collector limpet controller.
- Mining laser for mat gathering.
- SLF (in situations when you don't want to risk your ship).
The issue with the Caspian is that it offers the extras, but not all of the essentials.
What you actually need for long expeditions?
- Long jump range (you can still make short ones).
- Robustness/ability to repair. One repair limpet controller and two AFMUs (no need for three, since they can repair each other).
- High scoop rate or a large fuel tank.
- 2-4 SRVs.
- Surface scanner.
- Long jump range (you can still make short ones).
- Robustness/ability to repair. One repair limpet controller and two AFMUs (no need for three, since they can repair each other).
- High scoop rate or a large fuel tank.
- 2-4 SRVs.
- Surface scanner.
November 27, 2025 at 8:54 PM
What you actually need for long expeditions?
- Long jump range (you can still make short ones).
- Robustness/ability to repair. One repair limpet controller and two AFMUs (no need for three, since they can repair each other).
- High scoop rate or a large fuel tank.
- 2-4 SRVs.
- Surface scanner.
- Long jump range (you can still make short ones).
- Robustness/ability to repair. One repair limpet controller and two AFMUs (no need for three, since they can repair each other).
- High scoop rate or a large fuel tank.
- 2-4 SRVs.
- Surface scanner.
LET'S GET READY TO RRRUUUUMBLEEEE!
(Or something.)
(Or something.)
November 27, 2025 at 7:49 PM
LET'S GET READY TO RRRUUUUMBLEEEE!
(Or something.)
(Or something.)
That's a shame, because it sounds like a lifetime position. 😁
November 27, 2025 at 6:49 PM
That's a shame, because it sounds like a lifetime position. 😁
And the undersized fuel tank, meaning that we need to fuel scoop very often.
I'd say it's the combination that's the problem, that both the tank and scoop are too small. Wouldn't be too surprised if the release gets postponed, considering that it's supposed to be an exploration ship.
I'd say it's the combination that's the problem, that both the tank and scoop are too small. Wouldn't be too surprised if the release gets postponed, considering that it's supposed to be an exploration ship.
November 26, 2025 at 9:46 PM
And the undersized fuel tank, meaning that we need to fuel scoop very often.
I'd say it's the combination that's the problem, that both the tank and scoop are too small. Wouldn't be too surprised if the release gets postponed, considering that it's supposed to be an exploration ship.
I'd say it's the combination that's the problem, that both the tank and scoop are too small. Wouldn't be too surprised if the release gets postponed, considering that it's supposed to be an exploration ship.
"Megaship with Sidey for reference."
I had to take a look at one of those ships that we chased around these systems a few weeks ago. Patrolled by both system authority and October Consortium ships.
(Not that I planned to get into a fight in this thing anyway...)
I had to take a look at one of those ships that we chased around these systems a few weeks ago. Patrolled by both system authority and October Consortium ships.
(Not that I planned to get into a fight in this thing anyway...)
November 26, 2025 at 6:13 PM
"Megaship with Sidey for reference."
I had to take a look at one of those ships that we chased around these systems a few weeks ago. Patrolled by both system authority and October Consortium ships.
(Not that I planned to get into a fight in this thing anyway...)
I had to take a look at one of those ships that we chased around these systems a few weeks ago. Patrolled by both system authority and October Consortium ships.
(Not that I planned to get into a fight in this thing anyway...)
So if you're looking for something that will rival or even replace your Mandalay or Anaconda for exploration, this isn't it.
Both ships can bring all the modules that you actually need. And the Conda has room for modules that you don't really need. Mine has 4 SRVs and one SLF, and 85 ly jump range.
Both ships can bring all the modules that you actually need. And the Conda has room for modules that you don't really need. Mine has 4 SRVs and one SLF, and 85 ly jump range.
November 26, 2025 at 5:26 PM
So if you're looking for something that will rival or even replace your Mandalay or Anaconda for exploration, this isn't it.
Both ships can bring all the modules that you actually need. And the Conda has room for modules that you don't really need. Mine has 4 SRVs and one SLF, and 85 ly jump range.
Both ships can bring all the modules that you actually need. And the Conda has room for modules that you don't really need. Mine has 4 SRVs and one SLF, and 85 ly jump range.
So in my opinion this ship feels more like a gimmick rather than a useful exploration vessel. Yes, you can do 500 ly neutron jumps. Yes, you can dive straight into a planet.
But that's not what I need as an explorer.
A pity, really. I would have loved to go off into the Black in shiny new Caspian.
But that's not what I need as an explorer.
A pity, really. I would have loved to go off into the Black in shiny new Caspian.
November 26, 2025 at 5:24 PM
So in my opinion this ship feels more like a gimmick rather than a useful exploration vessel. Yes, you can do 500 ly neutron jumps. Yes, you can dive straight into a planet.
But that's not what I need as an explorer.
A pity, really. I would have loved to go off into the Black in shiny new Caspian.
But that's not what I need as an explorer.
A pity, really. I would have loved to go off into the Black in shiny new Caspian.
This is where you will have to call the Fuel Rats if you don't want to lose your ship and your exploration data.
It also seems to run too hot to be able to fuel scoop while FSD charging, with could have compensated for the mismatching of sizes between the internals. And use a lot of fuel during SCO.
It also seems to run too hot to be able to fuel scoop while FSD charging, with could have compensated for the mismatching of sizes between the internals. And use a lot of fuel during SCO.
November 26, 2025 at 5:21 PM
This is where you will have to call the Fuel Rats if you don't want to lose your ship and your exploration data.
It also seems to run too hot to be able to fuel scoop while FSD charging, with could have compensated for the mismatching of sizes between the internals. And use a lot of fuel during SCO.
It also seems to run too hot to be able to fuel scoop while FSD charging, with could have compensated for the mismatching of sizes between the internals. And use a lot of fuel during SCO.
But if you imagine doing hundreds of jumps, and each jump adds a small scoop-penalty of 20-30 seconds, you're looking at really long travel times.
And this is dangerous in some cases. You tire of waiting, and jump without filling up. With having just enough fuel for one more jump. BAM! Brown dwarf.
And this is dangerous in some cases. You tire of waiting, and jump without filling up. With having just enough fuel for one more jump. BAM! Brown dwarf.
November 26, 2025 at 5:18 PM
But if you imagine doing hundreds of jumps, and each jump adds a small scoop-penalty of 20-30 seconds, you're looking at really long travel times.
And this is dangerous in some cases. You tire of waiting, and jump without filling up. With having just enough fuel for one more jump. BAM! Brown dwarf.
And this is dangerous in some cases. You tire of waiting, and jump without filling up. With having just enough fuel for one more jump. BAM! Brown dwarf.
I didn't quite get how long it took for the Caspian to fill up with a size 7 fuel scoop, but from my experiences with the DBX it means that you might spend 30 or so seconds extra just scooping after the FSD have cooled down and you have cleared the star.
This isn't apparent on a "short" test drive.
This isn't apparent on a "short" test drive.
November 26, 2025 at 5:14 PM
I didn't quite get how long it took for the Caspian to fill up with a size 7 fuel scoop, but from my experiences with the DBX it means that you might spend 30 or so seconds extra just scooping after the FSD have cooled down and you have cleared the star.
This isn't apparent on a "short" test drive.
This isn't apparent on a "short" test drive.
The reason is that it has an undersized fuel tank too, meaning that you only have fuel for about 4 jumps.
The Mandy is slightly better here, with a fuel tank the same "size" as the FSD.
And they both have fuel scoops that are oversized compared to the FSD. 7/6 for the Conda and 6/5 for the Mandy.
The Mandy is slightly better here, with a fuel tank the same "size" as the FSD.
And they both have fuel scoops that are oversized compared to the FSD. 7/6 for the Conda and 6/5 for the Mandy.
November 26, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The reason is that it has an undersized fuel tank too, meaning that you only have fuel for about 4 jumps.
The Mandy is slightly better here, with a fuel tank the same "size" as the FSD.
And they both have fuel scoops that are oversized compared to the FSD. 7/6 for the Conda and 6/5 for the Mandy.
The Mandy is slightly better here, with a fuel tank the same "size" as the FSD.
And they both have fuel scoops that are oversized compared to the FSD. 7/6 for the Conda and 6/5 for the Mandy.
The jump range in itself is decent. A little better than my exploraconda, a little worse than most of my Mandys.
The difference is that with their scoop rate, I can under optimal conditions make a jump every 45 seconds, and they will fill up the tank in that time.
For the Conda it's necessary.
The difference is that with their scoop rate, I can under optimal conditions make a jump every 45 seconds, and they will fill up the tank in that time.
For the Conda it's necessary.
November 26, 2025 at 5:08 PM
The jump range in itself is decent. A little better than my exploraconda, a little worse than most of my Mandys.
The difference is that with their scoop rate, I can under optimal conditions make a jump every 45 seconds, and they will fill up the tank in that time.
For the Conda it's necessary.
The difference is that with their scoop rate, I can under optimal conditions make a jump every 45 seconds, and they will fill up the tank in that time.
For the Conda it's necessary.
The problem for me is that even though I occasionally do neutron jumps, I only do them when I happen to stumble upon a neutron star. I prefer to do old fashioned KGB-FOAM-jumps, and do them fast.
And this is where the Caspian in my opinion is a failure. Both fuel tank and fuel scoop is undersized.
And this is where the Caspian in my opinion is a failure. Both fuel tank and fuel scoop is undersized.
November 26, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The problem for me is that even though I occasionally do neutron jumps, I only do them when I happen to stumble upon a neutron star. I prefer to do old fashioned KGB-FOAM-jumps, and do them fast.
And this is where the Caspian in my opinion is a failure. Both fuel tank and fuel scoop is undersized.
And this is where the Caspian in my opinion is a failure. Both fuel tank and fuel scoop is undersized.
So I'm what you could call a veteran explorer. OK, that's enough bragging about my experience.
So, let's move on to my impression of the Caspian Explorer. It's a good ship. Arguably it will be a good choice for a casual explorer, and for people who like to do insanely long jumps with Neutron boost.
So, let's move on to my impression of the Caspian Explorer. It's a good ship. Arguably it will be a good choice for a casual explorer, and for people who like to do insanely long jumps with Neutron boost.
November 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
So I'm what you could call a veteran explorer. OK, that's enough bragging about my experience.
So, let's move on to my impression of the Caspian Explorer. It's a good ship. Arguably it will be a good choice for a casual explorer, and for people who like to do insanely long jumps with Neutron boost.
So, let's move on to my impression of the Caspian Explorer. It's a good ship. Arguably it will be a good choice for a casual explorer, and for people who like to do insanely long jumps with Neutron boost.
First off, I'm a long-time explorer. I've been to Beagle Point three times, SagA* six times, and have visited every region. I once managed to traverse Aquila's Halo without a single FSD injection
I have also circumnavigated the galaxy. And I hold Elite V ranks in both exploration and exobiology.
I have also circumnavigated the galaxy. And I hold Elite V ranks in both exploration and exobiology.
November 26, 2025 at 5:01 PM
First off, I'm a long-time explorer. I've been to Beagle Point three times, SagA* six times, and have visited every region. I once managed to traverse Aquila's Halo without a single FSD injection
I have also circumnavigated the galaxy. And I hold Elite V ranks in both exploration and exobiology.
I have also circumnavigated the galaxy. And I hold Elite V ranks in both exploration and exobiology.
(Or 9, but those don't exist... Yet. Would be interesting to know the price of a 9a fuel scoop though, considering how pricey the 8a is. 😁 )
November 26, 2025 at 4:24 PM
(Or 9, but those don't exist... Yet. Would be interesting to know the price of a 9a fuel scoop though, considering how pricey the 8a is. 😁 )