Base Manager

The Base Manager, an item cut from the first version of the AlterraHub Mod Suite, makes its return along with some significant changes to how you will interact with your devices. It is part of the required AlterraHub mod, so you will be able to use it no matter how you mix and match the other modules of the Mod Suite.

The consolidation and streamlining of Base Operations is done in three devices:

Base Manager: a wall-mounted display panel that displays some high-level information and, when activated, connects to your PDA to show you far more detailed information.

Connection Grid Extension: wall-mounted device that connects to 10 devices

Module Rack: wall-mounted device with space for 6 modules

[ Accessing Devices ]

To lay the groundwork for the Base Manager, we’ll first go over the changes in how you will physically interact with individual devices (e.g., Ore Crusher, Ion Cube Generator, etc).

In the 1.0 series, there were several types of interface: some were on the object itself, some were on the C48 panel, some were projections, and there were different layouts, different this, that, and the other.

In the 2.0 series, when you approach a device you will receive some standardized information about the object but when you interact, it will bring up the FCS PDA. You will do all device configuration via the PDA (Note: inventory will not be exclusive to the PDA) using a consistent interface with tailoring to the needs of each device.

[ Base Manager ]

The Base Manager  unites all aspects of base operations, from power usage & generation to the most complex automation, from work unit assignments to remote device access anywhere inside the base. You may also rename the base, operate Interior or Exterior lights, open or close bulkheads, start or stop water filtration, cancel scans, or see other detailed information about the base.

It is NOT a required item; however, each device will inform you of a missing connection both in the heads-up data when you approach it and by an indicator light.

[ Base Manager Wall Display ]

The display contains some basic information (see below) with much more detailed information presented in the PDA when clicking the Base Manager wall display.

                                 [ Base Name ]

Power Use: nnnn.n epm         |    Fault: nn Warn: nn

Work Units: nn                       |    Installed Modules: 2/12

Connected Devices: 4/10       |    Automated Ops: 2/10

Remote Datalink: On/Offline |    DSS Integration: On/Offline

Power Use shows the aggregate energy use across the base with a detailed breakdown in the PDA.

A Fault occurs when a device is unable to operate (e.g No Power/No Oil/Storage Full).

A Warning occurs when a  device is operating but in need of attention (e.g Storage 80% full/ Oil level low)

Device Connections showed the managed devices vs capacity. The Base Manager unit itself can handle 10 and if more connections are needed one or more Connection Grid Extension units can be installed, each adding an additional 10 connection slots.

Installed Modules displays the Module Rack slots used vs capacity.

[ Base Manager Modules ]

Remote Datalink: Allows PDA connection to Base Manager anywhere inside the base; otherwise, you will have to activate the Base Manager wall unit.

Transceiver Module: Adds 5 Automation Programs/Ops

Moved from Data Storage Solutions (DSS)

Special Note: A transceiver CAN NOT automate moving items out of a moonpool docked vehicle unless a DSS Integration Module is present

DSS Integration Module: Allows the Base Manager and DSS to talk to each other.

Without this module, DSS can only see what’s in its own data disks.

With this module, DSS can see inventories of connected devices (harvesters, remote storage, etc)

Work Unit Manager: Allows grouping devices together so that all devices do the same thing (aka policy regions). Instead of telling 4 drills to change to copper,titanium, they can be grouped in a Work Unit and the config change only has to happen once.

[ Accessing Devices: the Benefits of Device Connection]

As noted above, when accessing a device directly, it will bring up the PDA for its User Interface.

Devices Connected to a Base Manager are listed together (grouped by type) and can be accessed no matter where they are in the base.

With the Remote Datalink Module, that same list is available no matter where you are in the base.

[ Conclusion ]

Eh, not quite.

The range of Base Operations is hardly limited to so few things as have been listed here. While we do have to be careful in our selection of features (for a host of reasons) we are left with not a conclusion but a question:

What base operations did we leave out?