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Astero Exploration Fit? (Expanded Probe Launcher)
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Juno Xi
Nadire Security Consultants
Federation Peacekeepers
#1 - 2016-03-22 18:26:25 UTC  |  Edited by: Juno Xi
Hoping to get feedback on if this is a decent fit or not. I'll list it below and explain my reasons behind it.

Astero

Top:

Covert Ops Cloaking device II
Sisters Expanded Probe Launcher

Mid:

Data Analyzer II
Relic Analyzer II
Scan Rangefinding Array I (Don't have skills for II)
5MN Y-T8 Compact Microwarpdrive

Low:

Co-Processor II
Co-Processor II
Co-Processor II
Co-Processor II

Rigs:

Small Gravity Capacitor Upgrade I
Small Processor Overclocking Unit I

With this fit I come out at:

311tf (97% CPU) and 23MW (59% Cap) Rig slots (350/350) Targets 4 - Range 40km - Scan Res 682mm - Sensor str 13 - Drone Range 25km - Speed 2489m/s - Align Time 4.59 - Signiture 210 - Warp Speed 5 AU - Cargo 210m3 - Effective HP 2.79k

So my reasoning behind this is the Expanded Probe Launcher. When I see core probes as I'm exploring, I'm not very worried, when I see combat probes, I cloak and/or run out of the system as fast as I can!
I've not found any great low slots for my exploration except around sites, other than Inertial Sabalizers and Nanofibers, which seem more quality of life than essential?

And as for rigging, there is only space on the Astero for one Small Gravity Capacitor Upgrade I.

So is this worthwhile? To trade off my low slots as a way of keeping other people wary of me, rather than them seeing Core probes being launched and going on the hunt, they will hopefully keep their distance... Obviously not everyone will do this which is why I want to know what your opinions on this is, if it is worth the trade off?

I normally do low/null sec exploration.

Personally in my limited understanding (Only been playing a few months) that this fit provides all the essentials and lacks only a little speed/maneuverability with the benefits of scaring off would-be predators. But as I mentioned, I'm new to the game so I'm open to correction if my understanding is faulty!

Thanks for reading!
Zhilia Mann
Tide Way Out Productions
#2 - 2016-03-22 21:52:26 UTC
I actually use expanded launchers for a similar reason sometimes. Except on a T3, so I'm actually a credible threat.

You have a few things to worry about. First, your EHP is... bad. I'd worry a bit about surviving just getting hit by a smartbomb at a gate in that fit. But that really isn't a common thing, so you're probably alright if you're on the ball.

Second, have you ever tried to scan with combat probes? Yes, they can pin sites, but they're bad at it. Half the sensor strength of core probes at all radii bad at it. Chances are good you're going to want to use core probes to pin more interesting sites anyway, in which case the combats are just a gimmick to maybe scare someone off?

If you really, really want to do it and you've accepted that smartbombs might kill you, this would be cheaper:

[Anathema, roamer]
Expanded Cargohold II
Expanded Cargohold II
Expanded Cargohold II

5MN Y-T8 Compact Microwarpdrive
Relic Analyzer II
Data Analyzer II
Scan Rangefinding Array I

Sisters Expanded Probe Launcher, Sisters Combat Scanner Probe
Covert Ops Cloaking Device II
[empty high slot]

Small Gravity Capacitor Upgrade I
Small Cargohold Optimization II

Warps faster, aligns slower, (much) higher cargo, less EHP. You could tweak it to get them more in line. Oh, and the hull costs a fraction of an Astero.
Paranoid Loyd
#3 - 2016-03-22 22:02:18 UTC  |  Edited by: Paranoid Loyd
Keep in mind it is not necessary to use combat probes to hunt explorers. I scan down sites and just sit in them cloaked waiting for unsuspecting explorers.

It may work, however my general thought process is anyone that would be scared off by combat probes is not a credible threat in the first place.

A potential downside is being seen on d-scan before you cloak, anyone who sees combat probes+Astero knows it will be an easy kill if they find it. If you do proceed with this fit make sure you cloak immediately every time.

A combat fit Astero can generally hold it's own against people hunting explorers. Gotten quite a few kills from people thinking they had an easy kill only to find out I was combat fit.

Zhilia's suggestion about using a CovOps ship sounds like the right thing to do. If you are not using the Astero's strengths, there is no point in putting the isk on the line.

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Juno Xi
Nadire Security Consultants
Federation Peacekeepers
#4 - 2016-03-22 23:37:06 UTC
Thanks for the replies!

I never knew that combat probes were inferior for scanning sites, so I'm glad I asked. I'm setting up to just do non-combat exploring so that alone means it's pretty much not an option to use the Combat Probes.

Appreciate the responses, good hunting!
Drago Shouna
Doomheim
#5 - 2016-03-23 16:01:10 UTC  |  Edited by: Drago Shouna
Don't be put off using combat probes. It's amazing sometimes how many abandoned drones you can find for very little effort.

I think my record atm is ~50 in a couple of hours or so. Including geckos 😀 in hs.

Cargo space can be an issue.

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Shiloh Templeton
Cheyenne HET Co
#6 - 2016-03-24 23:34:57 UTC
You really have to gimp your fit to run combat probes on SOE ships. If you want to fit them you are better off with a Cov-Ops or T3 ship.

Ralph King-Griffin
New Eden Tech Support
#7 - 2016-03-25 19:15:20 UTC
excellent fit ... for a throw-away 2mill sp alt ,
i have like six of them or so with a very similar fit.

excellent scout foe something actually scary.

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Mephiztopheleze
Laphroaig Inc.
#8 - 2016-03-26 01:00:37 UTC  |  Edited by: Mephiztopheleze
Ralph King-Griffin wrote:
excellent fit ... for a throw-away 2mill sp alt ,
i have like six of them or so with a very similar fit.

excellent scout foe something actually scary.



I only have one Astero fit with combat probes, full scanning upgrades in the mids + a propmod. One of my alts uses it to compromise tactical bookmarks.

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elitatwo
Zansha Expansion
#9 - 2016-03-26 02:56:20 UTC
If it doesn't have to be the Astero, you should try a Covert Ops boat instead. I hear they the do the same thing an even have a hacking bonus.

Anathema is one of them.

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