[Suggestion] Satellites

  • I propose the addition of satellites. Satellites are cool.


    What would they do?
    Satellites would functionally be invisible machines that are "launched" into the "atmosphere" of minecraft. Once in the atmosphere they would be activated with special handheld device items. What a satellite would do when activated would depend on its type:


    Teleporter Satellite - Activating the linked handheld device will transport you to a previously designated location. Being underground might cause interferance and unintended side effects (like teleporting into solid rock). The satellite is built with solar arrays which provide it with a steady source of power. Even so, activating it drains it completely and takes a while to recharge.


    Bombardment Satellite - Activating the linked handheld device will cause an effect to occur on the highest solid block on the X, Y coordinate targeted by the cursor. This satellite comes with solar panels but must also be fitted with an attachment:
    - Lightning beam: Current X,Y coordinate targeted is struck by lightning. Drains considerable power.
    - Mining beam: Current X,Y coordinate targeted is destroyed as if by a mining pick. Very little power required.
    - Medic beam: Anyone standing at the current X,Y coordinate targeted is healed. Medium power consumption.


    Capsule Satellite - This satellite is special in that it serves as a large, portable, one-way, inventory. It can be filled with several chests worth of items and then launched into "space." Once the linked handheld device in activated the satellite drops out of orbit and crashes at the targeted X, Y coordinate. The satellite is obliterated by the landing but the items stored inside are safe, if a bit disorganized. This is perfect for the lazy frontiersman looking to setup a distance base and who doesn't want to make multiple trips.


    How the hell do they get up there?
    To launch a satellite you need a rocket and a approximately 5.6 craptons of fuel. Rockets are expensive, one-use items whose only purpose is to get your even more expensive satellites into "space." Once built the rocket must be "charged" with the required amount of fuel and loaded with a satellite. But how do you launch it? For that you need:


    Control tower - This machine is required for all satellite activities. It costs an arm and a leg and sucks power like it's going out of style but it provides the support that keeps your satellites from falling out of the sky. Every satellite you build must be linked to its own control tower. If at any point the control tower loses power or is destroyed it causes its linked satellite to drop to the ground in a random chunk (will only pick chunks that are relatively close by to the control tower).


    Control towers also are used to charge and launch rockets. First load an empty rocket into the bay. Then start feeding the control tower fuel. Lots of it. It only accepts biofuel and coalfuel. Once the rocket is full to the brim you can then load the control tower with a satellite. All that's left to do is count down to 10 and watch as your rocket flies up into space. Now you can link a handheld device to the control tower and journey into the unknown with the security of a satellite at your command.


    What do you guys think? It's a rough idea that could use a programmers insight. I know very little of java but I imagine this could all function with mostly existing code. I might require a bit of work on the part of an artist to get the rocket, beam, and crashing effects.

  • First off, in Minecraft, X,Y is longitude, elevation; X,Z is longitude, latitude. Just FYI. :P


    Much of the basic functionality implied here already exists in the Rocket Science addon, which, as the name implies, already has a fairly well developed system of rocketry. However, the specific satellite concepts are pretty spiffy. For balance issues, I'd say restrict their functionality to a limited (say, 128x128 or so) X,Z area, with the possible exception of the capsule.


    Bottom line, I definitely see this as more likely to be an extension of the Rocket Science addon than an implementation in the IC2 base mod itself, and I'd point you in that direction.


    EDIT: upon further consideration, I'd point out that the medic beam would be pretty nearly useless, and that the mining beam should drain "medium" power.

  • 1. http://forum.industrial-craft.…ad&threadID=4994&pageNo=1 make a culture
    2. Teleporter Satellite: HAHAHAHAHAHA WHAT?!?!?! u wanna make some free teleport? wherever u want when u want? u know that actually exist a teleport system in this mod? actually it takes tons of energy to make it works to a decent distance, AND u want to make this FROM the orbit, with no pratical energy consumption because it is only a matter of time like u say AND at ANY distance??? this is no star trek, no words...
    3. Bombardment Satellite: YAY!!! Say welcome to the new Griefers best friends!
    4. Capsule Satellite: why make this expansive-crashing-oneuse thing when i can make a backpack? there are so many mod that can allow this... it solve in 1 the 2 problem that u mentioned at no risk...


    IMHO i think that satellities must remain an idea for post nuclear power generator after all...

  • agreed, you should post on this thread


    http://forum.industrial-craft.…ad&threadID=4994&pageNo=1


    also please use the search function before posting a suggestion so that we don;t get several of the same thing.


    the teleport idea is interesting though. but what would be better is to set a Teleport Pad at home and have a Satalite be able to teleport you from your current location back to your homes Teleport pad. then you could be like "Beam me up Scotty!" and be at home at the cost of significant amounts of energy.

    "the more people i kill, the better the chances are that i got the right one" ~Goblin Assassin: MtG