Class-II Reactor [OUTDATED]

Overview

[NOW OUTDATED] (but possibly still useful) Straightforward documentation on how to properly salvage a Class-II Reactor Core.Made for Hardspace: Shipbreaker Early Access v.0.1.5

Overview

In recent updates the Gecko Class-II reactor has undergone some changes which increase it’s volatility and complicate the salvaging process.

With a 3,000,000 credit reward for the successful salvage of the reactor core and the possible requirement via work orders, dealing with the reactor is a requirement.

In this guide I detail my process in disabling and removing the core systems of a Gecko “heavy Cargo” transport ship.

Fuel

A centerpiece of the Gecko is the Thruster Vent Control Computer. This module, when powered, allows the safe venting of all fuel lines at the cost of a Utility Override Key.

While the cost of a key on demand is 50,000 credits, the amount of good that comes from removing the fuel lines from the equation is well worth the price.

The reason we Cutters have to deal with the fuel lines at all is the fact that the Thrusters are fed by the Reactor.

If the fuel lines are not vented, removal of the Thrusters via manual override may cause explosive failure in the fuel line. The same fuel line that is wrapped around the extremely volatile nuclear reactor.

With the fuel lines emptied thanks to the Thruster Vent Control Computer, the Thruster may be removed and salvaged with ease, and the fuel lines can be cut safely. REMEMBER: never cut a fuel pipe without checking that it is empty. Holding the pipe using Z or X allows you to feel for vibrations. If the pipe is silent, it is safe to cut. Measure twice, cut once.

Coolant

Ahh the ECU, bane of scrappers everywhere. This nifty machine provides coolant to the reactor, keeping it stable, even if parts of the reactor shielding are removed.

The ECU works by using three (3) miniature coolant pods accessible behind a removable plate. When it comes time to disable the ECU, the coolant pods can be dislodged with the Grapple and picked up by hand. DO NOT DISABLE THE ECU UNTIL THE REACTOR IS SALVAGED.

While dismantling the ship, be wary of coolant pipes. depending on the placement of the reactor and the ECU, you may need to forgo the removal of some pieces until the reactor and ECU are properly dealt with. Any damage or undue force to the coolant line may cause it to rupture which will cause the reactor to begin it’s meltdown process. A ruptured coolant pipe may also cause a chain reaction back to the ECU, potentially damaging the valuable equipment.

Reactor

The Class-II Reactor is housed within a multi-part reactor casing, with a coolant pipe feeding in, and a fuel line feeding out. Provided that the fuel lines have been properly vented and removed, the next step is to free the reactor casing and coolant line from the rest of the ship. We will want space to work.

The titanium rebar mounting the reactor casing to the ship can be easily cut with the Splitsaw, however this should be done carefully as any damage to the coolant line or reactor casing may prove catastrophic.

With the space around the reactor casing cleared, and the coolant line intact and functioning, we may begin to, oh so carefully, remove the side-panels of the reactor casing. Do NOT remove all of the panels, as this will cause the casing to dissociate and the reactor core will begin to melt down.

I recommend opening the side of the reactor with the clearest line to the Salvage Barge, we will want to move this purple beauty quickly once she is disconnected.

I prefer using two (2) tethers to pull the reactor core to the barge, though one may be enough. The moment the reactor core is dislodged from the casing it will begin to meltdown, leaving a designated space open in your barge is recommended. Tethers are a Cutter’s best friend.

The reactor casing panels are Nanocarbon and should be sent to the processor, but the reactor caps are worth a pretty penny if sent to the salvage barge.

Coolant cont.

With the reactor core removed, you should be left with a coolant pipe leading from a reactor cap to the ECU. With coolant still flowing the pipe is volatile, disabling the ECU should be your immediate priority after seeing that the reactor is safely salvaged.

As mentioned earlier, using the Grapple to remove the compartment cover allows access to the coolant pods. The pods should be dislodged with the Grapple as well and picked up by hand. Congratulations! The coolant is off and the pipes are clear.

To salvage the ECU, it must first be removed from the wall. This can be done by using either the Stinger or Splitsaw to cut the pipe coming immediately out of the back of the ECU. With the ECU disabled, the pipe should be clear to cut.

It is then just the process of disassembling the room around the ECU piece by piece, as it is too large to fit through doorways. Once the room around the ECU is removed, it can be easily sent to the barge for salvage.

Breakers (Optional)

Besides the Thruster Vent Control Computer requiring power to function, the electrical systems of the ship don’t have much impact on the process of dismantling the reactor.
However, we may as well discuss the Power Generator and Fuseboxes found in Gecko-Class ships anyways.

Around the crawlspace of the ship will be three (3) fuseboxes with flashing lights and a handle.
The fuses can only be safely removed when all three lights are dark, as in they are not glowing red. As each fuse is removed, the lights will cycle quicker between lit and unlit.

With every fuse removed (and collected by hand), the triangular Power Generator can now be removed from it’s casing without immediately discharging electricity to everything that comes close to it. It is still exceptionally volatile, but only with the fuses disabled can it be safely handled.