Difference between revisions of "Guide to Research and Development"

The main purpose of Research and Development (short R&D or RnD) is to provide upgrades to the various machines around the station, to contribute to the various station objectives, to equip the crew with better equipment and to offer robotics more possibilities through higher research levels.
To perform the R&D role, you will need to construct and deconstruct various items, in order, to get Research Levels, which in turn grants access to more complex and powerful items.
Do note that some items require Toxins research, performed in the toxin test area (see Guide to Toxins), Illegal Technologies Research, acquired by deconstructing Syndicate Items, and Alien Research, obtained by deconstructing Abductor Gear.

To use any of the machinery in R&D, you will need to use the R&D console, the interface of which looks like this:

It contains the:

Disk Operations
Destructive Analyzer Menu
Protolathe Menu
Cicuit Imprinter Menu
Settings
Research Branches with their current Research Level

Deconstruction

The Destructive Analyzer deconstructs items to increase the Research Levels of the Console and therefore allows to unlock further technologies for the Protolathe and Circuit Imprinter.
The deconstruction process is as follows:

Place the item to be deconstructed into the Analyzer
Use the R&D console and go under the tab 'Deconstructive Analyzer Menu'
Use the 'Deconstruct Item' button, to deconstruct the item or the 'Eject Item' button, to eject the item

There is also information given about the current item in the Deconstructive Analyzer:

A: Research Branch
B: Research Levels of the item
C: Research Levels of the Database

If the item is then deconstructed the Research Levels of the Database can be increased by 1:

If B is larger than C.
If B and C are equal.

The latter is the suggested method as items with higher Research Levels can be deconstructed later on to achieve higher tech levels.

There are also exceptions to this, like some tech notes from the Sol Traders.

Basic research (Tech Levels up to 5) can be fully achieved by just deconstructing items from the Protolathe and Circuit Imprinter,
while advanced research (Tech Levels from 5 upwards) will most of the time require items from other departments (including Xenobiology and Robotics).

The R&D List allows for the completion of basic and advanced research, do note however that this list is not necessarily the most efficient and experimentation and additional investigation is recommended.
The R&D List is what is often referred to when talking about performing R&D, instead of handing out items and upgrading machinery.
Here is a helpful tool for simulating items you can deconstruct, should you wish to experiment. The 'filter' button will filter for items that will only improve the selected tech level.

Protolathe

The Protolathe allows for the creation of a variety of items, ranging from bluespace constructions, medical tools and implants, stock parts for all kinds of machinery, over to weaponry. (See Protolathe for a full list)
However, it only starts with the most basic items available, akin to an Autolathe, which can be deconstructed to unlock better technologies.
The stronger/advanced/better the items, the more materials and a larger variety of them are required (resulting in R&D being dependent on mining), alongside higher Research Levels.

A: Material/Chemical Storage (allows for the ejection of materials/chemicals in different quantities)

B: Search Bar (for tracking specific items)
C: Different Categories (for producing multiple similar items, e.g. stock parts or implants)

If you found the item you were searching for it can look like this:

A: Name of the Item
B: Materials required
C: Missing Materials

Items can also be printed once, five times or ten times.

Circuit Imprinter

The Circuit Imprinter allows for the creation of boards for different consoles and machinery. (See Circuit Imprinter for a full list)
Functions pretty much like the Protolathe, except that it only requires glass and a handful of times metal, gold, or diamonds for its boards.

Server Saving

Server Saving is an integral part of R&D, as it will update the server on the station, creating a back-up of the Database.
Syncing will save the best Research Levels of both the server and R&D console on both devices, meaning it can also be used to redownload the back-up on the server in case the R&D console got destroyed.
This back-up can also be used by Robotics and is essential for Robotics to operate successfully, as it will grand them better technologies for their exosuit fabricators.
Furthermore, the Research Director can access the R&D server management computer and either transfer or delete research blueprints to other computers on the station.

To sync just head into the settings of the R&D console.

From there everything is pretty self-explanatory, with Device Linkage Menu allowing for the disconnecting and reconnecting from the nearby devices. (Destructive Analyzer etc.)

Upgrading

Upgrading is the process of improving machinery by replacing their components with their better counterparts, e.g. a matter bin being replaced with an advanced matter bin.
In addition to stock parts, like matter bins, the term component includes beakers, wires, materials and igniters, of which the latter three have no better counterparts.
The process of upgrading a machine improves the machinery's capabilities, along with enabling it in some cases to serve new functions. (See Advanced Constructions for more details)
There are three methods available to upgrade machines, ordered from worst to best:

Reconstructing the machine

Screw the panel of the machine open
Use the crowbar to remove all the components along with the circuit board
Reinsert the circuit board into the machine frame
Insert the new components
Screw the panel back in place

While this method consumes out of all methods the highest amount of time to perform, all components, that are not stock parts, can only be replaced via this method.
However, it also resets the machine and ejects all the materials stored within the machine, potentially causing a loss of some materials, e.g. half a diamond.

RPED (Rapid Part Exchange Device)

Print an RPED via the protolathe
Insert the stock parts into the RPED (you can just click on a pile of stock parts with the RPED in hand and they will be all inserted)
Screw the panel of the machine open
Click on the machine to replace the stock parts (you might have to use it several times if there are two better kinds of one stock part)
Screw the panel back in place

The replacement step occurs instantaneously.
On the other hand, the RPED can only be constructed at certain Research Levels and can only store stock parts instead of all components.
In addition to that, it's storage limit is relatively easily reached when trying to upgrade the whole station and using this method resets the machine, like reconstructing does. In the case of the R&D machinery, they need to be reconnected to the console.

Bluespace RPED (Bluespace Rapid Part Exchange Device)

Print a Bluespace RPED via the protolathe
Insert the stock parts into the Bluespace RPED (you can just click on a pile of stock parts with the Bluespace RPED in hand and they will be all inserted)
Click on the machine to replace the stock parts (you might have to use it several times if there are two better kinds of one stock part)

The replacement step occurs instantaneously and can be performed remotely.
However, the Bluespace RPED can only be constructed at certain Research Levels and can only store stock parts instead of all components.
In addition to that, it's storage limit is much greater than that of the RPED and using this method does not reset the machinery.

Technology Disks

Technology Data Storage Disks are used to store Research Levels on a physical disk, they can be used to:

Transfer Research Levels between different devices (necessary to transfer Toxins Research from the tachyon-doppler array to the R&D console)
Complete your Job Task (by letting Cargo ship Tech Disks with basic research off station)

To load Research Levels on the Tech Disks:

Insert a Tech Disk into the R&D console
Go under the tab 'Disk Operations'
Use the 'Load Tech to Disk' button

Use the 'Copy to Disk' button to download the Research Levels of the respective Research Branch

A: The Research Branches required for the completion of the Scientists Job Task

Now you have a Tech Disk with research loaded onto it in the R&D console.

In comparison to an empty Tech Disk you can now not only eject it but also:

Upload it to the Database
Clear the Disks research to copy new ones onto it

A Love Letter to R&D

Research and Development is one of the, if not the most tedious and repetitive task on the entire station.
Therefore, here are some ideas on how to make your stay in R&D more pleasant for yourself and others:

Take a more proactive approach to hand items out
Not only upgrade, but also construct new machines
Remodel R&D into a more efficient setup
Set up a Quantum Pad network
Deliver upgraded tools to departments that may need them
Experiment with the different items R&D can create

As R&D can construct most of the machinery on the station along with everything on the Telecoms Satellite, you are also able to redesign and improve R&D with new capabilities.

Mad Scientist

R&D can provide some of the best equipment on the station, allowing you to use the newest cutting edge tools, implants and even weaponry, if you have an emagg to crack the lockboxes, containing them, open.
Be aware, while it is unsuspicious for you to print jaws of life or advanced grenade casings for yourself, there will be questions if someone happens to witness you slipping a handheld crew monitor into your pocket.
Furthermore, you can construct nearly any console and machine there is on the station, allowing for a stealthy approach to sabotaging the station and the creation of everything other departments are capable of creating.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Needsrevision|reason = this page needs to be broken down and simplified, preferably rewritten to bullet points}}
+{{JobScience}}
-=Research & Development=
+The main purpose of '''Research and Development''' (short R&D or RnD) is to provide upgrades to the various machines around the station, to contribute to the various station objectives, to equip the crew with better equipment and to offer robotics more possibilities through higher research levels. <br>
+To perform the R&D role, you will need to construct and deconstruct various items, in order, to get Research Levels, which in turn grants access to more complex and powerful items. <br>
+Do note that some items require Toxins research, performed in the toxin test area (see [[Guide to Toxins]]), Illegal Technologies Research, acquired by deconstructing [[Syndicate Items]], and Alien Research, obtained by deconstructing [[Abductor|Abductor Gear]]. <br>
+[[File:Cute Drone doing Research.png|thumb]]
-The main purpose to RnD is to provide upgrades to the various machines running around the station, while also often being required to complete the various main station objectives.
+To use any of the machinery in R&D, you will need to use the R&D console, the interface of which looks like this:
-To perform the RnD role, you will need to construct and deconstruct various items, in order, to get research levels, which in turn grants access to more complex and powerful items.
-Tools such as the jaws of life and powerful weapons, are also unlocked at higher tech levels.
-Do note that some items require toxin research, performed in the toxin test area, [[Guide to Toxins|read this guide]] to find out more.
-=[[Destructive Analyzer|Deconstruction]]=
+[[File:R&D Console Interface.png]]
-Deconstruction is a simple process. You place the item you want to deconstruct into the Analyzer, head into the RnD console and deconstruct the item to gain appropriate levels.
+It contains the:
-Information about the item in the Destructive Analyzer is given on the console, showing you what levels the item possesses and the levels already present on the network.
+* [[Guide to Research and Development#Technology Disks|Disk Operations]]
-If the item in the Destructive Analyzer has an equal or higher tech level in any category than what is currently present on the database, you can hit deconstruct and that item will be broken down, increasing the tech level in the database by 1.
+* [[Guide to Research and Development#Deconstruction|Destructive Analyzer Menu]]
-It is best to only deconstruct an item if the level is equal to the database, as it is often wasteful to deconstruct items that are a couple of levels higher, which could be used when you reach that level to achieve higher results.
+* [[Guide to Research and Development#Protolathe|Protolathe Menu]]
-You are also able to eject items that you don't want to deconstruct.
+* [[Guide to Research and Development#Circuit Imprinter|Cicuit Imprinter Menu]]
+* [[Guide to Research and Development#Server Saving|Settings]]
+* Research Branches with their current Research Level
-The majority of the items you will need to break down will be constructed from the [[Protolathe]] and [[Circuit Imprinter]], but for higher tier technologies, items from other departments will be required.
-'''A list of items''' and the order in which they should be broken down to get to a baseline of level 5 can be found [[RnD breakdown list|here]].
-Do note however that this list is not necessarily the most efficient and experimentation and additional investigation is recommended.
-Here is a [https://kyep.github.io/paratools/rndtool/RDT.html helpful tool] for simulating items you can deconstruct, should you wish to experiment. The filter button will filter for items that will only improve the selected tech level.
-= [[Protolathe]] =
+==[[Destructive Analyzer|Deconstruction]] [[File:Destructive Analyzer.png]]==
-The Protolathe allows you create advanced items and tools, when you have the appropriate levels required to unlock them, check [[Protolathe|here]] for a list of things you can create.
+The Destructive Analyzer deconstructs items to increase the Research Levels of the Console and therefore allows to unlock further technologies for the [[Protolathe]] and [[Circuit Imprinter]].<br>
-You start with the most basic items available,akin to an [[autolathe]], which you will use to upgrade the tech level to access more complicated things.
+The deconstruction process is as follows:
-Basic items, will require mainly metal and glass, but as you start printing more advanced items, you will need a variety of resources in order to construct them, so there is a close tie to mining, and upgrading their ORM is essential, if you want a steady supply of resources.
+* Place the item to be deconstructed into the Analyzer
+* Use the R&D console and go under the tab 'Deconstructive Analyzer Menu'
+* Use the 'Deconstruct Item' button, to deconstruct the item or the 'Eject Item' button, to eject the item
-= [[Circuit Imprinter]] =
+[[File:Deconstructive_Analyzer_Interface_2.png]]
-The circuit imprinter prints off the boards for machines and consoles, once again requiring certain tech levels to be achieved before more complex boards can be made.
+There is also information given about the current item in the Deconstructive Analyzer:
-AI related boards as well as exosuit control modules are built here.
+* A: Research Branch
-The imprinter requires only glass for most boards, with a handful of items requiring metal as well.
+* B: Research Levels of the item
+* C: Research Levels of the Database
-= Server Saving =
-Make sure to head into settings and sync with database periodically. This will update the server on the station, making a back-up and granting access to the established tech levels. The [[Research Director]] can access the R&D server management computer and either transfer or delete research blueprints to other computers on station.[[Robotics Lab|Robotics]] will require access to tech levels, and as such syncing the server is essential for them to operate successfully.
-[[Category:Guides]]
-= Technology Data Storage Disks =
+If the item is then deconstructed the Research Levels of the Database can be increased by 1:
+* If B is larger than C.
+* If B and C are equal.
+The latter is the suggested method as items with higher Research Levels can be deconstructed later on to achieve higher tech levels.
+There are also exceptions to this, like some tech notes from the [[Sol Traders]].
+Basic research (Tech Levels up to 5) can be fully achieved by just deconstructing items from the [[Protolathe]] and [[Circuit Imprinter]], <br>
+while advanced research (Tech Levels from 5 upwards) will most of the time require items from other departments (including [[Xenobiology]] and [[Robotics]]).
+The <font size='4'> [[RnD breakdown list|'''R&D List''']] </font> allows for the completion of basic and advanced research, do note however that this list is not necessarily the most efficient and experimentation and additional investigation is recommended. <br>
+The R&D List is what is often referred to when talking about performing R&D, instead of handing out items and upgrading machinery. <br>
+Here is a [https://kyep.github.io/paratools/rndtool/RDT.html helpful tool] for simulating items you can deconstruct, should you wish to experiment. The 'filter' button will filter for items that will only improve the selected tech level.
+==[[Protolathe]] [[File:Protolathe.png]]==
+The Protolathe allows for the creation of a variety of items, ranging from bluespace constructions, medical tools and implants, stock parts for all kinds of machinery, over to weaponry. (See [[Protolathe]] for a full list) <br>
+However, it only starts with the most basic items available, akin to an [[Autolathe]], which can be deconstructed to unlock better technologies. <br>
+The stronger/advanced/better the items, the more materials and a larger variety of them are required (resulting in R&D being dependent on mining), alongside higher Research Levels. <br>
+[[File:Protolathe_Interface.png]]
+* A: Material/Chemical Storage (allows for the ejection of materials/chemicals in different quantities)
+[[File:Material_Storage_Interface.png|400px]]
+* B: Search Bar (for tracking specific items)
+* C: Different Categories (for producing multiple similar items, e.g. stock parts or implants)
+If you found the item you were searching for it can look like this:
+[[File: Protolathe_Printing_Interface.png]]
+* A: Name of the Item
+* B: Materials required
+* C: Missing Materials
+Items can also be printed once, five times or ten times.
+==[[Circuit Imprinter]] [[File:Circuit_imprinter.png]]==
+The Circuit Imprinter allows for the creation of boards for different consoles and machinery. (See [[Circuit Imprinter]] for a full list) <br>
+Functions pretty much like the Protolathe, except that it only requires glass and a handful of times metal, gold, or diamonds for its boards.
+==Server Saving [[File:Rndserver.png]]==
+Server Saving is an integral part of R&D, as it will update the server on the station, creating a back-up of the Database. <br>
+Syncing will save the best Research Levels of both the server and R&D console on both devices, meaning it can also be used to redownload the back-up on the server in case the R&D console got destroyed. <br>
+This back-up can also be used by Robotics and is essential for Robotics to operate successfully, as it will grand them better technologies for their exosuit fabricators. <br>
+Furthermore, the [[Research Director]] can access the R&D server management computer and either transfer or delete research blueprints to other computers on the station. <br>
+To sync just head into the settings of the R&D console.
+[[File:R&D_Console_Settings.png]]
+From there everything is pretty self-explanatory, with Device Linkage Menu allowing for the disconnecting and reconnecting from the nearby devices. (Destructive Analyzer etc.)
+==[[Guide to Advanced Construction|Upgrading]]==
+Upgrading is the process of improving machinery by replacing their components with their better counterparts, e.g. a matter bin being replaced with an advanced matter bin. <br>
+In addition to stock parts, like matter bins, the term component includes beakers, wires, materials and igniters, of which the latter three have no better counterparts. <br>
+The process of upgrading a machine improves the machinery's capabilities, along with enabling it in some cases to serve new functions. (See [[Guide to Advanced Construction|Advanced Constructions]] for more details) <br>
+There are three methods available to upgrade machines, ordered from worst to best:
+<br>
+Reconstructing the machine [[File: Circuit_Frame.png]]
+* Screw the panel of the machine open
+* Use the crowbar to remove all the components along with the circuit board
+* Reinsert the circuit board into the machine frame
+* Insert the new components
+* Screw the panel back in place
+While this method consumes out of all methods the highest amount of time to perform, all components, that are not stock parts, can only be replaced via this method. <br>
+However, it also resets the machine and ejects all the materials stored within the machine, potentially causing a loss of some materials, e.g. half a diamond. <br>
+<br>
+RPED (Rapid Part Exchange Device) [[File: Rped.gif]]
+* Print an RPED via the protolathe
+* Insert the stock parts into the RPED (you can just click on a pile of stock parts with the RPED in hand and they will be all inserted)
+* Screw the panel of the machine open
+* Click on the machine to replace the stock parts (you might have to use it several times if there are two better kinds of one stock part)
+* Screw the panel back in place
+The replacement step occurs instantaneously. <br>
+On the other hand, the RPED can only be constructed at certain Research Levels and can only store stock parts instead of all components. <br>
+In addition to that, it's storage limit is relatively easily reached when trying to upgrade the whole station and using this method resets the machine, like reconstructing does. In the case of the R&D machinery, they need to be reconnected to the console. <br>
+<br>
+Bluespace RPED (Bluespace Rapid Part Exchange Device) [[File: Bluespace_rped.gif]]
+* Print a Bluespace RPED via the protolathe
+* Insert the stock parts into the Bluespace RPED (you can just click on a pile of stock parts with the Bluespace RPED in hand and they will be all inserted)
+* Click on the machine to replace the stock parts (you might have to use it several times if there are two better kinds of one stock part)
+The replacement step occurs instantaneously and can be performed remotely. <br>
+However, the Bluespace RPED can only be constructed at certain Research Levels and can only store stock parts instead of all components. <br>
+In addition to that, it's storage limit is much greater than that of the RPED and using this method does not reset the machinery. <br>
+==Technology Disks [[File:Comp_design_or_tech_disk.png]]==
+Technology Data Storage Disks are used to store Research Levels on a physical disk, they can be used to:
+* Transfer Research Levels between different devices (necessary to transfer Toxins Research from the tachyon-doppler array to the R&D console)
+* Complete your [[Scientist#Job Tasks|Job Task]] (by letting [[Cargo]] ship Tech Disks with basic research off station)
+To load Research Levels on the Tech Disks:
+* Insert a Tech Disk into the R&D console
+* Go under the tab 'Disk Operations'
+* Use the 'Load Tech to Disk' button
+[[File:Empty Disk Operations.png]]
-So, you are done researching at least the basics of R&D (all research levels at 5 or higher, except toxins, illegals and alien). Now the last thing you need to do in order to fullfill your job task is to grab some technology disks, to load your research on them and to give these to cargo, so they can ship them off the station. For this you will at first need a minimum amount of eight technology disks, two of which are already located in R&D as well as them being printable via the protolathe. If you acquired these stick one of them into the R&D console, use the R&D console to use the Disk Operations option, load one of the already mentioned technologies onto it and eject the disk again. Repeat this process till you are done downloading the technologies that were upgraded, transport all of the disks to cargo, drop them before their door and hope they actually ship them, which they should as it grands them extra points to spend.
+* Use the 'Copy to Disk' button to download the Research Levels of the respective Research Branch
-These technology disks can also be used to transfer toxins research, by swiping one of these disks in the Tachyon-doppler array and then uploading its content into the R&D console, as well as to transfer research between different R&D consoles. The latter option is easily outclassed by using a R&D server/ syncing your research, but can be quite useful in case the R&D server is not working.
+[[File:Disk Operations download.png]]
-= A Love Letter to R&D =
+A: The Research Branches required for the completion of the Scientists Job Task
-Research and Development is one of the, if not the most tedious and repetitive task on the entire station, resulting in many players not willing to commit their round to it, while the rest of the station expects science to get it done. While the first ten minutes of your round doing it will nearly always be the same, R&D has huge potential to influence the entire round, changing its outcome and the experience people had with it. Therefore, here are some examples on how to make your stay in R&D more pleasant for yourself and others.
-You could for example give people items they didn't even ask for, but are yet useful for them. It's always fun to see their reactions to the weird stuff you can make.
+Now you have a Tech Disk with research loaded onto it in the R&D console.
-While other departments can function on their own without the help of science, upgrading their machinery or even adding more machinery can save many peoples round. For example constructing a second or even third cloner in medbay is able to turn many peoples experience from a frustrating to a more forgiving one, as they are granted a second chance after a genocide took place.
+[[File:Loaded_Disk_Operations.png]]
-Furthermore, after you're done doing the basics and therefore the pressure on your shoulders has been reduced, you are able to remodel R&D into a more effective set up, making more place for interesting machinery and constructions in the process. Such constructions can include small set ups of other science sub departments like sci-chem and even xenobiology. Or change R&D into something completely different like robotics or a surgery room for organics and synthetics alike, while only leaving the bare minimum of what defines R&D in place. If the stakes are high, constructed mechs are able shred a biohazard to pieces.
+In comparison to an empty Tech Disk you can now not only eject it but also:
+* Upload it to the Database
+* Clear the Disks research to copy new ones onto it
-You could construct a quantum pad network, connecting the various parts of the station with one another, or even use quantum pads to make connections to other areas normally not so easily accessible, like everything found in space and on lavaland. This could result in security being more mobile in order to catch antagonists, or antagonists using this network to their advantage to escape a tricky situation.
-A second telecoms network is possible too, in case someone turns the other one into dust or there is another Ion-anomaly shutting it down.
+==A Love Letter to R&D==
-Or just generally experiment with different things you can make with R&D.
+Research and Development is one of the, if not the most tedious and repetitive task on the entire station. <br>
+Therefore, here are some ideas on how to make your stay in R&D more pleasant for yourself and others:
+* Take a more proactive approach to hand items out
+* Not only upgrade, but also construct new machines
+* Remodel R&D into a more efficient setup
+* Set up a [[Guide to Teleportation#Quantum Pads|Quantum Pad]] network
+* Deliver upgraded tools to departments that may need them
+* Experiment with the different items R&D can create
+As R&D can construct most of the machinery on the station along with everything on the [[Telecoms Satellite]], you are also able to redesign and improve R&D with new capabilities.
-The options available are gigantic, including many different things that weren't even touched on here, letting it up to you, on how you will leave your mark on the round.
+==Mad Scientist [[File:Swordred.gif]] ==
-= Mad Scientist =
+R&D can provide some of the best equipment on the station, allowing you to use the newest cutting edge tools, implants and even weaponry, if you have an emagg to crack the lockboxes, containing them, open. <br>
+Be aware, while it is unsuspicious for you to print jaws of life or advanced grenade casings for yourself, there will be questions if someone happens to witness you slipping a handheld crew monitor into your pocket. <br>
+Furthermore, you can construct nearly any console and machine there is on the station, allowing for a stealthy approach to sabotaging the station and the creation of everything other departments are capable of creating.
-The traitor experience one winds up getting while doing R&D is a mix of different elements of other traitor experiences. For example it contains the mech aspect of robotics, and possibly the grenade usage of sci-chem, even being able to enhance its usage, while also allowing for an approach to things that is unique to R&D. The lockboxes protecting the printable weapons from your hands can easily be cracked with an emagg, jaws of live can provide easy access to every place behind an airlock that isn't bolted and different implants and gear can give you an advantage in certain situations compared to your average officer. Generally sabotaging the station becomes much easier with the critical machinery you can build and using it to your own advantage. Combined with other elements like chemistry you are able to become an unstoppable force.
+[[Category:Guides]]