Tutorial: Pip Management for Beginners

In this tutorial we'll look at using active pip management, specifically during combat, to make far more effective use of your power distributor. We'll be using VoiceAttack macros to control our pips with many other macros types possible.
VoiceAttack
voiceattack.com
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/ exigeous
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[@StellariumSound]

Never get into a fight. Got it.

[@Exigeous]

No no no, get into as MANY fights as you can. This is the best way to learn!!

[@austinm5630]

@@Exigeous I think the trick is to get into many fights in a cheap ship with poor power management. That way you can master this with low rebuys. So in other words, load an Eagle full of beam lasers and get busy dying :)

[@mr.godzilla8331]

actually, fighting is great to learn how your ship works, also, try to fight with cheap ships at first whit fixed weapons, that way you´ll learn how to be a good fighter

[@TheGuardDuck]

You forgot to mention, pips to SYS do NOT affect the recharge rate of your shields, like they would in most space games. But you did mention the difference in strength, which is good, since most space games DON'T work that way.

[@Exigeous]

Yeah, that's a good point actually - favored so it'll be near the top, good point.

[@Nox210]

Heck, I have hundreds of hours in Elite and never actually realised that! Cheers 'Duck, and to you too Ex', keep up the excellent work.

[@TheGuardDuck]

Nox210 Yeah, charge rate depends on the type of shield ONLY, not the size, total hp, or sys pips. So thats good to know.

[@AbsoluteZero101]

Yes Pips to SYS does not help recharge your shields faster but it does help regen them quicker when broken.

[@TheGuardDuck]

Mike Cypher Only in that it helps keep the capacitor from emptying. I am pretty sure that, given infinite capacitor, it will take the same with 0 pips or 4.

[@aronnemcsik]

Thank you for the video. Finally someone showed where I can find the controls to the PIPs.

[@anemictant587]

I use my third hand for that

[@wittyjadee29]

Liar

[@gaarpkobayashi3676]

Another awesome and full informative video Commander Exigeous!! True pleasure to watch! You should definetly advertise your videos on Frontier’s forum mate! Well worth watching by larger audiance. Fly dangerously out there Commander!

[@Exigeous]

Thanks for your kind words - I posted a number of my early videos and as I didn't get a single reply I stopped wasting my time. Seems the forums are all about salty forum dads who just want to complain so I figured I was better served doing my own thing and enjoying the discussion in the comments here. That said feel free to share yourself (and no, that doesn't count as asking for a like, share or subscribe!) :D

[@gaarpkobayashi3676]

I’ve subbed to your awesome work some time ago already and liking every of your video since. You’re the true master of speaking essentials without wasting any of your viewers’ time where not needed. Regarding the Frontier’s forum, there are various ppl there for sure. But please believe me, there are many, many fallowers/readers not necessary posting anything. Like on any forum I guess. And this small post of yours there with „ANOTHER AWESOME VIDEO FROM GALAXY FAMOUS CMDR EXIGEOUS (CHECK IT OUT!)” title should do the trick. There is also REDDIT community devoted to Elite Dangerous witch has simillar memebers count as Star Citizen or War Craft one (which is a loooot)! Same goest there: just a quick (your time saving) advertisement with the essential info only: you’ve released another great video for the pleasure of watchers. No discussions there. It’s just to wider your subscribing audience here. Your work is more than worth it!:) Fly dangerously Commander!

[@lecat5300]

Huge thanks, I needed this lesson. I’ve been doing it al wrong.

[@branjosnow6244]

I use voiceattack in 3 settings, of 4-1-1, 1-4-1, and 1-1-4. In a battle I just say "shelids" when I'm taking fire but can't shoot back, or "weapons" when I can shoot but the target can't, and then engines when I need to haul. I don't think there is a one setting to accomplish all aspects. Start of a battle I go full sys, then bring up Screen 1 and target a particular system of the enemy ship while he's having a few pops at me. Then switch to full weapons and kill his module quickly. If you select his power plant, he'll blow up at like 50% damage. If you want to toy with a little ship for longer, waste his frameshift drive and then mass lock him and treat him like a half dead mouse that kittens practice on lol. The whole targeting of sub systems was new to me until a week ago. It has shortened every fight by about 70%. Before I would be just hitting the target ship and spreading the damage over the whole hull. Now you can take out any pirate before you lose the first ring of your shelids. I use an anaconda though, it's most effective battle move I think, is reverse. You can inflict great damage by making them chase you, while in full reverse you mostly have your targets in front. Great game, I love it. I'm waiting for my X56 Hotas to arrive this morning, it's tedious waiting. Carry on Commanders.

[@finnishfatman]

This video is again one good example why people into Elite Dangerous should subscribe to your channel (like I did as a fresh pilot). Good info. Actually, this explains the pips perfectly well, appreciated!

[@Exigeous]

Glad you found it helpful. this is such a critical component to combat that most commanders drastically overlook, certainly at first.

[@finnishfatman]

@@Exigeous No kidding. When I started doing combat I only switched between pips without thinking it too much. I just thought that switching between weapons and the rest provided power to ... well, weapons and the rest, but thought that something like systems affected shield regen rate... didn't know it affects the strenght actually, because I thought the shield value was fixed. Tho pips otherwise are kinda logical... more to engines and you can fly faster and turn faster, more to weapons and you can pewpew better without constantly being out of power 😅 But even when you know about it, it still is a good reminder to make you more aware about them 👍

[@Exigeous]

A few things to clarify: - Pips do NOT affect regen rate - so long as there is still energy in the sys distro you'll regen at the same speed. It does make them stronger though by really making them maximum strength (that's likely a better way to say it - Speed is affected, as you say. - Weapons aren't more powerful but with less pips in weapons they will heat up much faster. So with energy weapons you'll see a big difference between 0 and 4 pips in terms of how quickly they heat up.

[@finnishfatman]

@@Exigeous After your video I went to do a bit of research for further info and found out those things you mentioned. But it was good to have video that describes what pips are and how one might wanna use them.

[@Keleindor]

Woah, new mic? sounds slick! Great video though. i know pip management was one of the things it took a while for me to wrap my head completely around starting out, and this video puts it all in one place. thanks!

[@Exigeous]

Thanks for noticing - not a new mic but I did just upgrade to Adobe Audition for my audio so yes, I spent a good bit more time on that.

[@Keleindor]

CMDR Exigeous it certainly paid off

[@chrisbertrand5994]

Sweet vid as always! Learning a lot from you!! :)

[@montanasalvador8808]

your videos have been huge helps in bettering my piloting skills! I use seeker missiles on my chieftan, but im thinking of swapping to plasma accelerators. good swap? or am i doing well as is?

[@cmdrfaeking2724]

I didn't know Voice Attack had button commands. Never really looked into it. Will do so now. lol

[@callumsmith9781]

Thanks for these videos!

[@kaseymathew1893]

New player here. I had no idea you could mess with those little gauges. Thanks!

[@nightridr5680]

This channel is what elite's tutorial should have been

[@padlnjones]

excellent as always! when my beam lasers have melted the target's shields and I switch over to the multi-cannons, I can put 4 pips in systems, 2 in weapons, as the MCs dont draw down the power.

[@Charlie_Echo]

How do you have each combination bound? Do you have each on a separate button or do you double up, and if so, how? I'm reluctant to allocate six whole buttons to this but also conscious that any double-up strategy is harder to learn and more prone to errors in the heat of combat!

[@Rawny]

I love your vids but dude, you're missing future vid opportunities; IN the video display and state the game version so that if/when it changes you make a new one and put a link in the old one to the new one. Perpetual vids!

[@Exigeous]

Well as things change and I release updated videos I'll add overlays here pointing you to the new video - I don't like having titles with all the versions in them for anything other than where it's absolutely necessary.

[@nossarian]

Does putting pips to systems immediately increase your shield strength? If I use a shield cell, should I dump from systems, then put it back once it recharges?

[@Connor_Bowles]

I have a macro set for pip management but unfortunately it's the same hat I use to navigate my panels is there a way to get around this and still use the hat for both functions

[@diobrando6147]

Ok after a week of playing i saw this. wtf was i doing. never even knew i could switch stuff.

[@SmorgusBorg]

OK, maybe someone can help me out here... great video, but as a reallyy beginning beginner... can someone tell where the key bindings can be found for this feature? Or, where it can be found under the Controls section to bind the keys?

[@luisymercedes1]

i'm suffering from this right now... all the community helps you as the guy who speaks during the tutorial, do this do that, look up, look at your right panel ... ok 100% immersion 10/10 , but back to real life what key is that?

[@kronosx7]

You didn't mention that weapon pips reduce heat build up from firing.

[@halflife2294]

Whats a website so i can hit 1 button and have it put whatever i need instantly

[@crashstudi0s]

I am not complaining about how this works, and actually now i know how energy affects systems, but man, i would love to get some presets or something, cause i cant work with VA and I cant grow another hand

[@holonaut]

this is why i switched to hull tanks. 0/3/3 and you're good to go

[@mattsmechanicalssi5833]

ED does allow for using a joystick button like the shift key. For instance, My X45 HOTAS has 2 hats on the stick. The main hat is used for thrusting forward, back, and side to side. This same hat is used in conjunction with the "pinkie trigger", to adjust the power pips. And like CMDR Exigeous said, it takes practice to train yourself. The game does have a steep learning cliff! I use VA as well, but it's still best to have a key/button mapped to the command. VA is handy, especially when playing in VR, but it can/will let you down at the worst possible time! CMDR MATT METOKUR. o7

[@PaulWrightsonLeeds]

I would love to set up macros - and tried to follow this but got lost - any chance of a slower more detailed version? - for the stupid like me?

[@Exigeous]

Sure, I can put that on my list for the future - it'll be several weeks at least as I have a huge list of videos before the beta and many after.

[@g0etzome]

HCS + Voice attack is already setup with default macros (see below) Attack protocol ALPHA - Power to weapons, remainder to shields Attack protocol BETA - Power to weapons, remainder to engines Attack protocol CHARLIE - Power to shields, remainder to weapons Defense protocol ALPHA - Retract weapons, power to engines & jump.

[@PaulWrightsonLeeds]

@@g0etzome Thank you for your reply - since this query I have learned how to use Thrustmaster's T.A.R.G.E.T software and now have a button on my joystick which changes pips assignments.

[@Belfrahn]

@@Exigeous I can't seem to link the VA macros to my HOTAS hatswitch. Any pointers?

[@idiotinaboat]

how do you get a blue HUD?

[@axoliminator]

i feel like i need 3 hands for this

[@acdcdave1387]

But why would you put power to Systems when you don't have a shield?

[@Exigeous]

A few reasons - as it's "systems" not "shield" - so things like chaff, heatsinks,etc. pull from that distributor too. And to be clear there are VERY few times you'd run without a shield, ONLY for a fully engineered specialized combat ship - and even then hull tanks are so vulnerable to missiles this should NOT be done. So if you're flying anything other than that PUT A SHIELD ON IT.

[@acdcdave1387]

@@Exigeous ah, ok. I actually rarely run shields, for my cargo and exploration ships I wanna be light and carry more junk. Except the Type 9, that thing won't beat an interdiction to save its life. I have shields on all my combat and mining ships though for sure.

[@gungan5822]

Why would you ever begin an engagement with any pips in sys? Seems like you should always engage with 0/2/4 or 0/3/3 since you should have position over any target at the beginning of an engagement unless it's PVP. On my Vulture or FDL I only ever put pips in sys if I'm being focus fired (in CZs or elite missions), or if I'm jousting. Otherwise more pips in engines lets me stay right on my targets butt and fire at will.

[@Exigeous]

That's basically correct - as I almost only PvP I always start with pips in systems and, as I said, if you're new to combat and aren't going to move pips around you should leave 4 in systems to make sure you have maximum shields. You can't shoot if you're dead and again if you're going to be lazy the habit to be in is 4/0/2 or 4/2/0 - remember my tutorials are to teach you how things work with simple suggestions so *you* can learn and make intelligent decisions about your own flying.

[@Belfrahn]

You lost me at the part of assigning the voice attack commands to the joystick. Using the VA window I can't manage to do it.

[@Exigeous]

Yeah, that was definitely a quick/rush section as this isn't really meant as a macro tutorial for VA but really just that you *should* do this or setup something with macros. It's on my list to do a better/full VA/macro video soon.

[@ryanyoung3892]

@@Exigeous please do that... i have no idea how, and there is absolutely no information anywhere on how to do it. not even the VA manual

[@P3C0L4]

i am using keyboard+mouse.... pip managment bound to shift + WASD... much better than to use arrow keys

[@DNH17]

The voice attack macros pip management is like stuff for EINSTEINs of videogaming.

[@Exigeous]

Not really, it's actually pretty easy I just went over it very quickly here as that wasn't the focus of the video. I'm working on a general VoiceAttack tutorial, look for that.

[@DNH17]

You are so freaking fast! :) Short videos are a great thing I have to say, but I think that focusing on 1 or 2 spots of the video that need like those 5 to 10 seconds more (slow down) would even enhance the pace and the power of your work. Sometime I need my brain to breathe... it's like the fifth element \ matrix style learning - I plug into my brain Exigeous ... which is very exigent! ... and I find myself not having learned but half a thing sometime: my brain must be bugged... I am not trolling, it's just you are crazy fast :) The questions you answer with these videos are so crucial. (also for the game. ED relies so much on what people do, content creation etc. I hope FS will bring more glue to the game and content and the FPP perspective so we can walk around and be more social etc...). YEs I hope a good explanation of Voice attack from demo mode will be brought from you to be uploaded for us: I get minimization of the game... it's boring..

[@Exigeous]

Well if you want an explanation that is slower and rambles on and on there are plenty of KZbinrs filling that role - that will never be me. I always expect viewers to pause and rewind sections as I'd much rather you do that than have to fast forward. I try to plan the little popup graphics at those times so you can pause and digest those as many times you'll understand 90% of what's being covered and just rewind/pause for that last 10%. I do appreciate the input however!

[@DNH17]

That is good, I am just not accustomed to that, just because wathincg videos like this kind of becomes a job... and when we play (games) we are not actually working :) No issues with you don't worry, it's just it's complicated. Thanks for the answers. I really love the fact that you made short videos and the questions you answers (are actually the ones everybody still after 3 years rarely can explain in a short time)... please keep doing it.

[@hoscat1395]

Woooow

[@flamenco1961]

S this should clarify pip management for beginners , without mentioning where to keybind them? Pretty redundant.

[@satanfromhell2686]

God damn use your brain.......

[@Rawny]

Alex is right though. Voice attack shouldn't have been there i feel, now another series of Voice attack uses... :)

[@Exigeous]

Well you certainly don't have to use VoiceAttack as you can use any macro program - or you can just do it manually but no experienced combat pilot would do that, we all use some sort of macro system. You could use something built into your keyboard or HOTAS, AutoHotKey or any number of scripting languages, that's why I didn't spend too much time on that part.

[@leeenfield1134]

I play E:D on xbox and we console peasants would kill to have the ability to use voice commands for this game.

[@Exigeous]

Yeah, I almost forget there even is a console port as I can't imaging playing this without my HOTAS, VR, motion, and 3rd party apps.

[@leeenfield1134]

CMDR Exigeous we still have a Hotas we can get that will work for consoles, just no voice control or VR, if my wife ever let's me drop a pretty penny on a PC then I can finally switch over lol.

[@justaguy6216]

This is wayy too much micro management for me. And I don't have enough buttons on my controller for that.

[@alexsmith3103]

Almost no chance with a controller on PS4 :(

[@kronosx7]

Use the d pad.

[@alexz7766]

Whoa, I wouldn't call this vid a 'beginners' guide.

[@Exigeous]

Well it's for beginners of learning how to use your pips effectively. The beginners guide is really just set them to 4/0/2 - but that's not really a guide - so this is how, if you're a beginner to active pip management, how to use it properly.

[@TalsarGeldon]

When I'm bounty hunting in my chieftain, I run my pips at 1,1,4.

[@Exigeous]

Then it seems this is the perfect video for you to be watching

[@gungan5822]

I really want a no shields chieftain, but it doesn't seem viable with the terrible canopy.

[@Exigeous]

That's pretty much exactly right - and you definitely get more benefit using the 6 slot for a shield buffer against your hull rather than just more hull. Having defense against hull weapons (missiles, super pen rails, scramble spectrum) is far more important than additional hull.

[@jdubs2171]

Gungan I think I remember reading a forum post stating that your Life Support integrity is tied to your Canopy integrity. Maybe try an A rated LS and mod for Sturdy/Reinforced..

[@ankylonshadow]

Doesn't sound too useful for me who don't have a HOTAS and unwilling to use any 3rd party apps. Glad I play in mobius and solo only.

[@Exigeous]

Uh, not sure why HOTAS has anything to do with it, managing PIPs is managing PIPs regardless of platform. If you're unwilling to use any 3rd party apps that's obviously your call but I can't imagine playing the game without tools like INARA, EDDB, Coriolis, etc. Are you saying you don't use any of those either? Am I right to assume you don't do any engineering then? Also why would you be glad to miss out on the multiplayer experience in a multiplayer game, I've never even remotely understood that comment. Lastly wouldn't you consider my channel and others like it 3rd party apps/content?

[@Kissamiess]

I think he's talking about making macros more than anything else. If so, that's a bit besides the point. You can manage pips without macros as well, but it takes a lot more effort before they become a second nature.

[@dennishorst9367]

sry but 3rd programms to change ingame stuff is hacking learn to use game controlls

[@Oats4761]

It's not hacking; it's macroing which is legal according to fdev. Nothing is changed in game, only extra software to streamline inputs.