Is there an X3TC Trade MK3 noob guide? If not, wanna volunteer?

[perkint]

Hi folks,

In a thread the other day, someone was asking for a noob guide to using the Trade MK3 software (ST/LT/UT). I had a quick dig and couldn't find one (and there isn't one in the main sticky).

Now there are a few people who've kindly done noob guides for various things recently - do any of them feel like doing another, and getting it added to the sticky?

I'll do one when I get time (if someone else doesn't beat me to it) but there are people out there who are probably quicker and better at such things, than me

Or could that just be less lazy

Tim

[EmperorJon]

Yeh, go on.

[Deadbeat_Spinn]

I would but I'm currently working a different guide at the moment.

[EmperorJon]

Check spoiler forum now! Busy so unfinished...

[CHAZZ]

Until you find something better, you might use the old X2 MK3 software guide, obviously by Ticaki:

http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=55213

[Technojerk36]

I proudly present:

Trade Command Software Mk III for Dummies!

Introduction:
TCS Mk III basically adds 2 commands, Start Sector Trader and Start Universe Trader. Or as Professor Fit S. Pro of the Profit Guild aptly describes it, "Profitsss".
Please note that this is a "for Dummies" guide. If you want a more organized and/or descriptive guide, check the links section of this guide. (i.e. Scroll down you dummy!)

The Basics:
A Sector trader looks for wares in their assigned sector that are selling below average. If he finds a ware that is selling below average price, he will check if there is a selling place in the same assigned sector that is buying that specific ware for an above average or average price. If both conditions are met, you can expect your bank account to become a few credits richer!

Sector Traders gain levels based on how much profit they make. As they gain levels they learn new skills. (Eg. Using the JD, selling below average and still making a profit, not doing the same trade run as other STs in the same sector, docking at a shipyard for repairs, etc, etc).

After reaching level 6, when choosing the begin Sector Trader command, you are asked for a jump range. This sets if and how many sectors away a ST (which is now called a Local Trader) can move. (Ie a jump range of 1 means that your ST can also trade in any of the sectors that are adjacent to it's assigned sector. This generally means more profitsss.
When a LT (or an ST if you decided to confine your trader to one sector) reaches level 8, you can choose to begin Universe trader. This is basically the same thing as the Sector Trader except the trader traverses the entire universe in search of good deals.

Whatever it might seem like, don't forget that this is trading, not magic, so it might take sometime for the credits to start rolling in. Also, some less experienced pilots might pickup more than they can sell, so you might have to manually get rid of wares sometimes. Oh and don't ever forget that you need credits to make credits! Without credits in your bank account how is the trader supposed to buy the wares? Try to keep at least 100k in your account at all times per ST for them to be effective.

Setting up a ST:
What you need:
A TS,TP,TM,M3,M6 or M4 class ship. (TS works the best)
Trade Command Software Mk III (available at some Teladi EQDs and the Terracorp HQ in Home of Light)

What is recommended:
Engine tunings
Max Shielding

Open up the ship's command console and select trade. Then select Start Sector Trader. After that choose a sector and watch the profitsss roll in! (Empire's Edge, Queen's Space and Power Circle are generally regarded as a very good training grounds for STs).

Setting up a ST should cost you around a million. 500k for TCS Mk III, 300k for the freighter and 200k as starting capital.

Links:

A more detailed guide here.
The most detailed guide ever (i.e. a Dev wrote it) here.

May the profitsss be with you.

Special thanks to perknit for the extra training sectors.

© 2010 AceTech.

[perkint]

Cheers Technojerk36.

Might be worth leaving it a day or two, see what feedback you get (eg more suggested good training sectors like Queen's Space or Power Circle) and then saving it into a doc/pdf/rtf or starting it's own thread. You can then get it linked into the resource sticky, if you wanted - everlasting fame

Tim

[Technojerk36]

Thanks.

I don't really think this guide is sticky material though. I didn't even mention the price of TCS Mk III. I'll add some things soon though, I'm kinda busy right now.

[squidoutofguam]

I have 3 sector traders in maxxed out mercury tankers and all at level 8 or above. They don't go into neighboring sectors. Now I was never prompted to change jump range and have not set it due to disastrous results from the first attempt (I lost some money and then the ship just stood by).

What am I doing wrong or not doing?

I am running TC version 2.5 with the bonus pack installed.

Thanks,

Squid

[Technojerk36]

You have to reissue the command to get the option to set jumprange.

[Khift]

I would like to state that I've found Ore Belt to be an amazing spot to train UTs as well. Two power plants to buy E-Cells from, two mines plus a factory to sell them to, two mines to buy Ore from, and a factory plus the Plutarch HQ to sell it to. The STs I've told to train in Ore Belt have always outleveled any other STs I've had going.

I also like Lucky Planets; two ore mines, two silicon mines, and 4 factories all in one spot. Sometimes the traders get stuck with a load of silicon, though, because only one of the factories use it.

[Snafu_X3]

Nice one. A couple of minor points though: