[AP] Mining problem

[hyena444]

Hello

I have read the available guides and FAQs related to mobile mining, I followed the instructions and I have a TS with all required software, mobile drilling system, scanners and an ore collector.

I wanted to set that ship with the "Mine minerals" command so it could mine by itself, but after saying "command accepted", the ship goes back to "no orders" status and does nothing.

What is it that I don't understand or have done wrong?

[Triaxx2]

Check and make sure it can A, actually fire the MDS, and B that there's something it can mine. It won't break down map size asteroids on it's own, so you may have to go in, and destroy the rock before it can do the job.

[jorganos]

Placing a satellite where you want the mining to happen may help, too.

[RAVEN.myst]

I'm totally speculating here, but since mining without substantial shields is a bit like gardening in Pripyat without wearing lead underwear, maybe the mining command is smart enough to check for level of installed shields? I seriously doubt it, but it's a thought, and perhaps worth checking (if your freighter is set up with 25MJ of shields or more, then this is likely not the issue, of course...)

Also, as stated above, if the 'roids are mine-scale and not rocks and gravel, you'll need to break some up manually with a MDS or a big missile. Another check for diagnostic purposes is to try the "Collect rocks in sector" command - I think it requires the Special Command Software, iIrc (cheap, available at any Equipment Dock, if I'm not mistaken) and see whether that works - the underlying mechanics of the two are similar but the behaviour is slightly different.

The command you are trying to use may also require your miner to have a home-base, perhaps. There is one that definitely doesn't, "Mine and trade minerals" - if this isn't the one you're using, give it a spin (it may require Trade Command Software 2, not sure...)