[TC - Guide] An Idiots Guide to CLS

[Snafu_X3]

Iam hopeless. How can I setup my trader to buy E-Cells and unload them in my complex, but only if the complex runs out of stock? [...]
Is it restricted by his traderank? My guy is at Apprentice.

And which command should I use? Internal Logistic, External or Commercial representation?

CAG or CLS2 should deal with this. CLS1 will only distribute /products/ /from/ their homebase, so unless you've got an SPP or a trading dock kept stuffed with ecells it'll be useless

Apprentice level CAGs will only buy; apprentice level CLS2 pilots will only deal with up to 4 waypoints; neither will use a jumpdrive; so neither of these are a particular problem

The usual method is: check you've setup the ware limits correctly (%age to deliver in 'trade duties); check there are no hostiles are in the area (although ISTR apprentice pilots don't take these into account); check your supply base has stock (again taking into account the %age limits in 'trade duties); check the operating range of the station(s) & their prices (if there are no supplying stations within range at the correct price or less the CAG/CLS2 won't do anything).

If the above don't give you any ideas turn logging on & restart the trader. After a few minutes, restart the trader again & read the text files that produces. This will usually give you an idea as to why the trader's 'stuck in station'. If you still can't work it out, post the logfiles here & we'll take a look

[Kirlack]

And which command should I use? Internal Logistic, External or Commercial representation?

The three different commands all have very different applications.

Commercial Representation (CAG) is designed to act as an automated trader working for a station. He will buy resources and sell products based on the prices and parameters set.

Internal Commodity Logistics (CLS1) is designed for moving resources amongst factories that you own. I have very little experience using it (I prefer CLS2 for it's flexibility), but if you had an SPP in one sector and Ore Mines in another you could use this to transfer power to your mines.

External Commodity Logistics (CLS2) is much like CLS 1 only far more flexible, and is the focus of this guide. It allows for buying/selling to NPC stations and for complete control of transfers to or from your own assets, be they stations or ships.

In your example, you want your CLS2 pilot to buy energy and drop it to your complex. So, start CLS2:

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Menu > Trade > Start External Commodity Logistics:

Waypoints:

Add Station > (Pick an SPP near your complex) > Fly to station
Add Station > (Same SPP) > Buy > Energy > Energy Cells > (set a price) > Max Cargo bay
Add Station > (Your Complex) > Unload > Energy Cells > Max Cargo Bay

Now he will fly to the SPP, but the cells and drop them in your complex. But you only want him to do so when the complex is empty?

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Supply Conditions > Minimum amount on delivery > 100%

Now he'll only deliver if he can shift the entire cargo bay.

[Earth Ultimatum IV.]

Thanks! One last question. What is SPP?

[Alan Phipps]

SPP = Solar Power Plant (making e-cells).

[Earth Ultimatum IV.]

SPP = Solar Power Plant (making e-cells).

Thanks, Iam not used in these shortcuts. Took me a while to figure out what means "PPC" or "IRE", "PAC" or "PSP"

[Ketraar]

Thanks, Iam not used in these shortcuts. Took me a while to figure out what means "PPC" or "IRE", "PAC" or "PSP"

There is a FAQ article for that too.
What do all those TLAs and abbreviations mean?

Ketraar, spreading the words of the FAQ

[Earth Ultimatum IV.]

Amen!
Iam reading it right now.