iClone v1.3.0 review

The latest version of iClone is available. At the time of writing, iClone is the only app that utilizes full API in a comprehensive, albeit slightly slow, flow. Core functionality remains much the same from the previous versions, however, the map is the perhaps the defining feature of this update. It's fair to say that this update isn't a mere face-lift, as I'll note my impressions below.

The front page has changed for the better, and the refresh button has been placed adequately near the bottom. No more rummaging into menus to hit that. It took me 1 minute 50 seconds for the update to complete after manually executing refresh under the following conditions: a) home WiFi network, b) one account, full API, c) character had access to corp wallet. Not bad considering the massive amounts of data it is updating since the user has room to access other functions while the app continues to feed new information.

The crown jewel of iClone v1.3.0 is no doubt the map. I am quite sure every EVE player who owns an iPhone or iPod will appreciate this huge upgrade. I find myself exploring the grand universe when I'm offline, imagining where I'll be in the near future. Furthermore it eliminates the frustration one faces when trying to use dotlan EVE maps on the tiny safari browser.

Station services are displayed when a system is selected. Follow the arrow to see even more information about the system.

Some of you might notice that v1.3.0 has asteroid belts and ice belts mixed up. The developer seems aware of this. Having the statistics available is also a plus. As you can see on the screenshot, I'm carebearing in high sec so we don't see much PvP in this sector.

I haven't tested the item database extensively enough to comment on improvements at this point. Few items were prone to crash the app in the past, which the developer claims is now fixed. The database itself is cleaned up so I'm adding another point to that. Descriptions still need to be taken care of, such as 'br' tags showing up, on Dominix Navy Issue. Please help the developer by posting your findings on his forum or twitter. 

The assets menu is not displaying modules correctly. Even though I've placed most of my items in Station Containers, they are shown in multiple tabs, which is hard to keep track of. I am confident this will be addressed in the next version.

Overall, this is a powerful application to have in one's pocket for any avid EVE fan. The size has been slightly increased to 253.1MB. Stability has improved as I have not experienced any shutdowns. I would like for the character sheet UI to get a revamp as I still find Capsuleer to be more appealing to check on my skills queue.

Bugs: Catalyst hungry for attention?

At first glance it's just a Dominix, or is it?

The Catalyst simply refuses to go away.

The problem seems consistent as it happens from time to time. Apparently this particular ship is bugged. Here's a funny video that shows how this little destroyer behaves in space. Another clip with awesome music. Sometimes it stetches itself out to infinity. This is an interesting ship indeed.

You can find more under the search keyword "eve online catalyst bug" on google.

The scam

Three weeks had gone by since my last update. Time really flies. During this brief hiatus I lost a good chunk of my savings to a scammer, which, in turn fueled me to grind level 4’s even harder to make up for my loss. Thanks to CCP extending the downtime it finally seems like the appropriate moment to reflect upon the past.

What happened? It all began when Dax Jr. decided to test out a fitting for his Tristan ahead of a frigate tournament organized by former fellow corp pilot, Marckis. I say former because a few days ago he left after announcing he was ‘bored.’ What corp? Good question. I joined a corporation named The Dark Forge Enterprises, a laid back 45 man strong high sec corporation that doesn’t specialize in anything… yet. More about the corp in a later post. So there I was in Dodixie to collect a small ancillary current router that I purchased minutes ago.

Before I continue, you, the reader, must be made aware of the fact that I have a certain acquaintance that sends group mails at times offering to buy minerals, and at other listing items for sale. When I saw my mailbox blinking, I thought it was he. Below is a common scam in EVE that unfortunate people, like me, fall for.

So conveniently alphabetical… wasn’t too late to notice.

The only way I could get back was to get him kicked out of his then corp. Some lessons: a) trade hubs are the playground for scammers ranging from mail spammers to ponzi schemers, b) never use direct trade with anyone, the only exception being your alts, and c) scamming is a part of the game so shame on you for giving away your assets. Read the crime & punishment forum or at least ask an experienced player in corp channel for advice before undertaking any impromptu transaction. I’m now the butt of every Dominix Navy Issue jokes in the corp thanks to the incident.

The Tristan I was spinning in the station while I lost my money managed to destroy three frigates in row. Marckis, who organized the event, left without a word leaving me as the only pilot with a winning record. The tournament isn’t going forward, and I doubt it will, given the eagerness of getting it done, or the lack of it.

A journey to the center of the world

Every so often Nimestre Ressier, the internal security agent, sends capsuleers to Lisbaetanne under the cover of private contract to take care of sensitive matters the bureaucracy conveniently outsource. Lisbaetanne... no. Plunging into the playground of outlaws isn't worth the reward he promises. Just having declined a confrontation with religious fanatics, Dax Jr. was in no position to turn down a job, at least not right away. The agents like to bite more than they can chew, losing track of their dealings. In no less than four hours Nimestre won't even remember that Dax refused to cooperate. Why won't they plug in a memory implant like everyone else?

Dax slipped out of the station in his shuttle for he had a yearning to visit EVE gate. It was Thalis Malu, a friend at the University of Caille, who reminded him of what he had been putting off all this time. The navigation computer plotted out a course to the center of the known universe. He will have to make twenty one jumps through dangerous territory. This wasn't any ordinary landmark and through the years pirates have ambushed those on their pilgrimage to New Eden. Thus he made the switch to a clean clone, not out of reverence to the site he was about to visit but simply to avoid the loss of a full set of augmentations.

As expected pirate gangs roamed low security space but none came in the way of Dax. And there it was...

At first he thought he was staring at a sun. That billboard gave away its identity along with pilgrimage cargoes that littered the skies like constellations.

They say no ship can survive the storm surrounding the gate but Dax decided he'd take his chances. However no entity, not even the gate itself appeared on the overview as rumor has it that agents of Jove cloaked everything in its proximity. After hours of flight it became clear that the gate cannot be reached in sub warp speed.

Dax jettisoned a cargo, leaving his mark in New Eden.

Monthly Progress Report

In dramatic last minute negotiations, Dax Jr. reached a deal with Federation Intelligence Office, finally earning the right to install jump clones in any of their stations. To the outside world the FIO seemed to be deeply critical of Dax Jr.'s decision to revert to level 3 missions, but in reality their ranking officials had caught word on his excursions to Caldari sovereignty. Even though Dax Jr. was there helping other privateers take down Serpentis strongholds, he was to never again aid the sworn enemy of the Federation. Taking into account his services to the Office, no punitive sanctions would be imposed but they have stated that his travels will be monitored as a safety measure.

"We know where you've been Dax!"

Dax Jr. is refining his combat skills to effectively pilot the Dominix. Standard training regimen was briefly interrupted in order to handle a spike in the need for high volume transport. This month he is expected to complete the set of primary skills that have been put on hold after reaching IV.

My alt is working his way toward the Hulk. Until I find a corp, he will stay hidden from public view, in the relative safety of mission deadspace pockets that are filled with dozens of asteroids. Two jet cans, or 55,000 m3 cargo space, will ensure continued mining while Dax Jr. runs missions and goes about his business.

Dax Jr. has barely been able to spread butter on his bread. Income is low and slow. The miner alt spends more time offline. Since none are them are engaging in market orders, the station hangar capacity is put to the test on how much it can stock as loot, salvage, and ore are senselessly piling up.

I feel that I am ready to join a player-run corp, to be a part of something bigger than myself. Those generous with their time and attention extended their offer but it seems timezone is what matters most. I am based in GMT+9 which narrows my choice to either a AU/NZ corp or a large organization that hires global talents. If you want me in your corporation feel free to contact me in game or leave a comment below.

Salvaging, Catalyst fitting

Time to revisit the Catalyst. Had I known then what I do now the destroyer would have received some love but unless I want to fly an Eris, which is highly unlikely, this particular vessel will only face the aftermath of conflicts. Yet the Catalyst has overcome its status as a giveaway ship because they make one of the best salvagers.

For those just starting out, I would suggest blitzing the lower level missions and ignoring salvaging and even looting. Instead find the niche that leads to a win-win scenario. Often times a mission runner will ask salvage hungry newbies to tag along level 4 missions, or vice versa. The salvager gains a sizable sum of ISK per hour from wrecks, a small portion of bounties, standing with the corp and agent. In return you split the proceeds to a prearranged ratio and everybody goes home happy.

A typical Catalyst fit for salvaging would look like this:

• Lows
• Expanded Cargohold II x3
• Mids
• Cap Recharger II
• 1MN Afterburner I
• Highs
• Small Tractor Beam I x3
• Salvager I x5
• Rigs
• Small Capacitor Control Circuit I x3 (or Small Salvage Tackle I)

Cap recharge intensive fit is for people like me who are lazy, unwilling to stagger modules when capacitor runs low, or those who wish to transform their Catalysts from/to other roles. Small Salvage Tackle I rigs will improve the chance to successfully salvage a wreck by 10% so if you want more tractor beams in the high slots, these rigs will compensate by increasing your chances.

Further reading: EVElopedia has a detailed salvaging guide.