Combat Parsers and Build Testing

[Dancamvet]

Hey guys, seems sleep is going to be elusive tonight so I'm going to ask some slightly dumbish questions.

Firstly what combat parser is the norm for most people who use one? I've seen Advanced Combat Tracker mentioned but I'm more inclined to trust a fleetie opinion than a Google search.

Secondly, how useful are they in build tinkering? I can see the use but was wondering if going with common sense is just as effective or whether they change people to the dark side/assimilate them.

Thirdly, if they are useful what's the best way to put them to work? I'm guessing a medium length engagement where you're actively doing your thing as consistently as possible is the ideal but I know nothing about them.

The reason I ask is that recent STF changes have turned some PvE queuing (Advanced upwards, normal is a breeze), at least in the PuGs area, into a DPS slangfest and if nothing else I'd like to be as effective as I can make my science ship whilst maintaining the core essence of what my build does for fleet STFs where I can CC etc without being told by guys flying epic dps ships that I'm a waste of space/oxygen/whatever, partly because you guys are nicer and partly because Husker tends to kill everything that moves [emoji3]

I do get that a sci ship is never going to be on the dps level of other ships due to a more limited weapon slot/tactical layout/sci skill nerfage/enter excuse as appropriate, that doesn't bother me because I like how they play but I'm wondering whether it's going to help me answer some of the more picky questions I have with my setup (like tinkering with consoles, changing/scraping set bonuses, universal boff seat changes and so on) on my own so I don't have to keep bugging you guys about it.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[venethus]

ACT with STO plugin is the one to use.

DPS meters are a great way to gauge how effective your build is. Infected space is the recommended mission to parse on. I use ISA to parse now, previously used ISE.

[cmdraftbrn]

if you can get act to work its good. or write your own parser to read the combatlog which is what i was doing but keep hitting walls writing it.

[Sorotia]

I've been considering picking up a DPS parser myself, I was wondering if there is a good place to pick one/it up?

[RoyRogers]

I use STO-CombatLogReader. No complaints. I do not use it for the DPS "community" but rather my own info. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Kv2QGRi58. The DL link is in the info. The video is in German.

[Metrikon]

ACT with STO plugin is the one to use.

I see there are a few different STO plugins around. Which do you use?

[Husker]

Combat parsers only read the log that is made by the game. I use combatlog reader, it's the one that the dps channels accept so it must be the most accurate.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Just make a change, run ISA and read the log after the battle. Then you can make changes, rinse and repeat.

Simples

[Gabriel Lyons]

LOL only simples if you have a group that can run ISA properly pugs not gonna get it done

[Dancamvet]

LOL only simples if you have a group that can run ISA properly pugs not gonna get it done

My thoughts exactly. Fleet teams anyone?

[venethus]

Combat parsers only read the log that is made by the game. I use combatlog reader, it's the one that the dps channels accept so it must be the most accurate.

DOWNLOAD LINK

Just make a change, run ISA and read the log after the battle. Then you can make changes, rinse and repeat.

Simples

I use the DPS Channel parser as well. Just been using ACT longer. Both work. I just usually use the DPS channel one when I am trying to submit a higher dps run than previously.

So yeah, listen to Husker.