Ok, so I am now running with the UAC5s in my new CTF-4X. They jam, alot, which doesn't bother me too much because when they are rolling...look out. Anyway, 2 questions:

1. Is it better with UAC5s to hold the trigger down or mash the trigger like I am having a seizure? Does one method jam less often?

2. Right now I compliment the 2 UACs with a single AC5. Im thinking of removing it, and replacing with 2 MLAS. I think I can get more DPS out of them than the single AC5 when the UACs are silent. Do 2 MLAS do more DPS than a single AC5 is the question...
(note: I already made the mistake of upgrading to DBL HS on this mech so heat shouldn't be a problem either way)

S

Piggyback question, although I'll probably experiment myself later:
On using 2 UAC5's, does it help to set them in the same weapon group and hit backspace to fire in sequence instead of simultaneously? Does it avoid jams more that way?

One of my reasons for holding back on these is that I just don't like firing that fast and aiming at the same time. With the beam weapons, you aim, fire, maintain aim. With ballistics, you're doing both at the same time, which I'm just not coordinated enough for. LOL But I'll give it the old college try again.

I currently have them in one group. Im thinking about experimenting with chainfire in this group. I don't know if it will reduce the jam risk but it may give the impression to the target of a higher rate of fire.

My last match last night, 4 kills...
Jenner crested a hill to spot...got a little two high and was hit by 3 salvos before he could react. I estimate that at 3 salvos for 35 damage...he went down. An Atlas that turned left instead of right to find me...exposed back, ouch. He would have gone down quicker but I jammed at least twice. A beat up LRM cat, and a dragon running for his life.

Love this mech...
S

They work great in a single group. You just have to tap the fire button in the right interval. They still will jam but they are very ample if you withdraw behind cover while clearing it. I actually prefer them on a Catapult K2 versus a Cataphract. 'Phracts just aren't suited for brawling.

Don't give up! They are very rewarding weapons once you get the hang of them. They're also very useful at long range. I almost blew off the head of another Catapult at 900+ meters with them once... if the SOB didn't move in the nick of time my last salvo woulda finished him.

Yeah UAC5s work great as a group but you do have to control yourself and not leave the button mashed down otherwise they will jam frequently.

Chainfire seems to reduce the jamming but you also lose the high DPS doubleshot to the single mech section, so I leave mine grouped with chain off and just try to control my firing which isn't too bad as long as you have another weapon to shoot while it is unjamming (2xERPPCs or 2xLL works great along with it)

I'm also finding out that Cataphracts are not brawlers, they are good as harrassers and snipers but seem too fragile for real brawling, especially with a XL engine.

Played with it some, and firing as a group at once seemed the best and much faster. I liked them at a distance, but not so much up close.

After several experiments, I've concluded that grouping both UAC's and the AC together gives me the highest DPS, and just plain kicks ass! You just need to relax the trigger finger when the UAC's jam and give 'em time to unjam, as holding the trigger will prolong the jamming. You could also assign the AC to another group as backup, but I've never found a situation where it was necessary.

Here's my (Cataphract) CTF-4X MechLab configuration:

MWO: MechLab (CTF-4X)

That is almost exactly what I'm running. I have a little less ammo, 230 engine, and ams. For this build the case is definitely worth it.

...and here are the results from one of the many good rounds tonight:

Faction/Player/Mech/Status/Score/KILLS/Assists/Dmg/Ping (for those not familiar)

Awesome round there Kelen/Feetwet, great games again tonight with you guys.

PS. I posted a screenshot of your mech's new cammo in the Screenshot Forum.

Sweet, Thx. I messed around last night and modified my 1X to see how viable a 3 PPC build was. Cant wait to try it out.

S

Thats what bringing up the rear looks like...I know, I know PHD_DOC...'thats what she said' :-).

I would like to thank the front line Kludger, Raw, and PHD for softening up all those juicy targets.