A few questions on the topic of mass shield generators,
When I have the module equipped on my eng frigate, I can see a number on the module icon. What does this number mean?
Also, I’m assuming that this module works by boosting the shield recharge rate of all nearby ships while draining my energy, but I’m getting the feeling that this might be incorrect. could someone tell me how this thing is actually supposed to work?
Mass Shield Generator sort of works like a shield regeneration aura that you can switch on and off. It constantly drains energy while it’s on, but its drain rate should be lesser than your energy regen rate (need to re-confirm). The module also boosts your own shield regeneration rates.
The other number you see on the module’s icon indicates how many ships are affected by the module (in this case, friendly ships). There are other modules that have the same indicator as well, including the Guard Pulsar and the Recon Micro-Locator.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but it only shows the numbers if the module is not active.
when off = number of allies within module range
when on = number of allies receiving heals
if you lose the numbers that means a stronger buff is being provided by another allied ship.