Difference between revisions of "Archive:Mining fleets"

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This is an article about participating and running Mining ops. This article is a quick merge of [[Running_a_Mining_Op|Running a Mining Op]] and [[Participating_in_a_Mining_Op|Participating in a Mining Op]] and will require some editing to make it more efficient and to remove duplication.
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{{main|Amarr Mining Campus}}
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{{historical}}
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The goal of a mining fleet is to make ISK for every participant. It has a benefit over solo mining in that it is slightly more secure, there are other people to perform roles such as hauling leaving the miners to concentrate on mining, and it is a lot more social and fun! Most EVE University mining fleets are one of these types:
  
== Participating ==
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* '''Shared Can (SC)''': This is a jetcan mining fleet where the miners place the raw ore into a jetcan (which was jettisoned by someone and named so it will last two hours), and a hauler regularly takes the ore out of the can and when full, takes it to a station for later processing.
  
This guide describes what to expect in the typical mining operation run by Eve University mining fleet commanders, and how to fit in smoothly.
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* '''Bring Your Own Can (BYOC)''': This is a fleet you can join to get "boosts" from the fleet while in the same belt as booster, though miners will haul their own ore to the station. This is typically an Orca pilot with a few spare fleet spots that he lets others use. There is no shared ore or profit. More information on the [[Archive:BYOC]] page.
  
Remember, even if you don't have a ship for mining or hauling, University students can get one for free from the [[Mining Loaner Fleet]] program!
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== Roles in a Mining Fleet ==
  
=== Types of Mining Ops ===
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There are many ways to participate in a mining fleet. Most newer players will, of course, be mining in a mining frigate or barge. Newer players can also be effective haulers once they have a reasonably fitted industrial ([[Creating an Alt Hauler]] shows how much common, unrigged industrial ships carry).
  
There are several kinds of mining operations. However, most Uni ops - scheduled or pick up - are one of these types:
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* '''Miner''': The role of the miner is just to mine as much ore as possible. The majority of members in the mining fleet will be miners.
  
*''Shared Can'': This is a jetcan mining operation where the miners place the raw ore into a jetcan (which was jettisoned by someone and named so it will last two hours), and a hauler regularly takes the ore out of the can and when full, takes it to a station for later processing.
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* '''Hauler''': The job of the hauler is to collect the ore as it is mined and to transport it safely to the station. This means the miners do not have to keep returning to the station to drop off their ore, and they can focus their time on maximising their yield instead.
  
*''Orca'': In this operation, the miners place their ore directly into an Orca's designated Corporation Hangar (see [[#How_to_Use_an_Orca|How to Use an Orca]] below). If there is no additional hauler (or another Orca), then while the Orca is dropping the ore off at a station, a jetcan will be used to hold the ore until the Orca returns.
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* '''Booster''': The job of the booster is to provide mining boosts which increase the yield of miners and to use a tractor beam to collect widely dispersed jet cans full of ore. This means that haulers do not need to slow boat around the field. Boosters fly Orcas and Porpoises.
  
*''Boost only'': This is not really a "mining operation" and hence won't be covered in this guide. This is a fleet you can join to get "boosts" from the fleet commander while in the same system. This is typically an Orca pilot with a few spare fleet spots that he lets others use. There is no shared ore or profit. Sometimes referred to as a BYOC (bring your own can) operation.
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* '''Picket / Scout''': EVE University is almost always at war and sometimes it is necessary that there be someone who is able to watch gates to see war targets before they get close to the system the mining fleet is in. The job of picket is an important early warning system to protect the rest of the fleet and allow them to get out of the belt and in station before a war target has time to get to them.
  
The mining operation fleet commander will inform the fleet members what sort of operation is being run and, hence, how the miners should handle their ore.
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* '''Other Participation''': After a mining fleet is complete, the ore still needs to be refined, the minerals transported and sold, and the shares distributed. If you are willing and able to assist with any of these things, let the fleet commander know. If you are in the Averon Mining Campus this will be done for you as part of their buyback scheme.
  
(More details can be found on the [[Mining|mining page]].)
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== Participating in a Mining Fleet ==
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=== Finding a Mining Fleet ===
  
=== Finding a Mining Op ===
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* The [[Averon Mining Campus]] runs regular Shared Can and Bring Your Own Can fleets. These are normally announced in their chat channel and mailing list.
  
*Look in Fleet Finder: Check the "Fleets" button in the [[NeoCom|NeoCom]], then look at the "Fleet Finder" tab. From there, change the scope to "My available" and search for fleets. Note that not all fleets listed in Fleet Finder will be mining fleets and some mining fleets are run by non-IVY pilots.
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* Look in the Fleet Finder: Check the "Fleets" button in the Neocom, then look at the "Fleet Finder" tab. From there, change the scope to "My available" and search for any mining fleets.
  
*Ask in the "Industry.E-UNI" chat channel if there is a mining op. Alternatively, you can ask in the "Chat.E-UNI" channel. Additionally, check for mining channels on Mumble.
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* Ask in the EVE University chat channels if there is a mining fleet running. Additionally, check for any mining channels on Mumble.
  
*You can also start your own fleet! See [[Running a Mining Op]].
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=== Participating as a Miner ===
  
=== Participation Types ===
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To participate as a miner, you will need to do the following:
  
There are many ways to participate in a mining operation. Most newer players will, of course, be mining in a mining frigate or cruiser. Newer players can also be effective haulers once they have a reasonably fitted industrial ([[Creating an Alt Hauler]] shows how much common, unrigged industrial ships carry).
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==== Shared Can ====
  
==== Miner ====
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# After joining the fleet, you'll warp to the belt the fleet is currently at (normally by warping to one of the other miners in your squad)
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# Target your asteroids, but make sure you are not mining the same asteroid as someone else, and activate your mining lasers/drones
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# In fleet chat, clearly state the time your mining (or participation) begins, for example, "<---- Lasers ON at 22:34 -- CHARACTER NAME"
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# The ore you mine will be placed in a specified jetcan
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# If there isn't a jetcan near you feel free to make a new one by right clicking the ore in your cargo hold and clicking Jettison. Once the new can is made, right click the can in space and select Set Name; then give the can a name. A common naming convention for fleet mining is 'Fleet TT:TT' (TT:TT is the EVE time at which the can was created).
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# Once the can is full, rename can to 'Full TT:TT' (TT:TT is the original EVE time can was created).
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# If you are leaving the area for any reason (e.g., the belt is depleted, there are no more asteroids in range, or you are simply calling it a day) before the can is full, rename the can to 'Pull TT:TT' (where TT:TT is again the original EVE time the can was created). This ensures that you don't just warp away leaving a 'fleet' can to perhaps be overlooked.
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# If you have to take a break or go AFK for more than a short time (defined as however long it takes your lasers to typically fill your cargo hold), inform the fleet and clock out when you leave and back in when you return
  
Participating as a miner is very simple. Essentially, after joining the fleet, you'll warp to one of the fleet members, target your asteroids, and activate your miners. The ore will be placed in a specified jetcan or a specified Orca Corporation Hangar. If there isn't a jetcan near you feel free to make a new one by right clicking the ore in your cargo hold and clicking Jettison. Once the new can is made, right click the can in space and select Set Name; then give the can a name.
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==== Bring Your Own Can Fleets ====
  
A common naming convention for fleet mining is 'Fleet TT:TT' (TT:TT is the EVE time at which the can was created). Once the can is full, rename can to 'Full TT:TT' (TT:TT is the original EVE time can was created). If you are leaving the area for any reason (e.g., the belt is depleted, there are no more asteroids in range, or you are simply calling it a day) before the can is full, rename the can to 'pull TT:TT' (where TT:TT is again the original EVE time the can was created). This ensures that you don't just warp away leaving a 'fleet' can to perhaps be overlooked. One practice that is often seen is to x up the can in Fleet chat when you change the status of your can from 'fleet' to 'full' or 'pull,' e.g., "x PULL 2015". Using this convention helps the haulers prioritize which can needs to be emptied next since jettisoned cans last only approximately 2 hours.
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For a [[Archive:BYOC|Bring Your Own Can fleet]], you will need to do the following:
  
==== Hauler ====
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# After joining the fleet, find asteroid belt with fleet members in it, target your asteroids, and activate your mining lasers/drones.
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# Once your hold is full return it to a station or jetcan it to be picked up by a hauler you own or someone provides.
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# Historically it was customary to tip the booster a small percentage of your profits, as a thank you for providing the boosts. However, in recent years, we have moved away from this practice and it is no longer suggested.  With Uni giving Boosters free Heavy Water and Charges (available at most Community stations), it is no longer an out of pocket cost for the Boosters.
  
Participating as a hauler is also very straight-forward. You will take the ore from the designated jetcan or Orca Hangar and, when your hauler is full, drop it off at a designated station.
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=== Maximising your yield as a Miner ===
  
At the end of the operation, or when you're leaving the op, you should either give the ore to the commander at the designated station, or contract it to him at that station. (Please "stack all" the ore before contracting it!)
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These tips will help you make the best use of your time:
  
==== Orca ====
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* Try to mine the farthest asteroids you can reach with your lasers first. Check your range as it may be higher than usual if you are receiving Orca boosts.
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* Mining drones should target the closest asteroids for best yield.
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* Try not to mine the same exact rock someone else is mining. When you switch asteroids make sure you 'Look at' the asteroid before you start to mine it, to make sure there is noone else already mining it.
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* In the same vein, try to have each mining laser targeted on a different rock; keep your lasers spread out.
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* When the rocks are fewer in number than the fleet's mining laser count, short cycle your lasers. This means cut off their cycles part-way through (capacitor permitting!) so that you won't lose a full cycle on an almost empty asteroid.
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* If you have a scanner fitted, feel free to use it to target the biggest asteroids first, and know when to short-cycle your lasers (or send drones to finish off an asteroid).
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* Generally, you will be expected to avoid being AFK.
  
Participating as an Orca pilot is an advanced subject and beyond the scope of this guide. Almost all ops can benefit from one Orca and larger ones can benefit from two or more.
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=== Participating as a Hauler ===
  
==== Other Participation ====
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To participate as a hauler you will do the following:
  
After an op is complete, the ore still needs to be refined, the minerals transported and sold, and the shares distributed. If you are willing and able to assist with any of these things, let the fleet commander know and he may just take you up on them. These details are beyond the scope of this guide.
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# Take the ore from the jetcans
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# When your hauler is full, drop the ore off at the designated station
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# At the end of the fleet, or when you're leaving, you should either give the ore to the commander at the designated station, or contract it to him at that station. Please "stack all" the ore before contracting it!
  
=== Participating in a Mining Op ===
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=== Participating as a Booster ===
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Since the removal of off-grid boosters you can only participate as an active booster (in orca or Porpoise):
  
#Join the fleet you've located using the techniques above.
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# Locate yourself in middle of ore field and turn on your boosts (I use Laser Optimization & Laser Field Enhancement).
#Get to the appropriate system, then warp to the fleet, typically by warping to one of the other miners using the fleet window.
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# Use tractor beam to pull in full jet cans.
#In fleet chat, clearly state the time your mining (or participation) begins
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# Allow hauler to access Fleet Hangar (especially when using freighter as a hauler)
#*For example, "<---- Lasers ON at 22:34 -- Callin Vandylx"
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# Keep filling Fleet Hangar.
#If you have to take a break or go AFK for more than a short time (defined as however long it takes your lasers to typically fill your cargo hold, or whatever time your hauling interval usually is), inform the fleet and clock out when you leave and back in when you return.
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# Read a book....
#Mine in to the jetcan or Orca, haul, or do whatever the fleet commander has assigned to you for your responsibilities.
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# Once field is cleared move to a new field and repeat....
#Warp to different belts, or jump to different systems, as the operation moves, per the fleet commander's orders.
 
  
==== Notes on Mining ====
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=== Participating as a Picket / Scout ===
  
*Try to mine the farthest asteroids you can reach with your lasers first. (Check your range as they may be boosted from an Orca.)
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To participate as a picket or scout you will:
*Drones, obviously, should target the closest asteroids for best yield.
 
*If you are following a moving Orca, watch your targets to ensure they don't get out of range; you'll lose the yield from your entire cycle if it does.
 
*Check the [http://www.eve-ivy.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=25250 Aldrat: Current Ore Prices] thread to see what the most valuable ores are and mine those first. Many ops will just strip an entire asteroid field so sometimes this won't matter.
 
*Try not to mine the same exact rock someone else is mining. This requires looking at what you're doing when switching rocks.
 
*In the same vein, try to have each mining laser targeted on a different rock; keep your lasers spread out. (Some mining battleships may be unable to do this unless they have Advanced Target Management skill.)
 
*When the rocks are fewer in number than the fleet's mining laser count, short cycle your lasers. This means, cut off their cycles part-way through (capacitor permitting!) so that you won't lose a full cycle on an almost empty asteroid.
 
*If you have a scanner fitted, feel free to use it to target the biggest asteroids first, and know when to short-cycle your lasers (or send drones to finish off an asteroid).
 
*Generally, you will be expected to avoid being AFK - fit MLUs instead of expanded cargoholds.
 
  
==== How to Use an Orca ====
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# Position yourself in an appropriate system which is close enough to the mining fleet to provide intel but far enough away to give an adequate warning
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# Keep an eye in local and on the gate for any war targets or threats to the mining fleet
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# If you see something that might pose a threat immediately alert the fleet commander so they can take appropriate action
  
An Orca is a special ship that has a few features that makes it ideally suited to support mining operations. While it can hold PvP ships and provide fitting services, its main use is the ability to transfer ore from your ship into it without needing to use a jetcan.
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=== Leaving the Mining Fleet ===
When you get to an asteroid field with Orca support target the Orca, get within 2,500 meters, and use the "Keep at Distance" option to automatically stay within range as it moves. Orca pilots will often move slowly through the asteroid belt allowing the miners to mine all the asteroids without having to drive themselves.
 
  
Once you are in position, open the Orca's Fleet Hangar by right-clicking the Orca (either in the 3D view or the Overview) and saying "Open Fleet Hangar." When your hold is getting close to full, drag the ore from your hold to Orca's Fleet Hangar. You might get a warning that you can't take the ore back; just dismiss the error. If you get a "full" error, remind the Orca pilot that he needs to empty the Hangar (or drop off a load at a station). Most Orcas can hold over 150,000 m^3 of ore (assuming the Orca pilot has fitted for cargo instead of tank) before having to drop it off.
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# Turn off your lasers and recall your mining drones.
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# If you are on a shared can, empty your ore into the jetcan one final time and mark the jetcan as either 'Full TT:TT' or 'Pull TT:TT' (see above).
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# Again on a shared can, clearly state in fleet chat the time your mining (or participation) is over. For example, "<---- Lasers OFF at 23:57 -- CHARACTER NAME".
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# If you have been hauling, trade the ore at the designated station to the fleet commander, or contract it.
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# Remember to thank the fleet commander, who will typically have some logistics to do after the fleet is over in order to turn your time into ISK for your wallet!
  
When you are in a fleet with an Orca, check your laser cycle times and ranges by mousing over them. Often, the Orca pilot will be "boosting" these so your lasers cycle faster and reach farther.
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== Running a mining fleet ==
  
=== Leaving the Mining Op ===
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It can be daunting running your first mining fleet. If you are nervous, consider asking a more experienced fleet commander to allow you to shadow him in running a mining fleet, or for them to come along on your first mining fleet to help you out. The following checklist summarises the main points:
  
#Turn off your lasers and recall your mining drones
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# Pick what type of mining fleet you want to run and where. Make sure to advertise it in advance for decent participation.
#Empty your ore into the jetcan/Orca one final time
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# Put together a spreadsheet for the mining fleet. The Averon Mining Campus has a section of the Buyback spreadsheet specifically for mining fleets.
#In fleet chat, clearly state the time your mining (or participation) is over
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# Form the fleet. You will need at least one miner and one hauler to get started.
#*For example, "<---- Lasers OFF at 23:57 -- Callin Vandylx"
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# Log the "lasers on" and "lasers off" time of each member of the operation (or the join/leave time for industrials) on the spreadsheet, from the chat channel. Also log the entire fleet start/stop time.
#If you have been hauling, trade the ore at the designated station to the fleet commander, or contract it.
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# Keep track of the belts you have mined and be prepared to move the fleet on to the next belt when required. Also be prepared to give instructions to the other pilots, such as the hauler, Orca, and scout/pickets.
#Remember to thank the fleet commander, who will typically have some logistics to do after the fleet is over in order to turn your time into ISK for your wallet!
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# When the mining fleet is over, refine and sell the ore to convert it to ISK. If you are in the Averon Mining Campus you can use the buyback scheme for this.
#Say bye to your fleetmates.
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# When the ore has been converted to ISK, distribute the ISK to the fleet members according to the calculation of the shares. See below for more on how shares are calculated.
  
=== Mining Op Shares ===
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It can help to have a MOTD (Message of the Day) to remind new members what they need to do as part of the fleet. Here is a suggested template:
  
The goal of a mining op is to make ISK for every participant. Shares may be time based or weighted. For time-based, each participant in the operation is given a "share" based upon his time in the fleet. This simple mechanism is intentionally biased to favor newer players (with smaller mining ships like mining frigates and cruisers) at the expense of older players (with the Orcas and Hulks), as this may help get all of its members into larger mining ships (such as the Retriever Mining Barge) that they can then afford to buy.
 
 
(If you can fly one of these ships, but cannot afford one, then [[Mining Loaner Fleet|borrow one from the Uni]] for a few weeks at no cost!)
 
 
Weighted ops are also an option. There are various spreadsheets that can be used, [https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AtRzbOOErPTDdFVMMW5rN1dZa0ljZ3JCdW9FalJBX0E&hl=en&authkey=CI6Xt0U such as this one].&nbsp; These can be used to weigh profits by actual contribution, such as laser and hauling capacity.&nbsp; This type of op might be better at encouraging veteran pilots, which will likely increase the total minerals gained, while still providing a fair distribuition.&nbsp; The spreadsheet automates this heavily, so all the fleet commander need do is arrive a set of weights that satisfy everyone in the fleet.<br>
 
 
==== Example Shares ====
 
 
A simple example:
 
 
The operation goes on for 5 hours
 
 
*The fleet commander's ship participated for all 5 hours (probably hauling or with an Orca)
 
*Seven ships participated for 3 hours each
 
*Three ships participated for 2 hours each
 
*Total effort: 5h + 7 x 3h + 3 x 2h = 32 ship/man hours
 
 
The mined ore sells for 160 million ISK, so each man hour of work is worth 160/32 = 5 million ISK
 
 
The proceeds are as follows:
 
 
*Fleet commander: 5 * 5m = 25 million ISK
 
*3 hour participants: 3 * 5m = 15 million ISK
 
*2 hour participants: 2 * 5m = 10 million ISK
 
*Total: 25m + 7 x 15m + 3 x 10m = 25m + 105m + 30m = 160 million
 
 
(The fleet commander will usually use a spreadsheet to manage all of this, rather than doing it by hand as in this example.)
 
 
You can ask the fleet commander when to expect the ISK. Please be patient, as it can sometimes take the FC some time to refine and sell the ore, especially if he uses a third party to refine and sells using sell orders. That will get you more ISK, so you should be happy.
 
 
 
== Running an Op ==
 
 
SO you want to try your hand at running a Uni Mining Op.  This is a brief checklist on how to run an Eve University mining op with shares based upon each members' time in operation.
 
 
The companion article for a mining operation fleet member is [[Participating in a Mining Op]].
 
 
This assumes a highsec op.
 
 
=== Checklist ===
 
 
#Pick your location. If you cannot refine the ore yourself, 50% Minmatar Mining Corporation stations or 50% Caldari Business Tribunal stations are good choices, as you can ask someone to refine for you, or use Aldrat so you can use the Uni's free [[Perfect Refine List#University_Service|perfect refine service]] at Aldrat IX - Moon 13 - MMC station.
 
#Pick what type of op you want to run. This will depend on your resources.
 
#*For example, with an Orca, everyone can mine and drop their ore directly into that (if within 2500m) and just use a JetCan while the Orca is docking (which it can then pick up with a tractor (if fitted)).
 
#*With just an industrial hauler, the JetCan will be used to hold stuff while the hauler empties it out and takes the ore to station.
 
#*Obviously, with more (Orca and Iteron V, two Orcas, etc.) your flexibility will go up.
 
#Form a fleet. You will need at least one miner and one hauler to get started.
 
#*Advertise the fleet in ''fleet finder'', and in chat channels Industry.E-UNI and Chat.E-UNI (repeating the ads periodically).
 
#*Have fleet members join Industry.E-UNI in Mumble if they want, or start your own chat channel.
 
#Log the "lasers on" and "lasers off" time of each member of the operation (or the join/leave time for industrials). You can use [http:///forum.eveuniversity.org/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=22599&hilit=mining+op+spreadsheet Genn's Mining Op Spreadsheet] or [[Scrapyard's Mining Op Worksheet]] or other spreadsheets for this. You can also use your chat log (make sure it's on) and have everyone say when they join and leave and what time it is, as a back up. Also log the entire fleet start/stop time (for yourself).
 
#When the op's over, refine the ore into minerals.
 
#*You can do this yourself, or
 
#*You can ask someone to do it for you, or
 
#*You can use the Uni's [[Perfect Refine List#University_Service|perfect refine service]]
 
#Sell the minerals, probably in Rens or Hek
 
#*You can use sell orders, but for faster ISK you can sell into the market; prices are usually better in Rens. You can check the Rens prices in Eystur, which is also one jump from Hek.
 
#Using the times logged, calculate shares for each member and use your wallet to transfer the ISK to them after the sales go through.
 
#Post an after-operation report on the [http:///forum.eveuniversity.org/viewforum.php?f=45 Mining Forum] if you wish
 
 
=== Notes on Running a Smooth Op ===
 
 
* Assign someone to watch the "local" channel for people who might try to cause problems (more for JetCan ops than Orca ops).
 
* Assign someone to watch the local grid (in the overview) for visitors, possible threats and other ships and rats.
 
* Assign someone to watch Industry.E-UNI to bring new blood to the fleet and capture "rejoin fleet" requests.
 
* The hauler should, if possible, not be the booster, so that boosts are not lost when the hauler is docked up.
 
** Alternatively, at least structure the fleet so someone with Mining Foreman V is the booster when the hauler docks.
 
* Try to maintain a fleet presence above or below the plane that the asteroids spawn in.
 
** This way, if the fleet should need to warp out quickly (due to aggression or a smartbomb battleship attack), there will be nothing blocking egress.
 
*It can help to have a MOTD to remind new members what they need to do as part of an op.
 
**Here is an helpful template:
 
 
   <nowiki>
 
   <nowiki>
Welcome to today's AMC shared can op.
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Welcome to today's Shared Can Mining Fleet.
 
Current Location: [current belt link]
 
Current Location: [current belt link]
 
Spreadsheet: [spreadsheet url here]
 
Spreadsheet: [spreadsheet url here]
Contract Ore to: [name of original FC]
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Contract Ore to: [name of original Fleet Commander]
 
    
 
    
<b>Important:</b>
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'''Important:'''
 
Make sure you're on the spreadsheet correctly and logged into mumble, AMC channel.
 
Make sure you're on the spreadsheet correctly and logged into mumble, AMC channel.
 
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When you start mining, put into fleet chat:
 
When you start mining, put into fleet chat:
   LASERS ON HH:MM
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   LASERS ON HH:MM - (Ship Type)
 
When you stop mining:
 
When you stop mining:
 
   LASERS OFF HH:MM
 
   LASERS OFF HH:MM
Line 184: Line 131:
 
   PULL HH:MM (moving on)
 
   PULL HH:MM (moving on)
 
   FULL HH:MM (filled)
 
   FULL HH:MM (filled)
<b>NOTE: Leave the <u>original</u> (creation) time in the name.</b>
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'''NOTE: Leave the <u>original</u> (creation) time in the name.'''
 
    
 
    
 
Share cans whenever possible (that means dumping into a fleet can if one is available, instead of creating one yourself)
 
Share cans whenever possible (that means dumping into a fleet can if one is available, instead of creating one yourself)
Line 190: Line 137:
 
   </nowiki>
 
   </nowiki>
  
=== Help from Uni Management ===
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== Mining Fleet Security ==
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 +
Mining in a fleet is generally slightly more secure than mining alone, but there are some simple tips which will help increase your safety, against various types of enemies.
 +
 
 +
* '''NPC Rats''': These are only likely to be a problem if you are mining in a frigate. Ideally take some drones along for defence so you can get rid of the NPC rats if you are targeted.
 +
 
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* '''Can Flippers''': Can flippers are less of a problem with Shared Can fleets, because there are several people to look out for them and normally a hauler who can bring in the cans if there is anyone suspicious sniffing around them. Regardless, make sure you keep an eye on your cans.
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* '''Gankers and war targets''': These are normally the biggest threat to a mining fleet, though the risk can be mitigated by having scouts or pickets to warn of any potential threats. Remember to keep the location of your fleet secure as some added protection, and mine aligned if you are mining in dangerous space.
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== Calculating Shares ==
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HISTORICAL USE ONLY! No value for 2022.
 +
 
 +
Shares may be time based or weighted. For time-based, each participant in the operation is given a "share" based upon his time in the fleet. This simple mechanism is intentionally biased to favor newer players (with smaller mining ships like mining frigates and cruisers) at the expense of older players (with the Orcas and Hulks), as this may help get all of its members into larger mining ships that they can then afford to buy.
  
[[User:Azmodeus valar|Azmodeus Valar]], the Director of Logistics, has offered to pick up ore from nearby Aldrat and both refine and sell it for any Uni mining op. ([http://forum.eveuniversity.org/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=28307&start=15#p273616 Reference here])
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Weighted shares are also an option. There are various spreadsheets that can be used. These can be used to weigh profits by actual contribution, such as laser and hauling capacity. This type of share might be better at encouraging veteran pilots, which will likely increase the total minerals gained, while still providing a fair distribution. The spreadsheet automates this heavily, so all the fleet commander needs to do is arrive a set of weights that satisfy everyone in the fleet.
  
=== Determining Shares ===
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A simple example is as follows:
  
The mining op fleet commander has the final say on how to distribute shares and make operation rules. (You're always free to find another fleet or start your own if you don't like it.) The fleet commander, however, does have the obligation to ensure that everyone joining the mining operation is aware of the rules and distribution of shares when they first join (or consider joining). Once the rules and shares are laid out, they should not be changed after the fact.
+
  <nowiki>
  
==== Rules ====
+
The operation goes on for 5 hours
  
* The fleet commander should keep a record of the total ore mined of each type, the total refined minerals, and the total ISK which was received.
+
*The fleet commander's ship participated for all 5 hours (probably hauling or with an Orca)
* The fleet commander should keep a record of the times each participant spent in the operation.
+
*Seven ships participated for 3 hours each
* The fleet commander ''may'' record the logistics times associated with processing the ore, selling, etc., solely for reporting purposes.
+
*Three ships participated for 2 hours each
** This is to let other fleet commanders know how much time they might expect to spend on these activities.
+
*Total effort: 5h + 7 x 3h + 3 x 2h = 32 ship/man hours
* These records (if kept electronically) should be made available to any fleet member who asks (or any Uni Director, Officer or Manager) for a week.
 
* An "After Operation Report" can be made on the [http://forum.eveuniversity.org/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=19986], if desired.
 
  
==== Shares ====
+
The mined ore sells for 160 million ISK, so each man hour of work is worth 160/32 = 5 million ISK
  
* The fleet commander (or someone he designates and who accepts) will handle the post-operation logistics including refining, transporting, selling and distributing shares.
+
The proceeds are as follows:
** These activities are not considered part of the operation for share purposes.
 
* All funds gained from the op will be included in the total sum distributed to the members of the op as shares.
 
** There is no required "operation donation" to the Uni for running an op.
 
  
For an example of how an operation using these rules/shares would work, [[Participating in a Mining Op#Example Shares|see this example]].
+
*Fleet commander: 5 * 5m = 25 million ISK
 +
*3 hour participants: 3 * 5m = 15 million ISK
 +
*2 hour participants: 2 * 5m = 10 million ISK
 +
*Total: 25m + 7 x 15m + 3 x 10m = 25m + 105m + 30m = 160 million
  
 +
  </nowiki>
  
== References ==
+
(Note: The fleet commander will usually use a spreadsheet to manage all of this, rather than doing it by hand as in this example.)
  
* [[Chat Channels and Mailing Lists#Passworded Channels|Industry.E-UNI chat channel]]
+
{{Mining Links}}
* [http://forum.eveuniversity.org/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=22599&hilit=mining+op+spreadsheet Gennevie's Mining Op Spreadsheet] for tracking time and shares
 
* [[Scrapyard's Mining Op Worksheet]]
 
* [[Mining in the Apetter Constellation]]
 
* [[Perfect Refine List|University and Player Perfect Refine List]]
 
* [http://www.eveonline.com/iNgameboard.asp?a=topic&threadID=434899 Halada's Complete Miner's Guide]
 
* [[Determine which ore to mine for most profit]]
 
* [[Mining Loaner Fleet]]
 
* [http://forum.eveuniversity.org/viewforum.php?f=45 Mining Forum]
 
* [[Mining]]
 
* [[Refining]]
 
* [[Ice Mining]]
 
* [[Mining Ships]]
 
* [[Mining Barges]]
 
* [[Mining 101]], [[Mining 102]]
 
* [[Mining Boss 101]]
 
** [http://forum.eveuniversity.org/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=28259#p273689 Mining Boss 101 class recording, syllabus and spreadsheet]
 
  
[[Category:Guides]]
 
[[Category:Industry]]
 
[[Category:Mining]]
 
 
[[Category:AMC]]
 
[[Category:AMC]]

Latest revision as of 09:07, 25 January 2024

Main article: Amarr Mining Campus
E-UNI Emblem.png This page's intent is to provide information on the the history of EVE University. The information on this page is no longer current.

The goal of a mining fleet is to make ISK for every participant. It has a benefit over solo mining in that it is slightly more secure, there are other people to perform roles such as hauling leaving the miners to concentrate on mining, and it is a lot more social and fun! Most EVE University mining fleets are one of these types:

  • Shared Can (SC): This is a jetcan mining fleet where the miners place the raw ore into a jetcan (which was jettisoned by someone and named so it will last two hours), and a hauler regularly takes the ore out of the can and when full, takes it to a station for later processing.
  • Bring Your Own Can (BYOC): This is a fleet you can join to get "boosts" from the fleet while in the same belt as booster, though miners will haul their own ore to the station. This is typically an Orca pilot with a few spare fleet spots that he lets others use. There is no shared ore or profit. More information on the Archive:BYOC page.

Roles in a Mining Fleet

There are many ways to participate in a mining fleet. Most newer players will, of course, be mining in a mining frigate or barge. Newer players can also be effective haulers once they have a reasonably fitted industrial (Creating an Alt Hauler shows how much common, unrigged industrial ships carry).

  • Miner: The role of the miner is just to mine as much ore as possible. The majority of members in the mining fleet will be miners.
  • Hauler: The job of the hauler is to collect the ore as it is mined and to transport it safely to the station. This means the miners do not have to keep returning to the station to drop off their ore, and they can focus their time on maximising their yield instead.
  • Booster: The job of the booster is to provide mining boosts which increase the yield of miners and to use a tractor beam to collect widely dispersed jet cans full of ore. This means that haulers do not need to slow boat around the field. Boosters fly Orcas and Porpoises.
  • Picket / Scout: EVE University is almost always at war and sometimes it is necessary that there be someone who is able to watch gates to see war targets before they get close to the system the mining fleet is in. The job of picket is an important early warning system to protect the rest of the fleet and allow them to get out of the belt and in station before a war target has time to get to them.
  • Other Participation: After a mining fleet is complete, the ore still needs to be refined, the minerals transported and sold, and the shares distributed. If you are willing and able to assist with any of these things, let the fleet commander know. If you are in the Averon Mining Campus this will be done for you as part of their buyback scheme.

Participating in a Mining Fleet

Finding a Mining Fleet

  • The Averon Mining Campus runs regular Shared Can and Bring Your Own Can fleets. These are normally announced in their chat channel and mailing list.
  • Look in the Fleet Finder: Check the "Fleets" button in the Neocom, then look at the "Fleet Finder" tab. From there, change the scope to "My available" and search for any mining fleets.
  • Ask in the EVE University chat channels if there is a mining fleet running. Additionally, check for any mining channels on Mumble.

Participating as a Miner

To participate as a miner, you will need to do the following:

Shared Can

  1. After joining the fleet, you'll warp to the belt the fleet is currently at (normally by warping to one of the other miners in your squad)
  2. Target your asteroids, but make sure you are not mining the same asteroid as someone else, and activate your mining lasers/drones
  3. In fleet chat, clearly state the time your mining (or participation) begins, for example, "<---- Lasers ON at 22:34 -- CHARACTER NAME"
  4. The ore you mine will be placed in a specified jetcan
  5. If there isn't a jetcan near you feel free to make a new one by right clicking the ore in your cargo hold and clicking Jettison. Once the new can is made, right click the can in space and select Set Name; then give the can a name. A common naming convention for fleet mining is 'Fleet TT:TT' (TT:TT is the EVE time at which the can was created).
  6. Once the can is full, rename can to 'Full TT:TT' (TT:TT is the original EVE time can was created).
  7. If you are leaving the area for any reason (e.g., the belt is depleted, there are no more asteroids in range, or you are simply calling it a day) before the can is full, rename the can to 'Pull TT:TT' (where TT:TT is again the original EVE time the can was created). This ensures that you don't just warp away leaving a 'fleet' can to perhaps be overlooked.
  8. If you have to take a break or go AFK for more than a short time (defined as however long it takes your lasers to typically fill your cargo hold), inform the fleet and clock out when you leave and back in when you return

Bring Your Own Can Fleets

For a Bring Your Own Can fleet, you will need to do the following:

  1. After joining the fleet, find asteroid belt with fleet members in it, target your asteroids, and activate your mining lasers/drones.
  2. Once your hold is full return it to a station or jetcan it to be picked up by a hauler you own or someone provides.
  3. Historically it was customary to tip the booster a small percentage of your profits, as a thank you for providing the boosts. However, in recent years, we have moved away from this practice and it is no longer suggested. With Uni giving Boosters free Heavy Water and Charges (available at most Community stations), it is no longer an out of pocket cost for the Boosters.

Maximising your yield as a Miner

These tips will help you make the best use of your time:

  • Try to mine the farthest asteroids you can reach with your lasers first. Check your range as it may be higher than usual if you are receiving Orca boosts.
  • Mining drones should target the closest asteroids for best yield.
  • Try not to mine the same exact rock someone else is mining. When you switch asteroids make sure you 'Look at' the asteroid before you start to mine it, to make sure there is noone else already mining it.
  • In the same vein, try to have each mining laser targeted on a different rock; keep your lasers spread out.
  • When the rocks are fewer in number than the fleet's mining laser count, short cycle your lasers. This means cut off their cycles part-way through (capacitor permitting!) so that you won't lose a full cycle on an almost empty asteroid.
  • If you have a scanner fitted, feel free to use it to target the biggest asteroids first, and know when to short-cycle your lasers (or send drones to finish off an asteroid).
  • Generally, you will be expected to avoid being AFK.

Participating as a Hauler

To participate as a hauler you will do the following:

  1. Take the ore from the jetcans
  2. When your hauler is full, drop the ore off at the designated station
  3. At the end of the fleet, or when you're leaving, you should either give the ore to the commander at the designated station, or contract it to him at that station. Please "stack all" the ore before contracting it!

Participating as a Booster

Since the removal of off-grid boosters you can only participate as an active booster (in orca or Porpoise):

  1. Locate yourself in middle of ore field and turn on your boosts (I use Laser Optimization & Laser Field Enhancement).
  2. Use tractor beam to pull in full jet cans.
  3. Allow hauler to access Fleet Hangar (especially when using freighter as a hauler)
  4. Keep filling Fleet Hangar.
  5. Read a book....
  6. Once field is cleared move to a new field and repeat....

Participating as a Picket / Scout

To participate as a picket or scout you will:

  1. Position yourself in an appropriate system which is close enough to the mining fleet to provide intel but far enough away to give an adequate warning
  2. Keep an eye in local and on the gate for any war targets or threats to the mining fleet
  3. If you see something that might pose a threat immediately alert the fleet commander so they can take appropriate action

Leaving the Mining Fleet

  1. Turn off your lasers and recall your mining drones.
  2. If you are on a shared can, empty your ore into the jetcan one final time and mark the jetcan as either 'Full TT:TT' or 'Pull TT:TT' (see above).
  3. Again on a shared can, clearly state in fleet chat the time your mining (or participation) is over. For example, "<---- Lasers OFF at 23:57 -- CHARACTER NAME".
  4. If you have been hauling, trade the ore at the designated station to the fleet commander, or contract it.
  5. Remember to thank the fleet commander, who will typically have some logistics to do after the fleet is over in order to turn your time into ISK for your wallet!

Running a mining fleet

It can be daunting running your first mining fleet. If you are nervous, consider asking a more experienced fleet commander to allow you to shadow him in running a mining fleet, or for them to come along on your first mining fleet to help you out. The following checklist summarises the main points:

  1. Pick what type of mining fleet you want to run and where. Make sure to advertise it in advance for decent participation.
  2. Put together a spreadsheet for the mining fleet. The Averon Mining Campus has a section of the Buyback spreadsheet specifically for mining fleets.
  3. Form the fleet. You will need at least one miner and one hauler to get started.
  4. Log the "lasers on" and "lasers off" time of each member of the operation (or the join/leave time for industrials) on the spreadsheet, from the chat channel. Also log the entire fleet start/stop time.
  5. Keep track of the belts you have mined and be prepared to move the fleet on to the next belt when required. Also be prepared to give instructions to the other pilots, such as the hauler, Orca, and scout/pickets.
  6. When the mining fleet is over, refine and sell the ore to convert it to ISK. If you are in the Averon Mining Campus you can use the buyback scheme for this.
  7. When the ore has been converted to ISK, distribute the ISK to the fleet members according to the calculation of the shares. See below for more on how shares are calculated.

It can help to have a MOTD (Message of the Day) to remind new members what they need to do as part of the fleet. Here is a suggested template:

  
Welcome to today's Shared Can Mining Fleet.
Current Location: [current belt link]
Spreadsheet: [spreadsheet url here]
Contract Ore to: [name of original Fleet Commander]
   
'''Important:'''
Make sure you're on the spreadsheet correctly and logged into mumble, AMC channel.
   
When you start mining, put into fleet chat:
   LASERS ON HH:MM - (Ship Type)
When you stop mining:
   LASERS OFF HH:MM
   
Naming your cans:
   FLEET HH:MM (in use)
   PULL HH:MM (moving on)
   FULL HH:MM (filled)
'''NOTE: Leave the <u>original</u> (creation) time in the name.'''
   
Share cans whenever possible (that means dumping into a fleet can if one is available, instead of creating one yourself)
Miners, PLEASE Stack your Ore!
   

Mining Fleet Security

Mining in a fleet is generally slightly more secure than mining alone, but there are some simple tips which will help increase your safety, against various types of enemies.

  • NPC Rats: These are only likely to be a problem if you are mining in a frigate. Ideally take some drones along for defence so you can get rid of the NPC rats if you are targeted.
  • Can Flippers: Can flippers are less of a problem with Shared Can fleets, because there are several people to look out for them and normally a hauler who can bring in the cans if there is anyone suspicious sniffing around them. Regardless, make sure you keep an eye on your cans.
  • Gankers and war targets: These are normally the biggest threat to a mining fleet, though the risk can be mitigated by having scouts or pickets to warn of any potential threats. Remember to keep the location of your fleet secure as some added protection, and mine aligned if you are mining in dangerous space.

Calculating Shares

HISTORICAL USE ONLY! No value for 2022.

Shares may be time based or weighted. For time-based, each participant in the operation is given a "share" based upon his time in the fleet. This simple mechanism is intentionally biased to favor newer players (with smaller mining ships like mining frigates and cruisers) at the expense of older players (with the Orcas and Hulks), as this may help get all of its members into larger mining ships that they can then afford to buy.

Weighted shares are also an option. There are various spreadsheets that can be used. These can be used to weigh profits by actual contribution, such as laser and hauling capacity. This type of share might be better at encouraging veteran pilots, which will likely increase the total minerals gained, while still providing a fair distribution. The spreadsheet automates this heavily, so all the fleet commander needs to do is arrive a set of weights that satisfy everyone in the fleet.

A simple example is as follows:

  

The operation goes on for 5 hours

*The fleet commander's ship participated for all 5 hours (probably hauling or with an Orca)
*Seven ships participated for 3 hours each
*Three ships participated for 2 hours each
*Total effort: 5h + 7 x 3h + 3 x 2h = 32 ship/man hours

The mined ore sells for 160 million ISK, so each man hour of work is worth 160/32 = 5 million ISK

The proceeds are as follows:

*Fleet commander: 5 * 5m = 25 million ISK
*3 hour participants: 3 * 5m = 15 million ISK
*2 hour participants: 2 * 5m = 10 million ISK
*Total: 25m + 7 x 15m + 3 x 10m = 25m + 105m + 30m = 160 million

   

(Note: The fleet commander will usually use a spreadsheet to manage all of this, rather than doing it by hand as in this example.)