Guide to Research and Development
Research & Development
The main purpose to RnD is to provide upgrades to the various machines running around the station, while also often being required to complete the various main station objectives. To perform the RnD role, you will need to construct and deconstruct various items, in order, to get research levels, which in turn grants access to more complex and powerful items. Tools such as the jaws of life and powerful weapons, are also unlocked at higher tech levels. Do note that some items require toxin research, performed in the toxin test area, Read this guide to find out more.
Deconstruction
Deconstruction is easy. Simply stick items into the Destructive Analyzer and turn it on. Remember, you'll only advance one level at a time per item, and only if the tech level is equal or greater than your current research level. It is possible to eject items from the deconstructive analyzer if, say, security notices their missing laser guns. As always, experiment! Some technology on the station is just so basic that the analyzer won't even bother with it, but things like bruise packs, flashbangs, and some of the odds and ends in your very lab will all work.
An important side note: The requirements to produce an item in the Protolathe or other machinery, and what those items give in terms of research from the Destructive Analyzer can be different. That is to say a Super-Capacity Power Cell requires Research levels of at least 2 in Materials and 3 in Power. Although when put in the Destructive Analyzer it returns 5 Power Research. So be careful about the differences in requirements and what the item gives in terms of research.
Also a free tip. Most items require a certain level in Materials Research, even though they won't return any Materials research data when deconstructed in the Destructive Analyzer, you can find a list of deconstruct-able items and their associated levels Here.
Here is a helpful RnD tool for simulating items you deconstruct. The filter button will filter for items that will only improve the selected tech level.
Protolathe
The Protolathe allows you create advanced items and tools, when you have the appropriate levels required to unlock them, check Here for a list of things you can create. You start with the most basic items available,akin to an autolathe, which you will use to upgrade the tech level to access more complicated things. Basic items, will require mainly metal and glass, but as you start printing more advanced items, you will need a variety of resources in order to construct them, so there is a close tie to mining, and upgrading their ORM is essential, if you want a steady supply of resources.
Circuit Imprinter
The circuit imprinter prints off the boards for machines and consoles, once again requiring certain tech levels to be achieved before more complex boards can be made. AI related boards as well as exosuit control modules are built here. The imprinter requires only glass for most boards, with a handful of items requiring metal as well.
Server Saving
Make sure to head into setting and sync with database periodically. This will update the server on the station, making a back-up. The Research Director can access the R&D server management computer and either transfer or delete research blueprints to other computers on station. If no one else has, you should probably allow robotics to access your research findings by that computer. It is usually applicable to their research, too!