Truss calculations

Previous Update discussion All Update Threads

New official Wiki at https://spaceengineers.wiki.gg/wiki/Space_Engineers_Wiki

Hello, Engineers!
The new Signal update is here! “Signal” lays the foundation for a new era of Space Engineers. 2024 will be a year of exploration, battle, and survival. This update focuses on our framework for a new standard in player versus environment.
Signal adds new choices to your creative arsenal with new blocks, specifically created for this occasion. With this new set of blocks, your remote automation can act with an entirely new level of autonomy. Where the wildly popular “Automatons” update added remote mining operations, automated drones, welding assistants and so much more, “Signal” empowers these systems to communicate! Reactive updates, straight-to-chat, as well as complex systems communicating over multiple ships, stations, or any combination are now possible!
Get live chat updates from your remote satellite array, mining drone fleet, or automated defense sentinels in Signal!
Please join us in 2024 as we explore Space Engineers like never before. We can’t wait to see what you create!

Marek's Blog post: https://blog.marekrosa.org/2024/05/space-engineers-signal.html
Broadcast Controller / Transponder Guide: https://www.spaceengineersgame.com/broadcast-controller-action-relay-guide/

Update 1.204 - Signal trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Me_6tcxLw)

Features

Scenario selection menu overhaul for Steam Version and XBOX/Microsoft Store
New Red Ship Starting Scenario (Quick Start) / Quick Start button in Main Menu
Death and Respawn improvements (A Reason for your death, Cryopod death message)
Added reload bar for static weapons
New NPC Grid Claiming
Reputation System Rebalance
Improving performance of NPC Grids
Improvements to Cargo Ship flight paths
Added warning notifications when grinding Components to Scrap
Block info/stats improvements (charge efficiency, production blocks)
Cargo Container Destruction improvements, Temporary Containers
Disabled scrap item spawning from damaged blocks by default in new Worlds
Non-unique items can be stacked in the inventory
Adjustment to Tree collisions
Lightning damage disabled by default for worlds
Improvements to F1 help screen
Npc changes, modding (possibility to spawn paired loot in container), Drone Spawning Improvements, New Loot Container Options

Added new Blocks - Base Game

Broadcast Controller (1 block, L + S grid)
Action Relay (1 block, L + S grid)
Additional Round Armor Panels (4 blocks, L grid + 4 blocks, S grid)
Compact Antenna (1 block, L grid)

Added Content to existing DLCs:

Scaffolding (4 blocks, L grid) (added to Deco Pack 3 )
9 music note sheets, concert version of in-game soundtrack (added to Deluxe Edition)

Signal Pack

Truss Set (7 blocks, L grid + 2 blocks S grid)
- Truss Light - S + L grid
- Truss Pillar - S + L grid
- Truss Pillar Diagonal - L grid
- Truss Pillar Offset - L grid
- Truss Pillar T - L grid
- Truss Pillar X - L grid
- Truss Decoy - L grid
Corridor Blocks (8 blocks, L grid)
- Corridor - L grid
- Corridor Corner - L grid
- Corridor Double Windowed Sides - L grid
- Corridor Light - L grid
- Corridor T Intersection - L grid
- Corridor Windowed Roof - L grid
- Corridor Windowed Side - L grid
- Corridor X Intersection - L grid
Narrow Corridor (1 block, L grid)
Narrow Corridor Stowage (1 block, L grid)
Narrow Door (2 blocks, L grid)
Inset Walls Set (6 blocks, L grid)
- Inset Wall - L grid
- Inset Wall Corner - L grid
- Inset Wall Corner Inv. - L grid
- Inset Wall Diagonal - L grid
- Inset Wall Light - L grid
- Inset Wall Pillar - L grid
Decorative Console Blocks (5 blocks, L grid + 5 blocks, S grid)
- Console Module - S + L grid
- Console Module Buttons - S + L grid
- Console Module Corner - S + L grid
- Console Module Corner Inv. - S + L grid
- Console Module LCD - S + L grid
Bay Windows Set (5 blocks, L grid + 4 blocks, S grid)
- Bay Window - S + L grid
- Bay Window Corner - S + L grid
- Bay Window Dome - S + L grid
- Bay Window End - S + L grid
- Bay Window Railing - L grid
9 Tracks added to Jukebox
- Approaching the Start [concert version]
- The Dust
- A New Dawn
- Liftoff [concert version]
- Uncharted Territory [concert version]
- Fight Like One [concert version]
- Warfare Trailer [live]
- Out of Early Access [live]
- We Are Engineers

Official Blueprints

Official Blueprints: https://www.spaceengineersgame.com/community-hub/
Weaver Shipping Platform
- https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3242490483
- https://mod.io/g/spaceengineers/m/weaver-shipping-platform
Buddy Bot
- https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3242722188
- https://mod.io/g/spaceengineers/m/buddy-bot1
Signal - Guide Grid
- https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3242724302
- https://mod.io/g/spaceengineers/m/demo-grid

Fixes & Improvements

Changed ModAPI behavior for mechanical blocks to accept Attach/Detach only once per tick
Fixed an issue where pixelated flickering would appear near large amount of light sources
Fixed a crash when grinding down a parachute hatch at the moment of it being deployed
Fixed an issue where clicking View (Camera block, etc...) when remotely connected to a grid beyond sync distance would kick you to spectator
Fixed an issue where NPCs would fall through the planet upon death
Changed Admin teleport behavior using Ctrl+Space when seated in a station. Character will be unseated and then teleported. Dynamic grid and character behavior unchanged
Fixed an issue where "Target is out of range" would appear even to other players not currently trying to lock a target on DS
Fixed an issue where trees would fly away after cutting them down
Changed hand drill behavior so that at most 15 floating ore objects spawn from single voxel change, floating ores over this number are combined into bigger chunks
Fixed an issue where the first world in the list would get published instead of the one selected by controller
Fixed an issue where the deployed parachute would still slow the grid down even after the block was ground down into construction stage
Fixed an issue where the AI Offensive block would get stuck in an unresponsive state while shooting
Fixed an issue where a drone would forget "Flee to" GPS on DS
Fixed an issue where a conveyor line to Hydrogen Tank would not get interrupted even when part of it was ground to construction stage
Fixed an issue where a Hydrogen Tank would not fill up when the conveyor connection was built in Survival
Fixed an issue where an alarm in Space Standoff would remain active with a dead enemy character in the area
Fixed an issue where the removal of an item from Build Planner queue was prevented by the selection of an N/A blockvariant
Fixed an issue where a Sensor block would fail to detect manually placed asteroids
Fixed an issue where a Connector status would get desynchronized and appear unlocked for some and locked for others on DS
Fixed an issue where copypasting Body location GPS would try converting the date and time into coordinates
Fixed an issue where player would get kicked from DS after trying to weld projection too fast
Fixed an issue where spherical safe zones would fail to identify what is and what isnt contained in the field
Fixed an issue where ModAPI IMyTurretControlBlock.Target returned itself
Fixed an issue where graphical artifacts appeared when weather was present due to precision loss
Fixed an issue where safe zone would reject and continue rejecting a grid, accelerating it to max speed
Fixed an issue where Idle movement would not work for Searchlight in MP
Fixed a crash when attempting to crush a grid with another grid
Fixed an issue where a turned off Sensor would still visualize the Show sensor field range
Fixed an issue where a character would jump low and near in low artificial gravity
Fixed an issue where the Day duration slider and description in Advanced world settings would break visually
Fixed an issue where the info about Help keybinding would not change on the HUD when key was rebound
Fixed an issue where NPCs would not be able to follow player onto a ramp of sufficient height and elevation
Fixed an issue where NPCs would get stuck on steep surfaces or could not follow player near trees
Changed NPC behavior when they cannot reach a target to wander around instead of stopping and waiting
Fixed an issue where turning off Saberoids/Spiders on DS would not make them despawn
Fixed an issue with Z-fighting on the small grid oxygen tank
Fixed an issue where a copied Rocket turret in combat would continue actively shooting after pasting without having a target
Fixed an issue where block's destroy particles would not scale with its dimensions
Fixed Enable drones and Enable voxel hand toggles in Advanced World Settings not having a tooltip
Fixed an issue where lootable NPCs would not be displaying their names when highlighted
Fixed an issue where the muzzle flash particle would look as a 1 pixel wide line above the iron sights when in that mode by adding support for ironsight particle
Fixed an issue where NPCs would stop their AI after reloading a save
Fixed an issue where a ship would have trouble orientating itself along recorded path in gravity
Fixed an issue where a server could start with a 3rd party generated or incorrect password salt causing connecting Clients to crash on join
Fixed an issue where one of the Mission Briefing datapads in the Space Standoff would contain old version of the text
Fixed an issue where the Space Credits icon would not be displayed in economy screens on PlayStation
Fixed an issue where the direction of shooting would follow the decoupled crosshair in 3rd person and not the direction the character and weapon was facing on DS
Fixed an issue with Z-fighting on the Inset Bed block
Fixed an issue where all Barrel blocks would be under Block Weapons tab. Explosive Barrel moved under Warheads, others moved to Cargo section
Fixed an issue where Assault turrets would continue to spin after being turned off during idle movement
Fixed an issue where LCDs would be too bright, causing the text to be harder to read
Fixed an issue where UI opacity could be set too low, preventing the player from seeing completely
Fixed an issue where Willis Duct Light would have incorrect research dependency
Fixed an issue where Small grid Railgun collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue where ModAPI for IMyExhaust, IMyPowerProducer and IMyReactor interfaces would extend the in-game variants
Fixed an issue where h2/o2 Generator would mirror incorrectly
Fixed an issue where a newly added item to a Jukebox playlist would advance the Jukebox UI to the last song but still remain playing the current one
Fixed an issue where Event Controller would forget assigned blocks on paste on DS
Fixed an issue where ModSDK tools ModelViewer and BehaviorTree would produce an exception on startup

Support Site Fixes

Fixed a crash when deleting a cargo filled with non-stackable items
Fixed a crash when splitting a grid with an LCD in a construction stage
Fixed a crash when Event Controller was set up to attach/detach a mechanical block top part at the same time
Fixed a crash when a Connector would try to repeatedly attach or detach while already attaching/detaching
Fixed an issue where the upper parts of an o2/h2 Generator would not have mountpoints
Fixed an issue where the collisions of small grid Autocannon and Assault cannon turrets would be too large
Fixed an issue where the Custom Turret Controller would forget assigned weapons and settings after grid split/merge
Fixed an issue where the Pirate Base on the Moon would spawn drones with Atmospheric thrusters
Fixed an issue where an LCD with too long of a text would freeze or crash the game. Now text max 65k characters long. Title max 512 characters.
Fixed an issue where a CTC powered rocket launchers would not lead a target
Fixed an issue where small grid Small Connector was able to connect from the sides
Fixed an issue where an assigned toolbar action would work even through a physical connection like Landing gear instead of logical like Connector
Fixed an issue where it was possible to receive an invite dialog from a multiplayer game other than SE, resulting in an error
Fixed an issue where CTC selected weapons would not persist through save/restart on DS
Fixed an issue where an AI offensive block with intercept would be prevented from retargetting by collision avoidance
Fixed an issue where an AI recorder would not trigger setup actions at the waypoints
Fixed an issue where the time to target lock was too long. When the target is a grid, the locking time is 5 seconds down from 10 seconds.
Fixed an issue where purple texture would get used on voxels after changing graphics settings
Fixed an issue where Alt+mouse camera control would not work when controlling CTC
Fixed an issue where Preserve aspect ratio would not work on curved LCDs
Fixed a crash when entering a cockpit with specific toolbar setup
Fixed an issue where it was impossible to access interactive elements of other blocks obscured by the Holo LCD
Fixed an issue where it would spawn players under the ground if the spawn point was embedded in voxel
Fixed an issue where AI offensive block would lose assigned weapons on grid split
Fixed a crash when a missile type projectile hit a door subpart while mid open/close
Fixed an issue where the Flare launcher had an incorrect dummy
Fixed an issue where the the Safezone would incorrectly determine if something was in or not
Fixed an issue where a character in jetpack on a DS would start copying rotation of a nearby spinning grid
Fixed an issue where the small grid Rocket turret would have a hole in its model
Fixed an issue where the displayed mass of a grid would not update on change due to the calculation not taking multipliers into account
Fixed an issue where the UV textures on the ladder block decals would not be correct
Fixed an issue where small grid Landing gear collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue in the Industrial cockpit model
Fixed an issue where large grid Connector collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue where small grid Ship drill collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue where Oxygen farm collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue where small grid Rotor collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue where small grid Advanced Rotor collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue where Ship Welder model would have a see-thru seam around the conveyor port
Fixed an issue where {player_count} in server Motd would count NPCs as players
Fixed an issue where the Medical room block had incorrect mounpoints
Fixed an issue where the grid would explode after attaching it to a fallen tree with a Landing gear
Fixed an issue where the large grid Ship welder was not able to touch the conveyor with its conveyor port
Fixed an issue where the Oxygen farm model was not able to touch the conveyor with its conveyor port
Fixed an issue where hydrogen would not flow through sorters in the opposite way
Fixed an issue where the AI blocks would not calculate with the mass of subgrids as well
Fixed an issue where NPCs would attack through closed doors
Fixed an issue where a Beacon would interfere with Remote control and remote connection to a grid
Fixed an issue where the base of a large grid Antenna was not centered
Fixed an issue where Large oxygen tank conveyor port models would intersect with conveyor lines a bit
Fixed an issue where large grid Large cargo container conveyor ports would not touch with other connected blocks
Fixed an issue where the small grid Gyroscope would appear to levitate above the surface
Fixed an issue where Jump drive had holes in its model
Fixed an issue where smal grid Small cargo models would not visually connect
Fixed an issue where Ion thruster models did not visually connect
Fixed an issue where Atmospheric thruster model would have a gap in it
Fixed an issue where Programmable block API for Laser antenna was not working
Fixed an issue where the Offset door collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue where filled gas Tanks would show damage effects after being ground below functional
Fixed an issue where the Chat spam protection would time out even Admins
Fixed an issue where the scrollable server Player list would not fit all players
Fixed an issue where Aquarium bubbles would show and animate in projections
Fixed an issue where Inset couch would mirror incorrectly
Fixed an issue where the Sensor block would not be able to detect players laying in beds
Fixed an issue where the small grid Beacon did not require radio components to be functional
Fixed an issue where the Pillar model construction stages were rotated by 90 degrees
Fixed an issue where the player would not be informed that they are unable to spawn outside of the world size limit
Fixed an issue where Alt+MMB would allow for items to pass through sorters the wrong way
Fixed an issue where Solar panels either worked when they shouldn't or did not work when they should
Fixed an issue where left CTRL would get ignored for crouching in localised languages, right CTRL would always be ignored when key was bound to it
Fixed an issue where small grid Blast door edge collision models would be too large
Fixed an issue where AI blocks would be ignored in the power priority rankings and lose power
Fixed an issue where a multiplayer lobby would fail to download specific mods
Fixed an issue where control of a remote grid would not persist through save/restart of a server
Fixed an issue where a Piston would not allow other Pistons being placed around it
Fixed an issue where a Drone collision avoidance would try to avoid its own subgrids and refuse to fly to Waypoints
Fixed an issue where there would be less planetary boulder spawning
Fixed an issue where AI Offensive block would continue shooting even after target was destroyed
Fixed an issue where it would not be possible to place a block onto the top part of a piston placed horizontally on a surface
Fixed an issue where sounds would be almost inaudible in the right channel of a Stereo setup
Fixed an issue where a leftover Debug Draw would appear when target pattern was set to hit and run on AI Offensive block
Fixed an issue where AI recorder would name waypoints differently in the Detailinfo than in the Waypoints list
Fixed an issue where Offensive word filter would try to protect player even in non-shareable areas of the UI

Hotfixes will be listed in a reply comment below:

We moved into this new house 10 years ago. I started getting symptoms but I noticed them at work mostly. Sinus fullness and fatigue. I had sleep studies and many labs and nothing was ever found. I noticed humidity get above 60% sometimes. Symptoms kept progressing. I ended up finding mold in the HVAC about 5 years after my symptoms had first started. I had the HVAC system replaced but no improvement in symptoms. I got a variable communicating system installed. It helped a little more with the humidity but not as much as I would have hoped. I got sinus surgery in 2020 and 2021. It helped with the breathing but none of the other symptoms. I had a blower door test done and it was 2.59 ACH50 (523.96 CFM50 * 60 / 12150 ft3). I then found mold on about half the attic trusses. Mostly the ones on the top. I calculated the attic ventilation and it seems to have never been enough. It also has 3 small gable vents so not sure to calculate those for exhaust or intake. I added more intake soffits since those seemed to be the most undersized. I have not added more exhaust vents but I plan to soon. But I'm thinking adding more intake has pressurized the attic and pushing mold down into the house. Not sure if that is possible. I know usually the stack effect always flows up. There is a small in the attic that sometimes gets into the house. I never associated with mold but now I know it is. Smells like wet mulch. I'm thinking adding the more exhaust attic vents will help. I also plan to: 1) remove blown in insulation. 2) air seal the attic floor. 3) clean mold on trusses. 4) replace all HVAC ducts. 5) Add some more baffles. (some are missing) Attic floor is about 1,800 sqft. About 390 sqin NFA on exhaust (10 in cans x5) About 777 sqin NFA on intake (had 257 sqin before) Plus 3 small gable vents. Edit: This is in central Texas.

Hey all, I want to learn about timber frame from an engineering and design perspective. I’ve found plenty of videos about how to cut a mortise and tenon, but I want to learn about the spans of trusses, loads, how to calculate the proper size timbers, etc. Maybe some examples of engineered drawings that I don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on.
Videos are cool, but maybe text is better as I’m anticipating some heavy math.
Thanks!

I'm trying to find a software, but I can't find one that satisfies all conditions

It needs to be free
It needs to also find shear forces

Anyone know any software like this?

Obviously I’m British, but all are welcome to put their points forward.
With the anniversary of King Charles’ coronation I thought it would be a good time to open up this debate.
I am one of the few in my social group who openly support the monarchy. I am very sympathetic with republican arguments but here are my main 5 rebuttals.

The cost - it’s clear a ‘back of a napkin’ calculation that simply says ‘monarchy costs x’ is insufficient. Much like our membership of the EU, it was wrong for Brexit campaigners to pretend it was purely an expenditure with no ROI. The same is true for the monarchy, whilst their cost is around £100 million per year, the tourist industry is worth £237 billion. (Data from Statista)

Granted it’s certainly not all, or even mostly, due to us having a living breathing monarchy. But as long as more than 0.05% of tourists were influenced by this fact, it would already exceed the cost.
That being said, many would still argue they cost more than they bring in, and my argument doesn’t cling exclusively to this…

Britains brand - there are undoubtedly many people in the world who know nothing about Britain other than the fact we have a king/queen. It is integral to our image and standing around the world.

The king has long been a figurehead for environmentalism and Queen Elizabeth was a sage advisor to presidents and prime ministers across the globe. Britain is ultimately a liberalising force in an increasingly illiberal time, and the monarchies venerable experience on the world stage helps bolster this.

Tradition - iconoclasticism has been in fashion for about 10 years. The British monarchy has existed for almost 1200 years.

There seems to be an ironic culture of British exceptionalism amongst those who want to dismantle the monarchy.
We wouldn’t expect Americans to burn their Declaration of Independence (the paper itself), France to smelt the Eiffel Tower, Egyptians to bulldoze the pyramids.
We don’t tell other cultures not to have tribal leaders, sultans or indeed their own monarchs.
That’s because we appreciate it is part of their heritage and culture. So it is with Britain.
We are not uniquely ‘rational’ or smarter than any other nation. We have our cultural traditions just like they do, and the monarchy is a core part of this identity.
Sure it would probably save a few ££ to sell the Statue of Liberty for scrap. But how colourless and drab would the world be if every country dismantled their cultural heritage?

The head of state - Britain has a constitutional monarchy, which doesn’t exert any real power. The king is a figure head, not a ruler.

Stephen Fry explained their virtue in the realms of politics. Unlike in the US where people hand power to one of two candidates to act as commander and chief. In Britain our growing litany of narcissists, hypocrites and idiots who become prime minister, all have to be humbled by the experience of meeting the head of state each week, bowing to him or her, and explaining their actions.
Fry rightly pointed out for a character like Boris Johnson, this act, however ceremonial, had a very important psychological impact.
Johnson, Truss, Sunak, Starmer, unlike Biden or Trump, will be constantly reminded they are not absolute rulers.
Personally if Trump wins I think it would do him some good to every so often bow to someone.

Pomp and ceremony - perhaps the most ridiculous aspect is the robes, the orbs, the sceptres and crowns.

But is there not something deeply self reflective for a nation to periodically undergo a ritual that has been repeated throughout the generations?
Unlike many other nations, we are continuously reminded of our past, warts and all. Coronations, weddings, funerals. These are times for the nation to come together and reflect on our past, present and future.
Conclusion: It is for these reasons I support our monarchy and would like to protect it for future generations.
Caveats: 1. I only agree with constitutional monarchies. 2. The extended royal family are pretty dubious to say the least. This is more a defence of the King and his immediate family. 3. I believe in free speech, including that of anti monarchists. People have every right campaign for the end of the monarchy, I oppose any attempts to stopping them doing this.

For sale:
New, unused, open box. Zephyr Lux Connect Island flush-mount in-ceiling range hood for kitchen. Model ALU-E4CSX. Brushed aluminum finish with LED lighting, remote control. Comes with internal dual motor blower, model PBI-1100B. 1100CFM with washable permanent metal filters.
Purchased for a kitchen renovation project, but unable to use do to the construction of our roof; would not fit due to the nature of roofing trusses. Would be ideal for a flat kitchen ceiling or a kitchen with a center island stove.
Please pay special attention to specifications in the links attached. Photos are from product website.
Purchased new for $2578 on special order, nonrefundable.
Asking $2500, negotiable. OK to text. Prefer cash.
product page: https://zephyronline.com/product/lux-connect-island-range-hood/
specification sheet: http://docs.zephyronline.com/docs/specs/luxc_spec.pdf
blower specification sheet: https://assets.ajmadison.com/ajmadison/itemdocs/blowera_spec.pdf
exploded view parts diagram: http://docs.zephyronline.com/docs/explodedview/ALU-C.pdf
hood height calculator: https://zephyronline.com/customer-care/planning-tools-resources/range-hood-height-calculato?product=lux-connect-island-range-hood
HVAC fitting specifications: http://docs.zephyronline.com/docs/specs/hvac_fittings_spec.pdf

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

Pet Abduction Bill – report stage and 3rd reading Applies to: England, Wales, Northern Ireland Creates new offences of dog abduction and cat abduction. Gives the government the power to create similar offences for other animals commonly kept as pets. Private members' bill presented by Anna Firth. Draft bill (PDF)
Building Societies Act 1986 (Amendment) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading Removes certain types of wholesale funding from counting against the funding limits of building societies. At least half of funding building societies provide must come from savings deposits made by individuals and businesses. This bill tweaks that, making building societies more competitive. Private members' bill presented by Julie Elliott.
Zoological Society of London (Leases) Bill – report stage and 3rd reading increases the maximum term of the lease that may be granted to the Zoological Society of London (which runs London Zoo) in respect of land in Regent’s Park. Private members' bill presented by Bob Blackman. More information here. Bill not yet published
Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill – 2nd reading Requires off-road vehicles like quadbikes to be registered and have a registration plate. Private members' bill presented by Anne McLaughlin. Bill not yet published
Online Services (Cancellation) Bill – 2nd reading Requires services that can be subscribed to online also to be cancellable online. Private members' bill presented by Natalie Elphicke. Bill not yet published
Health and Safety at Work Bill – 2nd reading Amend the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 to make provision about civil liability for breaches of health and safety duties. More information not yet available. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland Caps exit payments made to outgoing employees of public sector organisations. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Draft bill
Green Belt (Protection) Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: England and Wales Establishes a national register of green belt land in England. Restricts the ability of local authorities to de-designate green belt land. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Draft bill
Autism (Early Identification) Bill – 2nd reading Makee autism modules a mandatory part of teacher training, with the aim of helping to identify signs of autism in children earlier. Private members' bill presented by Duncan Baker. Bill not yet published
State Pension Age (Compensation) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for 'WASPI women' – those born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 who have been affected by increases in the state pension age. Private members' bill presented by Alan Brown. Bill not yet published
Affordable Housing (Conversion of Commercial Property) Bill – 2nd reading Allows councils to require a certain number of homes be affordable when commercial property is converted into residential use. Private members' bill presented by Vicky Ford. Bill not yet published
Higher Education (Student Finance and Skills Shortages) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to publish proposals for a scheme where graduates in certain subjects don’t have to pay back their student loan, in part or in full, if they’re employed in the UK in a relevant sector for a certain amount of time. Private members' bill presented by Lia Nici. Bill not yet published
Brain Tumours Bill – 2nd reading Sets a target for the number of glioblastoma patients who take part in clinical trials each year. Requires training for oncologists to cover brain cancers. Requires any drug licensed for use on tumours to be trialled on people with brain tumours, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Siobhain McDonagh.
Arms Trade (Inquiry and Suspension) Bill – 2nd reading Starts an inquiry into how arms sold to foreign states are used, to determine whether they have been used to break international law. Suspends the sale of arms to foreign states where it can't be shown that those arms won't be used to break international law. Private members' bill presented by Zarah Sultana. Draft bill not yet published
Nuclear Veterans (Compensation) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for veterans who have become ill from radiation exposure while on active service. Private members' bill presented by Owen Thompson. Bill not yet published
Miners' Strike (Pardons) Bill – 2nd reading Pardons miners convicted of certain offences committed during the 1984-85 miners' strike. Private members' bill presented by Owen Thompson. Bill not yet published
Asylum Seekers (Accommodation Eviction Procedures) Bill – 2nd reading Allows asylum seekers to challenge a proposed eviction in an independent court or tribunal. Establishes asylum seeker accommodation eviction procedures for public authorities. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (Powers) Bill – 2nd reading Allows the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to identify and investigate systemic problems in the benefits system and make relevant recommendations to the government. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens.
Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland Grants asylum seekers permission to work if they have waited six months for a decision on their asylum application. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Draft bill (PDF)
Corporate Homicide Bill – 2nd reading Makes changes to the criminal offence of corporate homicide. More information not yet published. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Bill not yet published
Deductions from Universal Credit (Report) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to report to Parliament on the impact of deductions from Universal Credit on the levels of destitution among claimants. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Bill not yet published
Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to prevent the evictions of Universal Credit claimants who are behind on rent. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Bill not yet published
Food Poverty Strategy Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to publish a strategy for ending the need for food banks by 2030. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Bill not yet published
Under-Occupancy Penalty (Report) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to report on the merits of repealing the so-called "bedroom tax" (a cut in benefits for those living in a council or housing association property deemed to have one or more spare bedrooms). Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Bill not yet published
Devolution (Employment) (Scotland) Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: Scotland Devolves employment matters in Scotland. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Draft bill (PDF)
Social Security Benefits (Healthy Eating) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to publish annual calculations of the benefit and tax credit rates needed for a representative household to afford to buy meals in accordance with the Eatwell Guide to eating healthily. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Bill not yet published
Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland Prevents a Universal Credit claimant from being sanctioned for refusing work on a zero-hours contract. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Draft bill
Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity (Ratification of Treaty) Bill – 2nd reading Concerns the UK’s ratification of the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Private members’ bill presented by Kevin Foster. More information not currently available. Bill not yet published
Health and Social Care (Recruitment and Retention of Staff in Rural Areas) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to publish a strategy for the recruitment and retention of health and social care staff in rural areas. Private members' bill presented by Jamie Stone. Bill not yet published
Health and Equality Acts (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading Bans biological males from entering female-only spaces or competing in women’s sport, and prevents children from attempting to change their gender, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Liz Truss. Bill not yet published
Greater London Low Emission Zone Charging (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading Reverses the expansion of London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), the tax on driving more polluting vehicles that was expanded to all London boroughs in August 2023. Private members' bill presented by Gareth Johnson. Bill not yet published
Whistleblowing Bill – 2nd reading Establishes an independent Office of the Whistleblower to protect whistleblowers and whistleblowing in accordance with the public interest. Private members’ bill presented by Mary Robinson. Bill not yet published
Highways Act 1980 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading Limits the legal defences available to highway authorities when they're sued for non-repair of a highway. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Covid-19 Vaccine Damage Payments Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland Requires the government to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people who have suffered ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines. Provides for financial assistance to people who have become disabled after receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, and to the next of kin of people who have died shortly after, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Draft bill (PDF)
Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading Allows MPs or Lords to amend most statutory instruments – secondary legislation that is used to make changes to existing laws – before they are approved. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Amendment) Bill – 2nd reading Extends the offence of having a dog dangerously out of control to cover private property as well as public places. Private members' bill presented by Angela Smith. Draft bill
Exemption from Value Added Tax (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill – 2nd reading Exempts goods or services from VAT if they are beneficial to the environment, health and safety, education, or for charitable purposes. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Covid-19 Vaccine Diagnosis and Treatment Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people who have suffered ill effects from Covid-19 vaccines. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Domestic Energy (Value Added Tax) Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland Removes VAT on domestic electricity and oil and gas. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Draft bill (PDF)
Caravan Site Licensing (Exemption of Motor Homes) Bill – 2nd reading Exempts motor homes from caravan site licensing requirements. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
NHS England (Alternative Treatment) Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: England, Wales Gives patients access to alternative non-NHS England treatment if they've waited for more than one year for hospital treatment. Private members' bill presented by Chris Stephens. Draft bill (PDF)
British Broadcasting Corporation (Privatisation) Bill – 2nd reading Privatises the BBC and distributes shares in the corporation to all licence fee payers. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Children’s Clothing (Value Added Tax) Bill – 2nd reading Expands the definition of children's clothing, including school uniforms, so more of it is VAT exempt. Currently clothes and shoes for "young children" are VAT exempt, but there is no legal definition of that term. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Regulatory Impact Assessments Bill – 2nd reading Requires a Regulatory Impact Assessment (a specific method for analysing policy) to be published for all primary and secondary legislation introduced by the government. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Barnett Formula (Replacement) Bill – 2nd reading Requires the government to report on proposals to replace the Barnett Formula (the formula used to decide how much public money is given to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) with a scheme based on an assessment of relative needs. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Rule of Law (Enforcement by Public Authorities) Bill – 2nd reading Requires public authorities to investigate breaches of the law, and take enforcement action. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Illegal Immigration (Offences) Bill – 2nd reading Creates new offences for people who have entered the UK illegally, or have overstayed their visas. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
National Health Service Co-Funding and Co-Payment Bill – 2nd reading Extends co-payment (paying for treatment at the point of service like going to the dentist) to more NHS services in England. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Caravan Sites Bill – 2nd reading Removes the requirement for planning permission when applying for a caravan site licence. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Bill not yet published
Domestic Energy (Value Added Tax) Bill – 2nd reading Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland Removes VAT on domestic electricity and oil and gas. Private members' bill presented by Christopher Chope. Draft bill (PDF)
Child Criminal Exploitation Bill – 2nd reading Makes involvement in child criminal exploitation an aggravating factor in sentencing for some drugs money launding offences, among other things. Private members' bill presented by Paul Beresford. Bill not yet published
Click here to join more than 5,000 people and get this in your email inbox for free every Sunday.

There were many risks to exploring uncharted space. Unknown blackholes, near-invisible debris fields, hostile civilizations that had achieved space travel but had not yet been contacted by the Intergalactic Governing Body, pirates.
So. Many. Pirates.
Taurvin wasn't a big fan of pirates. Sure, he understood some of their motives - there were those who stole from the rich to give to the poor, or who attacked species intent on slavery and sapient experimentation to rescue the victims. But the majority were just, well.
To use a phrase from his new navigator, they were straight-up assholes.
And unfortunately, his ship was currently taken over by said assholes.
Five of them, to be precise. Normally his crew of nine could handle themself, especially with Lenzoill handling their security, but the bastards had taken them by surprise and used a blaster to Elaana's head to get them to cooperate. So there they were, eight of the best deep-space explorers the Intergalactic Exploration Committee had, kneeling (or the equivalent) before the pirates, limbs pinned behind them with cuffs, completely disarmed.
Wait.
Ignoring the monologuing pirate captain, Taurvin glanced at his crewmates on either side and counted. Eight. Gorvan and Elaana to his left, Epitak and Dhaca to his right, Lenzoill and Quals slightly behind them, the former knocked out and leaning against the couch, while Ir'ith (who had mouthed off when they yanked out a handful of his feathers) glared daggers from the other side of the room. He'd been trussed up like a zagtul and was gagged, though that was doing little to stymie his attempts at cursing the pirates out. The one guarding him looked more amused than anything, which was likely the only reason the zad was still conscious.
Still, that only came up to eight. Where was Max?
☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️
Az was having an absolutely stellar day. His crew was meeting expectations, his first mate was being competent for once (even if he hadn't knocked that huffing, cursing zad out yet), and the IEC ship was theirs to plunder. Not that there would be much beyond rations - these types of ships weren't the goldmines the Elite Star Cruises were, but they always had some type of laboratory equipment on board that would fetch a good price on the blackmarket. All in all, a good catch, and not a drop of bodily fluid spilt!
"Uh, did I miss an email?"
Every head in the room swiveled towards the large doors that led to the halls, revealing a ninth crewmember they had missed. It was upright, bipedal, with two legs and two arms, and a head with fluffy hair. It was wearing standard-issue IEC sleeping garments, down to the slippers, though there was a belt loosely thrown around its waist, a blaster in the holster at its side. As they watched, it opened its mouth wide. At first Az thought it was some kind of threat display, until it stretched its arms over its head and arched its back. A yawn - had the simpleton been sleeping while they captured its crewmates? Pitiful.
"You," Az motioned to one of his crewmates - he couldn't remember her name - "Tie it up with the others."
"Yes sir." Crewmate nodded, reaching for the extra cuffs hanging from her belt.
The newcomer scratched at its head as she approached. "What, not going to ask me to dinner first?" It pressed its hands to its hips and leaned back, creating a horrible cracking noise that shot through the room like thunder. The pirates winced, as did some of the hostages. "I keep telling them not to do that," muttered the captured Lepidae, her antennae curling tight in annoyance.
Crewmate hesitated, glancing back at Az. Surely a motion that produced a noise like that should have broken its back? But the creature seemed fine, now swinging one arm across their chest, caught in the bend of the other, apparently - stretching? They switched arms, seeming to bounce a bit as they moved, and Az gave her an impatient glare. He didn't know what creature this was, nor did he care - it was an obstacle, and needed to be dealt with.
In the second they had taken their gaze off it, the interloper had drawn their blaster. It was unlike anything Az had seen before, made of some kind of blue metal - perhaps cobalt? Vanadium? - with brighter markings painted along the sides. The barrel was blocked by some kind of disc - he couldn't see down it for a projectile, nor could he see any kind of energy-concentrating device for a laser. A type of deterrent ammo, perhaps? One not made to kill, but instead drive away? Little good that would do - they had already captured the ship.
"I've gotta say, I'm not really a fan of how you're treating my friends." It bounced a bit on its heels. "Then again, this gives me an opportunity to use the latest in human technology!" It waved the blaster a bit, and Az felt his internal organs shudder. Human technology? He'd never met a human himself, but he'd heard of them. Great, hulking beasts woven of dense muscle, with teeth able to tear through flesh and bone and a penchant for destroying first and never asking questions. How did this scrawny thing get its hands on a human weapon?
Before Az could demand the crewmate take care of the bipedal thing, it fired. The projectile was not particularly fast, but it was silent - no hum of energy or blast of the more primitive explosive some species favored. A near-silent click, and then Crewmate screamed and ducked away. They hadn't been shot, however - the projectile had hit Az. Right in the chest. The disc had attached to his armor, and there was a long, thin rod sticking out of it. He reached up to snatch it off, but a 'tut' sound from the interloper had him freezing.
"Don't touch it," the bipedal advised, still holding the blaster as it gesticulated. "Skin contact with the probe will make it work faster."
"Work?" His first mate asked with a strangled sound. The zad at his feet had gone silent, and was looking between Az's face and the probe attached to his chestplate with wide eyes. With so much of his beak and face covered by the gag the captain couldn't make out his expression, but he assumed it was terror - identical to his first mates.
"Mmhmm." The interloper beamed, looking proud of itself. "The disc - the part attached to your armor there? - is reading and calculating the material makeup of your form. Then, when it's settled on what will be most painful, the foam will be atomically altered into the most effective acid for destroying you and then be injected into your torso - or whatever fleshy part is closest - and eat you from the inside." It was still bouncing on its heels, looking excited. "I've never seen it happen in person, do you mind if I take notes?"
Az didn't respond - he was frozen, staring down at the probe sticking out of his chest, terror curling in his chest. This was what the humans were up to? Creating biological acid weapons? No wonder they were so widely feared! "Crewmate, remove it!" He turned to the woman, only to find her with her backing up, hands raised, cuffs clattering to the floor.
"N-no way! I don't wanna be digested!" She gasped. Az turned to his first mate, who had lost the usual green flush to his face and backed away as well.
"If you really want to get it off, you'll need some really strong pliers. And probably some anesthetic. It'll be painful - you can't feel it, but the probe's wires have already drilled through your chest plate and into your skin. They're made to be sneaky," it waved the blaster. Az glanced back down at the probe and grimaced. The thing sounded outlandish, but the interloper spoke with such conviction that he couldn't doubt it. And there were more of the probes - he could see them in a clip attached to the blaster.
The interloper tapped his chin with the blaster. "We don't have anything strong enough on board, but-"
"Fall back to the ship." Az snapped, all seven hearts racing in his chest. His crew didn't argue, falling in line at his side. They stared at the interloper, who took a step to the side, leaving the door open. It didn't point the blaster at them, but kept it in hand, watching them carefully as they rushed out, heading towards the docking port.
When Az glanced behind them, he saw it following at a leisurely pace, blaster still in hand. Not wanting to get a second probe to his back, he practically threw his crewmates into their ship and set about undocking and getting as far from the cursed ship as possible.
It was not a good day.
☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️🏴‍☠️☠️
Ir'ith was losing his gods damned mind. He fell onto his side, cackling and wheezing, fighting against the gag to get enough air to keep up the laughter. The ship shuddered as the pirates undocked, then Max was standing in the doorway, looking exhausted.
"Max! Are you unharmed?" Taurvin demanded, using Gorvan to lever himself to his feet. It was a bit awkward with his hands cuffed behind his back, but he managed to stumble to the human.
"I'm fine." The navigator waved him off with the hand still holding the blaster. Taurvin flinched back, not wanting to come into contact with one of the probes, which set Ir'ith off into another gale of muffled laughter. Max rolled their eyes and, before Taurvin could stop them, pointed the blaster at the zad and fired several rounds. The probe's bright-orange discs hit and stuck to Ir'ith's uniform, and one hit the bit of his beak that wasn't covered, giving him a blue growth in the middle of his face.
"No! Max, how could you?" Elaana cried, struggling frantically against her cuffs. "Don't worry Ir, I'll be right there! We can save you."
"Wait, did he get hurt?" Max stuck the blaster in its holster and hurried over to Ir'ith before Taurvin could stop him. The human dropped to their knees and helped the still wheezing zad sit up before pulling off the gag.
"I'm fine!" Ir'ith reassured the others. "The darts don't do shit, stop worrying." He turned slightly so Max could fiddle with the cuffs around his wrists. They were an older model, nice and rusty the way pirates liked it, and only required two buttons being pressed at the same time to release. It took a bit of effort, but then the zad was freely rubbing his wrists.
"But Max said it was a new human weapon!" Epitak accused, wings fluffing up and hitting Dhaca in the face. The snallygaster, being only three feet tall, was knocked over on his tail.
"Oh, the probe stuff?" Max reached out and plucked one of said probes from Ir'ith's chest. "This is just plastic and foam - no technology at all." They wiggled the probe in their fingers, then stuck it to Ir'ith's beak, giving him two blue horns now. Elaana made a worried squeak, but didn't protest when the cook didn't show any ill signs.
Max moved to help Taurvin with his cuffs. Once the captain had his two arms free, he had to ask, "Max, what exactly is that weapon?"
The human grinned, pulling the blaster from their belt and wiggling it. "This? It's Nerf, or nothin'."

[PC/XBOX/PS] Major Update 1.204 - Signal

MONDAY 15 APRIL

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

MONDAY 15 APRIL

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

MONDAY 15 APRIL

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

MONDAY 15 APRIL

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

MONDAY 15 APRIL

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

MONDAY 15 APRIL

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

MONDAY 15 APRIL

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

FRIDAY 19 APRIL

MONDAY 15 APRIL

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

FRIDAY 19 APRIL