Planetary Datalinks

[fallennorthstar]

I've been trying to understand The Planetary Datalinks. The SMAC wiki adds a couple of small points to the manual's explanation, but enough. I completed this project recently playing as the University on the extra large map of planet and I knew the Hive had a few techs I didn't have yet, but I didn't get them. I loaded the game many times thinking that maybe it selected 3 factions at random, but still nothing (I also tried ending a second turn in case it was delayed). Is there something I'm not doing right?

 

[Petek]

You're not doing anything wrong. The explanation in the manual (and in the Datalinks) is incomplete. You discover any technology known to three other factions, but only if a faction discovers the tech after you complete the Secret Project. For example, if three factions have already discovered Applied Physics (AP) before you build the Planetary Datalinks (PD), nothing happens at first. When a fourth faction discovers AP, then you get it for free (assuming you haven't discovered it in the meantime). If all the other factions have discovered AP before you build the PD, you will never get AP for free. BTW, the entry for the PD in the SMAC wiki is incorrect. You don't need to have contacted any factions to receive the free techs.

 

[fallennorthstar]

Completely understand now, thanks!