Farming the C3

In our search for a new home we looked at many options. We knew we wanted an empty wormhole, one that provided content as well as security, and one that a solo pilot could run combat sites and make good ISK. Our first idea was a C3 with a high sec static, which would mean we could secure the hole very easily.  A C3 would also provide combat sites that could be run solo and provided substantial financial gains for the pilot running them, making them worth the risk. As such we set up a POS in a C3 and tested it out. We quickly realized that once the content of the C3 was farmed, we had little to do in there. We could run neighboring wormholes, but they were random and were no guarantee of being viable for the solo pilot. And since the only static entrance was a high sec one, if we closed the others down we could wait a long time for a new one to open, and even then were unsure of what size wormhole we would get. The C3 was abandoned and it was decided we needed a C2 with a high sec static and a C3 static. That way if the C3 did not provide content we could close it and check out a new one. 

It is by design we have a static C3 that we can use to farm sites either solo or in fleets. But done improperly this can lead to loss of ships and aggression within in our wh. So before any pilot decides to run sites in the C3 there are some factors they must take into consideration.

• Active structures or corporations - If the C3 has an active structure it would be wise not to run any combat sites in there. Even if there is no one in the structure when you check it out, it only take a few moments for a well organized corporation to have their members jump online and attack. Running relic or data sites should be run with caution, as any active corp may have the sites already bookmarked and are just waiting for someone to show up. However, the more sites there are, the less likely there is an overly active corp in the system. Still, always be cautious when running relic or data sites in a C3 with an active structure. Mining gas can also be done, but with the same degree of caution as running a relic site. Just keeping hitting dscan and have an escape plan ready if you see probes or an unknown ship.
• Multiple entrances - A C3, by nature, has only one static wormhole, leading to high, low or null sec. If the C3 you entered has more than two wh's, it's static and the one leading back to our C2, it may mean more trouble. Just remember,  the more openings, the more ways aggressive pilots can ambush you. The best way to secure the C3 is to close the entrances except for the one leading back to the C2. The static in a C3 is a little more difficult to roll and may be left open if it leads to a fairly inactive system.  No  matter what you decided, unless you close all the wh's and post a sentry at our entrance, the C3 can be potentially dangerous to pilots running sites. Only you can decide whether the reward outweighs the risk. 
• Scanning-Scanning the C3 before any activity is always advisable. If you are the first to scan it for the corp, please place all information in the folder labeled "Connecting C3" for other corp pilots to use. If you do decide to run sites, mine or do combat sites, make sure your ship is equipped with a scanner probe in case your access to the C2 closes.  If you need that high slot then it would be wise to take a mobile depot and scanning equipment to be able to switch it out for the high slot if needed. A cloaking device would be helpful as well. While you cannot warp with the cloak in in anything but a covert vessel, it will give you some protection while you scan the area for new sites. 
• Safe Spot- If you plan on spending extended time in another wh besides our home, it would be wise to set up a safe spot in the system to warp to in case of ship showing up on your scanner. The easiest way to set up a safe spot is to warp from an area away from the entrance and hit ctrl-b about halfway there and save it. This gives you a safe area to warp to and cloak, keeping you safer while you wait for the system to be safe.  Make sure your dscan is set up to recognize ships and other objects such as probes, warp disruptors and interdiction probes. This will help prevent you from warping into trouble should you try to make a run home.