The consoles give you a science ability and either increase [+Th] or decrease [-Th] your threat. Threat increases your probability of being targeted. So, [+Th] will increase the frequency that you're taking fire. Conversely, [-Th] decreases the frequency that you're taking fire.
Keston is a modest science ship. I have four consoles deployed, all of them [-Th]. I rarely take any fire, if at all. This allows me run crowd control undisturbed. It's awesome in KASE while guarding probes. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. :)
Keston