General Question Docking made simple?

[krashkart]

I hope I didn't jump into this thread too late...

I don't use docking autopilots (DGIV) very often, but this thread got me to thinking that it would make life much easier when refueling the Titan module (from kulch's Mir-2 addon). That particular module is in a constant state of motion as it maintains proper orientation for the Mir2 core, which makes it a real bugga to dock with.

Yes, I would absolutely use your autopilot in such a case. It would be a (frazzled) tanker pilot's dream come true. :thumbup:

 

[Tycho]

The autopilot would be an extremely useful tool in not only learning, but automated ops (Progress). The option is still always there to dock manually. Anyone can have an AP dock for them, but only docking manually will give you that unmatchable sense of accomplishment. And for this reason, I don't think that an AP would ever discourage orbinauts from trying something on their own.

 

[Izack]

I hope I didn't jump into this thread too late...

I don't use docking autopilots (DGIV) very often, but this thread got me to thinking that it would make life much easier when refueling the Titan module (from kulch's Mir-2 addon). That particular module is in a constant state of motion as it maintains proper orientation for the Mir2 core, which makes it a real bugga to dock with.

Yes, I would absolutely use your autopilot in such a case. It would be a (frazzled) tanker pilot's dream come true. :thumbup:

Mir-2 is exactly what I was thinking of.
Especially if gravity gradient torque is on, it can be anywhere from annoying to impossible to dock to certain vehicles.

I don't use docking autopilots either, because if I want to watch a docking procedure I may as well watch a replay (that's just my view.) I would however be grateful for a script or MFD which maintains an ideal attitude for docking, especially with STS. I like the idea of an XR-5-esque translation mode-changer for docking ports not aligned to forward (0,0), like the STS'.

 

[fireballs619]

I'd like to see it, because, as others have said,if you don't like it, don't use it. It only takes away challenge if you let it.

 

[Bloodworth]

Personally, I think it could be an excellent educational tool. How many of us learned how to perform one operation or another by watching an autopilot do it? I personally first learned how to land the DG and the LM (amso) from watching LOLA do it. Same thing with orbital rendezvouz.

As has already been said, if you don't need it, don't use it