Space Shuttle Ultra development thread

[DaveS]

Yes, just need to get the code done for showing it also. But I wanted to make some non-SSU stuff in the next hours, for learning more about Kulchs Payload Manager.

Plan on getting the ODS operational as well?

 

[Donamy]

Actually, he has permission from both of us.

 

[DaveS]

Actually, he has permission from both of us.

He has? My sincerest apologies to him then!

 

[Donamy]

It's not the new SSU mesh though.

 

[Donamy]

Yes, just need to get the code done for showing it also. But I wanted to make some non-SSU stuff in the next hours, for learning more about Kulchs Payload Manager.

At your convienience.

 

[Urwumpe]

Plan on getting the ODS operational as well?

Yes, step by step. I have the class structure already laid out, I just didn't add the ODS meshes yet or simulate the ODS subsystems correctly.

I have tested ProjectApollo extensively last week, and decided that their scenario format for the subsystems is superior to what I planned, I would suggest making it similar.

my close future SSU work, when looking at the ODS:

1. Finish redrawing handling for the new VC code, so we can have VC components, which paint on objects.
2. Paint MDU Menus.
3. Implement the event timers as VCComponents.
4. Implement lights as VCComponents
5. Add ODS panel lights.
6. Connect ODS panel lights to ODS or ODS electronic boxes (not sure how fine I will implement them)
7. Implement ODS animations.

Any complaints?

 

[Donamy]

none

 

[DaveS]

none

Same here. Looks good. Any idea on how you will handle the capture and retraction of the ODS ring?

 

[Urwumpe]

Same here. Looks good. Any idea on how you will handle the capture and retraction of the ODS ring?

I would say, we use an Child->Parent attachment to attach the shuttle to the space station, when possible (Similar to Project Apollo).

When no such attachment exists, we just check the distance between the docking ports. When the distance gets closer than the distance between shuttle docking port and extended ring, the ring gets just retracted for avoiding strange looks.

This might be the best we can make of the situation.

Having a special ISS for SSU missions would be the best way to have the first way of docking I described.

 

[SiameseCat]

I would say, we use an Child->Parent attachment to attach the shuttle to the space station, when possible (Similar to Project Apollo).

When no such attachment exists, we just check the distance between the docking ports. When the distance gets closer than the distance between shuttle docking port and extended ring, the ring gets just retracted for avoiding strange looks.

This might be the best we can make of the situation.

Having a special ISS for SSU missions would be the best way to have the first way of docking I described.

What we could do is use attachments during the retract phase, and docking ports the rest of the time. For the retract phase, we could create attach the shuttle to the station, then 'undock' and use the attachments while the ring is retracted. We could then 'dock' and destroy the attachments. The main problem I can think of is the undocking; I'm not sure if the volcities will be messed up when we undock and then attach the shuttle to the station.

 

[Urwumpe]

What we could do is use attachments during the retract phase, and docking ports the rest of the time. For the retract phase, we could create attach the shuttle to the station, then 'undock' and use the attachments while the ring is retracted. We could then 'dock' and destroy the attachments. The main problem I can think of is the undocking; I'm not sure if the volcities will be messed up when we undock and then attach the shuttle to the station.

Well, we can control the velocities maybe a bit more careful.

Of course we need to (hard-)dock after retraction, otherwise we can't let the Shuttle do reboosts.

 

[Donamy]

It can just undock, it doesn't have to unretract.

 

[DaveS]

It can just undock, it doesn't have to unretract.

This is correct. When the Undock Complete pushbutton on the APDS control panel is depressed, it automatically initiates the undocking procedures, which involves releasing the hooks and latches.

Physical separation is about 2 mins and 30 sec after the Undock Complete pushbutton was pushed.

 

[Pilot7893]

Speaking of stealing: http://spaceshuttlex.blogspot.com/ does anyone recognize the meshes and base textures?

Yep, it's Michael Grossberg's and your meshes+textures!

Exactly what game is that?

 

[DaveS]

Exactly what game is that?

X-Plane: http://www.x-plane.com/

 

[Urwumpe]

OK, ODS existence can now get loaded from scenario by adding ODS to the scenario block. I also fixed a problem with the static cargo meshes not being visible from inside.

Next task here are some updates to the mesh handling, so custom panels are handled more flexible.

Donamy: This page has a good view of a STS circuit breaker and the lockable switches I mean:

http://www.space1.com/Artifacts/Space_Shuttle_Artifacts/Shuttle_Switches/shuttle_switches.html


Actually, all is perfectly like in Apollo.

 

[Donamy]

I know, the original switches were made by MartinS, to save polys. I get dizzy when I think about changing them all.

 

[Urwumpe]

I know, the original switches were made by MartinS, to save polys. I get dizzy when I think about changing them all.

Well, it aren't so many switches that need to be changed, and they are mostly on the new panels we added. The majority of all switches stay like they are. Also we currently only have circuit breakers on the docking panels, which would be looking different.

 

[Donamy]

Specifically, which panels would you need changed ?

 

[Urwumpe]

Specifically, which panels would you need changed ?

Just quickly from my memory C3, R2 and O6.

There are more, as these switches are used in many panels for avoiding accidental switching.

On C3, the switches are OMS ENG(2), FCS CHANNEL (4), BODYFLAP, ET SEPARATION, AIR DATA PROBE(2), UPLINK and MASTER MADS POWER.