Jump to content

[1.8.1] Docking Port Alignment Indicator (Version 6.8.5 - Updated 12/14/19)


NavyFish

Recommended Posts

Docking Port Alignment Indicator (Version 6.8.5)

 

The Docking Port Alignment Indicator Provides all the information you need to dock with precision and ease on a single, intuitive gauge. See it in action here:

 

 

Additional Features Include:

  • Easily cycle between docking ports up to 2.5 km away. No more pixel hunting with your cursor.
  • Requires no special parts! Will just work on all new and existing vessels.
  • Give your docking ports custom names (both in flight and editor) for later reference on the gauge.
  • Automatic Raster Prop Monitor integration. Dock with IVA glory.
  • KSP AVC Integration - stay up to date!
  • Lives on either Blizzy's Toolbar or the Stock App Launcher (defaults to Blizzy's if available)

 

Download From Curse Forge

 

Source Code available on GitHub:

https://github.com/bfishman/Docking-Port-Alignment-Indicator/

 

Paypal donations sincerely appreciated!  Paypal donations welcome and deeply appreciated!
 

 

Huge thanks to Micha who's been helping keep this mod up-to-date lately!!

 

Latest Version:

Version 6.8.5 - 12/24/19

  • Compiled for KSP 1.8.1
  • [fixed] Stock Toolbar icon showing up in different scenes (main menu).
  • [update] Defaults to using Stock Toolbar.

 

Historical changelog:

Spoiler

 

Version 6.8.4  - 11/30/19:

  •  [update] Recompiled for KSP 1.8.1
  •  [update] Rebuilt bitmap font file to fix kerning. More work needs to be done, however.
  •  [update] Merged all downstream 'mkw' changes into Master Branch (see below):
    • [fixed] RPM MFD Display would not work unless DPAI UI app was toggled visible at least once
    • [fixed] Module Manager warnings
    • [change]  Removed "DPAI Settings.cfg"
    • [fixed]   Minor code refactor which removed a potential null-reference exception.
    • [added]   Added switching between the Toolbar (Stock vs Blizzy) in the settings menu.
    • [fixed]   Fixed incorrect usage of Unity APIs in field initializers.

Version 6.8.3  - 03/03/19:

  • [updated] Recompiled for KSP 1.6.1
  • [fixed] RPM MFD Display would not work unless DPAI UI app was toggled visible at least once
  • [fixed] Module Manager warnings

Version 6.8.2  - 03/31/18:

  • [updated] Recompiled for KSP 1.4.2

Version 6.8.1  - 03/14/18:

  • [updated] Recompiled for KSP 1.4.1

Version 6.8.0 - 03/09/18

  • [updated] Recompiled for KSP 1.4.0
  • [fixed] Application Launcher Icon no longer hangs around the main menu... for reals this time

Version 6.7.1 - 05/31/17

  • [fixed] Application Launcher Icon no longer hangs around the main menu.

Version 6.7.0 - 05/31/17

  • [updated] Recompiled for KSP 1.3.0.  Replaces 6.6.0 due to a versioning error which affected KCAN and AVC. Otherwise no changes from 6.6.0

Version 6.6.0 - 05/31/17

  • [updated] Recompiled for KSP 1.3.0

Version 6.5.2 - 01/03/17

  • [updated] Updated release package for KSP 1.2.2 (No code changes)

Version 6.5.1 - 10/25/16

  • [fixed] Fix for Blizzy Toolbar's bug exposed by Contract Configurator
  • [fixed] Fixed Reference Port text on RPM gauge (andincremented version text)

Version 6.5 - 10/13/16

  • [updated] Recompiled to work with KSP 1.2

Version 6.4 - 05/11/16

  • [added]   New gauge foreground artwork by community member Devric. Sweet!
  • [added]   You can now invert each alignment, translation, and roll axis via the settings menu.
  • [change]  Unified GUI and RPM rendering paths: Cleaner, faster mod.
  • [updated] Re-added support for Blizzy's Toolbar mod. If present, icon will default to Blizzy's toolbar.
                     The icon can be forced to use the stock app launcher by editing 'DPAI Settings.cfg'

Version 6.3 - 04/19/16

  • [update]  Rebuilt for KSP v1.1

Version 6.2.1 (BETA)

  • [update]  Works with KSP 1.1 Pre-Release build v1.1.0.1183
  • [fixed]   IVA reference part is now properly maintained when switching between IVA/EVA/MapView
  • [change]  ModuleDockingNodeNamed now no longer relies upon DockingPortAlignmentIndicator.dll, allowing mod authors to use its functionality without depending upon DPAI. Simply check if a part contains a ModuleDockingNodeNamed partmodule, and if so call module.getCustomName().

Version 6.2 - 05/04/15

  • [fixed]   Stock toolbar button no longer multiplies like a rabbit!

Version 6.1 - 03/07/15

  • [fixed]   DPAI *now* preserves the 'Control From Here' reference part when going IVA  

Version 6.0 - 03/07/15

  • [added]   Raster Prop Monitor (RPM) Integration! (See Below)
  • [RPM]      DPAI now has an RPM Page on the stock RPM MFD. More MFD patches to follow.
  • [RPM]     Full DPAI functionality and display while IVA! (RPM Required)
  • [RPM]     Display and cycle Target Ports from MDF
  • [RPM]     Display and cycle the Docking Reference part from MFD
  • [RPM]     Rename target and reference ports from MFD while IVA
  • [RPM]     Toggleable info page which displays MFD controls for DPAI
  • [added]   DPAI now preserves the 'Control From Here' reference part when going IVA    
  • [added]   Option to show/hide target port HUD indicator while IVA
  • [added]   Parts with multiple docking ports can now have unique names for each port
  • [change]  Appearance of 'point towards' arrow (smaller, higher-resolution)
  • [fixed]   Improved CDI line transition to back-hemisphere (no more unintentional flipping)

Version 5.1 - 01/10/15

  • [changed] Re-enabled support for Blizzy's Toolbar. If present, DPAI will place its button on Blizzy's toolbar. DPAI can be forced to place its button on the Stock App Launcher via a config file (see bundled Readme.txt)

Version 5.0 - 01/09/15

  • [added]   Integration with stock application launcher (removed support for blizzy's toolbar)
  • [change]  DPAI can now be displayed without target selected. Use stock toolbar button to show/hide indicator
  • [added]   Setting to enable/disable cycling and automatic targeting of ports on target vessel (default: enabled)
  • [added]   Setting to exclude 'already docked' ports when cycling through available targets (default: enabled)
  • [added]   Setting to show/hide Target Port HUD Icon and change its size
  • [added]   KSP AVC integration (Mini-AVC bundled)

Version 4.0 - 06/29/14

  • [added] Ability to cycle through all unoccupied ports on your target. No more need to right-click a port!
  • [added] Ports can now be targeted up to 2.25 Km away!
  • [added] When a vessel is first targeted, the nearest port is automatically targeted.
  • [added] Magenta HUD indicator floats on top of currently targeted port to allow for easy identification.
  • [added] Ability to rename all docking ports using the right-click GUI (in both VAB/SPH and flight). 
  • [added] Text readout on indicator which displays the name of the targeted port.
  • [added] Closure Distance (CDST) readout, displays range to target port along the approach axis only.
  • [added] Prograde icon on velocity vector changes to Retrograde icon when CVEL is negative.
  • [added] Support for parts with multiple docking ports (Thanks taniwha!)
  • [added] Support for Extraplanetary Launchpads' recycle bins (Thanks taniwha!)
  • [change] New toolbar button icon, easier to identify. Button will show/hide indicator.
  • [change] Removed hard-dependency on Blizzy's Toolbar
  • [change] Added custom 'toolbar' button if Blizzy's toolbar is not present.
  • [change] Text now drawn using Bitmap Fonts, allowing for higher resolution text.
  • [fixed] Indicator no longer displayed in Map View or while on EVA
  • [fixed] Generalized port orientation logic - non-stock lateral ports should now work (Thanks taniwha!)

Version 3.0 - 12/18/13

  • [update] Verified compatibility with KSP v0.23
  • [added]  Indicator's size can now be scaled freely (from settings window)
  • [added]  Toolbar-Plugin miniature icon for toggling the settings window
  • [added]  Glyph Font rendering to support indicator scaling
  • [fixed]  Indicator will now display at full resolution regardless of KSP's Texture Settings

Version 2.2 - 10/27/13

  • [update] Verified compatibility with KSP v0.22
  • [change] Roll degrees now range from 0-359.9 (was -180 to +180 before)
  • [fixed] Stock lateral docking ports (Inline Clampotron) now orient correctly!
  • [fixed] Settings window toggle-buttons now much more visible

Version 2.1 - 08/17/13

  • [fixed] A bug that caused the velocity vector to behave incorrectly in certain circumstances [thanks Mr Shifty].
  • [fixed] CVEL now measures velocity along the target port's normal vector (intended behavior), not true velocity.
  • [fixed] Negated CVEL value when passing into back-hemisphere (red CDI region). Closure is now always a positive value.
  • [change] Velocity Indicator now draws on top of of Alignment Vector.
  • [change] Reduced sensitivity of alignment indicator near center of the gauge slightly.
  • [change] Removed forward velocity component of the velocity vector. Now full deflection always indicates 3.5 m/s of lateral velocity.
  • [change] Added slight exponential scaling to velocity vector near center of gauge.
  • [change] Velocity Indicator will display as a 'retrograde' vector when your alignment is greater than 90 degrees off-axis, indicating that translation controls have a reversed impact on the movement of the visual indicator. Moving the indicator towards the green cross will still bring you towards centerline.

Version 2.0 - 08/11/13

  • [added] Course Deviation Indicators (CDI)
  • [added] Translational Velocity vector
  • [added] Closure velocity and distance readouts
  • [added] settings menu
  • [added] Increased precision of alignment indicator with exponential scaling
  • [change] Enhanced precision of roll indicator
  • [change] Retouched all graphics

Version 1.0 - 08/01/13

  • First Release 

 

This mod includes version checking using MiniAVC. If you opt-in, it will use the internet to check whether there is a new version available. Data is only read from the internet and no personal information is sent. For a more comprehensive version checking experience, please download the KSP-AVC Plugin.

 

Check out these great videos by community members!

 

 

 


 

Edited by NavyFish
Updated to 6.8.5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest bfishman

That's quite odd! The original post seems to have disappeared! (Posting this message from an alternate login). Working on re-writing it now :/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry people,seems like there was a problem with posting. Everyone's first posts have to be moderated and it seems something weird happened during the process that caused the post to disappeared after it was approved. It's back now :)

Thanks! I was all sad-face for a moment.

I'm working on a quick visual tutorial, should be posting it shortly. My first KSP plugin, so your feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wohoo! Great stuff, thanks.

I used to use HydroTech for docking (to get the alignment right... It just really sucks when you build a station and every part is rotated a few degrees >.<). But Hydrotech uses at least one additional part per docking port and a "computer".

This mod is great! Thanks a lot!.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This looks very nice! I have used the Lazor Docking Cam in the past, but it comes with some plug-in baggage I would rather just not have to deal with (exploding launch-clamps, screwing up the KSP GUI, etc.).

Now that Squad has fixed the NavBall bugs when docking (such as the target marker on the target center of mass instead of the selected docking port), a simple orientation indicator really is all we need to complete the instrumentation.

Edited by RoboRay
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you everyone for all the positive feedback. If anyone has a suggestion or ways to improve the indicator, by all means please share.

That having been said, one of my goals with this plugin is for it to be unobtrusive and simple, hence why the gauge automatically hides itself when you're done.

Originally, I'd intended for the alignment indicator to be a new NavBall icon, but I have yet to figure out how this can be done. Then again, even if I could depict an icon on the NavBall, I'm not sure if it would support the "Fly-To" arrow function, so perhaps a standalone gauge is for the better after all.

There is one more instrumentation plugin I had in mind, and the continued feedback and demonstrated utility of this plugin will likely motivate me to go through with developing the next one. Although the functionality it will provide could be integrated into this plugin, I think that adding it would go against the goal of simplicity stated above, so will likely create an altogether separate plugin (which also auto-hides when not in use). When the time comes for that, I'll post a link in the OP to the new plugin.

Once again, thanks for all the feedback, and good luck out there!

-NavyFish

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just tried this out. Awesome! Like others, I've been using the docking camera mod. It's very nice, but duplicating the view seems to really lag my machine. This is a really great light-weight alternative to that.

The only thing I'd like to see added to this one is a range and a relative speed display so I can do IVA docking (the navball in IVA doesn't seem to be accurate enough). I am interested to see what else you may have in mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm sure showing the the closure angle, speed, and distance information numerically isn't for everyone, but I'd like to have the option. I could ditch laser docking cam, which as many people have said, comes with baggage.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If anyone has a suggestion or ways to improve the indicator, by all means please share.

Coming from playing Orbiter I always disliked that the scales of the Docking Cam were linear, not logarithmic. Less for their Scifi value, and neither do I claim to be able to read them and tell the value instantly, but they are extremely helpful at low speeds, short distances and small angles.

So, I can has some Docking MFD salt?

man_mfddck2.png

This should definitely be stock in the future.

Absolutely! A Navball must-have!

Edited by Andersenman
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is great tool, elegant and simple :) (best docking indicator ever made, IMHO).

Any improvement that would occur to me would be small arrow triangle on edge showing translation error or X mark when both parallel axis are very close (if X and circle is on center You are perfectly aligned and on course) ... this would made an ultimate docking tool.

EDIT_1: from other hand, with docking camera this tool is more than enough to dock :wink:.

EDIT_2:

One of the best mods which should become stock some day :D

For stock version of this indicator (especially if with IVA equivalent) would be worthy to made It work in Ground relative mode too, showing lateral movement on plane parallel to surface (So Your attitude doesn't matter).

Edited by karolus10
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This thread is quite old. Please consider starting a new thread rather than reviving this one.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...