Docking to multiple ports?

[spacedoctor42]

I'm trying to assemble a ship in orbit and I want to attach my engine assemblies radially to clusters of 3 ports I have placed on the side of the ship. However, I can't get them to dock properly, they always attach at a slight angle. What's the trick here?

[A35K]

Multi-port docking is possible however extremely difficult, as for all the ports to connect, they must all connect at the exact same time. I did it only once, and even then only 2 of 3 ports connected.

[Vorg]

Use Nav Hud, or the docking addon to get a higher res alignment info

[MathmoRichard]

Honestly easier to use Docking Port Seniors.

[Vorg]

Honestly easier to use Docking Port Seniors.

He may not have them yet. You get the JR.'s first

[MathmoRichard]

He may not have them yet. You get the JR.'s first

Personally, I can't imagine assembling massive ships in orbit without having reached that stage.

[cybersol]

The good news is multiple ports is totally doable with 2-3 attempts and a slow approach. *However*, docking ports have an up direction and not just an in/out orientation. If you flip a docking port 180* by pressing w twice, you actually change up to down. If you instead flip it by pressing d twice, you match up directions with its mate. Watch the 3 outer handles on the Sr to observe the effect, when up is aligned the handles with match on both docking ports. If you built everything so the up directions line up, then you just need a slow accurate approach. Be sure to turn off SAS so nothing is fighting the magnets when you get with a few meters. If you have to detach and retry, be sure to get a good distance away and then redock so you don't confuse the docking ports. Finally, for accurate alignment of your center, your rotation, and port direction all at once I recommend a mod like Docking Port Alignment Indicator.

This is one of those things that feels really great when you get it to work. GLHF!

[Xannari Ferrows]

You can try locking the SAS of one module into Normal orientation, and the ship you're flying in Anti-Normal. Then you can just translate the two together.