cakepie

1. you can mouseover the fairing (not the base) and press 'f' to select low/medium/high. Make sure fairing is highlighted when you do so. 2. I recall reading somewhere (but can't find the post atm) that the decoupler in that fairing base is merely there for compatibility with KER or something like that (delta-v computation or such), it's not intended to provide separation functionality. Not having decoupler is deliberate design apparently, so you can choose to put decoupler, docking port, etc as needed. (edit: hm, I might have misunderstood this. )

So, since I had a bit of time, and source code was included CC-BY-NC-SA, I went ahead started messing around with it to see how to go about doing this... ...and ended up getting carried away, so now I have a dev build that fixes/adds a bunch of things -- changes include: - Added persistence: now remembers on/off state, destination inputs and GUI window mode/position/size; this is on a per part (receiver) basis - Fixed GUI handling: GUI visibility now works properly when staging, docking/undocking or switching between craft in flight -- no need to deactivate and reactivate - Streamlined loading and initialization (hopefully doesn't break this previous fix!) - Fixed destination mode "here" button failing to set N/S & E/W values. - Clears field values (displayed in receiver part's right click menu) upon deactivation. - Add (optional) support for Blizzy78's toolbar mod (via separate KerbalGPS_Toolbar.dll) -- button color indicates if none/some/all GPS receivers on a vessel are on -- clicking will activate/deactivate all GPS receivers on the vessel PakledHostage, I'll PM you with a link where you can grab my code/build. If you're amenable to it, we can make my build available for other users to test (probably a good idea) before officially pushing the changes back into the mod release. Edit: just added ability to display the destination heading on the navball

There are no exact altitude / spacing requirements, all that matters is that you'd want at least 4 satellites to be visible (i.e. above the horizon) at any time from any location on the planet. (*1) 4 visible satellites is the bare minimum; with additional satellites the accuracy of the position calculated by GPS will improve (with diminishing returns as you increase the number of satellites). (*2) In general, most people want pretty good coverage across the whole planet. But if, say, you don't need coverage in the polar regions (or will settle for poorer accuracy) you could reduce the number of satellites needed. If you're using resized universe mods, the good news is that the coverage of a satellite constellation over the surface of a planet is purely a function of the planet's radius, so you just need to scale accordingly. So, for example, if you already have a constellation altitude/spacing setup that works for stock Kerbin and you want to achieve the same coverage for 10x Kerbin, you just need to scale the altitude by 10x as well. (Note that although coverage is unchanged, orbital frequency with respect to the planet is not guaranteed to be preserved as that also depends on planet mass. E.g. synchronous orbit in stock may no longer be synchronous when scaled up.) If you have no prior experience with this GPS mod, I suggest you look to the Q&A section in OP for suggestions re: stock Kerbin and scale accordingly. Refers to the real solar system mod / 10x scale variant

I experienced a similar issue (probe payload attitude & throttle uncontrollable upon separation) which I was able to resolve by right-clicking the probe core and selecting "control from here" -- give that a shot, but YMMV.

Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter Underslung Load Testing - 5-ton weight, 1 cable - accurate delivery This mission is part of a series of underslung load tests in which we demonstrate and prove the ability of the Ki-6 to transport various kinds of external loads. The objective of this test is to, in separate runs, deposit two 5-ton weights on the roof of the VAB to test the use of a single winch, and to demonstrate the accurate delivery of cargo. Gallery Two 5-ton weights attached to caddy, ready to be deployed for test lifting. (omitted: connecting the winch cables) Lifting the first of two loads Approaching the designated drop zone Lowering the cargo Ooops, we seem to have accidentally tipped the cargo over. Picking up the second weight We have more success with depositing the second one safely: Going back to right the first one: Test concluded. Mods Used: Kerbal Attachment System (duh)

Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter Underslung Load Testing - 7.8-ton tanker truck, 3 cables - flight envelope testing This mission is part of a series of underslung load tests in which we demonstrate and prove the ability of the Ki-6 to transport various kinds of external loads. This test is intended to test the speed and maneuverability of the aircraft while transporting an underslung external load of an empty tanker truck, weighing 7.8 tons, suspended by three cables. As a secondary objective, we will also lower and release the cargo by winch rather than by outright descent of the entire helicopter, as demonstrated previously. Gallery Once again, we have the same tanker truck as before... It doesn't fit safely through the door. Preparing attachement points for lifting: one in front... And two in the rear: Attaching the cables: Everything is in position: Let's get back in the aircraft. All set for take off And up we go! Retracting the cables to bring the load (and center of gravity) higher up: There, that's much more stable: Forward travel maintaining constant altitude: speeds up to and above 50 m/s Banking turns at speed: no problem Coming in for a test of new cargo release procedures: Lowering by winch: Cargo safely deposited: Separation Success! Mods Used: Kerbal Attachment System (duh)

Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter Underslung Load Testing - 7.8-ton tanker truck, 3 cables - proof of concept This mission is part of a series of underslung load tests in which we demonstrate and prove the ability of the Ki-6 to transport various kinds of external loads. This test is a proof-of-concept that involves a crewed tanker truck, empty of fuel, that weighs in at 7.8 tons, suspended by three cables. The main objective is safe lifting and landing of the truck, including survival of the truck crew. Gallery So, we've got this tanker truck, it doesn't quite fit through the cargo door... Preparing attachement points for lifting the cargo: Attach the cables: Airborne! Approaching for drop-off: Lined up... Poised for release. Release the cables! Disconnect the attachments And then retract the winches Helicopter landed. Success! Mods Used: Kerbal Attachment System (duh)

Helicopter underslung operations with my Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter. (More shenanigans at my mission log)

My Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter, inspired by the Mil Mi-6. Mainly uses Firespitter helicopter parts and TT Mk4 cargo fuselage parts. I've done underslung load operations and deployed a towed array sonar with it, which you can see at my Mission Log thread. (warning: very pic heavy) Four rotors is a bit silly considering the real thing has only one, but seriously, these are already the larger-sized "Russian Bear" model of helicopter rotor, and two are needed to simply lift this monster empty. Three to maneuver comfortably with cargo. Four is a bit of overengineering, so that the rotors don't need to be operated close to full throttle, reducing the risk of overheating. I guess I could have modded the helicopter rotor part to have 3.5~4 times the thrust, but whatever.

Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter Underslung Load Testing This series of tests are intended to demonstrate and prove the ability of the Ki-6 to transport underslung loads. For this we'll be using a variant of the aircraft that has additional winches attached to the belly of the fuselage: This configuration of winches allows us to adapt to a variety of loads, using any number of points of attachement: one: center two: front & center two separate loads: front & center three: front & 2 sides We'll also carry an assortment of accessories for attaching to and securing the cargo: We'll primarily use the KAS radial connector port, but we've also got one each of the grappling hook and electromagnet accessories in case they're needed. Missions 7.8-ton tanker truck, 3 cables - proof of concept 7.8-ton tanker truck, 3 cables - flight envelope testing 5-ton weight, 1 cable - accurate delivery Long line operations cancelled -- aircraft not capable of the delicate control necessary Gallery (Extra pictures not belonging to any particular testing mission) These are just pretty cool cinematic-style shots: Drop tank separation while transporting underslung load Dangerous maneuver Propensity to overheat even attempting the slightest maneuvers while under heavy load (depicted: tanker truck, full -- 23.8t ) Other bonus screenshots Mods Used: Kerbal Attachment System (duh)

Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter Towed Array Sonar Operations In this installment, we'll deploy a 1km long towed array sonar into the water and tow it behind the helicopter. This 152-part vehicle consists of: Chassis with: 1x front winch and 2x side winches at rear, for securement to cargo bay 1x tail winch for towing operations [*] 1km sonar array consisting: 2 stacks of 10 sensors with winches 1x tail sensor (without winch) Since the KAS winch cable is 50m in length, this gives us a 1km long array of 21 sensors, spaced 50m apart, and towed 50m behind the helicopter. RemoteTech RC Antenna is used per sensor segment, but this does not actually serve a practical purpose, it's purely aesthetic. (Wait, don't helicopters usually use a dipping sonar? Sure, but that's a comparatively straightforward operation -- just hover, and extend the winch. Not quite hard fun enough!) Gallery Payload specialist Bob Kerman supervises the loading of the towed array and ensures that it is properly tied down and secured. She's ready to go. Take us up, Jeb! In flight, with cargo door open for proof that the cargo is indeed loaded inside! (kids don't try this at home) Safe landing in water; Bob inspects the cargo to ensure that it is intact. Release the sonar array from the caddy. Raise the caddy out of the way and assemble the two halves of the array together. Bob looks so proud of himself! Move the array out of the cargo bay and re-secure the caddy for towing. Sonar array is clear of the cargo doors. If you're wondering why I'm hiding the GUI for the screenshots, it's because the KAS window is absolutely nuts. Start extending the array Halfway done... Almost there... Bob checks to make sure that nothing has been jerked out of place by the force of the tow while deploying the array. And we're off, at a low, slow, forward hover (a tricky proposition in this aircraft), so that the cables don't snap. Still, it is hard to avoid the sensor nodes from bouncing and skipping along the surface of the water. 500m later, we descend again. The damage: Happily, we remembered to bring spare tires along. Recovering the sensor array: Separate into two stacks of ten, and attach back to the chassis: Load and secure in cargo bay: Headed back to base: Unloading operations Only slightly worse for wear, the sonar assembly! The inevitable commemorative picture. Yes, towed a 1km-long array over a distance of only 500m. Whatever, I was getting sick of having to reload from quicksave due to parts breaking off. Mods Used: Kerbal Attachment System (obviously) RemoteTech Relay Network (aesthetic, no functional purpose)

Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter Description & Specifications Meet the Ki-6 Heavy Transport Helicopter, based on the Mil Mi-6 Handles rather uniquely due to its sheer bulk, but flies fairly decently once you're used to it. Delicate maneuvers can be quite challenging, however. Generally attains 45~55m/s in level flight; not quite the 300km/h of the real thing. Unfortunately has some issues with shifting center of gravity, requires redistributing fuel to maintain balance. Gallery Top-down, left-right: yes, she actually flies approaching the VAB for a rooftop landing (a lot more fiddly than it looks) showing off the cargo bay jettisoning drop tanks on the way back from a trip to the island runway Night operations, demonstrating navigation lights and powerful landing lights Aesthetic notes These are already the larger-sized "Russian Bear" model of helicopter rotor, but two are needed to simply lift this monster empty; three to maneuver comfortably with cargo. Four is a bit of overengineering, so that the rotors don't need to be operated close to full throttle, reducing the risk of overheating. The original Mi-6, of course, had just a single huge rotor. A more aesthetically pleasing alternative would be to mod the helicopter rotors to have 3.5~4 times the thrust (and to be fair, corresponding fuel consumption) Firespitter bomber cockpit part looks closer to the real thing, but the stock Mk3 cockpit works better overall with the rest of the fuselage, aesthetically speaking. Another minor inaccuracy is that the actual Mi-6 has rear clamshell doors; this just has a ramp. Preflight notes tail rotor control to be inverted, and thrust increased to 8, 16, or 32 tail wheel to be raised (wheel included as tail-protecting precautionary measure, not intended to be part of main gear) Mods Used: Firespitter helicopter parts TouhouTorpedo Mk4 Cargo Fuselage; Modular Multiwheels TouhouTorpedo Mk4 cargo retainer mass reduced to 25kg (Originally 250kg, not realistic!) Specifications: Part count: 74 Crew: 1 to 3 Passengers: up to 9 (in mk4/mk3 fuselage adapter) Payload: in theory, up to 32000kg (to be empirically verified) Length: 26m Height: 7m (tail), 8.4m (rotors) Empty weight: 20400kg Fuel load: 1180L (5900kg) + 300L (1500kg) in drop tanks (1220kg empty) Max takeoff weight: 61000kg (to be empirically verified) Powerplant: 4 x FS2ML Helicopter Russian Bear Rotor (150kN each) Maximum speed: 60m/s (215km/h) Cruise speed: 45~55m/s (160~200 km/h) Range: (to be empirically determined)

Helicopter Operations Division -- Mission Log This thread will serve to document my helicopter-related shenaniganry. Ideas and suggestions are welcome! (But I reserve the right to do whatever I like.) Mods Used: Long line operations cancelled -- aircraft not capable of the delicate control necessary [*] Operations Towed array sonar operations

Too lazy to do too much re-engineering, I swapped the Octo2 core on my unmanned 50-stage 1301-sepratron monstrosity for the mk1 lander can + parachute for a manned attempt. The good news is, the manned capsule provides enough torque for control/stability, so we can remove the fins from my earlier design. Jebediah loves it. Is there something going on in my taskbar notification area, Jeb? Apokerb = 148,499 (if only I'd managed to be a teensy bit more efficient...) This would not work if re-entry was actually hot and not just pretty effects. Looks like we're coming down not too far away from the KSC... Landing & result

Not sure if able to do a precise gravity turn while computer is lagging that badly. Might require mechjeb, but I feel that'd be cheating. Will give it a shot later today.

Here is my 50-stage, 1301-sepratron monstrosity (unmanned). It lags my computer so bad (less than 1fps while loading, and for the first several stages!) that manual control is practically impossible until a large portion of the stages are spent -- I had no choice but to incur a cost of 180kg additional mass for ASAS and fins to automatically counter wobbling (seems to be caused by drag and stack separator jerk). Luckily this is sufficient to keep the correct end pointed towards space with very little manual intervention. We have liftoff. That's 120 sepratrons firing at once! Final stage fires; by this point we've almost reached the outer edge of the atmosphere: Detail of final stage coasting along after fuel is spent. Thanks to 100x warp, an hour of mission time passes in under a minute. Apokerb at 3,330,622m The eventual inevitable fiery re-entry leading to destructive splashdown at almost 100m/s Stages are: (29 small diameter) - 6x2, 3x3, 6x4, 4x6, 3x8, 2x10, 1x12, 2x14, 2x16 (12 medium diameter) - 3x20, 2x24, 2x32, 2x36, 1x40, 2x48 (9 large diameter) - 2x56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104, 120 ---------- An earlier test before the last 9 stages were added. This has 565 sepratrons in 41 stages. (notice that the ASAS+fins assembly is lower down -- stage 33 compared to stage 15 above -- less computer lag and rocket wobble means we can discard the extra weight sooner and rely on manual control) This reached 1,001,884m.