Flexible docking tube - idea... need comments

[Chris_C]

Especially with bases on rough terrain, I've often thought it would make life so much easier to have a flexable docking tube.

In some cases if modules are at different angles it can even be impossible to dock...

try to imagine an old fashioned camera with a concertina lens body http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/Images/C347.JPG

here the Z axis is looking down the tube...

the tube can change direction in a limited amount (say +/- 20 degrees) x & y axis and can go in and out along the z axis

additionally the docking ring can rotate in a limited manner on 2 axis (x & y)

This should give a vastly superior docking ability for bases

I can handle simple modelling in blender and can code in a number of languages - however a very quick google failed to find and KSP API documentation? (I really don't go for intelli-guess programming)

I've also managed to compile both MechJeb and KSP using a Makefile in Linux

any guidance/help would be most welcome

Does anyone have any thoughts about how useful or not this mod might be or suggestions for it?

[Sampa]

Have you looked at MKS pack by Roverdude (forgot the exact name) or Bobcat industries? They both have mod packs with what you are looking for! Also, you might want to check out angel-125's colony pack based off Roverdude's pack!

[tater]

I'd still like a stock-a-like piece like this for bases. What would be cool would be for it to compress on the z axis so that you could easily bring several to use.

[Apature rocket science]

Good idea buts it's been done in tons of diffrent ways

[smjjames]

Have you looked at MKS pack by Roverdude (forgot the exact name) or Bobcat industries? They both have mod packs with what you are looking for! Also, you might want to check out angel-125's colony pack based off Roverdude's pack!

Yeah, the one by RoverDude (kerbitrail series I think) is REALLY flexible, and strong too. You could string more than one together if you wanted to.

[Chris_C]

anyhow although put off my the crazy complexity of MKS I did manage to break out flexotube to be a modlet of its own...

here's what I did

first I modified the .cfg file so it looked like this

gameData/flexotube/flexotube.cfg

PART
{
name = flexotube
module = Part
author = RoverDude

rescaleFactor = 1
node_stack_bottom = 0.0, 0.25, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, 0.0, 1
node_stack_top = 0.0, -0.25, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, 0.0, 1
node_attach = 0,-.2,0,0,-1,0

MODEL
{
	model = flexotube/parts/DockingPort
}
cost = 200
category = none
subcategory = 0
title = MKS Kerbitrail(tm) flexotube
manufacturer = Umbra Space Industries
description = Expandable, Bendable, attachable tubes up to 50m long.  Requires KAS.
attachRules = 1,1,0,0,0

TechRequired = Unresearcheable
entryCost = 50

mass = 0.05
dragModelType = default
maximum_drag = 0.2
minimum_drag = 0.2
angularDrag = 1
crashTolerance = 12
maxTemp = 3200
fuelCrossFeed = True

MODULE
{
	name = KASModuleStrut 
	nodeTransform = DOCKING
	type = TubeSize1	
	maxLenght = 200
	maxAngle = 100
	breakForce = 10
	allowDock = true
	allowPumpFuel = true
	hasCollider = false
	tubeScale = 1.1
	jointScale = 1.1
	textureTiling = 1
	tubeSrcType = Joined
	tubeTgtType = Joined
	evaStrutPos = (0.05, 0.059, -0.21)
	evaStrutRot = (190.0, 0.0, 0.0)
    tubeTexPath = flexotube/parts/FlexOTube
}

MODULE
{
name = KASModuleGrab            
evaPartPos = (0.0, 0.40, -0.3)        
evaPartDir = (0,0,-1)
storable = true
storedSize  = 20
attachOnPart = true
attachOnEva = true
}

MODULE
{
	name = ModuleConnectedLivingSpace
	passable = true
	passableWhenSurfaceAttached = true 
	surfaceAttachmentsPassable = true
	passableDockingNodeTypes = top,bottom
}

}



@PART[flexotube]:FOR[KolonyTools]:NEEDS[KAS]
{
	TechRequired = advConstruction
	category = Utility
}

this is basically just altered paths

the other files are unedited but the paths are different

chris@localhost ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Kerbal Space Program/GameData $ ls flexotube/ -R
flexotube/:
flexotube.cfg  parts  readme.txt

flexotube/parts:
DockingPort.mu  TubeParts.png       TubeParts_NORM_NRM.png
FlexOTube.png   TubeParts_GLOW.png

so that saved a butt load of coding and pain! not the exact mechanic I had in mind but I use KAS quite extensively anyhow.....

[smjjames]

Actually, the Flexotube is a modified and enlarged KAS pipe, not a docking port. Though maybe it CAN be used as a docking port, haven't tried that myself.

Edited February 25, 2015 by smjjames

[Chris_C]

It does dock craft, and looks like it works with connected living space too..,,

[smjjames]

It does dock craft, and looks like it works with connected living space too..,,

Ah, okay cool.

Also, if you're using the flexotube code as a base, you should ask Roverdude about it (because license and yadda yadda) first, but I'm sure he'll be happy to let you use it.

[Chris_C]

I'll do what ever I like on my own machine that's unpublished if you don't mind.... There is no code anyhow, just a config file where i changed a couple of paths ......

I'm more than able to read a licence file...

[smjjames]

Oh, I thought you were going to publish it, nvm.

[Chris_C]

Oh, I thought you were going to publish it, nvm.

its already published in another mod, I have detailed above how you can separate the component from the mod (see above) should you not want all the complexity and 1001 other parts (its a great mod if you want all the extra complexity of resource management) but its a bit much if all you want is just the one component!

[smjjames]

No, I meant publish your flexible docking tube thing. But if you aren't, then nvm and sorry for the misunderstanding.