Allow crew transfer feature to be *also* accessible from part right-click GUI menu

[sumghai]

Note: This a revival of an old suggestion (http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/96145-Separate-Crew-Transfer-Function-From-Physical-Hatches)

As of 0.25, KSP introduced a internal crew transfer function; this is accessed by clicking on a crew pod's hatch, selecting the "Transfer" button next to the desired Kerbal, and then clicking on the destination crew pod.

My request is to make this crew transfer dialog also available via a part's right-click GUI menu, so that this feature can be used even in the absence of an airlock object on the crew pod.

But why would you want to have a pod with no hatch in the first place?

In KSP, every hatch is considered an airlock, where a Kerbal would spawn on EVA. Most KSP crew compartments are small command pods, with a dedicated hatch separate from any docking ports that may be installed on the pod.

In the case of large space station modules (such as those in my FusTek pack), these hatches would be located at the two ends of the compartment, where docking ports would also be located. If both ends are docked to other compartments, then the hatch would be inaccessible to mouse clicks, and so there's no point in having hatches there in the first place.

Well, why don't you move the hatch onto the side of the modules, away from the ends with the docking ports?

Many of these station modules are habitation areas, which are not intended to be depressurized on a regular basis. An airlock isn't just a door; it also includes a lockout chamber, bulkheads, life support, air pumps etc. Designing every single station module to also double as an airlock adds unneeded redundancy and complexity to each part. Besides, who would depressurize an entire space station just to let one astronaut go on a space walk?

Another type of crew-habitable part that doesn't have hatches opening to the outside are crew tunnels.

If you don't want it to look like a hatch, just disguise the airlock / hatch collider as a window or panel!

That's an extremely hacky workaround, and would give users the option of essentially teleporting Kerbals out through solid walls.

Kerbal Crew Manifest / Ship Manifest allows you to transfer crew directly without clicking on hatches.

I use SM on a regular basis, and it's a great add-on. Which is why I'm asking for the stock crew transfer system to also be available by right-clicking on the pod itself.

(Submitted as Feature #3489 on the SQUAD KSP bugtracker)

EDIT: Bentley has also suggested that a Transfer (XFER) button be added to the crew portraits, alongside the existing IVA and EVA buttons.

Edited July 6, 2015 by sumghai

[Orionkermin]

I second this although I'd rather see an extra button added to the crew portraits rather than right clicking on the pod. My reasoning being that with some life support mods the right click dialog for crewed parts can be a bit large already.

[mattinoz]

I'd be in support of this.

Your potential rebuttals adds another question / possibility for crew movement...

Why aren't docking ports also airlocks?

(and the most obvious answer is KSP just doesn't care about decompression.

I do but the game doesn't.)

Maybe not all of them Mk2 inline type seems the prefect thing for adding a low hatch to a space plane so you can get out without killing* everyone inside who isn't wearing a helmet.

*Except they don't.

[sumghai]

I second this although I'd rather see an extra button added to the crew portraits rather than right clicking on the pod. My reasoning being that with some life support mods the right click dialog for crewed parts can be a bit large already.

Right-clicking on the pod is merely the most intuitive option available, but having an additional XFR button in the crew portraits is an equally-valid suggestion.

I'd be in support of this.

Your potential rebuttals adds another question / possibility for crew movement...

Why aren't docking ports also airlocks?

(and the most obvious answer is KSP just doesn't care about decompression.

I do but the game doesn't.)

Not all docking ports are large enough or intended for crew transfer (e.g. the stock Clamp-O-Tron Jr.), so it makes even less sense for them to be airlocks.

Also, most airlocks are rather thin relative to the crew pods / station modules they are associated with, making them harder to right-click on.

[Renegrade]

I support this. The BTSM mod uses right click for crew transfer the same way one transfers fuel/resources - it's very sensible, although the menu does get a bit long.

[Papa_Joe]

It would be my wish that this dialog is exposed via the API. This would allow some control/extension of its capabilities....

[Bentley]

I'm sure someone already thought of this, but I couldn't find it in a forum search.

Would it be possible to add a Transfer button on the character portrait at the bottom corner of the screen during flight? More specifically, when you mouse over Mr. Kerman or now possibly Mrs... or Ms!!! Kerman, three options spawn: IVA, EVA, TRANSFER. By clicking TRANSFER, the crew transfer feature initiates and you click a suitable blue shaded part, a more elegant solution I would think than the current door search right click etc. method. It would also allow IVA parts to exist without needing a door.

[sumghai]

Hey Bentley, I've merged your thread with my old one to keep discussions consolidated.

That being said, excellent suggestion for a XFER button - I'll add that to my OP shortly.

[Bentley]

No worries, looks like several of us are onto the same kind of thinking and I just suck at forum searching. Also feels like a simple coding addition and hopefully we can see an improvement here sooner rather than later.

[windows_x_seven]

I approve of this.

Here, take this.

[nothingSpecial]

I really do want to see it implemented. I have the strange need to have as few mods as possible.