Help me figure out the rules for Remote Tech

[Requia]

I've managed to establish a link according to the map by pointing two directional antennas at each other, but I can't actually control the relay satellite I put in high polar orbit once the short range antennas are out of range. So how exactly am I supposed to control a mun probe?

[TheGamingNoobster]

My best solution? Go to the remote tech forum page. Chances are Peppie has your solution on the OP.

[FancyMouse]

Usually you can resolve the problem yourself when you write down all your involved satellite on a piece of paper and then look at where it breaks.

[Alshain]

Your best bet for an early satellite network is to use 1 Communotron 16 and 1 Comms DTS-M1 per satellite. Place 3 satellites in an equatorial orbit at about 650km in a triangular network. At this range, the omni antennas will maintain connection with themselves, mission control, and anything in Low Kerbin Orbit or on the surface with the exception of the extreme polar regions. Aim the DTS-M1's at active vessel and it will get everything out to Minmus. However, that altitude can be tricky to get them in perfect position as their line of sight will just barely cross over the surface when all 3 are in sync.

Although you now have communications out to Minmus, there is still a problem, the Mun and Minmus will not only block your signal but you also have to carry heavier more expensive antennas to get back to Kerbin on every ship. You can put the same satellites around them both, but at 1000km (this makes it a little easier to position than Kerbin). This time aim the DTS-M1's at mission control which will automatically bridge back to the Kerbin network and the omnis will communicate with the local network and anything in orbit or on the surface with the exception of the extreme polar regions. Best of all, anything you send only needs a Communotron 16.

This tool here is very good for planning this sort of thing, it also helps with battery/solar planning.

http://ryohpops.github.io/kspRemoteTechPlanner/

Edited May 24, 2015 by Alshain

[Venusgate]

It sounds like you arent maintaining a constant, Line of Sight connection to the KSC with at least one satellite with an antenna in range.

In general, as explained in the suggestion above, "Omni" antennae dont need to be "pointed". As long as they're extended and powered, they will pickup all things with an antenna within LoS and range, but the sat will only have a connection if you can trace that back to KSC.

[Requia]

I don't think i explained the problem very well. I have a network around kerbin (one that actually works yes, I have control of all 5 sats, no I can't set up a 3 sat network, I don't know why everybody thinks that’s possible with a 1200km antenna, is the super ....ty antenna a new thing?), the link between two directional antennas shows green, which when I was setting up my omni network meant I had a connection back to KSC. But I don't have any control of the distant sat.

Edited May 24, 2015 by Requia

[Alshain]

I don't think i explained the problem very well. I have a network around kerbin (one that actually works yes, I have control of all 5 sats, no I can't set up a 3 sat network, I don't know why everybody thinks that’s possible with a 1200km antenna, is the super ....ty antenna a new thing?)

I'm not sure what mods you are using but the antenna ranges for RemoteTech are 500km, 2,500km, 50,000km, and 90,000km in the early tech tree. There is no 1,200km antenna I can find. With 2,500km you most certainly can set up a 3-sat network. That said, 5 is fine too. It really doesn't matter as long as the network is operational.

the link between two directional antennas shows green, which when I was setting up my omni network meant I had a connection back to KSC. But I don't have any control of the distant sat.

If the little calculator button in the upper left shows green, you should have control. If you don't, my first question would be to ask if you have control but not enough torque? (remember the Stayputnik no longer has torque, and really can only barely be considered a probe at all). Can you post some screenshots of your network and satellites?

Also, where is your directional antenna targeted. Don't target the satellites directly. Most of the time your directional antennas with either be pointed at Active Vessel (Kerbin Networks) or Mission Control (everything else). Using those two targets, it will find the fastest path to Mission Control automatically.

Edited May 24, 2015 by Alshain

[Requia]

Yes I have enough torque, how would I even get there without enough torque? When I say I have no control I mean I have no control, I cannot perform *any* function. This includes stuff like turning SAS on off.

Mission COntrol/active vessel though...

[Alshain]

Yes I have enough torque, how would I even get there without enough torque? When I say I have no control I mean I have no control, I cannot perform *any* function. This includes stuff like turning SAS on off.

Mission COntrol/active vessel though...

Well then I would say you have found some kind of bug and will need to get the attention of the author. You should definitely have control if the connection is there. Make sure RT is updated before you do, he has been pushing new builds fairly frequently.

[Requia]

Oh, you apparently don't have direct control once you hit light speed lag, and have to use the flight computer (which makes sense, but I didn't know that actually did anything besides say if the signal was up or down).