ISRU conclusion

[Xyphos]

I've tried mining operations and I find that the drills and ISRU converters weigh too much, cost too much, take too long to convert and require too much power to operate, even with an efficiency boost.

the only way to make anything worthwile, is to "just add more" which is a policy I don't approve of.

as a result, I have ceased all mining operations and reverted back to the old methods.

[mikegarrison]

You forgot to tell us what you ate for breakfast today.

[EdgySpork]

You could always edit the part configs more to your liking,

[SAI Peregrinus]

Have you done an Eve return in 1.0.x yet? It's a LOT easier when you can land a mining/refining station first, and then have your lander/ascent vehicle land with empty tanks. It won't save dV for a Mun or Minmus return, or even a Duna return, but not having to launch huge amounts of fuel for high dV missions is great. Low gravity bodies like Gilly and Minmus make excellent refueling stations for interplanetary missions.

[DuoDex]

Punted to Suggestions & Development.

[Superfluous J]

I totally agree. Likewise, I will never attach an oil drill and refinery to my car.

[Wanderfound]

I totally agree. Likewise, I will never attach an oil drill and refinery to my car.

I might, though.

[Xyphos]

Have you done an Eve return in 1.0.x yet? It's a LOT easier when you can land a mining/refining station first, and then have your lander/ascent vehicle land with empty tanks. It won't save dV for a Mun or Minmus return, or even a Duna return, but not having to launch huge amounts of fuel for high dV missions is great. Low gravity bodies like Gilly and Minmus make excellent refueling stations for interplanetary missions.

I launched and landed the refinery first, using 1 drill, 1 converter and 2 rockomax jumbo storage tanks.

after putting the refinery in rondevous with EVE, I immediately launched the crew lander right behind the refinery.

found a sweet spot to set up shop, landed and my crew almost died of old age before I could refuel.

even with the time warp and watching the days go by, it took too long for a simple land, sample & flag mission.

the old method of parachuting a fully fueled exit pod and lander was easier. land, sample, flag, cute rock, ok bye!

Edited May 27, 2015 by Xyphos

[Murph]

Have you done an Eve return in 1.0.x yet? It's a LOT easier when you can land a mining/refining station first, and then have your lander/ascent vehicle land with empty tanks. It won't save dV for a Mun or Minmus return, or even a Duna return, but not having to launch huge amounts of fuel for high dV missions is great. Low gravity bodies like Gilly and Minmus make excellent refueling stations for interplanetary missions.

Actually it does save dV for Duna (and maybe even Mun & Minimus, but return dV is so small for them, it's hardly worth it) if you spread the benefit over many missions. Longer range, a single heavy mission may be enough to justify it. Short range, it just takes a few missions to pick up their return fuel at the far end, and you're ahead.

Edit: There's also the use case of refuelling at Mun and Minimus on the outward journey, to reduce launch weight on Kerbin (you can launch much larger craft, or use smaller launchers, if the long range stage is unfuelled at launch).

Edited May 27, 2015 by Murph