Can't return capsule because of new chute mechanics

[Skylab]

The game is unplayable for me now because of the new chute mechanics. I've made 5 attempts to return a Mk1 capsule (with a heat shield and a Mk16 parachute, nothing complicated) from LKO to the surface. Each one failed. I deployed the chute the second it said that it was safe, but it wouldn't open in time. I have no idea how I'm going to work with this problem. If anyone has managed to get around this, please tell me how you did it. I'll be very grateful.

Edited July 2, 2015 by Skylab
question was answered

[sumghai]

I think this depends on your descent trajectory - if you're coming in steep, you won't have enough time to deploy your chutes safely.

[kStrout]

I have never had any problems with the new chute mechanics, my rule of thumb is to deploy them at 10km and when below 350 m/s. This has worked for everything I have tried to land using chutes so far.

[Gaarst]

The game is not unplayable. ><

Right click on your chute in the VAB or in flight and increase the "altitude" bar to 1000m or even 1500m and it will work fine. Also don't reenter to steep.

[Skylab]

I'm not reentering too steep. I set my periapsis to about 20-30 km before entering the atmosphere on each one of the attempts. Same result every time.

[Gaarst]

I'm not reentering too steep. I set my periapsis to about 20-30 km before entering the atmosphere on each one of the attempts. Same result every time.

Did you at least read my message ?

Right click on your chute in the VAB or in flight and increase the "altitude" bar to 1000m or even 1500m and it will work fine.

[Skylab]

Okay, I'll try that next time and see if it works.

- - - Updated - - -

I tried your suggestion and it did the trick. Thanks!

[NathanKell]

The parachutes now default to opening at 1000m, but old saved craft from 1.0.2 and below won't get that change retrofitted to them, you have to do it yourself.

[Wemb]

Yup - I've noticed that too - that was one hell of a shock when my poor tourist kerbal on a suborbital joyride popped his mk16 parachute, it opening at 500m and I watched him smash into the ground still doing 70mps

[xtoro]

I also found adding more chutes doesn't always help. A larger return ship at 6km doing 250m/s still destroys the chutes even with multiple chutes. I guess drogue chutes are a must now?

[Gaarst]

I also found adding more chutes doesn't always help. A larger return ship at 6km doing 250m/s still destroys the chutes even with multiple chutes. I guess drogue chutes are a must now?

Not necessarily, you can right click on the chutes and open them when "safe" is displayed instead of "unsafe" or "risky". Though for some type of flights, waiting for the chute to be "safe" will inevitably cause your demise...

[xtoro]

Not necessarily, you can right click on the chutes and open them when "safe" is displayed instead of "unsafe" or "risky". Though for some type of flights, waiting for the chute to be "safe" will inevitably cause your demise...

Ah! I didn't know it would let you know when it's safe like that..

[Jarin]

Honestly, I like that drogue chutes have a use now. It is awkward that "safe" speed is so low now (even the old .90 DR wasn't quite this mean), but we have workarounds for landing those larger craft, and you should have drogues unlocked long before the larger components that you'll likely want to use them on.