Bring back inline SAS units!

[Sharkman Briton]

I was never around while SAS units were a thing, just this weird nose cone SAS unit, but it would be so nice to have inline SAS modules, lets say you're using a Probodobodyne QBE, no option to focus on nodes with SAS, and the Stayputnik has no SAS at all. So instead of giving us just an SAS nosecone to counter the bad SAS of QBE and Stayputnik, as well as other probe cores without all the SAS node focusing, give us an inline one so we dont have to end our craft right there! Another good use for this is to give SAS to command pods without pilots in, instead of us having to use a probe core, and I'm pretty sure almost everybody would find this useful. Because ATM the only way to get full SAS on the .650m probe cores is to place the nose cone on and then clip a part over it, or offset it into the part. So, Squad, please, somewhen, add an inline SAS module.

[nothingSpecial]

But there are already three inline SAS units.

[Kelderek]

But there are already three inline SAS units.

There are three reaction wheels, yes, but reaction wheels do not provide SAS, they are used by SAS that is provided by something else. The only way to get SAS is to use a pilot, a probe core, or the nose cone thingy the OP is talking about. He is asking for an inline version of that nose cone.

[RyanRising]

But there are already three inline SAS units.

I think you're talking about reaction wheels. This would be a SAS computer, which doesn't seem all that bad of an idea.

[sal_vager]

These are effectively several in-line SAS units already.

RC-001S

RC-L01

Mk2 Drone core

Many of the smaller probe cores can also provide SAS for vessels that lack them, especially when combined with additional reaction wheels.

Though a Stayputnic with an OKTO might seem redundant.

[CaptainTurbomuffin]

I just don't like that the advanced SAS module became from something advanced, simply to a large gyrostat. Nothing advanced, just brute force.

[nothingSpecial]

There are three reaction wheels, yes, but reaction wheels do not provide SAS, they are used by SAS that is provided by something else. The only way to get SAS is to use a pilot, a probe core, or the nose cone thingy the OP is talking about. He is asking for an inline version of that nose cone.

Well, never noticed this, sorry. I suppose in career that matters a lot.

[Claw]

The difference between the "old SAS" units was not the equivalent to "stability assist" vs. "no assist." It was actually that the basic SAS unit could only control torque (essentially for space flight), while the Advanced SAS unit was able to use torque and provide inputs to control surfaces (so more "in atmosphere").

That was changed to a system that separated the concepts of SAS and Torque. The part's themselves ceased to control SAS and only provided torque. The "control" function was combined/updated to a single system which controls all methods of maneuvering. Later, the Pilot RSAS abilities were added, giving the options beyond "stability assist."

SAS (control) as we know it now is all within the control source (probes or kerbals), and torque is now all within the reaction wheels. I doubt the control function of SAS would be moved back to the torque modules, because they would basically become superpowered probe cores.

[nothingSpecial]

That was changed to a system that separated the concepts of SAS and Torque. The part's themselves ceased to control SAS and only provided torque. The "control" function was combined/updated to a single system which controls all methods of maneuvering. Later, the Pilot RSAS abilities were added, giving the options beyond "stability assist."

Oh! Well, now I know why I get it mixed up - I usually don't put any control surfaces until the craft in question is big enough (that means either larger probe or pilot) or spaceplane (and I mostly design them to carry crew back and lithobrake with wings)

[Renegrade]

I'm glad that Squad is finally clearing up the SAS/reaction wheel nomenclature foxtrot-uniform from before.. however, I don't really see the need for a super-advanced SAS module, I get by just fine with QBEs usually. That being said, I think energy drains have to be looked at - they seem kinda random?