[1.0.4] Single Use Docking Ports

[MadDoctor5813]

This mod adds single use docking ports in the three standard sizes. They can't be undocked ever, short of ripping your craft to pieces. They make up for this large flaw by being significantly less floppy than the standard ones. Use these for building that mega-interplanetary ship of death you've always wanted to build. Or for a giant ring space station. Just make absolutely sure that your module is where you want it, because you only get one shot.

Fair Warning: I haven't quite figured out custom textures yet, so... you'll have to pay attention during construction.

Downloads:

KerbalStuff: https://kerbalstuff.com/mod/1211/Single%20Use%20Docking%20Ports

Github: https://github.com/MadDoctor5813/SingleUseDockingPorts

I hope you enjoy the mod, at least when you're not cursing yourself for docking the wrong ship...

[Mecripp]

Where is the source code and License ?

[MadDoctor5813]

Source code is in the GitHub, and the license is MIT.

[Teilnehmer]

Makes sense for me!

BTW, is it possible to make a version of those docking ports featuring keying? I mean docking ports that are possible to dock at a single roll angle only.

[Alshain]

Where is the source code and License ?

The license doesn't have to be here. The rule says if it is at all the download locations and inside the downloaded file it is fine. It only needs to be here if you are posting a link to something like DropBox where this would be the download location, but KerbalStuff has it covered.

I like the idea. It's like thermite welded docking joints. I don't know if thermite welding has ever been done in space, but I do know it can be. In any case, good job on the mod!

I notice you are using the stock textures. It would be better if you just pointed the config file at the Squad folder textures. Then your mod will have very little memory footprint.

Edited October 16, 2015 by Alshain

[Prezombie]

I like the idea, but it's a high-risk medium-low reward, especially considering other popular mods like KIS/KAS's docking support options, and the flipping between OP and hilariously buggy quantum struts. Instead, an option to weld together (and twist the connection to get the angle juuuuust right) connected docking ports would make a neat simple modlet, not require new parts or textures, and would be backwards compatible for those dedicated people who already have their KSS up to a few hundred parts.

[MadDoctor5813]

BTW, is it possible to make a version of those docking ports featuring keying? I mean docking ports that are possible to dock at a single roll angle only.

It might be. It's definitely a good idea, but this would probably require me to modify the actual code that controls docking, which I can't really do. I can only run code after the fact thanks to the GameEvent system. I could just wholesale override the docking code, but that means I would have to rewrite it from scratch, and I have no idea how it works. I'll have to ask on the IRC or something.

I notice you are using the stock textures. It would be better if you just pointed the config file at the Squad folder textures. Then your mod will have very little memory footprint.

I do plan to have some kind of custom textures, so you can tell them apart from the stock. Consider them placeholders for now.

Instead, an option to weld together (and twist the connection to get the angle juuuuust right) connected docking ports would make a neat simple modlet, not require new parts or textures, and would be backwards compatible for those dedicated people who already have their KSS up to a few hundred parts.

Now this is the kind of idea I wish I had thought of.

[Capt Snuggler]

this sounds good, will take a look when home.

no pics? or are they the same models as stock?

If you did want to add unique parts, what about making them very thin and square?

only allow connection at 0,90,180,270 degrees to make construction more precise?

maybe engineer kerbals could manually uncouple them, but one connector gets destroyed?

Apologies if you have already done exactly as I've described.

thanks for your work!

[MadDoctor5813]

They're the same models. I'm pretty sure any attempt I make at custom models will just look bad. Someone has already suggested the sort of "locked rotational" ports that you've mentioned. I'll definitely look into it.

[RGBPeter]

I made a quick and dirty edit to the textures so you can tell them apart in the editor Download the .DDS file over here http://www./download/ux2x2n5dedxrz8r/Parts.zip

[MadDoctor5813]

Mind if I bundle these textures with the mod? They're pretty much exactly what I had in mind for the textures.

[Prezombie]

Now this is the kind of idea I wish I had thought of.

Go for it! Making it possible to twist and weld docking ports and connection points would be a great tool for those who want to build a grand tour ship in orbit. Perhaps with the added functionality of being able to explosively and destructively decouple the parts once welded.

I'm pretty sure that most people prefer a mod which adds reasonable functions to stock parts, rather than adding a new part which is essentially just a stock part with something tweaked. It makes the mod much easier to use and/or remove because it can be deleted without breaking any ships which had pieces from that mod.

[TheCardinal]

I assume the two docking ports remain two parts after they're docked? It would be benificial if you could make them disappear after docking so the partcount get reduced.

[MadDoctor5813]

Go for it! Making it possible to twist and weld docking ports and connection points would be a great tool for those who want to build a grand tour ship in orbit. Perhaps with the added functionality of being able to explosively and destructively decouple the parts once welded.

I'm pretty sure that most people prefer a mod which adds reasonable functions to stock parts, rather than adding a new part which is essentially just a stock part with something tweaked. It makes the mod much easier to use and/or remove because it can be deleted without breaking any ships which had pieces from that mod.

Don't worry, it's on my to do list. It should be possible with ModuleManager and a custom module.

[Mecripp]

Go for it! Making it possible to twist and weld docking ports and connection points would be a great tool for those who want to build a grand tour ship in orbit. Perhaps with the added functionality of being able to explosively and destructively decouple the parts once welded.

I'm pretty sure that most people prefer a mod which adds reasonable functions to stock parts, rather than adding a new part which is essentially just a stock part with something tweaked. It makes the mod much easier to use and/or remove because it can be deleted without breaking any ships which had pieces from that mod.

You mean some like

+PART[dockingPort2]
{
  @name = singleUseDockingPort
  @manufacturer = Dynamic Dynamics
  @title = Single Use Docking Port

  -MODULE[ModuleDockingNode]
   {}

   MODULE
   {
    name = ModuleSingleUseDockingPort
    referenceAttachNode = top
    nodeType = size1single
   }
}

+PART[dockingPortLarge]
{
  @name = singleUseDockingPort
  @manufacturer = Dynamic Dynamics
  @title = Single Use Docking Port

  -MODULE[ModuleDockingNode]
   {}

   MODULE
   {
    name = ModuleSingleUseDockingPort
    referenceAttachNode = top
    nodeType = size2single
   }
}

+PART[dockingPort3]
{
  @name = singleUseDockingPort
  @manufacturer = Dynamic Dynamics
  @title = Single Use Docking Port

  -MODULE[ModuleDockingNode]
   {}

   MODULE
   {
    name = ModuleSingleUseDockingPort
    referenceAttachNode = top
    nodeType = size0single
   }
}

EDIT- That should copy the part and delete ModuleDockingNode if, I got that part right and add ModuleSingleUseDockingPort it would show 2 stock part of each but with different names pretty much just saving on the texture.

Edited October 17, 2015 by Mecripp2

[RGBPeter]

Mind if I bundle these textures with the mod? They're pretty much exactly what I had in mind for the textures.

Go ahead, use them as you please

[MadDoctor5813]

You mean some like

+PART[dockingPort2]
{
  @name = singleUseDockingPort
  @manufacturer = Dynamic Dynamics
  @title = Single Use Docking Port

  -MODULE[ModuleDockingNode]
   {}

   MODULE
   {
    name = ModuleSingleUseDockingPort
    referenceAttachNode = top
    nodeType = size1single
   }
}

+PART[dockingPortLarge]
{
  @name = singleUseDockingPort
  @manufacturer = Dynamic Dynamics
  @title = Single Use Docking Port

  -MODULE[ModuleDockingNode]
   {}

   MODULE
   {
    name = ModuleSingleUseDockingPort
    referenceAttachNode = top
    nodeType = size2single
   }
}

+PART[dockingPort3]
{
  @name = singleUseDockingPort
  @manufacturer = Dynamic Dynamics
  @title = Single Use Docking Port

  -MODULE[ModuleDockingNode]
   {}

   MODULE
   {
    name = ModuleSingleUseDockingPort
    referenceAttachNode = top
    nodeType = size0single
   }
}

EDIT- That should copy the part and delete ModuleDockingNode if, I got that part right and add ModuleSingleUseDockingPort it would show 2 stock part of each but with different names pretty much just saving on the texture.

Basically, but I'm probably going to keep the manufacturer and the name and stuff the way it is in stock.

Go ahead, use them as you please

Unfortunately, with this change I'm making, I might not even need them.

[Prezombie]

Another suggestion: have the docking port rotation as part of the inflight mode context menu, and for welding, have it be a task done by EVA'ed kerbals, which would add to the realism (safer to weld on the outside of a ship), as well as adding an intermediate step to remove misclicks.

[Reiver]

Engineer kerbals, of course!