Multiple dockings via strut-like code?

[mattssheep4]

I won't claim to be a coding expert or anything, but would it be possible for two docking nodes when they dock to behave similarly to struts, allowing for two ships to dock at multiple positions more easily? In other words, I'm proposing that a strut connection would form between two docking ports that get close enough to each other and then allow for resource transfer as well.

[nikokespprfan]

what are you suggesting? I don't really know how to link "multiple positions", "strut connection when close enough" and "also allow resource transfer" and translate that to a suggestion. (that might just be me, apologies if it is), could you explain further.

Edited January 5, 2016 by nikokespprfan

[StarManta]

Say you build two vessels that have a triple-docking port in identical configuration, with the intent to connect all three and create a much more stable connection. Currently, when you dock with a vessel, the first docking port connects, and then the other two "shut down" - you still have just one connection, and then multiple unconnected docking ports. (It's possible to connect with multiple ports, but only if all three connect on exactly the same game frame.) I believe the suggestion is to allow all the docking ports to connect.

[Padishar]

On ‎07‎/‎01‎/‎2016 at 4:21 PM, StarManta said:

(It's possible to connect with multiple ports, but only if all three connect on exactly the same game frame.) 

This is not true.  The multiple ports do not have to connect on the same frame.  The problem is that if a single port connects first then that joint will not rotate and if the other ports aren't lined up very closely they will not be able to move into the correct place and will not connect.  The usual workaround for this is to let things settle down and then undock the port.  This should allow the other ports to pull into better alignment and (at least) one will dock.  The original port would not normally redock until it has separated a reasonable distance but you can force it to by quicksaving and reloading and then it will.  This process can be repeated until all the ports dock...

[StarManta]

5 hours ago, Padishar said:

if a single port connects first then that joint will not rotate and if the other ports aren't lined up very closely they will not be able to move into the correct place and will not connect. 

Maybe the rule isn't necessarily "they have to connect on the same frame" exactly, but there's no way that's true, either. Docking ports bend and flex all over the place. That why this is an issue at all.

[sal_vager]

On 07/01/2016 at 4:21 PM, StarManta said:

Say you build two vessels that have a triple-docking port in identical configuration, with the intent to connect all three and create a much more stable connection. Currently, when you dock with a vessel, the first docking port connects, and then the other two "shut down" - you still have just one connection, and then multiple unconnected docking ports. (It's possible to connect with multiple ports, but only if all three connect on exactly the same game frame.) I believe the suggestion is to allow all the docking ports to connect.

This was changed, if you bring two or more ports together they will all dock now.

Unconnected docking ports in the VAB/SPH will dock at launch as well.

[mattssheep4]

On January 8, 2016 at 6:12 PM, sal_vager said:

This was changed, if you bring two or more ports together they will all dock now.

Do they really?

[sal_vager]

Yep, it's been like this for a while actually, but you do have to make sure they line up.