Communotron 16 vs 16s

[BrokenPhysics]

I just came back to KSP after a very long break (since 1.0), and I'm loving the new CommNet mechanics!

I just don't understand the Communotron 16S:

I can't find any advantage it has over the non-S variant, same range, same energy consumption, same cost. Combined with the downside of not being combinable, I can't see any reason to use it, except for aesthetics. 

Am I missing something? 

 

Thanks for your replies!

[WanderingKid]

It doesn't rip off in atmosphere when you deploy it, because you don't have to deploy it.  It's basically for launch communications during liftoff.

[BrokenPhysics]

  On 6/23/2017 at 8:45 PM, WanderingKid said:

It doesn't rip off in atmosphere when you deploy it, because you don't have to deploy it.  It's basically for launch communications during liftoff.

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Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for pointing that out!

[bewing]

Or for communication with robotic landers during and after atmospheric entry on your destination CB.

AFAIK, it also has a lower drag coefficient than a retracted Comm16 -- so it may be beneficial for airplanes.

Edited June 23, 2017 by bewing

[Tex_NL]

And it's always active at full capacity. You can not forget to deploy it.
Plus sometimes it just looks better.

[Spricigo]

What they said... Also,  for complete complaint sake: heavier. 

 

[Snark]

  On 6/23/2017 at 9:23 PM, bewing said:

it may be beneficial for airplanes.

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It's also the only external antenna that's useful for unmanned airplanes, since it doesn't get ripped off while flying, but is still operational.

(The RA-2 works okay, later on, if you put it inside a a fairing, either at the front of the craft or in-line.  But it unlocks at a much higher tech level, and is somewhat less convenient to put on the craft.)

[Spricigo]

  On 6/24/2017 at 3:55 AM, Snark said:

It's also the only external antenna that's useful for unmanned airplanes, since it doesn't get ripped off while flying, but is still operational

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A minor difference,  with all those ground station conveniently in range of the built in antenna. 

Then again, every difference between communotron 16 and 16S are minor anyway. 

[Snark]

  On 6/24/2017 at 4:08 AM, Spricigo said:

A minor difference,  with all those ground station conveniently in range of the built in antenna.

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Sure... if you have the extra ground stations turned on. And if it's Kerbin you're flying on.

Otherwise, not so much.

[Spricigo]

Well,  certainly less convenient (e. g.  requiring relays in closer orbit,  landing required to transmit science)  but still pretty doable to explore most bodies with only a communotron 16 and built-in antenna. 

In other words: unnecessary but far from impossible.