A little confused about docking ports

[Fergrim]

I'm sure I'll have more, but my first question is, is there such thing as a built in docking port?  IE One you don't need to add a docking port equipment piece to in order to make use of it?

I'm asking because of this, I have the hangar add-on and I read this regarding one of its pieces

"The smaller Inline Hangar is a simple barrel 2.5m in diameter and 5m long with a pair of doors on the side and a storage space that can hold 3-6 micro-sitellites or a small ship. The space available for storage may be increased by connecting a Hangar Extension module to its bottom. Inside it has a lamp and a docking port. "

https://github.com/allista/hangar/wiki/Inline-Hangars-for-Rockets

If a piece of equipment has a docking port, does that mean I don't need to manually place a port overtop of it?  I don't want it to fail to function either because I added a port to it or because I didn't.  I'm

And also, will a docking port work properly anywhere I put it?  Like as long as it attaches, it should work?

Edited December 3, 2017 by Fergrim

[Spricigo]

Yes, you can have mod parts with built-in docking port. Make sure to know beforehand how it is positioned and which size it is.

And yes, you can put the port anywhere you liker, as long the node is free it will work.

[Aegolius13]

I'm not sure about the mod part, but the stock inline docking port and Mk 2 docking port sound like what you're describing.   I.e, they are structural pieces with a retractable docking port perpendicular to the axis of the part. (EDIT: they also include monopropellant tanks.)

You can dock with a port located anywhere on your ship, as long as you can get it lined up correctly with the other port.  However,  if you play with the relevant setting on, there may be restrictions on what resources you can transfer.  I.e, if there is a heat shield between the part and a fuel tank,  you'll be unable to move that fuel.   But you can turn this off (I found it buggy so I got rid of it).

Edited December 3, 2017 by Aegolius13

[Fergrim]

Okay, so if this mod claims to have a built in docking port, that means I shouldn't bother placing another one on top of it?

Thanks guys. And yeah aego, I use CLS, so it has even more strict rules about what can pass through where.

It just bothered me way too much that my kerbals could climb through fuel tanks and liquid/ox fueled rockets to get from spot to spot on the ship.

[bewing]

They don't climb through. They go on tethered EVAs around those parts.

 

[Spricigo]

4 hours ago, bewing said:

They don't climb through. They go on tethered EVAs around those parts.

 

I'm pretty sure they get teleported. And I'm fine with it. But I see how that can be an issue for people that want their movement to be more immersive.