How detailed is the simulation of relay satellites out of physics range of the vessel with focus?

[TheBeardyMan]

If a relay satellite is not within physics range of the vessel with focus, what aspects of the satellite's situation affect its ability to function as a relay? For example:

• Does the relay antenna consume power?
• Do the solar panels produce power?
• Is there a risk of power loss if the satellite's orientation makes it impossible to aim a solar panel at Kerbol?
• Is there a risk of power loss if the satellite is eclipsed?

 

Edited May 8, 2018 by TheBeardyMan

[Capt. Hunt]

as near as I can figure, the only thing that is factored in is whether or not other vessels have line of sight on the relay.

[bewing]

No, electrical generation/usage is not currently modeled for "on rails" craft in stock KSP.

It checks signal strength. It checks if your relay is "dead" -- that is, it completely ran out of EC the last time the relay had focus. Other than that, the only thing acting on the relay is gravity.

 

[Corona688]

19 hours ago, bewing said:

No, electrical generation/usage is not currently modeled for "on rails" craft in stock KSP.

Really?  What causes probes to die when abandoned in the void?  And what about mining?

[Snark]

7 minutes ago, Corona688 said:

What causes probes to die when abandoned in the void?

They don't.  Or, at least, they never have, for me.  Unless I'm misunderstanding the situation you're referring to-- do you have specific repro steps?

8 minutes ago, Corona688 said:

And what about mining?

Mining has some special code added to allow it to proceed when on rails-- therefore not relevant to this question.  Relay satellites have nothing to do with this.

The answer to the OP's four questions,

21 hours ago, TheBeardyMan said:

• Does the relay antenna consume power?
• Do the solar panels produce power?
• Is there a risk of power loss if the satellite's orientation makes it impossible to aim a solar panel at Kerbol?
• Is there a risk of power loss if the satellite is eclipsed?

...is "no," "no," "no," and "no," respectively. 

 

[CrashyMcCrashFace]

1 hour ago, Corona688 said:

Really?  What causes probes to die when abandoned in the void?

Being at that perfect corner-case angle where the probe body blocks the solar panel(s).

[Corona688]

1 hour ago, CrashyMcCrashFace said:

Being at that perfect corner-case angle where the probe body blocks the solar panel(s).

Yes, but why, if they're consuming no electricity?

[Rocket In My Pocket]

If your probes are going "dead" while not being controlled you must have the persistent E/C usage mod installed. (Forget the name.)

As stated above, if it has power when you leave it, it'll have power forever; assuming you never come back to it.

Actually, if you think about it; a relay doesn't even need solar panels, just batteries. Theoretically once it's up and in place, you shouldn't have any reason to ever take control of it again, and it can run off the "paused" amount of juice it has forever.

Edited May 9, 2018 by Rocket In My Pocket

[CrashyMcCrashFace]

35 minutes ago, Corona688 said:

Yes, but why, if they're consuming no electricity?

The antenna might not be but the probe core is using electricity. Even in hibernate mode it seems to use a very tiny amount.

Edited May 9, 2018 by CrashyMcCrashFace