How to make combinable antennas work?

[davidparks21]

I have 2 vessels sitting within a few meters of each other in orbit of Gilly. One has a Communotron 88-88 antenna and shows full signal strength back to KSP. The other has an HG-5 and shows "Not connected" and "Limited probe control". I am able to enable/disable SAS, orient prograde/retrograde holds and engage engines, but I can't use normal ASDW navigation to orient the vessel. 

I surely can't explain this behavior, can anyone else?

[MaverickSawyer]

The Communotron 88-88 isn't a relay dish... It's direct connection only. You need to add a relay dish capable of communication with Kerbin to control the HG-5-equipped probe.

[Superfluous J]

"Combinable" means they combine - with VERY diminishing returns - with other combinable dishes on the same vessel.

They will not combine with non-combinable dishes, or with anything on any other vessel.

[davidparks21]

Ohhh that's what "combinable" means?! Thanks both of you, I was indeed reading "combinable" as "relayable".

[Vanamonde]

Thread moved to Gameplay Questions, since it is seeking help rather than offering it.