RGUs vs probe cores- what's the difference?

[jimmymcgoochie]

As far as I can tell, remote guidance units (RGUs) are just more expensive circular probe cores with better SAS and reaction wheels. What's the real difference, and why are RGUs so far across the tech tree- and so expensive?

There's something about a 'probe control point' in the RGU description- what is this, and is this why they're expensive and hi-tech?

[severedsolo]

47 minutes ago, jimmymcgoochie said:

what is this, and is this why they're expensive and hi-tech?

A probe control point allows you to use the vessel as a Commnet Control Point if the vessel is crewed by pilot(s).

In other words, if the probe doesn't have a connection back to Kerbin, but *can* connect to a control point, you still have control of the probe. (and yes this is why they are so hi-tech)

Edited January 20, 2020 by severedsolo

[DeadJohn]

Another factor for the more advanced probe cores: they can hold science data and have "Collect All" functionality to gather experiments. Early probes can't do that.

[Stamp20]

RGUs are probe cores, but they're bigger, fit into most rocket stacks better, and can hold science data.

[Snark]

They also handle significantly higher temperatures. RGUs can take 2000 K. Most of the smaller cores top out at 1200 K. Can be an issue for reentry scenarios.