Why do Clamp-O-Tron Senior Docking Ports stink so badly?

[djr5899]

I've been taking a new foray into trying to build some space stations, and the performance of Clamp-O-Tron Senior Docking ports is ruining the fun.  Are these things known to not behave properly?  I keep sitting here bouncing off the docking port and it will not connect.  I've cranked up the Docking acquire force on both ports to 200%.  There is actually ZERO snap or force behind them trying to pull to each other.  I cannot be the slightest millimeter off or these things will not dock, and at this point, I'm not sure that I can even get them to dock if I am dead-on to a billionth of a degree off.

Am I doing something wrong?  I've docked Jrs and mid-sized Clamp-O-Trons hundreds of times in the game with no issues.  I've reloaded half a dozen times, adjusted the angle, tried to use one ship to "knock" the smaller portion into alignment.  I will say that the smaller ship is just a piece of station, with no mono-thrusters on it, which makes it a bit more difficult, however, I am still not seeing any docking acquire force even if it is cranked to 200% on both ends.

 

[The Aziz]

This is KSP1 but let's roll with it - what are the chances that you placed one or both ports upside-down? It's a common mistake. I can't tell from the picture.

Edited June 18, 2023 by The Aziz

[Gargamel]

Moved to KSP1 gameplay questions.  
 

And yes, putting the seniors on upside down is a common mistake that we’ve all made at one time.     There’s even a meme pic about it. 

[18Watt]

Also, when the ports begin to attract each other I recommend turning off SAS and RCS.  If your ships are not aligned perfectly then SAS can overpower the docking force, and the vessels could take a very long time to align themselves- if they ever do.

In your screenshot, SAS and RCS are both active while the vessel is trying to dock.  I recommend turning those off.

As others have mentioned, it’s hard to tell from your screenshot if the ports are installed correctly or upside down.

[djr5899]

First, thanks for moving this and sorry for posting in the wrong place.  Been a long time since I've posted and didn't even realize I put it in KSP2 forum and not the original.

After taking a look at this thread....yeah, I don't know HOW it got that way, but one of my ports was indeed upside down.  Thanks!

[Gargamel]

11 hours ago, djr5899 said:

First, thanks for moving this and sorry for posting in the wrong place.  Been a long time since I've posted and didn't even realize I put it in KSP2 forum and not the original.

After taking a look at this thread....yeah, I don't know HOW it got that way, but one of my ports was indeed upside down.  Thanks!

It’s not a problem moving it, no worries!    And yeah, there’s been many many threads about the seniors being ‘broken’, when in fact they’re just upside down.