[1.12.x] MoarActionables v1.0: Expose SAS mode to action groups.

[Snark]

What it does

• Pretty much what the title says.  It takes some KSP functionality that isn't accessible via action groups, and enables that.
• Currently, the only such functionality is setting SAS mode (see below).  Other functionality may be added in the future.

Download from SpaceDock
License: MIT
Source code

 

Setting SAS mode

The mod exposes SAS mode setting to action groups. It adds this action-group functionality to the stock Avionics Hub, as well as via a new part, the Mk1 SAS controller.  This is a small, radially-attached part similar in size to the smaller science instruments, which also functions similar to the avionics nosecone to allow low-level SAS functionality in the absence of a pilot.

If you select the avionics hub or SAS controller in the editor's action groups UI, it has actions for setting the various SAS modes, which you can assign to whatever action groups you want.

Note:

• It doesn't toggle SAS on and off; you still do that the old-fashioned way, via the SAS action group.  All these new actions do is to set the current SAS mode, when it's already active.
• Your vessel's SAS limitations (due to probe or pilot level) still apply, so (for example) trying to use an action group to set SAS to prograde will still only work if your vessel has at least SAS level 1.
• Thanks to @Geonovast for supplying the SAS controller model, and also for suggesting this mod in the first place!  The mod wouldn't have happened without him.

 

IndicatorLights compatibility

This part is compatible with IndicatorLights.

It works fine without IndicatorLights, but if that mod happens to be present, then the part has visual indicators to show when SAS is on or off.  Different colors and patterns indicate the different SAS modes.

 

How to install

Unzip the contents of "GameData" to your GameData folder, same as with most mods.

 

Why would anyone want this?

Honestly, most people probably wouldn't, it's a fairly niche use case.

It's primarily useful for folks who need to tinker with SAS mode when they're busy in a tense situation where they'd rather not take their fingers off the keyboard, such as when landing. It can also be useful for working with a mod like Smart Parts, which can trigger action groups automatically in various situations.

 

FAQ

• Q:  So all  it does is SAS mode?  So why does the mod have such a generic name, then?
• A:  Because for all I know, I may have occasion to need some other action-group functionality in the future, and if I do, this mod is where I'll put it.
• Q:  So you're definitely going to be adding more stuff, then?
• A:  Nope.  May just be this much, forever.  I'm just leaving the door open, is all.
• Q:  Why put SAS action groups on a new part?  Why not just add 'em to probe cores and command pods?
• A:  Because those parts already have a lot of action items on them already, and I didn't want to clutter up every part's menu with ten new items, just on the off chance that someone might ever want to use them.  Adding the new part clutters up the craft a little bit, but I preferred that to cluttering up all the menus for all the parts.
• Q:  But I'd rather have this functionality on the command parts!
• A:  That's easy to add with a snippet of ModuleManager config.  As an example, look at what I've done to the avionics core.  Just add the same to whatever other parts you like.

[Errol]

Can you please add enable/disable SAS as actions? I want to use this for abort systems, to make sure that aerodynamics take over for the pod when trying to separate my escape tower.

EDIT: nvm, just discovered this functionality is possible through the modActions mod.

Edited May 23, 2024 by Errol