How to Auto Extend/Retract solar panels?

[Brok3n]

I'm looking for an easy way to extend solar panels without having to right-click on each on to extend it. I'm also using mechjeb, but I didn't see an option for solar panels.

Thank you.

[ouion]

action groups

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7dyZw-zA5Zk

[XerZin]

Fast written (you should check that video for other use too)

1. Click "Action groups" top middle screen

2. Click on the solar panels so they glow dark blue (It will select the group of solar pannels you put out)

3. Select a Custom button you want them to be activated with (Custom01 for example)

4. Click on the "toggle pannels" bar on the 3d row, it will move the option to the middle row.

Save, go to launch and press 1 and they should go out Same key again and they go back in.

Edited June 1, 2013 by XerZin

[AndrewBCrisp]

It's also helpful to note that action groups combine when assembling larger craft.

For example, if you're building a space station, and you assign certain actions (e.g. toggle comm-antenna) to custom01 to one station part, and different actions (toggle solar panels) to custom01 a different station part; when the two components are joined in orbit, the actions for custom01 become grouped together. So that when you press "1" while controlling the station, both solar panels AND comm antenna will extend or retract depending on their previous state.

This can be useful some times and annoying at others.

[Scarecrow88]

I have found it useful to standardise my Custom keys so that they always perform the same function on all my craft. Makes it easier to remember which key does what.

[foamyesque]

Action key 0 I always reserve for solar panel deployment. 9 is comm gear. The rest vary, although I tend to use 1 for toggling intakes/engines on spaceplanes.