In the spirit of cooperation and competition

[Jm419]

I'll put up a core tomorrow. Shall I include some maneuvering RCS, or just leave that to the next guy? Also, what altitude did we decide on? I'm inclined to do 250k at an equatorial orbit, but that's just me. The refueling depot could be lower but still outside the render limits; something like 175k?

Also, we need an executive decision on part count. I'm going to see if I can limit myself to 25 parts, and we'll see if that's reasonable. Times nine, that gives us a final count of 225 parts. Or should we do 20, for a final part count of 180? That leaves us some room so it's possible to dock with without suffering massive lag.

So, what - I'll start, then the team lead from 1 can start on the depot?

[TheCanadianVendingMachine]

Well, if you will do the first module you decide, make it how ever you want. And I thought we were different "Teams", as in we do different stations to the firsts will. As for team one, I think the guest should do the first video for the series and the first module so we shall wait

[Nauthy]

Aw yeaaaah, 0.21 is here, let's get the show going!

250 km equatorial orbit sounds great, it's what I would've recommended as well. 175 km for the fuel depot should be fine as well. As for the RCS, that's up to you. I'd probably add a few thrusters and a bit of monopropellant (maybe a couple of the small round tanks), just in case. I doubt we'll need it on the core, but you never know. If anything, have some batteries or RTGs on it to help offset the electrical charge that gets used up now.

I'd like to keep the module parts count as high as possible, to give everyone plenty of creative freedom. So let's say a max of 30 parts? 270 parts in total that way. Still, it's probably a good idea to aim for 25 parts and then have the option to add a few more pieces if needed.

Unfortunately I'm fairly busy for the next couple of days, so I won't be able to put up an intro video right away. I'll get that done for Friday, at which point I'll also start another thread (we can keep this one for discussion) for all the submissions. We can alternate between the teams, so after Jm419 gets the core done we'll pass the torch to the fuel depot, and then repeat from there. Everyone should also upload their save file somewhere after they're done, so we can all have a copy of the latest version. Use something like sendspace.com, though there's plenty of other decent free file sharing sites.

Edit: We're in "teams", but we're not really competing against each other, heh. I think it'd be best if we have a fuel depot instead of twin stations, since we'll need something like that for future projects anyways. You can go wild with your module, though. There's enough people on the team that I'm sure the fueling part of the fuel depot will be taken care of pretty quickly.

And sadly our guest can't go right away, I've gotta give him a bit of a heads up before he's able to start building. Since I'm just as anxious as everyone else to get this going, I say we start asap

Edited July 25, 2013 by Nauthy
replying to previous post

[Jm419]

Aw yeaaaah, 0.21 is here, let's get the show going!

250 km equatorial orbit sounds great, it's what I would've recommended as well. 175 km for the fuel depot should be fine as well. As for the RCS, that's up to you. I'd probably add a few thrusters and a bit of monopropellant (maybe a couple of the small round tanks), just in case. I doubt we'll need it on the core, but you never know. If anything, have some batteries or RTGs on it to help offset the electrical charge that gets used up now.

I think the RTGs are a must right now; the batteries are a good idea too, we'll see how the part count works out. I may include an RCS pod that we can just jettison once it's docked to something with dedicated RCS; that might be easiest. Also, what do we think of space tugs? Love 'em, or leave 'em? I find that they can be more trouble than its worth, so unless someone really wants one, I won't launch a tug with my module.

I'd like to keep the module parts count as high as possible, to give everyone plenty of creative freedom. So let's say a max of 30 parts? 270 parts in total that way. Still, it's probably a good idea to aim for 25 parts and then have the option to add a few more pieces if needed.

Fair enough. If it gets above about 240 parts, it'll be unusable for me in the final version, but if we all shoot for 25 with a 5 part leeway, I feel a bit better about that.

Also - lights? Are we including station floodlights, or not? If we do, everyone should have some just for consistency, but if not it'll save on count - a lot.

Unfortunately I'm fairly busy for the next couple of days, so I won't be able to put up an intro video right away. I'll get that done for Friday, at which point I'll also start another thread (we can keep this one for discussion) for all the submissions. We can alternate between the teams, so after Jm419 gets the core done we'll pass the torch to the fuel depot, and then repeat from there. Everyone should also upload their save file somewhere after they're done, so we can all have a copy of the latest version. Use something like sendspace.com, though there's plenty of other decent free file sharing sites.

Ok, so should I get started or wait for your intro video? I don't want to miss out if you have a set format, or something like that. Do you want me to launch and record my flight today, or wait for you to kick things off?

Do we care about a maximum video length? I would think we could cover anything in a half hour, if it goes that long.

One last thing - the station name. I'm going to call it "Kerbin Orbital Station" unless someone has a better idea. Suggestions?

Sorry about the random questions; just trying to iron things out before we really get started.

Edited July 25, 2013 by Jm419

[Jm419]

Sorry about the double posting, but I figured this merited it.

We've begun!

Or, at least, begun simulations. I built up my core, with an included command center, and tossed it on my heavy launcher to see if I could get it into orbit. I could, with plenty of fuel left over, but there are a few issues with it.

1. Firstly, there's no RCS. I couldn't find room for nine parts for a typical RCS twin-ring complement and a tank, so I left it off. It's going to be oriented in a polar direction, so docking with it shouldn't be an issue - docking to something passive is how we dock in KSP anyway - but I just figured I'd mention it.

2. Again, because of the part count, there aren't any lights. That's not a huge deal, but it's mildly irritating to dock with something that's unlit. I'd need four more parts to light it up properly.

I did manage to include two RTG reactors, as requested. I'm also considering leaving it attached to its original launcher, or what made it into orbit, anyway - that way, it can be moved if necessary, and there are some solar panels on the orbiter stage. It's probe-smart, so it can deorbit itself, so what I'll probably do is provide two files - one with the launcher still attached and one without, so whoever follows me can choose which version they'd like to work with.

It's attached to a Rockomax node, so there are five open ports available for docking. They're all Sr. sized, as discussed. The sixth node is oriented northward, and that has my command center attached to it, so the station has my own flair.

In short:

--30 parts sounds like a lot, but it goes fast when you include RCS and lights.

--Whoever docks with this is going to have to do it with their own craft; the core has no lights or RCS, but it does have power.

--Let's do this!

[Nauthy]

That core sounds great as it is, Jm419! I'm sure we'll find a way to get some RCS on there, we'll just need a module dedicated to it. It doesn't have to be perfectly balanced, either, as long as some of the modules have thrusters and there's a bit of fuel for 'em. Same goes for the lights, it shouldn't be too difficult for someone to set up a lighting rig. I guess lights, RCS, and batteries/RTGs are some of those things that can be added to other modules if there's room for a few more parts.

Go ahead and upload the core whenever you're ready. I wanted to get a quick video out to introduce the project for when I set up a separate thread, so if you get it uploaded today I can just include that in the first post (which will have a link to all the videos anyways). It'll work out nicely that way, give the viewers something to watch off the start. As soon as I have my intro video done tomorrow I'll let everybody know.

I'm cool with leaving video length up to personal choice, but yea, I doubt they'll need to go over 30 minutes. You could even do a shorter video and add some music to the launch/docking process, then maybe talk a bit about your module at the end.

As for the name...oh boy, I've been unable to come up with anything worthy, heh. I was thinkin' something cheesy like Project X or Project K (if those names haven't been used before for KSP builds, which I'm sure they have). Or how 'bout this: since we're planning on populating the Kerbol system with other builds, let's have an acronym for our own space program before each station name. One of my lame suggestions is the Kerbal Alliance of Minor YouTubers (KAMY) or maybe something like the Kerbal Community Build Program (KCBP). I dunno, these are pretty bad, haha...so give us your ideas! I'll finalize the decision when I get my short video out.

[Nauthy]

Sorry for the double post, but I just wanted to let everyone know that the project has now officially begun!

I've got the introduction video up on my channel and set up a new thread here for the submissions. Whenever you've finished up your module just post in that thread and we'll get everything updated. Also remember to upload your save file somewhere and post a link to that. Jm419's core will be going up shortly, after which it's Holo's turn!

Oh man, I'm so excited to finally get this going. Hopefully everyone is still able to participate. I'll get in touch with people if things are too quiet, so we can keep things moving along at a good pace.

Edited July 27, 2013 by Nauthy
fail english

[Jm419]

Ok. Got the first flight done and recorded. Having some internet issues on my end... posting on a phone... but I should get uploaded in the next two or three days at worst. Sorry for the delay, fellas.

[Nauthy]

Hey, no worries bud! I feel ya on those internet issues, I can't wait to get my new connection up and running. Glad to hear that you're still able to participate

I sent Holo a PM earlier but he hasn't gotten back to me yet. If he does before you can upload and he's got the fuel depot core ready, we can always put that up first instead. Hopefully he's still available, I don't think he's been online in a few days. For that matter, can everyone that's involved in the project either PM me or post here if they're still interested? If you've been active in the thread over the past week or so then it's cool, I'll assume you're good I know most of us are still in, but I'm just worried we might lose a few. If anything, we can do a bit of shuffling around, so for example the fuel depot core might go to TheCanadianVendingMachine instead.

[TheCanadianVendingMachine]

Right, PM me when you get a decision from him

[Jm419]

Video should be up today.

[Jm419]

Video is uploading... 155 minutes to finish the upload... this'll be fun.

[Jm419]

Kerbal Community Build Program Episode 001 is finished:

See the other thread for persistence files and craft files.

Whew. Glad we're on the way!

Edited July 29, 2013 by Jm419

[Nauthy]

Agreed, buddy, definitely glad we've finally begun! Loving the core, by the way, that's a cool idea with the command center.

Next up will be...well, either Holo or TheCanadianVendingMachine, heh. Stay tuned!

[Nauthy]

Heya guys, I just had a couple of ideas and wanted to see what everyone thought (hence the double post).

Firstly, I dunno if we talked about this before, but I think we should all make sure to have a docking port open when we attach our modules. So basically it means every module needs at least two docking ports, one for connecting to the station and another to leave free. This'll ensure we've always got enough ports available.

The second thing I wanted to mention was a station name, I know that's still sort of up in the air. Since the station will be kind of a launch point for future projects, as well as possibly a transportation hub, I think it would be fitting to call it KCBP Beacon Station. I also had Pharos Station (inspired by the Great Lighthouse in the Civ games) as another idea. Maybe not the greatest names, but it's certainly something, heh. All others are welcomed, of course!

[esinohio]

Still interested here. Well only if when it gets to be my turn I can spice up my launch video a bit. My channel isn't really full of narrated launch videos so I was hoping I could still film it but just spice it up some in my own way. Since I'm going near the end there should be some epic shots of our depot with all those tanks that can easily be spiced up some.

[Jm419]

Heya guys, I just had a couple of ideas and wanted to see what everyone thought (hence the double post).

Firstly, I dunno if we talked about this before, but I think we should all make sure to have a docking port open when we attach our modules. So basically it means every module needs at least two docking ports, one for connecting to the station and another to leave free. This'll ensure we've always got enough ports available.

The second thing I wanted to mention was a station name, I know that's still sort of up in the air. Since the station will be kind of a launch point for future projects, as well as possibly a transportation hub, I think it would be fitting to call it KCBP Beacon Station. I also had Pharos Station (inspired by the Great Lighthouse in the Civ games) as another idea. Maybe not the greatest names, but it's certainly something, heh. All others are welcomed, of course!

The Great Lighthouse actually existed in real life, you know. Not just in the Civ games.

Agreed on all counts. Any progress on Holo? He can always just be moved down the list a space or two if he's not around.

[The Destroyer]

Okay, so what should I do?

[malkuth]

Nice idea.

[TheCanadianVendingMachine]

Well, I am going to edit and post commentate my video portion, also, I edited the name of your main module, JM. It is now: Kerbal Community Build Program Orbital Station (Scientific)

[Jm419]

Well, I am going to edit and post commentate my video portion, also, I edited the name of your main module, JM. It is now: Kerbal Community Build Program Orbital Station (Scientific)

I like it.

[Spyritdragon]

Hoy, hay, hey :-)

I'm still in. A few troubles, but nothing noteworthy. Nauthy, i think i sent you a PM, but something must've gone wrong. Anyways, ill just post here then:

I've been having slow internet troubles on my location lately (i'm a reasonably international person). I'm going back to Europe, where i live most of the time, in about 5 days starting now. The 400MB of .21 just can't be downloaded here, but as soon as i get back i'll be ready. So unless everyone from now on lightningballs the project in the coming 5 days, i'll be present when i have to :-).

Currently testing out my video making capabilities. I've launched a 241 parts-at-launch Duna craft without any debilitating lag, so i'll surely be able to connect a module on this spot in the roster. I'm currently busy with tests on how well my framerate handles Fraps recording KSP.

But, in short, im still in ^-^

[Nauthy]

Still interested here. Well only if when it gets to be my turn I can spice up my launch video a bit. My channel isn't really full of narrated launch videos so I was hoping I could still film it but just spice it up some in my own way. Since I'm going near the end there should be some epic shots of our depot with all those tanks that can easily be spiced up some.

It's all up to you, my friend! There's really no need for commentary if you don't want it. In fact, I think it'll be pretty cool to have a variety in the types of videos.

The Great Lighthouse actually existed in real life, you know. Not just in the Civ games.

Agreed on all counts. Any progress on Holo? He can always just be moved down the list a space or two if he's not around.

Hehe, yea, I know. I just wasn't sure how many people actually knew its real name, so I figured I'd mention the Great Lighthouse.

Nothing back from Holo yet, so he'll be moved down a few spots for now. TheCanadianVendingMachine will be working on the fuel depot's core. I'd also like to give the depot a fancy name, but I can't think of anything good right now Any ideas?

Okay, so what should I do?

I'm going to PM AustralianFries right now to see if he's able to go next on the station. If not, you'll be up after the fuel depot core is launched! There's a few things the station will probably need right away, like modules for power, lights, or habitation. Or you could focus on the sciencey side of things and get a "lab" up there.

Hoy, hay, hey :-)

I'm still in. A few troubles, but nothing noteworthy. Nauthy, i think i sent you a PM, but something must've gone wrong. Anyways, ill just post here then:

I've been having slow internet troubles on my location lately (i'm a reasonably international person). I'm going back to Europe, where i live most of the time, in about 5 days starting now. The 400MB of .21 just can't be downloaded here, but as soon as i get back i'll be ready. So unless everyone from now on lightningballs the project in the coming 5 days, i'll be present when i have to :-).

Currently testing out my video making capabilities. I've launched a 241 parts-at-launch Duna craft without any debilitating lag, so i'll surely be able to connect a module on this spot in the roster. I'm currently busy with tests on how well my framerate handles Fraps recording KSP.

But, in short, im still in ^-^

Looking in my inbox and I see your PM, I guess I never got the notification? I dunno what happened, but I'm terribly sorry for not getting back to you earlier Still, happy news, glad to hear that you're still in!

Nice idea.

Thanks! It's more or less stolen from the KSP Media Team, but let's not tell them that! You should check out the submissions thread to see what's been uploaded so far

[TheCanadianVendingMachine]

I am rendering now

[Jm419]

I am rendering now

Can't wait!