Tip - A.S.A.S.

[mellojoe]

Put your A.S.A.S (or regular SAS) module in the center of your craft. I'm finding this to be more stable and more reliable than when I was sticking it on the top or bottom of a craft. As my dad would say, "it's more better".

Anyone else experience this?

[rryy]

No, I don't think SAS cares about its position on the craft. This could change with the change to SAS in 0.21, but right now, it should work the same anywhere on the craft.

[Sirrobert]

SAS works this way yes, because it simply gives torque. Unles I'm mistaken, it matters where you apply the torque.

for ASAS it doesn't matter though, since it's simply a computer controling your control surfaces

[rryy]

SAS works this way yes, because it simply gives torque. Unles I'm mistaken, it matters where you apply the torque.

In real life, this would be true, but in KSP this isn't simulated. You can place an SAS anywhere on the craft and the effect will remain the same.

[nhnifong]

You are onto something here, but it not ASAS that needs to be in the center. It's the controlling part. Any probe core or docking port will do, just click "control from here" on it's context menu before launch.

However, Since C7 has completely fixed ASAS for the next version, this knowledge will not be applicable for long.

Edited June 27, 2013 by nhnifong

[Tobyz28]

In real life, this would be true, but in KSP this isn't simulated. You can place an SAS anywhere on the craft and the effect will remain the same.

I have personally tested this, the position and orientation of the SAS module HUGELY affects it's effectiveness. I'll post a screenshot when i'm back home. From what I recall A SAS module at the tip of your craft will only assist in stabilizing the rockets roll (the Q/E keys) and will have very little effect on pitch or yaw. THe best results were with 3 SAS modules (well 6 to keep the ship balanced) oriented along the X/Y/Z axis's from the ships COM.

[SDIR]

From my experience the position of the ASAS doesn't really matter, so long as it is attached to the craft in some way. Usually its the pod that gives the torque to stabilize the craft and keep it from rolling. If you are really having trouble controlling it, I suggest four RCS thrusters on either end to help with the stability. But with the new .21 patch coming out, the positioning of the reaction wheels WILL matter as they will be giving the torque, as opposed to the command pod, which now houses the SAS system.