How do I connect booster rocket to several decouplers?

[Sokar408]

Basically whatever I do, the booster rockets I on the middle rocket simply won't connect to more then 1 decoupler, which leaders to the booster rockets being very unstable. I used the angle-snap to make sure that the decouplers are completely aligned.

Can it be done, and if so, how?

[Aphox]

Can't be done, sorry. Objects can only be attached to one other object. If they're unstable, use struts instead. You should only need one decoupler in any case. Decouplers are used for jettisoning parts, not stabilizing their connection.

[espm400]

Aphox is right, due to the way Unity handles its part tree, one part can only be attached to one other part (with the exception of bi-couplers, etc.).

There are ways to circumvent the part tree using docking ports, unfortunately I don't have any capture software, or I toss a quick 'how-to' in here. Mind you, when it comes to boosters, you might as well attach them to one decoupler and use struts to hold it together.

Here's an example for strutting your boosters.

[Anton P. Nym]

I kludged a solution by using the "long" decouplers as the main junction, then putting the hydraulic manifold decouplers fore-and-aft of those. The side boosters clipped to the long ones, and then I connected the hydralics to the side boosters with struts. It makes separations very pretty, like the ship's throwing confetti to celebrate a successful launch... but it's probably not necessary, and using straight struts would probably work as well and save on drag and weight.

-- Steve

[Sokar408]

I kludged a solution by using the "long" decouplers as the main junction, then putting the hydraulic manifold decouplers fore-and-aft of those. The side boosters clipped to the long ones, and then I connected the hydralics to the side boosters with struts. It makes separations very pretty, like the ship's throwing confetti to celebrate a successful launch... but it's probably not necessary, and using straight struts would probably work as well and save on drag and weight.

-- Steve

I understood nothing of that, but it sounds very useful

Well what about Struting then. Is there a way to make the structing connector use angle-snap when you are connecting it? I find it extremely hard to try and get a good line up when using those

[dave4002000]

I kludged a solution by using the "long" decouplers as the main junction, then putting the hydraulic manifold decouplers fore-and-aft of those. The side boosters clipped to the long ones, and then I connected the hydralics to the side boosters with struts. It makes separations very pretty, like the ship's throwing confetti to celebrate a successful launch... but it's probably not necessary, and using straight struts would probably work as well and save on drag and weight.

-- Steve

Haha..yea, that's definitely not necessary. Those manifolds are pretty heavy and the weight adds up quick. That being said, however, as long as the launch looks spectacular, that's all that matters!

Angle snap only works on the first node of the strut. You just have to free-hand the second node, but it doesn't have to be precise down to the millimeter. Just get it as close as you can. If it looks symmetrical, it probably is.

Edited July 24, 2013 by dave4002000

[mellojoe]

On large items, you can also attach separatrons. These will push the large booster away from the main craft when it separates. Can be handy to keep things from smacking into stuff as it falls away.

[draeath]

Struts disappear when you decouple something. They won't prevent it from decoupling, nor will they influence the way that it moves off (Imagine the strut connectors have explosive bolts linked to the coupler)

In short, MOAR STRUTZ!

[Nao]

@OP If using struts (as suggested) is not possible for whatever reason, you can achieve quite stable connection with docking ports. You can connect the rocket with decoupler and then place one docking port on rocket and one on booster, both facing each other. They will connect as soon as go to the pad. They will automatically decouple when the booster is staged. (This is also possible to do with only docking ports and no decouplers but then you need custom control groups for staging)

[espm400]

@OP If using struts (as suggested) is not possible for whatever reason, you can achieve quite stable connection with docking ports. You can connect the rocket with decoupler and then place one docking port on rocket and one on booster, both facing each other. They will connect as soon as go to the pad. They will automatically decouple when the booster is staged. (This is also possible to do with only docking ports and no decouplers but then you need custom control groups for staging)

First off, I would not recommend this method for launch vehicles unless absolutely necessary. Docking ports on their own are not nearly as stable as struts. Personally, I've been known to do this with space station modules (I use a quad-coupler with 0.5m ports), but I usually need to strut the bejesus out of it to make it stable enough to launch.

@Sokar: The best way I've found to make the struts aesthetically pleasing is the following:

I set the symmetry to however many tanks or whatever I have and grab a strut. In this case I hold it over the outer tank so as it lines up with the opposite side (notice the two nubs).

Then, instead of clicking on the centre tank with the other end, I click on the nub on the opposite tank. This way the pathing automatically connects it to the centre tank, but it's 'aimed' at the other nub, leaving you with nearly perfect looking struts.

This method works with any symmetry other than 3x (and 1x, obviously).

When it comes to strutting your outer tanks to each other however (as opposed to the centre tank), you still have to do it by eye. Best to pick a landmark of some kind on the part.