Unable to dock on surface of Mun

[Bluc]

I have made a portable Mun-base that I can pull around with a rover, I tested this out on Kerbin and the docking port connects immediately with no problems. The problem is when I get on the Mun surface the docking port refuses to connect, any ideas why or any solutions? I have tried wiggling both the rover and the lander but it will not connect.

Pictures to show the docking port is indeed lined up perfectly.

[Johnno]

If you're not getting any magnetism then it may be the docking bug.

Posted by kujuman

HOW TO FIX THE DOCKING PORT

1. Go into the persistent.sfs file

2. Search for a line which says "state = Acquire"

3. Change to "state = Ready"

4. Load up the game and dock with the port nearby.

If you're getting magnetism then the docking ports aren't actually perfectly aligned, the difference in gravity between Kerbin and Mün will lead your crafts to be at different heights. Ultimately the docking port magnetism isn't strong enough to align the crafts heightwise well enough.

[lammatt]

why is everyone sticking some downward thrusters on the rovers now?

you can instead use RCS, which i think would be lighter.

[VaporTrail]

Is it possible this is the problem?

As far as I know, the docking ports don't magnetize until you turn docking mode on... or is that a mistake on my part?

[Bluc]

There is definitely magnetism, they do attempt to make the connection. I only use the docking controls when driving around so that isn't the cause either since I've docked many times without them. Looks like I'll have to scrap this design and try something else though.

[Scarecrow88]

As far as I know, the docking ports don't magnetize until you turn docking mode on... or is that a mistake on my part?

I never use docking mode and I've never had a problem docking so yes, you are mistaken.

[Guest]

Bump the throttle on one of the ships to give it a shake. Then try to give it a quick 5x time warp and/or switch back and forth between ships with [ and ]. If none of that works, it may be possible that the rover wheels and the landing gear are colliding and causing problems. Docking landed vessels can be a buggy affair in the first place.

[chrischambers]

If you're not getting any magnetism then it may be the docking bug.

Posted by kujuman

If you're getting magnetism then the docking ports aren't actually perfectly aligned, the difference in gravity between Kerbin and Mün will lead your crafts to be at different heights. Ultimately the docking port magnetism isn't strong enough to align the crafts heightwise well enough.

I would go this this, and also if this don't work then I would go and fine a flat landing area, and then resend the lander to that location. and then try docking