Sooo subassemblies in 0.22 how do they work?

[LunchIn10Seconds]

Hi all,

I'm stuck figuring out the new sub assembly mechanics in 0.22. I've built a simple goo carrier which consists of

• a command pod mk1
  
• communcon 16
  
• tr18a stack decupler
  
• mystery goo container
  

However when I drag this lot to the sub assembly drop zone it ksp says 'The selected part is not attachable'.

Any ideas why?

Edited October 17, 2013 by LunchIn10Seconds

[casey28xxx]

I think it's because of your command pod being attached. Sub assemblies is for saving configs of parts of ships so you can use different command pods/probe bodies with them. If you want to save a complete ship it's just the normal save at the top.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, just only ever used the sub assembly mod and assuming it's pretty much the same thing.

[blizzy78]

casey28xxx has it right. For example, a common subassembly would be a lifter that can be used for different payloads.

[LunchIn10Seconds]

Hi and many thanks for the replies.

Hmm so by the sounds of things I won't be able to build a lander as a sub assembly and then attach it to various missions as it contains a pod? Shame if that's the case.

Think I'll see what's possible and come back.

[gslarmour]

Your sub-assemblies have to have an attachment node available at the top of the stack. Since the command pod is always considered the top of the "tree", any sub-assemblies below have to be open.

[KerbMav]

Does it work if you remove the parachute above the pod?

[blizzy78]

Does it work if you remove the parachute above the pod?

It can't, because the rest still has the root part in it. See comments above.

[blizzy78]

Hmm so by the sounds of things I won't be able to build a lander as a sub assembly and then attach it to various missions as it contains a pod? Shame if that's the case.

You can use the SelectRoot mod:

- Build your lander as usual, as a single craft.

- Attach any command pod anywhere on the craft. I usually just place an OKTO2 on the top.

- Select the new pod as the new root part using the SelectRoot mod.

- Select the entire craft without the new root part and save as subassembly.

Now you can attach your lander on any other craft.

I don't know if the SelectRoot mod has been updated to work with 0.22, though.

Also note that it matters where you placed the new root part. You will only get an attachment node at that point. To get attachment nodes on other points, such as the bottom, you need to place the new root part there, then proceed as described above.

[Garek]

The pod isn't the problem because it's a pod, but because it's the root of your craft. Any section of your craft which doesn't include the root can be detached, saved as a subassembly, and then be attached to another craft. That attachment can only be done with the same node where you detached the section from your current craft. So if you want a lander to use on multiple missions as a Subassembly, simply build the first mission (or just use a dummy docking port as root where you want to attach the lander to the rest), then detach the Lander and you should be able to save it as a subassembly.

[LunchIn10Seconds]

Hi,

Many thanks for all the replies. Had no idea that craft had roots, but I does explain why, in 0.21, deleting the 1st part and replacing it with something else would not allow any other parts to attach.

As suggest above starting with a dummy root (anything to can fix to) and the building a lander does allow you to save the lander as a sub assembly.

I've switched this to answered 'cos well its been answered...

[alkopop79]

How do sub assemblies work at all? I tried selecting parts then clicking on them, hoping there would be a menu of some sort but nothing. What do I have to drag and where and how? I love KSP but the lack of documentation is infuriating.

[radonek]

There is "drag and drop zone" on the bottom of subassemblies tab. You detach part of your craft and click there.

[Taris]

It works just like the mod Subassembly Manager without category folders. But also has the same bug when your subassembly has a lot of parts: torn-off space tapes and cut out fuel pipes.