Unmanned stand-ins for manned capsules

[404james]

I tend to play in a somewhat realistic way, and I would like to be able to test my designs for manned vehicles without having to risk losing a crew. as such, I would like to suggest the addition of parts that are identical in weight and shape to each of the manned capsule. It would function identically to an unmanned probe, but with traits to approximate the manned ones. Alternatively, after unlocking the appropriate technology, you could choose, in the crew menu, to fill the seat of a manned capsule with a computer rather than a crewman. there might also be an option to fill the seat with balast, to simulate the weight of the rest of the crew.

[peadar1987]

I tend to play in a somewhat realistic way, and I would like to be able to test my designs for manned vehicles without having to risk losing a crew. as such, I would like to suggest the addition of parts that are identical in weight and shape to each of the manned capsule. It would function identically to an unmanned probe, but with traits to approximate the manned ones. Alternatively, after unlocking the appropriate technology, you could choose, in the crew menu, to fill the seat of a manned capsule with a computer rather than a crewman. there might also be an option to fill the seat with balast, to simulate the weight of the rest of the crew.

Or a small probe core that can be radially attached to the capsule so you can test it without a crew (the standard probe cores don't always easily fit into my designs.

[UbioZur]

I would like to suggest the addition of parts that are identical in weight and shape to each of the manned capsule.

An empty capsule then, you can remove/change the crew of a capsule in the VAB/SPH (click the little kerbal icon next to the action group one)

It would function identically to an unmanned probe, but with traits to approximate the manned ones.

That cannot be done stock, unless you actually add a probe under it. You can also change the config file (or duplicate it) and change the minmum crew requirement

MODULE
{
	name = ModuleCommand
	minimumCrew = [COLOR="#FF0000"][B]0[/B][/COLOR]	
}

Alternatively, after unlocking the appropriate technology, you could choose, in the crew menu, to fill the seat of a manned capsule with a computer rather than a crewman. there might also be an option to fill the seat with balast, to simulate the weight of the rest of the crew.

For the filling the crew, check the first part, for siulating the weight, Kerbal have no weight inside the capsule.

[404james]

That cannot be done stock, unless you actually add a probe under it. You can also change the config file (or duplicate it) and change the minmum crew requirement

I don't see what you're trying to say.

For the filling the crew, check the first part, for siulating the weight, Kerbal have no weight inside the capsule.

I wasn't sure if they had weight in the capsule. they probably should, but I digress.

[Kasuha]

Even if playing a "realistic" way does not prevent you declaring a run a test run, then using one of Revert buttons to undo whatever happened during that test. The only difference is in your self-control, where you make sure you declare a flight a test or real deal in advance, then use or don't use the Revert button according to that prior decision.

Come on, Kerbals don't do anything more than crash test dummies anyway.

Edit: you can edit your persistent file to change some of your recruits to Dummy1 Kerman, Dummy2 Kerman and Dummy3 Kerman if it helps you.

Edited December 9, 2013 by Kasuha

[tetryds]

Kerbals don't do anything more than crash test dummies anyway.

BUT THEY ARE HUM... ohhhh.

The easiest way is add a probe core, i don't think that such a small weight difference can matter for you.

Allowing the modules to go without crew would reduce even more the importance of crew in your crafts.