[WIP] MultiDock structural connector v0.1

[kotysoft]

Kotysoft technologies shamefully presents

MULTIDOCK STRUCTURAL CONNECTOR

(placeholder for fixed distance between docking ports attached to surface)

FAMILY

v0.1

"looks horrible, but maybe helps"

Don't expect any special thing. It's a simple structural part

to help you for multiple docking ports alignment in VAB.

UPDATE

v0.1 - 2014.03.24

I'm still making different versions, concepts, still testing experimental formats, ideas.

- Now I removed previously made 'model', and replaced with a simple "rod"

- Added 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m long versions (2-6 nodes)

if you dont want any of them, just delete corresponding CFG

Why is it a simple rod?

- Since it made for align purposes only imho it's not neccesary any kind of design

- Since I didn't know 2 weeks ago what is 3D modelling, I can't make any cool design

- to reduce memory/gpu usage as low as possible (few kBytes/tris only)

- left little lenght for rod, to make grabbing whole thing easier

IMPORTANT

Remove previous version before updating

Try it in sandbox mode before you lauch it into "real" mission

Probably you'll experience instability* between this part and surfaced where attached to.

Using KJR mod (linked below) higly recommended and/or reinforcing stability by struts between surface<>docking port

Related / Recommended other mods:

[thread=43208]Selectroot[/thread]

Strongly recommended:

[thread=55657]Kerbal Joint Reinforcement[/thread]

All feedback are welcome.

If you know a better solution to align multiple docking ports, please write or link that, because I didn't find yet.

If there is demand for these kind of parts, I'll continue to make more versions of these. Otherwise thats all.

SPACEPORT DOWNLOAD

CC-BY-SA

Edited March 24, 2014 by kotysoft

[Whovian]

Interesting. So, basically, having multiple hardpoints connecting two parts? Presumably, this only works with docking ports so far?

[lammatt]

actually the a stock-only way to do the same thing isnt that hard anyways with the help of sub-assembly, but it's still a good mod part idea.

but i have a suggestion,

instead of a 3-node design, how about using only 2...

see... the problem is, with 3 nodes, there are 8 parts for every connections, which alone isnt too many...but when it comes to a bigger station or ship,

one less part count is one less part count.

[8749236]

I made a welded parts for that before...

It is very helpful, however I found manually adjusting the docking port is more flexible..

But I admit that manually adjusting things is far more time consuming (3 hours for a tiny station with 2 side attached multi-docking fuel-compartment, 2 engine-module and etc..)

I'd like see you have some fascinating structs in the future..

Also, is it possible to make an Linear Docking Port?

*** Add ***

actually the a stock-only way to do the same thing isnt that hard anyways with the help of sub-assembly, but it's still a good mod part idea.

but i have a suggestion,

instead of a 3-node design, how about using only 2...

see... the problem is, with 3 nodes, there are 8 parts for every connections, which alone isnt too many...but when it comes to a bigger station or ship,

one less part count is one less part count.

Leave the middle node empty then O_O..

Edited March 24, 2014 by 8749236
Avoid multiple separate reply..

[CaptainKipard]

I like this. Please make a nice model though.

[kotysoft]

-UPDATED

Infos in first post

// future plans:

Making it a single, dynamic part with GUI, where you can set distance and attach nodes number (waiting for friend to make plugin for it)

Edited March 24, 2014 by kotysoft

[CaptainKipard]

Ignore what I said. Your new simple approach is actually a good one. I'll be trying this out soon.

[8749236]

-UPDATED

Infos in first post

// future plans:

Making it a single, dynamic part with GUI, where you can set distance and attach nodes number (waiting for friend to make plugin for it)

Why not linear docking port (if possible)?

Reduces even MORE part counts...

But yeah, I admits that if the node is customizable, then it is far more flexible than just a linear docking port..

Edited March 24, 2014 by 8749236
grammar..

[kotysoft]

As I know KSP's built in "ModuleDockingNode" supports only single point as "docking point center".

In state of my current knowledge I can't make a linear docking port. But I'll dig myself into "secrets of docking ports". I can't promise any results about it

[Floppster]

This is AWESOME, the simple ideas are almost always the most useful

Are you still working on this and can we (I) get a new download link since spaceport has kicked the bucket?

[ZobrAA]

can we (I) get a new download link since spaceport has kicked the bucket?

Here you go: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5-E-xsUCAQaWFhzaXZYNEVSc0E/edit?usp=sharing

[Floppster]

Yaay!!

10char