Docking port physics

[CaptainKipard]

Do docked docking ports require more CPU time than regular node connections?

[Red Iron Crown]

As I understand it, active docking ports require more CPU resources as the magnetism and nearby port detection require some extra calculations.

[Kasuha]

Docked docking ports do not have any magnetism. Magnetism is only used during the docking process when two undocked ports are in range.

The connection between two docked docking ports is slightly different than standard axial connection but I don't think it is any harder on the physics engine.

[Spuds]

From my understanding of docking in KSP, the two vessels are actually merged, so I think the docked nodes are treated as regular connection nodes. Once they are told to undock, the ships will split along the port into 2 other ships. I could be utterly and totally wrong, however.

[Red Iron Crown]

Oops, missed the "docked" part of the OP's question. My bad.

[quantumpion]

Anyone know if the improvement to joint connections will improve the stability of docking ports?

[MalfunctionM1Ke]

Anyone know if the improvement to joint connections will improve the stability of docking ports?

Pretty good question

[timsfitz]

Anyone know if the improvement to joint connections will improve the stability of docking ports?

I was wondering this myself. Makes a big difference when assembling a large interplanetary ship. Ive had ships so large and wobbly they blow apart under even x2 time acceleration.

[Metalsand]

Anyone know if the improvement to joint connections will improve the stability of docking ports?

That...would be a very nice thing to have. Usually with large ships I HAVE to dock them with Sr's and I can't dock them in parallel unless I turn off all SAS and don't move.

[NecroBones]

Anyone know if the improvement to joint connections will improve the stability of docking ports?

That's a great question. My guess is "yes", but it depends on how much of a special case docking ports are, as compared to regular joint connections. I'm particularly interested to see if it increases the strength of the 2.5m ports. I rely on those more when strength is needed.

[SkyRender]

I'm also wondering if we'll get official Clamp-o-Tron Sr. Sr. ports (or whatever they decide to call them) so we can link together the new larger parts for even more absolute absurdity.

[Caelib]

I'm also wondering if we'll get official Clamp-o-Tron Sr. Sr. ports (or whatever they decide to call them) so we can link together the new larger parts for even more absolute absurdity.

It doesn't appear that way for .23.5 ... maybe for .24 we will. And I would really just like a stock 2.5m four-way adapter!

[CaptainKipard]

I'm also wondering if we'll get official Clamp-o-Tron Sr. Sr. ports (or whatever they decide to call them) so we can link together the new larger parts for even more absolute absurdity.

I'm working on some universal docking ports, I might as well make a 3.75 one.

[Red Iron Crown]

I'm working on some universal docking ports, I might as well make a 3.75 one.

When you say universal docking ports, do you mean ports that can dock with ports the same size and any smaller size? If so, I may have to revisit my policy of no parts-adding mods.

[CaptainKipard]

When you say universal docking ports, do you mean ports that can dock with ports the same size and any smaller size? If so, I may have to revisit my policy of no parts-adding mods.

Yes I forsee one possible hurdle with that but it's nothing that would stop the mod from working, it just might not work *great* in all cases.

[KerbMav]

Tadaa!

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/57323-Universal-Docking-Port

[Red Iron Crown]

Seems like an ideal part for tugs. I've been making them with a regular docking port on one end and a senior on the other to allow various cargoes, unfortunately that means axially mounted engines are out. I'd much prefer a universal senior port on one side with an LV909 on the other.

[CaptainKipard]

Tadaa!

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/57323-Universal-Docking-Port

Yep. I saw that and modded my Sr. a while ago. I'm still working on some models though because it'll look better, because if you just mod existing Squad parts you can see gaps when docked.

Seems like an ideal part for tugs.

Exactly my thinking.