A function to force the node attachment in VAB/SPH

[royying]

Some part allow surface attachment and have connection node on same surface,when connect those part to other parts, it is hard to make the part's node "snap" to other part's node to make a node-to-node connection.

I suggest a key control to switch surface attachment on/off.

[phoenix_ca]

It's certainly an annoyance. Until then, are you aware that there is a way to work around the problem? Get the camera into a position side-on to the node, and then grab the part you want to attach, and hover the cursor close to the part you want to connect to but not touching it. The game will automatically snap the part to a node-to-node connection.

[lttito]

Until SQUAD provides this functionality (if they do), check out Editor Extensions. It's a mod that brings some functionalities like disable surface attachment in the editors, and much more.

[Vaporo]

Yes. This is an excellent idea that I was just considering suggesting myself. It drives me nuts how I have to tear my ships apart just so that I can get the right angle in the editor so that I can non-radial attachment.

Until SQUAD provides this functionality (if they do), check out Editor Extensions.

Downloading now.

[Red Iron Crown]

I don't think Editor Extensions does exactly what you're looking for. It toggles Surface Attachment for parts that don't already have it, but doesn't disable it on parts that already do. Still one of the mods I consider essential, though. Vertical snap, once you get used to having it, is essential!

[allmhuran]

Editor extensions does indeed allow you to enable and disable surface attachment for any part. If you disable surface attachment then parts will only connect at the green ball nodes. I generally use the "global" setting, the part specific setting does not behave quite like I'd expect. To do this, press the "disable surface attachment" key without currently holding a part with the mouse. Then pick up the part and attach it.

[Red Iron Crown]

I didn't know that. So, if I'm understanding it correctly, one you've done a global enable/disable surface attachment the only way to get back to the default attachment rules is to manually enable it on the parts that would ordinarily have it? That would explain some irregularities I've had using it in the VAB.

[allmhuran]

If you "disable surface attachment" while not holding a particular part, then any part you pick up and place from that point forward will only attach at the nodes. If you then "enable surface attachment" again while not holding any particular part, default behaviour will be restored.

In other words, "enable surface attachment" will not turn surface attachment on for parts that cannot surface attach by default. It will simply restore that capability for those that can surface attach in the first place.

I therefore always enable and disable surface attachment this way.

[Red Iron Crown]

Are there three states then, when doing a global change? All parts enabled, default behavior, all parts disabled?

[allmhuran]

I don't believe so. Perhaps it would be clearer if the mod said "allow/disallow surface attachment" rather than "enable/disable surface attachment".

Some parts inherently cannot surface attach, and the mod does not have any effect on these parts. All it can do is disallow surface attachment for parts that otherwise would be able to, and then re-allow it.

[Red Iron Crown]

That doesn't gel with the description of the mod. From the Editor Extensions thread:

Alt+R - Toggle radial/surface attachment. For all parts, and when a part is selected, will toggle surface attachment even when that part's config usually does not allow it

Emphasis mine. Though I have to admit, I don't use that feature often, and even less now that I've discovered cantab's SurfaceNodes mod.

Edit to respond to below: Gotcha, I understand now.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Red Iron Crown

[allmhuran]

Yep, referring back to my previous post, that effect is only when a part is selected (being held with the mouse). If you use the toggle with no part selected, it simply disallows surface attachment (and reallows it) for parts that are inherently able to surface attach to begin with, which is the effect the OP seems to be looking for.