The Official Kerbin Cup Tournament Thread - Final Entries Posted

[iClarion]

^ Cool concept! It's adorable!

Looks a little short. I think if it had twice as many fuel tanks the proportions would be right on.

Man this challenge would've been so much different if that was the ship we had to lift off the ground...

Edited July 10, 2014 by iClarion

[VR_Dev]

I was surprised quantum struts didn't make a stronger showing. Either for strengthening things, or my idea which was to use them instead of the claw. Maybe people thought it was close to cheating?

Edited July 10, 2014 by clown_baby

[HafCoJoe]

^ Cool concept! It's adorable!

Looks a little short. I think if it had twice as many fuel tanks the proportions would be right on.

Man this challenge would've been so much different if that was the ship we had to lift off the ground...

I shall elongate.

[cantab]

Commiserations to the teams who couldn't make it.

Of the forum entries, team 1's was technically excellent, and the VAB landing jaw-dropping. Team 3's, though, even though they fuel hacked and didn't show off precision piloting, got my vote. It's just more kerbal; the raw craziness of the lifters, the whole thing being a rickety old banger that barely stays together, and that moment in the video when Jeb has to rush back into the lander as it's toppling over towards him! Not to mention actually doing a video of this thing is really the icing on the cake.

Kerb-O-Nautix's entry is of course awesome too. Though I confess to being puzzled as to how the craft was "crippled"; what's missing?

Team 2's orbital assembly tug gets props, it's a neat design, and the lifters are elegant too. Just a pity they didn't get the chance to fly it. Oh, and not showing the uprighting of the legs is a big gap.

[chicknblender]

. . . I confess to being puzzled as to how the craft was "crippled"; what's missing?

Nothing's missing; it's a reference to the docking ports not all locking together. Honestly, it didn't slow us down too much in the end.

[Xacktar]

Nothing's missing; it's a reference to the docking ports not all locking together. Honestly, it didn't slow us down too much in the end.

Indeed. It took some skill to move this thing anywhere. I am VERY impressed with our resident pilot extraordinaire, Andrew, for his amazing work during this challenge.

[Whackjob]

Nothing's missing; it's a reference to the docking ports not all locking together. Honestly, it didn't slow us down too much in the end.

That's the part I still can't figure out. During my test runs of it, I had just 1 of the docking ports "connected" in the VAB. Before launching and right when physics would kick in, they'd all lock. I never had a problem. I've done multiport docking as well, between differing ships, and haven't been able to replicate that issue.

[iClarion]

That's the part I still can't figure out. During my test runs of it, I had just 1 of the docking ports "connected" in the VAB. Before launching and right when physics would kick in, they'd all lock. I never had a problem. I've done multiport docking as well, between differing ships, and haven't been able to replicate that issue.

Having all of the docking ports perfectly aligned in the VAB must have helped quite a bit.

Personally, I think we just got a central column with commitment issues and a larger than average "personal space bubble".

[Xacktar]

That's the part I still can't figure out. During my test runs of it, I had just 1 of the docking ports "connected" in the VAB. Before launching and right when physics would kick in, they'd all lock. I never had a problem. I've done multiport docking as well, between differing ships, and haven't been able to replicate that issue.

I had to read up on this issue for the challenge, back to old threads and discussions of it. From what was said it seems that once a docking solution is achieved for one port, the game merges the two craft by that port then locks out any further connections between because once the connection from Ship A to Ship B is established it is basically one single craft, so the game only sees Ship A with extra parts... and then game doesn't understand that you'd want to connect Ship A to itself.

The caveat to this is that if docking solutions reach the engine at the same moment, then both/all with be attached because the attach/lock code runs for all of them. Launching craft that are properly aligned straight from the VAB would allow this to happen as everything would load at the same time, oriented correctly.

[Wooks]

I had to read up on this issue for the challenge, back to old threads and discussions of it. From what was said it seems that once a docking solution is achieved for one port, the game merges the two craft by that port then locks out any further connections between because once the connection from Ship A to Ship B is established it is basically one single craft, so the game only sees Ship A with extra parts... and then game doesn't understand that you'd want to connect Ship A to itself.

The caveat to this is that if docking solutions reach the engine at the same moment, then both/all with be attached because the attach/lock code runs for all of them. Launching craft that are properly aligned straight from the VAB would allow this to happen as everything would load at the same time, oriented correctly.

Translation: Attaching multiple docking ports from two different ships works like crap.

[Wooks]

I was surprised quantum struts didn't make a stronger showing. Either for strengthening things, or my idea which was to use them instead of the claw. Maybe people thought it was close to cheating?

Our resident mod expert managed a lot with a ton of them, but ultimately we decided as a team to go stock, and it seems like the rest did too.

[chicknblender]

You guys are thinking way to big for a mini-Arkingthaad!

Edited July 10, 2014 by chicknblender

[Wooks]

Indeed. It took some skill to move this thing anywhere. I am VERY impressed with our resident pilot extraordinaire, Andrew, for his amazing work during this challenge.

I'd put my life on Andrew hands any time, he is that good. He was a leaf on the wind.

Edited July 10, 2014 by Wooks

[Whackjob]

Translation: Attaching multiple docking ports from two different ships works like crap.

Well...

I've done well with it. I can get them all to link up nice. I don't know if we're defining things the same way. If they "connect" but don't "connect" via the parts tree, is that still a connection? Is magnetism enough pressing them in place, or do they have to lock? Because I've tested self-multidocking before, and have made it work.

[kmMango]

Grr. Tough choice. While I liked 3's tipping over lander, I gave it to Team One for their landing site on Bop, their assembly on the ground, and their textbook landing.

[Wooks]

Out of curiosity Whackjob: Why do you use Kethane parts? You seem to be a stock guy.

[Whackjob]

Out of curiosity Whackjob: Why do you use Kethane parts? You seem to be a stock guy.

On rare occasion. For a time I did have kethane installed, but lately I'm going pure commando. Sans mods.

[chicknblender]

I've done well with it. I can get them all to link up nice. I don't know if we're defining things the same way. If they "connect" but don't "connect" via the parts tree, is that still a connection? Is magnetism enough pressing them in place, or do they have to lock? Because I've tested self-multidocking before, and have made it work.

Our team got the first two legs fully docked to the center column (all ports connected). The last one doesn't want to squeeze in there fully. No complaints from our team though; we took it as part of the challenge.

[HafCoJoe]

You guys are thinking way to big for a mini-Arkingthaad!

http://i.imgur.com/iigU1fQ.jpg

Add docking ports. Just sayin'

[allmhuran]

Because I've tested self-multidocking before, and have made it work.

I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but there was an update recently that seemed to "break" (or at least make much more difficult) multi-point dockings post launch.

This one, from a year ago or more, had an 8 point docking (6 outriders and 2 in the middle) and that wasn't too much of an issue.

And this one had multiple dockings around the outside and then a... 27? point docking in the middle, which again seemed to line up just fine.

But when I've tried to construct similar things more recently (including the Arkingthaad) I've had much more trouble. I had 3 ports not docked here.

[Whackjob]

And on a semirelevant side issue... they've apparently changed our filters in the office. Images no longer show up. Restrictions... will have to review thread / post pico-arkingthaad when I de-office.

[Whackjob]

Allrighty! De-officing complete, and I will now go through each submission and render my verdicts.

Reddit (Kerb-O-Nautix!): Hah! I love how you, in at first at least, just put the parts on the Mun in the same orientation. Then land the parts. Then... then things get interesting. First, let me say that I LOVE the idea of using jacks like that to give you room to work. Excellent thinking. The approach seems to be minimalist efficiency... different parts to alter the capabilities of the actual parts, and using the actual parts to get to actual space. Some assembly issues in space, but I can't fault you for that one, everyone hit those with the docking ports. The tour was nice, and you did put her down on Minmus. And what can I say? The arch-shot had to have taken some doing. And of course, an excellent powered landing on the VAB heliport. Well done! What I heart: The jacks, the vehicles that add modules, the arch shot.

Forum Team 1: Big bloody kickstand. I'm a sucker for big builds! My first thought, was, "Yeah, you got it vertical. What now, tough guy?" Then the other vehicles came around and ferried them off. O_o Wasn't expecting that! T-minus picture made me cringe, where it sagged off to the side. Cringing was for me, because there's nobody to blame there but me. That's all on me. I really thought she'd link up fine. Oh well, live and learn. The launch was nice, that's pretty much how I went... just the Arkingthaad herself. Refuel ship was a nice big build! And aerobraking on Jool with an Arkingthaad. That's something I haven't even done. I haven't been to Jool yet, honestly. So points there. And you even also put her down on the VAB. I remember remarking once that I suspected that the Arkingthaad was somehow shrunk, given the second to last picture, but only know just remember I didn't go with a normal sized Arkingthaad haha. Well done, team!

Forum Team 2: Not a full album here, no landings or tour. So I'll focus on the build here. First... I'm gonna call that lifter you built a "snout grabber". I think that's the first time I've ever seen someone lift something by the nose. And it works! It appears to work really well! That's something I've never considered. It's actually towing the leg modules. That's a new one on me! I like your tug, also. I can't give you full marks without tour or landing, but you put her together in orbit! Remember how many folks couldn't. So, kudos! If you got more pictures of the assembly you can add to that imgur album, be sure to do so! I'd like to see more of what you put together.

Forum Team 3: First team to do both photo album so I can check my memory, and a high production value youtube video. Well done on the latter, by the way! Ok, on to the build: I absolutely like the rover-booster-docking-system with what I'll call the high-five dock point reinforcement system. Drive 'em over, latch 'em on, high-five, and launch. Beautiful simplicity. The docking seemed a bit like trouble. I got the impression you were used to things just snapping into place. I can't help but wonder if more ports would've locked if you lined them up a bit better before pressing them in. But regardless, you absolutely got the job done! The landing was good, though I cringed at how well she didn't hold together. That being my fault, again. The bouncyness of the legs were no surprise hehe... I did drop a hint, when I mentioned that the legs were capable of handling the weight of a fully fueled ship in Kerbin gravity. With less fuel and less gravity? Sproing? SPROING! And finally you were also the only team that also showed "bloopers" or more specifically, builds you attempted that didn't pan out. Thank you!

And absolutely...

Honorable Mention: Allhuran! Buddy, loved the video, I love how you tackled it anyway, despite almost assuredly the challenge being a major pain in the arse. And then to record it, edit it, et cetera, on such a rough time limitation. And as a solo act! Well done, man. I've added the video to my favorites list. Buildwise? What the [expletive deleted] can I say? I love big builds, and I almost had a pico-stroke when that first bolt-on spaceplane rolled out. The wheel reinforcement was a stroke of genius. You even built different spaceplanes for the different sized parts! You make me regret not dabbling with spaceplanes more. And the micro RCS tugs you coopt the docking ports with? Another well thought out idea. And finally, you didn't land it, but I'm not gonna fault ya, since you were intent on keeping a promise you made. You've earned all the kudos-es.

Finally, anyone else take a stab at this? I don't care if you succeeded or not, lemmie see what ya built! It's the builds I wanna see, for good, and for ill.

And if I had a camera and was in any way photogenic, I'd post a GIF of myself bowing to you all and then clapping. I'd be smiling, too, but you wouldn't see because beard. Everyone, be proud of the work you did. You have no reasons not to. I wish the other two reddit teams would post what they made, even though they didn't complete the challenge. I'd still like to see what you could come up with!

Edited July 10, 2014 by Whackjob

[Xacktar]

There is so much I want to say in response to your review, Whack... and I can't until voting is closed.

[HafCoJoe]

Finally, anyone else take a stab at this? I don't care if you succeeded or not, lemmie see what ya built! It's the builds I wanna see, for good, and for ill.

I posted how I launched one leg but it crashed after that and I didn't continue. Idk if you've seen it yet or not but definitely on the ill side as it didn't reach a full orbit before floaty problems. It's on a few pages back.

Anyways if any of you want to try this challenge "ULTRA-mini" scale I'm posting a challenge. I'll quote your rule WhackJob and if you could somehow endorse it that might help get more players. Everyone who did not get to participate in the cup but wants to, THIS is a challenge for you.

Edited July 10, 2014 by Avera9eJoe

[iClarion]

Reddit (Kerb-O-Nautix!): Hah! I love how you, in at first at least, just put the parts on the Mun in the same orientation. Then land the parts. Then... then things get interesting. First, let me say that I LOVE the idea of using jacks like that to give you room to work. Excellent thinking. The approach seems to be minimalist efficiency... different parts to alter the capabilities of the actual parts, and using the actual parts to get to actual space. Some assembly issues in space, but I can't fault you for that one, everyone hit those with the docking ports. The tour was nice, and you did put her down on Minmus. And what can I say? The arch-shot had to have taken some doing. And of course, an excellent powered landing on the VAB heliport. Well done! What I heart: The jacks, the vehicles that add modules, the arch shot.

Thanks a million Whack!

The Munar arch-shot - LOADS of quicksaving/quickloading. Same with the VAB landing:

**alright we're sitting at 648 fuel, lets turn 30 degrees and burn till 600. K it's a little off to the north, far off to the east. Quickload. Let's try 35 and stop at 590.** etc. etc. over and over.

My teammate chicknblender took great care in his tour piloting, and then I came along and just bashed the thing into Minmus burning off a TON of carefully conserved fuel Figured it was a fitting thing to do with the ship... I wanted to go BRAHHHHHHH!! the whole time. Such a baadaass craft.

Kind of a shame we didn't have any competition, but I'm half-glad we didn't know till the end so we could still put out as good a submission as we were capable of in the time frame.

I can't compliment your challenge enough! Thanks for the comments and the challenge!