Increase default CONIC_PATCH_LIMIT

[Kasuha]

Yes I know it can be changed manually but it is not readily available in settings and you must go and edit a text file to fix that. And it is one of few things I really have to go and edit every time a new release comes out.

The main reason is, while the current limit of 3 seems to be sufficient for most purposes, it becomes totally wrecking if you're planning a transfer burn and Mun, Ike, or Tylo appear in the way. The trajectory just ends at SOI boundary and you have no idea where you'll be flying after that. While in reality, getting a gravity kick off Ike or Tylo might be welcome reduction of dv necessary to make the transfer.

Personally I have very good experience with value of 6 and that's what I suggest as the new default. But it would definitely help even if it was increased just by 1.

[Red Iron Crown]

I agree with this simple change to the game defaults. Better still would be a method to change it and conic patch mode in game, but a higher default would be a near-effortless improvement.

[thereaverofdarkness]

I have no idea how to change it. I run the game on a critically underperforming machine--even with graphics settings at very minimalistic levels, I experience slowing at under 100 parts even when the rocket is completely stable. But I highly doubt that increasing the patch limit to 6 would hamper this rig's ability to calculate trajectories quickly and painlessly. Trajectory calculation is one of those things that happens fast and smooth even on my old hamster wheel. I'd really like to be able to see a few more steps ahead by default.

[MartGonzo]

hopefully precisenode or something similar will get implemented at some point. it allows the conics mode and patch limit to be changed on the fly.

[Sirrobert]

I have no idea how to change it. I run the game on a critically underperforming machine--even with graphics settings at very minimalistic levels, I experience slowing at under 100 parts even when the rocket is completely stable. But I highly doubt that increasing the patch limit to 6 would hamper this rig's ability to calculate trajectories quickly and painlessly. Trajectory calculation is one of those things that happens fast and smooth even on my old hamster wheel. I'd really like to be able to see a few more steps ahead by default.

I'm pritty sure it makes no difference no.

To change it you need to edit the setings.cfg file directly. You're looking for the line that sais "CONIC_PATCH_LIMIT".

While you're at it, take a look at "CONIC_PATCH_DRAW_MODE", it changes how the trajectories are projected. Some people prefere other modes. Explanation on the different modes here

On topic: We'll need to be able to change it directly in game at some point yes. Until than, I agree that increasing by 1 would do more good than harm, so do it

[Coccalime]

Definitely should be added to the settings window, but there should be a disclaimer about the accuracy of the nodes after each encounter. I remember reading before that if the number is increased too high the paths become very inaccurate.

[Kasuha]

Definitely should be added to the settings window, but there should be a disclaimer about the accuracy of the nodes after each encounter. I remember reading before that if the number is increased too high the paths become very inaccurate.

Well yes, physics engine adds some "wiggle" to your trajectory with each frame, it used to be a problem to even hit Eeloo SOI from across the system - even though no more than two patches were needed to show the trajectory. This has been vastly improved with 0.23.5 release though and trajectories are way more stable since then. Also each SOI crossing adds some numerical inaccuracy, as the resulting trajectory is affected by time warp level you use to pass the boundary.

In my experience, even before the 0.23.5 vast improvement, more than 3 patches were needed to play the game seriously. Physics-induced inaccuracy is visible - you can see the trajectory is shaking after certain point. It's pointless to put maneuvers on that shaking end. But you can still see the general direction in which you are going, you can affect it by RCS bursts for negligible amounts of fuel and you can get rid of the inaccuracy with corrections as you get closer. While if you can't see where you're going at all, it's a disaster.

[DocMoriarty]

Yes i'd like to see this too, higher default and added to options is the way to go.

[Coccalime]

You're totally right, i just think a small warning should be put next to the option if it is added to the settings menu, that way people wont just turn it up to 20 patches and complain that the trajectory was wrong.