Docking Port Angle Snap

[DarthRiko]

While my current station has served me well for a long time, it does bug me that the mirrored solar arrays are not angled exactly right.

What methods can I use to ensure precise angles when docking? I have considered using TVR Stack Couplers like this to ensure exact 60/90/180 degree connections. However, I am aware that docking port circles create some complications, so I'd like to see what this forum suggests before I actually go for it.

Edited September 10, 2014 by DarthRiko

[MockKnizzle]

I suggest downloading and using the NavyFish Docking Alignment Indicator mod. It's a plugin that displays all the data needed for an instrument-only docking, including relative rotation angle. Just make sure the angle indicator reads 0 or some multiple of 90 and you're good to go, without needing to bother with multi-port docking and higher part counts.

[Claw]

If your docked item has fine rotation control (such as RCS or torque) by itself, you can undock it, rotate it slightly before it gets too far away, then quicksave/quickload. This resets the docking ports and the magnets will pull it back together. As the magnets pull it together, you can also fiddle with the controls to get it connected very (very) close. (at least in my experience) You can see an example below. Yes, MechJeb is in the picture. No, MJ did not do the docking.

I have also built "guides" out of modular girders or cubic struts. They can help with alignment, but can also cause weird problems (clipping and kickback) when docking if you don't handle them nicely.

Cheers,

~Claw

[Kasuha]

I don't think multidocks cause any problems but they are not very helpful to align docked parts, you just can't rely on magnetism to align them - the proces ends when first port docks, the rest only dock if they happen to be facing their counterpart after the "new ship" is resolved. You have to work on that alignment anyway.

You can align the two parts either by eye (it is quite possible) or rely on some helping tools such as docking alignment indicator or docking ports that can be turned around when already docked.

[Red Iron Crown]

Modular Rocket Systems has a Docking Helper part that makes judging port alignment easier, even in the dark. Put one on each docking port and align the red dots, perfect alignment every time.

[einsteiner]

I just got done working on a plugin to snap a docked joint to the nearest multiple of 45 degrees. It's very rough, I only ever really intended it for personal use. If you like I can PM it and instructions to you.

[DarthRiko]

I found out that Mechjeb has a "Force Roll" on it's Autodock. I'll just be using that for angle-sensitive docking. Thanks for the suggestions.