Docking Port Alignment Actuator 1.0 (aka rotating one docked object vs another)

[inigma]

Im not a modder. I dont have the time, but I wanted to ask if a modder could make an GUI option at the cost of power, to rotate the alignment between two docked bodies, no undocking required. Imagine simply selecting a docked node and hitting a key that cranks or powers the rotation of a docked object (preferably rotating the one with lowest comparative mass)? Imagine perfectly aligned station modules, docked ships, and more! How popular would such a plugin be? Could it be done?

Call it Docking Port Alignment Actuator and offer it as a complement to Navyfish, and introduce no new parts so games remain stock, and I'lll be a happy man.

Thoughts? Feasible?

Edited September 18, 2014 by inigma

[Xaiier]

Hmm, well it should be possible. It would require a plugin to select and rotate parts/joints as necessary, but I have no clue how that might be done.

[sirkut]

Hmm, well it should be possible. It would require a plugin to select and rotate parts/joints as necessary, but I have no clue how that might be done.

Use Infernal Robotics. I have parts called docking washers that do exactly this feature.

[Xaiier]

Use Infernal Robotics. I have parts called docking washers that do exactly this feature.

Ah yes, those would work, however he requested that it add no new parts and keep the game stock. Is is possible to replicate IR behavior with just a plugin and some tricky fiddling?

[Alewx]

Nertea wanted to create such a mod for his Stationparts Expansion. But asaik he currently is doing something else, and has no time for this particular feature.

[inigma]

All we are talking about is adjusting the orientation of a docked object in the persistence file correct?

[Alewx]

All we are talking about is adjusting the orientation of a docked object in the persistence file correct?

I think it is not that simple because as you rotate the dockingport you have to adjust the position of all the parts that follow it and accordingly change their rotation.

It might work, but I'm doubtful.

[Alshain]

I think it is not that simple because as you rotate the dockingport you have to adjust the position of all the parts that follow it and accordingly change their rotation.

It might work, but I'm doubtful.

Not if you rotate the attached part in the opposite direction by the same amount. Everything attached to the part that is attached to the docking port should keep it's relation to that one part. So rotate the dock one way, and the part it's attached to the other way. The port will move but the craft will stay still.

EDIT, this assumes round ports. For the inline and the new Mk 2 inline from SP+, your on your own.

Edited September 18, 2014 by Alshain

[inigma]

Round Docking Port Alignment Actuator? I think a lot of KSP engineers would be fine with that limitation. Anything at this point to avoid the tedium that drives OCD station builders to spend hours realigning docked modules and spacecraft.

[Padishar]

Unfortunately, it isn't quite that simple (is it ever?)... You are wanting to move parts while the ship is being physically simulated which means you have to do things in a way that plays nicely with the physics (or else you cheat by putting the craft on rails, moving stuff and then taking it off again, but this has its own problems when the craft is stressed out of natural alignment).

What happens if the rotation of a docked port is constrained by other parts of the ship, e.g. what would happen if you tried to rotate one of the docked ports on this?

I've been meaning to investigate the possibility of a simple toggle that changes the physical joint type of docked ports between the current "fully locked" type and one that allows free rotation only about the dock axis. This would allow me to dock these stations together quite roughly (close enough that the ports do manage to dock but are under stress) and then free the rotation of all the ports and the structure would settle itself down...

As it isn't trying to force the rotation, just allow it, it wouldn't require electricity (or any other power source) which will also simplify the coding...

[inigma]

An object that is multidocked should not be permitted to rotate then? Perhaps the mod should check for this? Else I agree with your unlocked docking port idea allowing free rotation. No power necessary as I suppose a Kerbal could be using a handcrank inside.

Edited September 18, 2014 by inigma

[inigma]

Who would be interested in using this mod?

[Alewx]

I would really like to have this as a module to add to every docking port. to get nice aligned docked ships and stations.