Probe Hibernation / deactivation mod?

[SirJodelstein]

Two requests, not sure if such mods exist:

1. Is there a mod that lets me "switch off" probe cores? Switched off cores should provide no control, but also use no charges (or at a very reduced rate). Reactivation via context menu/action should only be possible if other active control sources exist on the vessel (or maybe via EVA).

2. Is there a mod that lets allows timed hibernation of probe cores? Should work similar to the above "switch off", just with automatic reactivation after a certain time set by the user on activation of the hibernation mode?

Think Rosetta and Philiae lander. The satellite had a timed hibernation, and the lander was switched off for most of the flight, and is activated via a command from the satellite/control center.

If no such mods exist, i might have to invent a mod that does both Switch on/off should be available for any probe, and maybe a part ("hibernation clock") for the timed hibernation feature. To all those talented 3D modellers out there - i could probably use a model for that part, feel free to submit your ideas

[T-Pilot395]

I think you can easily simulate probe shutdown by turning off electric charge flow...least that's how I do it.

Unless you're the kind that throws battery packs over every single inch of space craft.

[SirJodelstein]

I think you can easily simulate probe shutdown by turning off electric charge flow...least that's how I do it.

Well, if i turn off all the batteries, all probe cores will die and i have no way of reactivating it (without abusing the bug that lets you toggle batteries on otherwise non-controllable vessels). I want all but one core inactive during interplanetary cruise.

Unless you're the kind that throws battery packs over every single inch of space craft.

Guilty as charged, in my tech-tree electric charge is used as a balancing factor, and generation options come very late. This is why i'd like to bring a second switched-off probe core for a lander.

[undercoveryankee]

You'd have to replace ModuleCommand with a subclass. It's possible, but getting everything that checks for ModuleCommand to do the right thing without breaking would be a challenge.

[SirJodelstein]

actually, its rather simple and I already have a working version of the on/off switch. A simple PartModule with a toggle-event. Including change of the consumption rate the whole thing is less than 100 lines. I will use that for TinkerTech, but if anyone is interested in making a standalone mod out of it just go ahead.

        public override void OnUpdate()
        {
            if (vessel != null && hibernating)
                part.isControlSource = false; 
        }

The timed version requires a little more work in the GUI department (time input) but is technically also quite easy.