Orientation when using multiple command modules and/or mounting the horizontally

[pearldrumbum]

It seems to be a guessing game whenever I build something with multiple command pods facing different directions or if I mount them horizontally (for example a horizontal lander). Is there a way to predict or change which direction the navball sees as 'up' and 'down'?

[Vanamonde]

There is no way to give one control part precedence during construction. In flight, you can right click on a capsule or probe core and choose "control from here," but it isn't permanent. If you switch to any capsule's IVA view, the last capsule visited becomes the new orientation for the navball.

[CalMacDa]

There is no way to give one control part precedence during construction. In flight, you can right click on a capsule or probe core and choose "control from here," but it isn't permanent. If you switch to any capsule's IVA view, the last capsule visited becomes the new orientation for the navball.

Correctumundo. You can do this with docking ports to help with docking and some other things I cannot remember. I remember the first time I had trouble with this... I restarted the game 10 times thinking it was a software issue... D:

[pearldrumbum]

So how does the game decide which one takes over at launch time? Nearest to the top? Whatever is placed first? Last?

[Camorda]

Yeah I am having trouble figuring this out as well... when I put a flying rover on top of a lander mechjeb goes all nuts

[Laie]

So how does the game decide which one takes over at launch time? Nearest to the top? Whatever is placed first? Last?

Usually the first manned pod, if available. Otherwise the root part (regardless of whether it's a controlling part or not).

If you place several pods with symmetry, the first one is the one you put in place. Siblings that are placed through symmetry are secondaries.

After docking and especially after un-docking, vessels are often restructured. This may upset fuel flow, and control usually goes to the first command part in the re-ordered list.

[juanml82]

There is a mod which opens a lot more option in the action group editor, including "control for here" for command pods which can be of a lot of help in those situations. The problem is, I don't remember that mod's name.