IJKL HN translation keys not working

[BatmanNC]

I am trying to dock and I cannot seem to slow down without turn the ship and firing retro-grade. I have checked my translation key setup and it is correctly setup to IJKL HN keys, but none of them seem to work. My ASDW Shift/Cntl keys work the RCS side work OK, but I can never slow down when I get close. I have the 4-thruster RCS on my ship, but I was wondering if I need to install something else for my IJKL HN keys to work the translation side of my docking maneuver? (note: I am staying in Staging mode to try and perform my dock) I just keep on flying by my "space station". There is probably already a thread discussion this, but I cannot find it. Any, and all, help would be appreciated.

Edited January 6, 2015 by BatmanNC
update the prefix

[DeMatt]

Have you A) provided fuel for your RCS blocks, in the form of Monopropellant tanks like the FL-R25, and turned them on using the R key (there's a green light on the upper-left side of the Navball that will light up)?

[worir4]

Try right click on the thruster blocks and make sure that they are enabled.

[The Yellow Dart]

Also make sure you aren't in docking mode. That changes the translation controls to the wasd keys.

[razark]

Just to be sure, are the thrusters firing when you use the keys?

What speed are you approaching your target at?

Perhaps the speed is too high and the thrusters don't have the thrust to slow you down in time?

[Red Iron Crown]

I have the 4-thruster RCS on my ship, but I was wondering if I need to install something else for my IJKL HN keys to work the translation side of my docking maneuver?

Is there only one of the 4-way thrusters on your ship? For translation to work sensibly requires four of them at least.

[Vanamonde]

It would probably help to see a picture of your ship, in which the RCS thrusters are clearly visible.

[BatmanNC]

I will definitely get a pic on here, but to answer some of the questions:

1) I am definitely in Stage mode and not dock mode

2) I don't see anything coming out of the 4-block thrusters when using the IJKL HN keys

3) I get my target speed down to .5 m/s about 100 meters from the target and the HN key doesn't go forward or backward to speed me up or slow me down (the IJKL keys don't do anything either)

4) I think I have enough mono propellant, but I will check. A QUESTION about this, will my ASDF keys work if I don't have mono left?)

[BatmanNC]

I have 4 of them up towards the top and 4 towards the bottom.

[Liowen]

I will definitely get a pic on here, but to answer some of the questions:

1) I am definitely in Stage mode and not dock mode

2) I don't see anything coming out of the 4-block thrusters when using the IJKL HN keys

3) I get my target speed down to .5 m/s about 100 meters from the target and the HN key doesn't go forward or backward to speed me up or slow me down (the IJKL keys don't do anything either)

4) I think I have enough mono propellant, but I will check. A QUESTION about this, will my ASDF keys work if I don't have mono left?)

Well reaction wheels will move the craft through ASDF (QE) with or without mono prop, so that might explain that. By chance do you have your caps lock turned on? If so it will use mono prop but the effect you are looking for will not be present and everything will be slower, fine control makes RCS go even slower than normal. It is just a thought just by the looks of what is here, maybe the picture will reveal more though.

[BatmanNC]

Thanks to everyone. Apparently I did not understand reaction wheels and mono prop. I had some, but I had RCS turned on while lift off and when I got into orbit, I did not have any left for the IJKL keys.

THanks again.... time to update my craft and try again...

[Liowen]

Thanks to everyone. Apparently I did not understand reaction wheels and mono prop. I had some, but I had RCS turned on while lift off and when I got into orbit, I did not have any left for the IJKL keys.

THanks again.... time to update my craft and try again...

To quote Homer Simpson, "DOH!". I bet you hit the R key when toggling on the SAS, I have done that a few times myself and if is frustrating.