Extending docking port.

[Trewor007]

Hi.

I'm looking for a extendible tube part (1.25m) for my Duna base project. Something like expanoTubes from the MKS mod but i need to be able to put a docking port on its far end. If someone knows where i can find such a thing i will be very grateful.

[Engineer of Stuff]

You could use something from Infernal Robotics.

EDIT: It says Do not attach IR parts directly to docking ports. It will make your life miserable. You have been warned! Duh. How did I miss that.

Edited January 12, 2015 by Engineer Of Stuff

[Alshain]

I fear that any mod will run into the same complication as IR.

[J.Random]

There are extendable docking ports in ChakaMonkey and ERS.

Edit: word of advice, though: just use flexotubes (MKS/OKS + KAS). Docking ports lag like mad when there's a lot of them.

Edited January 12, 2015 by J.Random

[Engineer of Stuff]

I fear that any mod will run into the same complication as IR.

Why? What is the problem?

[Master Tao]

As far as any of us can tell, it's related to how the vessel tree structure changes when you dock. KSP will completely reroot your craft from the docking port. This means IR parts become attached backwards and messes with the movement logic. IR movement depends on parts being oriented in a particular direction from the root. While it should be possible to write a plugin that handles rerooting and bidirectional movement, I believe that it would complicate things quite a bit.

[Trewor007]

maybe i point it out a little bit wrong. i dont want to move stuff with that port, i want to find a part that behaves like these:

so upon activating the part will extend (4m or so) and than the docking port will be active.

J.Random flexotubes give me a strange physic glitch from time to time upon after i get back to the scene. (my base kinda fall under the surface)

[klesh]

You dont want to do it with IR parts?

Edit: ahh, I see, you want an extending tube, like a concertina perhaps?

[Trewor007]

I've done a version with uses 2 telescopic pistons, a fuselage part covering those pistons and a docking port on it.

That kinda works but im worried about the part count because that's 3x piston + 3x fuselage part for each extending port (+1 docking port) so if my station core has those on 4 sides that is 24 parts just for extending (28 with docking ports) additional 2 farm modules that's another 28 parts not to mention drill units habitation modules and rest will sum that up to 160+ parts just for connecting.

I heard of this mod that welds parts together lowering the part count but i don't know if it will work with IR.

Edited January 13, 2015 by Trewor007

[artwhaley]

To narrow down what you're looking for -

Do you want to be able to extend/retract while there's something docked to the port?

Or do you just want it to be able to stow away when not in use, but be extended anytime something is docked?

Moving while something is attached to the port will require an IR piece. But if it just needs to move BEFORE something attaches to it, then a simple animation will work...

[Trewor007]

It needs to move before its going to be attached. its just to save space in the fairing. once connected it will never move again.

[DigitalProeliator]

You may want to look at LLL extending CBM. It can extends out around 1.5 meters or retract on command and acts as a docking port. Mod also has alot of other useful parts for making nice looking bases.

[Trewor007]

Yes that is a nice part, i will be still looking for something longer, but this is something i can work with. Thanks!

[Jeremy_Clarkson]

On 1/13/2015 at 5:25 AM, Trewor007 said:

Hi.

I'm looking for a extendible tube part (1.25m) for my Duna base project. Something like expanoTubes from the MKS mod but i need to be able to put a docking port on its far end. If someone knows where i can find such a thing i will be very grateful.

Have you heard of Making History?

[fourfa]

Since Making History came out in 2018, and the question was asked in 2015 - probably not....