Docing Computer(s)

[Pest]

First, I'd like to mention that the current docking computer is not worth buying. It creeps into the station and fails to dock to the pad even a few metres apart from it.

Once this basic function is fixed, the following levels/rates of docking computer would be nice:

- F: As now. Stop before Station. Automated landing.
- E: As F, but quicker.
- D: As F, plus being able to launch out of the station, too. Once the station is cleared, pilot has to take control.
- C: As D, but quicker.
- B: As C, with the additional feature of aligning the ship towards the selected target system/station.
- A: Once target is selected (implies beeing able to select not just a system but a station in a system upfront). It launches, flies out of the station. Takes the route to the selected system (maybe no fuel scooping). Approaches the pre-selected station and docks. Can be interrupted anytime.

What do other commanders think about this?
I know... flying is all the fun. But sometimes.... I'm quite lazy.

 

[Zyana]

Too good to be true, now we need only wait to coders pull all hairs out of their head, trying to program perfect auto-pilot.

 

[Pest]

Too good to be true, now we need only wait to coders pull all hairs out of their head, trying to program perfect auto-pilot.

The coding fo that should be in already. The NPCs launch, dock etc.
It would be as if you would be handing over the ship to an NPC - sort of. ;-)

 

[foxpur]

I hasten to point out there ARE some very valid reason to use the docking computer...
Don't assume just because it doesn't operate to the specs YOU like make it unusable to other.

 

[schuesseled]

i would definetly get it if it could teleport (cut scene) you into the station avoiding docking request denied rubbish. Otherwise, ill just dock meself.

 

[dreadlord]

Thats sounds good, maybe add an option to skip docking cinematics, so that after autodocking/ undocking at a station you just appear in the station or space outside the station.

 

[warlock]

Remember also that at the moment its only a basic docking computer so im presuming that leaves a little room for maybe an advanced docking computer at some point.

 

[Pest]

I hasten to point out there ARE some very valid reason to use the docking computer...
Don't assume just because it doesn't operate to the specs YOU like make it unusable to other.

So... what specs do you want or see reasonable?

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...skip docking cinematics, so that after autodocking/ undocking at a station you just appear in the station or space outside the station.

Well game time cannot be shortened I assume.
I would enjoy the ride and maybe I need to exit from autopilot for some reason (seeing a prey).

 

[Stoo]

Can we have a better 'A' grade, where it launches and immediately docks at the destination system (within a 500LY radius). And an auto-trader would be nice too.

 

[Kramster]

The actual docking manoeuvres and speed were mentioned in beta but nothing was changed, I agree that it is too slow and too quirky in it's current state.
It should get better with upgrades.
.
However I don't use the docking computer, as I don't trust it, it is not unknown for it to get you killed.
This risk to it's use is, I believe, is a design decision to remove the 'afk' docking potential i.e. you still need to keep an eye on it.
This risk factor should remain or it will allow a part of the game to not require the player to actually be present.

 

[alexios]

Can we have a better 'A' grade, where it launches and immediately docks at the destination system (within a 500LY radius). And an auto-trader would be nice too.

And an auto-fighter, and an auto-miner, and an auto-explorer. In fact, let's just let the computer play the game and we can log in once a month to check on its progress. Or we could dispense with all of this and have an insta-win option. (yes, I am being a little sarcastic )

 

[Cherry2blost]

See... Now this us typical of gaming communities in general... A vocal minority will shout for purism... While those who wish to play more of a casual nature are left by the wayside... Personally I see no issue wiry a docking system that allows the player to pop to the loo... Make a cup of rosy or whatever while waiting... Also autopilot... What on earth is wrong with locking onto a target station and having auto pilot take you there...allowing you to converse with comrades via comma... Plot your next trade run...fiddle with settings etc etc... Why in 3300 would we need to be hands on 100% of the time.... Believe it or not in 2014 our airliners spend most of their journeys on auto pilot... So why can't a space ship? Why is it so impure to have this feature.... Maybe have an option to disable it in single player mode... That way you lonely geeks can play purely hands on to your hearts content and enjoy... While the rest if us chat with friends drink tea and have a generally better time of the game than staring at a slowly reducing distance number for 15 minutes.....roll on AP roll on Auto dock....if you happen to be not in hands on mode and get interdictd then you are gonna have to learn to at least be in view... But AP will improve the game experience for the majority...

 

[Pest]

However I don't use the docking computer, as I don't trust it, it is not unknown for it to get you killed.
This risk to it's use is, I believe, is a design decision to remove the 'afk' docking potential i.e. you still need to keep an eye on it.
This risk factor should remain or it will allow a part of the game to not require the player to actually be present.

I totally agree. It is still meant as an *optional* component which one may or may not install in his/her ship.

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...And an auto-fighter, and an auto-miner, and an auto-explorer...

Seems like you haven't noticed the turret beam laser set on "fire at will". It does most of the fighting. It is already there. All you have to do is to select a target...

Those "tools" will / should have their limitations and must be watched. I don't want a instant hop from here to there...
The docking computer may be very suitable for an Orca or other larger ships too. If reasonably priced ... say 20 million for an A rated - why not?

 

[Pest]

... Plot your next trade run...fiddle with settings etc etc... Why in 3300 would we need to be hands on 100% of the time.... Believe it or not in 2014 our airliners spend most of their journeys on auto pilot... So why can't a space ship? Why is it so impure to have this feature....

Nice arguments. Thanks.

 

[edd]

The actual docking manoeuvres and speed were mentioned in beta but nothing was changed, I agree that it is too slow and too quirky in it's current state.
It should get better with upgrades.
.
However I don't use the docking computer, as I don't trust it, it is not unknown for it to get you killed.
This risk to it's use is, I believe, is a design decision to remove the 'afk' docking potential i.e. you still need to keep an eye on it.
This risk factor should remain or it will allow a part of the game to not require the player to actually be present.

Mine has never got me killed, but it seems to me you should have zeroed insurance excess for ship loss due to anything but security service action while the docking computer is engaged. Would have the added benefit of protecting you from other dangerous drivers...

 

[DarQik]

The docking computer is crap, but functional. When flying a hauler without shields, it will do damage every time as it smashes down hard on the landing pads. Granted it was doing less than I was, which is why I switched to it.

I would very much like it to clear me out of the station too. If I need the docking computer to dock me in, I probably want it to dock me OUT too. Fly me straight out and turn off after clearing the station by 500-1,000 km, leaving me throttled up in a straight line.


While the super auto flight modes would be nice, I'd be playing while reading or watching something else. At which point, I'm not really playing anymore. Space trucking may make credits, but it's awfully boring.

 

[Kramster]

Mine has never got me killed, but it seems to me you should have zeroed insurance excess for ship loss due to anything but security service action while the docking computer is engaged. Would have the added benefit of protecting you from other dangerous drivers...

Unless they have reworked the docking computer Ai, which I doubt, it killed a few people in beta/gamma.
I advise you don't trust it enough to leave it unattended.

 

[Albus Prinz]

Why in 3300 would we need to be hands on 100% of the time.... Believe it or not in 2014 our airliners spend most of their journeys on auto pilot... So why can't a space ship? Why is it so impure to have this feature.... Maybe have an option to disable it in single player mode... That way you lonely geeks can play purely hands on to your hearts content and enjoy... While the rest if us chat with friends drink tea and have a generally better time of the game than staring at a slowly reducing distance number for 15 minutes.....roll on AP roll on Auto dock....if you happen to be not in hands on mode and get interdictd then you are gonna have to learn to at least be in view... But AP will improve the game experience for the majority...

I agree. Even some cars nowadays do have already some sort of built-in driving assistance which breaks and holds distance to cars in front. In 3300, it should be possible to leave this sort of routine navigation between stations to the computer. I'm not a teenager with such a plenty of time and would like to use my game time (and brain) more effectively, e.g. for checking market prices (https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=88116), reading or chat.