The Docking Computer thread.

[CMDR RAY-ZOR'SHARP]

Like others I do drop the DC when needed as manual docking is not hard and contrary to the presumptuous, narrow minded anti-docking computer brigade, "difficulty" is certainly not the reason I use the DC whenever possible. After spending hours playing there is nothing better than using the DC and being able to just get up and do whatever you need (fill in your own need) without being welded to the keyboard for every last second.

The DC is the best player utility ever and should be fitted as standard without using a valuable bay and given and on/off function by the fuel scoop and landing gear display.

SJA is the bomb with her AI development, long may she reign.

 

[Zenith]

I got a DC when I got my Python because I didn't want to ding the paintwork on my first docking.

It turns out that the DC feels like a screaming thrill park ride!
"Ummm, going a bit fast for the slot... JEEZ that was close. Landing gear. LANDING GEAR. For all that is holy DROP THE LANDING GEAR!!! Nonononono... too fast, TOO FAST! Oh! The ship is landed!"

I still prefer the personal touch, but I can see a DC being useful with the big ships.

 

[tutike]

Yep, need to remember we are landing on legs, not wheels. No rolling contact.

Well, as long as you've got enough shields you can pretend you've got wheels

 

[lemny]

Yep, need to remember we are landing on legs, not wheels. No rolling contact.

Anything's a wheel if you're brave enough. ;-)

 

[Hurricane Moon]

the only time I use it is when docking my annie...
or a t9 back in the early days.

anything else is easy

 

[Sarah Jane Avory]

I got a DC when I got my Python because I didn't want to ding the paintwork on my first docking.

It turns out that the DC feels like a screaming thrill park ride!
"Ummm, going a bit fast for the slot... JEEZ that was close. Landing gear. LANDING GEAR. For all that is holy DROP THE LANDING GEAR!!! Nonononono... too fast, TOO FAST! Oh! The ship is landed!"

I still prefer the personal touch, but I can see a DC being useful with the big ships.

I have to say... this made me laugh! I still say I'm proud of the outpost landings. Wonder if I can make it go faster? Yeah, probably...

 

[KaizoMK]

Like others I do drop the DC when needed as manual docking is not hard and contrary to the presumptuous, narrow minded anti-docking computer brigade, "difficulty" is certainly not the reason I use the DC whenever possible. After spending hours playing there is nothing better than using the DC and being able to just get up and do whatever you need (fill in your own need) without being welded to the keyboard for every last second.

The DC is the best player utility ever and should be fitted as standard without using a valuable bay and given and on/off function by the fuel scoop and landing gear display.https://forums.frontier.co.uk/images/smilies/vbsmileys/smile.png

SJA is the bomb with her AI development, long may she reign.https://forums.frontier.co.uk/images/smilies/vbsmileys/smile.png

I would be okay if this were added to the cost of every ship, with a toggle for the docking computer. But I'll gladly give up my lowest slot for the DC.

I'm frustrated when I want to smuggle, because my method of getting through the mailbox is zeroing out my throttle and manually thrusting...which doesn't work with the DC.

 

[The Librarian]

I must admit that the only time I turn off the DC on my Python is when I need to get into a station quick to avoid scanning. It cannot be beaten without breaking the speed limit, which it can do with impunity, and it it most definitely the King (or Queen) of outpost landings (no more trying to spot which pad is the right one, which way round it is etc. to try and get a good approach path).

Keep up the good work SJA, it's nice to have a vocal Dev on the boards.

 

[CMDR Darkler]

Actually I would not mind a couple of "zero" space slots (for example DC as mentioned, but also for basic discovery scanner - the advanced one would take up slots as usual)

 

[jacozilla]

I would be okay if this were added to the cost of every ship, with a toggle for the docking computer. But I'll gladly give up my lowest slot for the DC.

I'm frustrated when I want to smuggle, because my method of getting through the mailbox is zeroing out my throttle and manually thrusting...which doesn't work with the DC.

I use the line up and boost or silent running coast methods for smuggling, so hasnt come up re: zeroing out throttle but i get your point - if thats the issue though, cant you:

a) toggle DC off on systems panel like anything else? (Havent tried so just asking)

b) another example of learning from the sneaky DC - you can effectively zero out your velocity without neccessarily zeroing out your thrust. Just reduce thrust/throttle a bit while you concurrently slam full reverse thrusters

- - - Updated - - -

Actually I would not mind a couple of "zero" space slots (for example DC as mentioned, but also for basic discovery scanner - the advanced one would take up slots as usual)

Ditto. I dont mind the 500 LY function of the basic discovery scanner taking up a lot, it adds to the ship config decisions we need to make - but it does seem really weird to not even be able to target a star to scan it from unexplored to explored without a basic discovery scanner installed

i found out running without basic scanner lately that you cant even target celestial objects to close scan them without having the module installed.

 

[Angus Thermopyle]

I would love to see the docking computer moved to the Functions tab as opposed to occupying an internal slot. Has this ever been considered or discussed?

 

[BO55 VXR]

Is the docking computer any good?

...as per title

 

[DanTheMan]

Wonderful. I get all my comfort-breaks that way ;-)

 

[Alimorae]

Depends on what you mean by good. Does it dock you, yes. It can sometimes get buggy depending on how busy the station is. I always fly through the slot myself and then let the computer do the rest. Just remember our doesn't kick in until you have requested docking permission and throttled down to 0

 

[mavrac]

Ask yourself this, would you rather have a cut scene of your ship landing Like say Destiny or do you want to do it yourself? When planet landing comes around do you want to control this or auto pilot to do it? Do you like an auto transmission or manual haha

I won't use it. This is a sim and i want all the control they will allow me, but thats just me

Is is good? it does its job, and plays music like an elevator lol

 

[Knot2clever]

It was my favourite item back in Elite and remains my favourite item in Elite Dangerous.

When the music starts the kettle goes on, it has NEVER let me down, ever (at least when I was AFK).

 

[Realgent]

Personally I would use the slot for something more useful

 

[mark0ne]

I have used a docking computer on the PC and now xbox one and I have never had a problem. Maybe I have just been lucky. I set it going about 6k out and sit back and relax to the beautiful classical Blue Danube. It will even sit patiently in a queue waiting for a gap in traffic. But I do mainly play in solo, so I have never used one with unpredictable human pilots around....

 

[Kavid]

The answer to your question is yes. The AI has come on leaps and bounds.

 

[BO55 VXR]

Holy schmoly.. I bought one and it landed in like 10 seconds!!! usually takes me a couple on minutes .... a keeper me thinks