Docking / Departure Computers

[jaydrive2000]

Greetings.

Okay, i have already read that some people love the Docking Computer, and some people don't.

For me, it makes the game more enjoyable - why? I suffer a condition called "Benign Essential Tremor" - so if it's playing up, my muscles twitch and spasm and i have no 'active' control over it. Now, whilst i wait on results of a request to receive a small computer to be implanted into my own body to resolve this issue and give me back control of my hands and limbs, the docking computer has taken the stress factor out of landing at ports and stations for me. Now, i've gone and bought a few today and have them in storage in case my ship goes boom again, when you get an irate Flight Controller threatening to open up on you because of loitering in the corridor, you get a bit panicked - and that's when my condition can trigger.

So, getting in is taken care of - getting out, would also be useful for someone like me who is trying to play the game for a bit of relaxation and cruising around running a few courier jobs here and there. So I'm hoping the developers of Elite Dangerous will take note that some of these modules aren't just convienant for some players - but for persons like myself who may have a disability would find these docking computers useful to have the ability to depart from a station on autopilot.

To the developers, i please ask a consideration be made that the docking computers should be able to depart as well.

Thankyou for you time.

-Jaydrive.

 

[Daynen]

Docking computers should've been a standard feature that can be activated at will. It's lunacy that "for insurance purposes, it is illegal to travel without COVAS" but a stable, safe and predictable docking computer is optional gear. That said, I don't see a problem with letting it apply to takeoff as well. It seems to work that way for NPCs after all...

 

[BinakAlgo]

I agree that it should be optional. I mean, in 21st Century real-world we have already drones, some helicopters, and cars that drive/fly and park completely autonomous from human control. By 3300 I would expect that a computer that docks automatically in a space station it wouldn't be bigger than a cellphone. It should be already integrated into a 5 ton ship.

If it can't be optional for any reason, it would be good to move it to a utility mount, I don't understand how something like that would require the full space of even a 1 tier optional internal.

 

[Leadfoot]

I can understand the docking computer portion. The only ship I have one installed into is the anaconda (because the view for me is waaaaay back there instead of up front). I still land on planets manually. I also happen to like the music.

For take-off, what would really be nice is having traffic control actually give directions as "please hold for traffic", "clear to proceed", and "note traffic to your 5 o'clock", etc, i.e, actually be helpful.

Has anyone ever seen how busy Chelomy Orbital can be? Millions of targets, orange, green, and white, so heavy you can't see what is actually where.

 

[trollson]

I see no reason that a Docking Computer should not provide launch and exit from a Station, especially given the accessibility issues that the OP has.

Some issues to consider:

• When does the DC release control (other than pilot taking control)? When it's out of the slot, at the edge of the stations controlled space, or something in-between?
• What state does the DC leave the ship in when it releases control? Stationary, cruising at sub-200ms, which direction?
• Does the DC handle vessel avoidance after leaving the slot? Is there a managed flight path which ships exiting under DC follow?

 

[Ian Doncaster]

• When does the DC release control (other than pilot taking control)? When it's out of the slot, at the edge of the stations controlled space, or something in-between?
• What state does the DC leave the ship in when it releases control? Stationary, cruising at sub-200ms, which direction?
• Does the DC handle vessel avoidance after leaving the slot? Is there a managed flight path which ships exiting under DC follow?

For NPCs heading out, it seems to boost immediately once clear of the slot. I don't see them run into other ships while doing that, but whether that's because the NPC dock/launch cycle means there's rarely anything directly in the way or because they actually look before boosting, I don't know. It would probably make most sense to return player control just before that point, but keep a sub-100ms cruise speed so they don't just stop dead in front of the slot.

There is *somewhat* a risk with a launching computer that the docking side of the cycle the waiting takes place outside the station, so if it takes a while it's fine ... while the launching side the waiting takes place inside the station under the 5 minute departure countdown. I've seen quite a few NPCs get turned into scrap because their launch routine took too long waiting for other ships to clear the queue. It wouldn't be popular if people accumulated rebuys that way.

So for a launching computer they'd either need to always prioritise launch over docking, or make LC-controlled ships (including NPCs) exempt from the timer.

 

[GODofDUTY83]

This docking computer. Is it like the one nasa used to send folk to the moon ? It seems to need the same amount of space to house the thing. Taking up an optional slot is ridiculous. It should be standard on all ships.

I like that idea about autopiloting out of the station.
I never use the thing. Had a go once to hear the music and that was me satisfied with it.
If it makes someones ills more manageable, whos it hurting ?

It would make sense to have it operate as the npcs currently do. Once activated, the player would essentially become an npc and be held in the holding pattern which governs the npcs. Maybe it would be necessary to make the player immune from fines during this activity to prevent players trolling them on exit.
Once exit clearance boost has initiated a short count down would be showed to indicate return to manual.

QoL

 

[Cmdr Beteran]

I think every single ship should have a built-in docking computer whatever the case is. If disliked, it can be turned off from the right panel like you turn on/off your outer lights, for example.
There is no sensible reason to provide this as an optional tool.

And it should pilot the ship out through the letterbox as well. I totally agree with OP.

 

[Eliza]

The docking computer is optional, because it was always optional. Back then, in original "Elite", the Docking Computer costs a hell lot of credits to purchase.

So, lorewise, the docking computer will stay optional, I fear.

 

[killit 95]

The docking computer is optional, because it was always optional. Back then, in original "Elite", the Docking Computer costs a hell lot of credits to purchase.

So, lorewise, the docking computer will stay optional, I fear.

While lore is an important aspect to a game, a docking/departing computer would be nice. Perhaps, to be able to stay within lore, it could be built-in but for only the highest tier of ships (Anaconda, Corvette and Cutter)?

 

[Misty_Dark]

Greetings.

Okay, i have already read that some people love the Docking Computer, and some people don't.

For me, it makes the game more enjoyable - why? I suffer a condition called "Benign Essential Tremor" - so if it's playing up, my muscles twitch and spasm and i have no 'active' control over it. Now, whilst i wait on results of a request to receive a small computer to be implanted into my own body to resolve this issue and give me back control of my hands and limbs, the docking computer has taken the stress factor out of landing at ports and stations for me. Now, i've gone and bought a few today and have them in storage in case my ship goes boom again, when you get an irate Flight Controller threatening to open up on you because of loitering in the corridor, you get a bit panicked - and that's when my condition can trigger.

So, getting in is taken care of - getting out, would also be useful for someone like me who is trying to play the game for a bit of relaxation and cruising around running a few courier jobs here and there. So I'm hoping the developers of Elite Dangerous will take note that some of these modules aren't just convienant for some players - but for persons like myself who may have a disability would find these docking computers useful to have the ability to depart from a station on autopilot.

To the developers, i please ask a consideration be made that the docking computers should be able to depart as well.

Thankyou for you time.

-Jaydrive.

While waiting for FDev to decide what todo about this suggestion, there is a workaround that will move your ship to ~7 km away from the station.


This is how this is done
1. Launch ship
2. Wait until you are free from the landing landing pad, ie you can move the ship, no need to actually move the ship
3. Hit ESC or whatever button you have to access the logout menu, choose option exit to menu
4. Log back into the game, and now your ship should safely be outside and away from the station



This trick allow you to get out from the station without worrying about getting blown up for things that is out of your control.

This was a change added by FDev to resolve issues where ships got stuck inside the station and then getting blown up for loitering etc. Before this change you where put back where you where you were when you logged out.

 

[Eliza]

While lore is an important aspect to a game, a docking/departing computer would be nice. Perhaps, to be able to stay within lore, it could be built-in but for only the highest tier of ships (Anaconda, Corvette and Cutter)?

hmmm...don't know what to think about that thought. So I will never get a d&d-comp, cause I'm not interested in the "Big 3".

 

[killit 95]

hmmm...don't know what to think about that thought. So I will never get a d&d-comp, cause I'm not interested in the "Big 3".

Come to think of it, if memory serves me correctly, when I recently purchased a Dolphin, it came with a docking comp. Perhaps the Saud Kruger line could also benefit from a D&D-comp?

In the original Elite, was there a certain manufacturer associated with the Standard Docking Computer? With the passage of time, maybe that company could've partnered with or been bought by one of the ship manufacturers? With Lakon Spaceways leading the way with large-scale transports, they might have had the potential funds to purchase the rights to the SDC to be built-in for their ships (sure would give Alliance ships a boost).

 

[jaydrive2000]

Greetings all,

Thankyou for the comments on the thread, i'm hoping the developers will pick up on it.

Misty_Dark - Thankyou so much for the suggestion, that will be incredibly useful for me!


A little context for you now - Why did i request the departure function be added to docking computers

The reason i find the docking computer useful is because of my disorder. You can go look this up. It's called "Benign Essential Tremor".

Imagine your hand has the motor from a video games controller attached to it, and it's stuck permanently on. You can't take the thing off, you've got to live with it every day. The batteries never run out. That would certainly mess with your use of a keyboard, mouse, and you other daily activities - like using a key to open a door, paint figurines or make repairs to items needing an amount of precision. Then add in this factor - the worse your stress is for the day, the stronger that vibration gets. So, then try to imagine perhaps shaving or brushing your teeth when a single limb of your body looks like it's having an epileptic fit.

Now, for me, the motor are the muscles in my right arm, and the electronics controlling it are my brain - and that's what's wrong.

There is NO CURE.

Now today, i went to see a doctor regards a device called a DBS - Short for Deep Brain Stimulation. This thing will be implanted into my brain and send out signals that will then cancel out the shakes (hopefully).

Unfortunately it doesn't let me plug into the Matrix. (Yeah. Big Bummer. I know.)

It comes with it's risks. I have suffered this for maybe 6/7 years now. I have been in tears from the pain it has caused me some days due to the severity of the shakes I have to put up with. Last year, it
knocked me down again, and sadly i began having thoughts of self harm. (Please note - i am receiving Mental Health Support, no need to panic!).

So the reason i'm asking the Frontier Developers to add the departure feature is not for a sake of convienance - but because it helps me enjoy the freedom of the game, and i can be free of my surroundings
for a bit, and relax. Not having to worry about the outside world. However, when a tetchy NPC flight controller gets upset when i'm still moving forward through the slot of a station, it certainly triggers my
shakes.

I'm only just starting in the game, but the Docking Computer has eased so much stress off me, i am quite happy to have the music in the background. A fair trade.


Thankyou for your time in reading this, and understanding why I've made this request.

 

[Eliza]

Come to think of it, if memory serves me correctly, when I recently purchased a Dolphin, it came with a docking comp. Perhaps the Saud Kruger line could also benefit from a D&D-comp?

In the original Elite, was there a certain manufacturer associated with the Standard Docking Computer? With the passage of time, maybe that company could've partnered with or been bought by one of the ship manufacturers? With Lakon Spaceways leading the way with large-scale transports, they might have had the potential funds to purchase the rights to the SDC to be built-in for their ships (sure would give Alliance ships a boost).

Nope...No ship has an pre-installed d-comp. You bought it seperatly for sure.
Back, in the Old Day of Elite, there were no lorewise manufacturers, just the ships "Cobra", "Python", "Thargoid". Manufacturers first came with "Frontiers", afaik, implemented in "The Pilots Guide to the Galaxy" (handbook)

 

[BinakAlgo]

What if you still have to buy it but it doesn't occupy any optional or utility mount? More like a livery option like the COVAS voice?

 

[SpaceScania]

I think this would be a nice addition to the game. Add departing functionality to the docking computer. I also think docking computers should be built-in; do not use it if you don't want to. ILS is common in aircraft today, in the far future it should be a core function of any ship.

 

[GlitchedVision0101]

I agree with many people in this thread. The docking computer is the only way I can enjoy the game and earn enough credits to go forward and do what I want to do in the galaxy. I have a condition known as optic nerve hypoplasia which is very similar in nature to the OPs condition in that it's in the nervous system of our fragile human forms. Mine, however, affects my vision and the distance as well as detail that is perceptable by my eyes. For clarity, picture standing at one end of an American football field and looking at the goal post at the opposite end. I would have to stand 20 feet away from the very same goal post in order to register its existance. Even then, at that distance I probably couldn't tell you that it was in fact a goal post without knowing in advance that I am in fact on said football field. Many UI elements in the default color scheme are difficult to see and finding the mail slot or landing pad on most stations can definitely pose a massive issue for me. I would have never gotten into the game if it weren't for a good friend of mine directing me to a surface port that sold a docking computer after helping me get enough starter credits to afford it through multicrew and wing missions. I'd love to start a second account but the thought of docking without this vital piece of in game equipment is what prevents me from spending the money on purchasing a second account.

For those curious to how I manage things, I do stream Elite quite often over on Twitch under the same channel name as my forum account and commander name.

 

[60mm]

+1

I haven't touched DCs, but it would only make sense they are able to Depart as well. Hope FD listens OP!

o7

 

[CMDR Spadino]

I strongly support the OP. More than that, after read all comments - and many other D.C. threads - that the docking/launch computer SHOULD be standard on all ship, or at least from the middle pad up (surely on ALL big pad ships).
I almost never fit it - only on my type9, when fling lots of trade routes - but I know that many users prefer it.

In regard the balancing issue, I think that every time you make use of it you have to pay a fee to the station. That's balance new players, which should learn how to properly fly and dock their ship, and allow more experienced players to choose when to use it. The bigger the ship, the bigger the fee. Also, I suggest that whenever your ship is destroyed during dock/launch controller, you should not need any rebuy at all or, better, do not incure in any attack or fine.