I’ve just discovered the Docking Computer, and...

[Bantha]

Wow! Just wow!

Ok, so I’m not much of a trader, but I’ve finally got myself a Cutter and I’m hauling 728 tons of goodies from A to B.
Something different to do, 10M profit, single jump, so it’s all good.

I’ve been flying since 2014 and never even considered a docking computer before (I mean, why would I?’), but this thing is a barge. So, I thought, why not?

And, my god, it’s great. I LOVE it. It saves so much time docking (and launching - I have the advanced version). I love how it lowers and raises your landing gear, and even manages your pips so you get 4 to shields as you land.

Don’t get me wrong, I won’t be getting one for my FDL (or in fact any other ship), but for my Trader Cutter, it’s terrific.

Plus, some Blue Danube, in a nod to my 1984 childhood self. Lovely!

What’s not to like?!

 

[Rubbernuke]

Does it make the tea and massage your feet? If not then its rubbish.

 

[[DOOK] Droogie]

The Cutter is actually easy to land. My biggest problem with the computer is how slow it is. It keeps you under 100 the entire time, and makes you wait in queue. By the time it lands, I could have landed, unloaded, reloaded, and be boosting back through the mail slot.

 

[Factabulous]

I give it ten minutes before it kills them. Prepare for tears.

 

[Gramps]

Docking will be quicker when the Federation learn that Imperial Cutter's do not form queues

 

[Kantaris]

Docking computer is a lifesaver when you really can't pinch the loaf any longer.
Except sometimes my throttle deadzone craps (HA) out and I end up bonking the station as last night's tacos destroy me

 

[Lightspeed]

Pro Tip: To avoid the queue, just blast through at your own speed (and own risk!) then engage the DC as you enter the slot. Guaranteed fast, safe landing. Do not engage before entering the slot with this method - the result is left to the reader to discover

 

[Rubbernuke]

I give it ten minutes before it kills them. Prepare for tears.

Its just biding its time.......

 

[Bottom Hat]

Pro Tip: To avoid the queue, just blast through at your own speed (and own risk!) then engage the DC as you enter the slot. Guaranteed fast, safe landing. Do not engage before entering the slot with this method - the result is left to the reader to discover

I'm with Lightspeed on this - queuing is for chumps! This is the laziest lazy way to dock, and I'm proud of it!

Plus, it will try to kill you OP, just when you are comfortable with it. Never go to pinch one off when it is in charge.

 

[Rat Catcher]

I give it ten minutes before it kills them. Prepare for tears.

That's very cynical!
It's been a couple of weeks since I lost my Cutter to the ADC...

 

[keas66]

I always install a docking computer - always .Never had a problem with one . Whats more in any Sci Fi Universe I ever invented - there is no way in hell I would allow private vessels the ability to dock manually at a major public hub like a station if only for traffic control / safety purposes .

 

[TiberiusDuval]

The Cutter is actually easy to land. My biggest problem with the computer is how slow it is. It keeps you under 100 the entire time, and makes you wait in queue. By the time it lands, I could have landed, unloaded, reloaded, and be boosting back through the mail slot.

Well IT SHOULD follow traffic regulations after all, shouldn't it?

 

[Rat Catcher]

there is no way in hell I would allow private vessels the ability to dock manually at a major public hub like a station if only for traffic control / safety purposes .

Is it a character flaw that I cannot read the word "Private" but instead read "Pirate"? This concerns me... ☠

 

[Crank Larson]

Does it make the tea and massage your feet? If not then its rubbish.

The docking computer doesn't. But flying a Cutter, luxury comes as standard.

 

[Rubbernuke]

The docking computer doesn't. But he's flying a Cutter. Luxury comes as standard.

True. I'm keen on the buttock warmers in the Clipper and miss them in the Anaconda.

 

[Riverside]

One of my Cutters & both my T-9s (all dedicated hauling ships) have autodock, for A-B trading where I am regularly docking it's a luxury I'm prepared to sacrifice a slot for; I find I can get more done (repairing a station for example) with autodock than without, I get more runs in before I get bored I don't use autolaunch so much, impatience takes over & I often over-ride it with the throttle after a few seconds (before I'm out of the letterbox).

Never tried the supercruise autopilot thing, I was playing long before it was added & just never felt a need to add it to any ship.

 

[Sublime]

Do you not see all those ships being blown up at station mailslots all the time?! Just know that it’s the same AI that’s controlling your own ship when you turn that docking computer on. Think about it.

 

[Rat Catcher]

Never tried the supercruise autopilot thing, I was playing long before it was added & just never felt a need to add it to any ship.

It shines when one's target is in the 100k Ls + distance (IMO) as longs as the target isn't obscured it will get you there, eventually, and drop from SC for a station, or orbit if a body... Providing the opportunity to engage with other things during the transit.

 

[MickyG1982]

Wow! Just wow!

Ok, so I’m not much of a trader, but I’ve finally got myself a Cutter and I’m hauling 728 tons of goodies from A to B.
Something different to do, 10M profit, single jump, so it’s all good.

I’ve been flying since 2014 and never even considered a docking computer before (I mean, why would I?’), but this thing is a barge. So, I thought, why not?

And, my god, it’s great. I LOVE it. It saves so much time docking (and launching - I have the advanced version). I love how it lowers and raises your landing gear, and even manages your pips so you get 4 to shields as you land.

Don’t get me wrong, I won’t be getting one for my FDL (or in fact any other ship), but for my Trader Cutter, it’s terrific.

Plus, some Blue Danube, in a nod to my 1984 childhood self. Lovely!

What’s not to like?!

Just don't tell it to park then go answer the call of nature...

 

[Speedcuffs]

impatience takes over & I often over-ride it with the throttle after a few seconds

Yep, I let it wind the landing gear up then boost the T-9 through the slot. Quick flick of the wipers to get rid of the Sidey wreckage and off we go!