Yeah on a Lakon 9 it has a tendency to miss the pad, maybe 1 in 3 where it's in front and to the left of where it should be.
Bring back the Docking computer.
- Thread starter Tryst
- Start date
Yeah on a Lakon 9 it has a tendency to miss the pad, maybe 1 in 3 where it's in front and to the left of where it should be.
I'd say if it takes two minutes and can't even approach the station on its own, it's useless. If you have to approach the entrance, might as well finish the job yourself.
[video=youtube;a5fF_hbl3Yc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5fF_hbl3Yc[/video]
After losing a ship and full cargo to a docking computer mishap (search for my thread if you want) I will never use that thing again. I find it far safer to just open full throttle and plow on in.
If the pad doesn't light up for you, use the small navigation radar to the upper left of your main radar. Your landing pad becomes the blip once you get inside the field. Made my life so much easier when I realized that. Oh, and bind directional thrusters to something. Pretty much required.
If the pad doesn't light up for you, use the small navigation radar to the upper left of your main radar. Your landing pad becomes the blip once you get inside the field. Made my life so much easier when I realized that. Oh, and bind directional thrusters to something. Pretty much required.
LOL - all this emotion over an OPTIONAL part of game play.
I use a DC but...
It has nothing to do with my flying ability - yes I can dock any of my ships without it.
It works flawlessly (almost) if you use it properly. Line up about 3.5 km FACING dead center on the letterbox, request permission, and you can basically head to the kitchen or bathroom and when you get back, you're safely on the landing pad.
Outposts are a different issue altogether. docking is slow and the computer will sometimes try to dock the ship on edge rather than in the proper orientation. Simple - monitor carefully and be prepared to disengage if you see it going wrong. I often disengage and dock manually to save time and for a change of pace as others have stated, docking is a fun part of the game. Use it or don't. Use it how you like. I often trade it out for additional cargo space during a run. A lot depends on what I'm doing. If I decide to go bounty hunting I will sometimes dump it for an additional shield cell. If I'm making a rare's trip. landing every 4 - 5 minutes, it's nice to have as I can look at maps and other resources on another PC while the docking is in progress.
Use it or don't - it's an option.
I use a DC but...
It has nothing to do with my flying ability - yes I can dock any of my ships without it.
It works flawlessly (almost) if you use it properly. Line up about 3.5 km FACING dead center on the letterbox, request permission, and you can basically head to the kitchen or bathroom and when you get back, you're safely on the landing pad.
Outposts are a different issue altogether. docking is slow and the computer will sometimes try to dock the ship on edge rather than in the proper orientation. Simple - monitor carefully and be prepared to disengage if you see it going wrong. I often disengage and dock manually to save time and for a change of pace as others have stated, docking is a fun part of the game. Use it or don't. Use it how you like. I often trade it out for additional cargo space during a run. A lot depends on what I'm doing. If I decide to go bounty hunting I will sometimes dump it for an additional shield cell. If I'm making a rare's trip. landing every 4 - 5 minutes, it's nice to have as I can look at maps and other resources on another PC while the docking is in progress.
Use it or don't - it's an option.
Jesus! If she can get oil into an engine from that height imagine what she could do with a Cobra!
p.s. I found docking the easiest and most enjoyable part of this game.
Did it first time and never had an incident. Apart when I gave way to a hauler and got toasted for loitering.
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That is what we have most here on the forums. Oppinion also gets constantly confused with factual information.
I quite like the DC, it's a nice break of pace after you've docked manually 300 times in a row. Now if we only had cruising computer...
So true, way to many cases of PEBKAC on docking threads, if you know what you are doing it works fine.
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Same here, as Mikey2305 said. If you expect to do all your job from the first moment you get docking clearance, then probably you'll kiss the donkey. I died a lot of times playing Elite on Amiga, that was really %#*&!@^* computer ...with this new model, T-79302 , playing for 4 months, never died ...take care of your DC and he will take care of you and your ship ...amen.
Just because im lazy i place one on my type 6! There is a trick to not having it smash into the pad! As the computer begins to desend and after your landing gear comes on press the button z then x (keyboard and mouse setup) it will stop just above the pad then all you have to do is lower slowly onto the pad!
The secret to docking is practice and patience. Play the docking and travel sims in the simulator until you're comfortable with all aspects of docking. I've had one fatal mishap so far and that was because I wasn't paying attention, overcompensated, and panicked because it was my first time "live" leaving a station. If you don't do any smuggling, then you don't have anything to worry about from the scans so just take your time, clear the entrance smoothly and smartly, and line yourself up on your approach run and be sure to drop your landing gear before setting down! And fly safe!
Well that's the thing, there's little point in having one if you have to babysit it, by the time you've slowed down and lined it up properly you could have docked yourself.
No, it's just like any form of automation on a ship/vehicle or aircraft, it is designed to reduce workload.. Not completely absolve you from any responsibility. I'll use it if want to sit back and enjoy the view, or check stats etc on the system page.. All the while I am ready to add power and assist if it goes off course.
Tracking to the dock entrance could be improved, at the moment you need to position the ship correctly before throttling back and handing over control. Am sure most noobs just request docking and immediately expect the ship to perform flawlessly.
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The main gripe is finding the right pad when loads of them are flashing. A few times, I went right past the bay I wanted because it was just inside the airlock and wondered where the hell it was, (right below me so I couldn't see it), but with so many others flashing, it took a while to figure it out. It would be helpful if your HUD only allowed you to see yours flashing.
I have no issue with flying and fighting since I've already done that, it's that boring docking that's making me lose interest in the game.
Now, I have the credits, can someone tell me please, the nearest system to the starter system (LHS 3447) where I can buy one?
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The little compass thing shows you where your pad is.