Docking computer user here

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Anxiety

A
On the forums ANYTIME someone mentions the docking computer you get 9 or 10 random nerds who just say “wHy nOt MaKe tHe wHoLe gAmE aUtOpiLot?!?!?!” And here is my rebuttal.

Landing a space ship the first time? Neat. Landing it ten more times? still pretty neat. Landing it ten thousand times? I’d rather not. So if the docking computer bugs you so much DON’T use it, instead of whining in the forums.

I’ve replaced every module on my ship with docking computers. In fact I have built a special type of limpet. I call them auto-dock limpets. It attaches to a ship and auto-docks them with out their consent. Say one more thing about docking computers and I will auto-dock you into the sun.
 

Arkadi

Arkadi
Docking takes the average pilot about 30 seconds. Travelling through the bubble from A to B to reach a system 150 ly away takes you about 10 jumps and takes over 10 minutes of your precious time and is as repetitive as docking at 10 stations in sequence. So it clearly is more important to implement an auto-travel-nav-computer* first. When we got that travel-computer then I am ready to tackle the (non?-)issue of the docking computer module.

*Online only, takes same time as flying manually or a bit longer, but doesn't require you to hold your controls to travel A to B, so the pilot can take a nap or read some tabloids in the time while ship does the jumping (and fuel-scooping). Interdictions still possible.
 
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Limoncello Lizard

Limoncello Lizard
I like the docking computer. It reminds me of the original Elite game.

Manual docking is easy enough, just tedious after the first few hundred times.

My optimised ships don't have room for one (for mining or CZs), but most of the others do.
 

Florenus

Florenus
At first I've not used docking computer. I was learning to fly and every attempt was adventure.
After a while I began using one on Type-9, because it was so slow I quickly got bored when doing cargo runs between two systems and repeating the procedure. It allowed me to browse forums, go to the bathroom, make tea - just take a break.
Now I don't use it again, because I prefer to have something to do, I have other uses for the slot and it's faster to do it without DC.

I don't think it's anybody buisness whether you use it or not. When you use it, I think your ship acts more or less just like another NPC, so from my perspective it doesn't matter.
 

Winterwalker

Winterwalker
Well, I only just scrape into the game, playing on £100 worth of laptop, integrated graphics 2Gb RAM, dual core .. not even remotely near minimum specs for running the game (miraculously though it is playable with care).

Without a docking computer, in busy systems though, I'd be a downright liability to traffic - if or when my controls lock up - so be glad!

Manual docking is an essential skill of course, in case your DC gets shot out but DC is definitely how to arrive in style. (Hurry hurry hurry just isn't attractive to space vixens).

I wouldn't mind a bumper sticker actually; my other computer's a docking computer. Or, how's my driving? Dial 555 DC.
 

[VR] Frank_G

[VR] Frank_G
I actually enjoy landing a lot, even after playing the game for more than 4 years. I still stick to the full docking etiquette... And yes... I talk to the traffic controllers for extra immersion :D

I have docked a few times using a docking computer though... Just for the nostalgic original Elite feeling. Sadly i couldn't find the graphics setting for wireframe looks with no textures.

Fly dangerous CMDR

o7
 

Mugur

M
I'm also a docking computer fan. I also happen to like the "2001" tribute and just look around while listening "The Blue Danube" (if I'm not taking a break or drinking some tea). Elite is an experience, not just a game.

I began using it when I (back in 3302) ran out of fuel when circling a station for the entry (my one and only time I ran out of fuel). [big grin] And I put it on all my ships after doing A-B-A trading for a while and cut the power missions in HIP 10716 in 2.0 (it that particular case I didn't use it much, apparently when you are hostile, you cannot land with DC).
 
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TheMegaTurnip

Banned
T
I dunno, it does'nt annoy me that people use it, but I do feel it's lazy.

I mean sitting on your cheeks playig a game is pretty lazy to begin with, but when that game is playing itself?

No thank you.
 

smiths121

S
I joking above!!!!

I think I have always preferred the 2-4 cargo toa dockng computer, but one of my mates swears by them on large ships (except the T-9 where it always seems to go mad for him!). Its horses for courses. I mean using a docking computer is no different than going into a high res site and getting the kills by letting the police do all the work. Let the game do the bits you find a drag! More powrer to you, and no skin off my nose.

Simon
 

deleteduser

D
Landing/Docking = Repetitive
Interstellar Jumps = Repetitive
System Scanning = Repetitive
Missions = Repetitive
Trading = Repetitive
Mining = Repetitive
NPC Killing = Repetitive
Forum Posts about Ganking/Griefing/AI = Repetitive

So, in all seriousness, if you're having AI control one repetitive element, why not all of them?
 
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Bigmaec

Bigmaec
wHy nOt LeT mE Play tHe WaY i WaNt?!?!?!

Pro Docking Computer here... I use it often to post on discord or search for the next place in inara/EDDB.

Only on ships I have the space though, so no combat ships.
 
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Zaite12

Z
Each to their own, I can understand why people use the docking computer for various reasons. All I can say is docking is fun! (at least with a HOTAS). It's also a lot quicker if you know how to do it reliably. I can say from personal experience with over 10,000 dockings (estimated) over 5(ish) years and 5 accounts, I've never once used the thing and docking is just as enjoyable now as it was on the first day :)
 
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Stabby_Dave

Stabby_Dave
Use it on all my ships except my miner (which doesn't have the space). It allows me to uncross my legs and leg it to the loo whilst the ship docks itself.

So many "aaaaaaaaaah" moments with the Blue Danube playing in the front room.
 

Marra Morgan

Marra Morgan
If people want to sacrafice a slot for convenience, that's fine.

What isn't fine is when people ask for DCs to become standard fitting. Nah-ah. You want convenience, you pay the 1 slot tax for it :)
 

Bigmaec

Bigmaec
Kari Kerenski said:
If people want to sacrafice a slot for convenience, that's fine.

What isn't fine is when people ask for DCs to become standard fitting. Nah-ah. You want convenience, you pay the 1 slot tax for it :)
Click to expand...

While I can agree with the convenience tax, it was awfully convenient to integrate the DS into the ship ;)

I won't call for it, but I wouldn't be mad if that happened to the DC either :D
 
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