I learn something new every day!

Old Duck

Old Duck
Just a quick tip in case I'm not the only one who didn't know this - the [advanced] docking computer works in FA-off mode! In fact, it works BETTER in this mode. Why? Two reasons. First, you don't have to throttle down in order for the docking computer to take over. I never understood this "come to a stop so we can start back up again". It reminds me of those really old 4 wheel drive jeeps where you had to stop to engage the transfer case. Nope, just toggle into FA-off, and the docking computer will immediately take over, regardless the speed you are going. If you are in FA-off to begin with, requesting docking immediately engages the docking computer (which just makes sense if you're equipping the module).

The other advantage is that during auto launch, your ship will continue to drift at 99 m/s after the docking computer disengages, allowing you to drift out of mass lock if you're AFK.

PS - The docking computer is much improved since I last tried it. I only use it on my Type-9, and before it used to scrape me up all the time, but now it has behaved flawless for many a Tritium run!

EDIT - I use a PS4 controller. I'm told HOTAS behaves differently
 
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Old Duck

Old Duck
Friedenreich Xante said:
So the AI masters FAoff? I hope the NPC's don't find out...
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I didn't dare allow it to dock in FA-off at first, because I thought it would be confused and crash. But it does great in FA-off. To be honest, I don't think the docking computer truly is flying FA-off, despite the mode being enabled. Watching in the external camera implies it's FA-on, since the thrusters are firing at a constant velocity (I never liked this).
 

777Driver

777Driver
Not sure what controller you re using, I fly pure FA-OFF with a HOTAS, the throttle needs to be at idle for the ADC to kick in.

It will still scrape the bottom of a T9 occasionally, you won't get any damage if the ship is enginered, othewise expect a few hundred credit bill.

You'll know when it is about to happen, usually laden with cargo, it runs closer to the base of the access corridor, just throttle up slightly and add some vertical thrust.
 

Old Duck

Old Duck
777Driver said:
Not sure what controller you re using, I fly pure FA-OFF with a HOTAS, the throttle needs to be at idle for the ADC to kick in.
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Good point! I use the PS4 controller, so I don't have a dedicated throttle but rather use analog triggers to either throttle up or down. This means switching to FA-off means zero throttle unless I push one of these triggers.

It will still scrape the bottom of a T9 occasionally, you won't get any damage if the ship is enginered, othewise expect a few hundred credit bill.
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I used to scrape before the update, but haven't since. I have a small shield, so I don't have to worry about damage unless I get jammed in the slot. Speaking of, one of the best thing about the docking computer is that it has "inside information" to the docking queue, so I don't get run over by crazy NPCs like I do when I'm flying manual. It would be nice if ATC actually told me "Please wait, you are third in the docking queue." Obviously my DC knows this information!
 

MarkAusten

MarkAusten
Old Duck said:
Good point! I use the PS4 controller, so I don't have a dedicated throttle but rather use analog triggers to either throttle up or down. This means switching to FA-off means zero throttle unless I push one of these triggers.


I used to scrape before the update, but haven't since. I have a small shield, so I don't have to worry about damage unless I get jammed in the slot. Speaking of, one of the best thing about the docking computer is that it has "inside information" to the docking queue, so I don't get run over by crazy NPCs like I do when I'm flying manual. It would be nice if ATC actually told me "Please wait, you are third in the docking queue." Obviously my DC knows this information!
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It also knows exactly where the pad is which is why I fly manually to just above the pad and then engage the DC and it lands where I can't see where I'm landing. Useful.
 

dognosh

dognosh
MarkAusten said:
Didn't they also have a solid accelerator linkage instead of a cable. Those were fun!
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Ooh, can't remember.
I do however remember that when it was fully functional with a 100% steering , I still had to correct the steering every few seconds, even in a straight line :D
 

Some1else

Some1else
To OP. I use an X-56 hotas, and on the joystick I have the left top hat set for UP=full throttle, leff=75% throttle, and down=throttle off. So, once I exit SC at the station, and hit the 7.5 Km mark, I just push down, and done. The X-56 has enough controls on the joystick side of things, I can explore, and surface laser mine one handed. Thus leaving one hand free. Just imagine the options! :whistle:

On a side note, I can not wrap my head around using a console controller to play ED. But then again, I haven't used a console for so long, I actually can't remember when. ;)
 

Old Duck

Old Duck
Some1else said:
To OP. I use an X-56 hotas, and on the joystick I have the left top hat set for UP=full throttle, leff=75% throttle, and down=throttle off. So, once I exit SC at the station, and hit the 7.5 Km mark, I just push down, and done.
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I did the same thing with my Q,A,Z keys on my keyboard (Z,X immediately puts me into FSS when supercruise). But in FA-on, this is the equivalent of slamming on the brakes only to hit the accelerator again when using it to auto-dock. FA-off smoothly transitions from current velocity to docking computer control, and I have FA toggle right on my controller.
 
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