The Docking Computer thread.

ChiefRedCloud

ChiefRedCloud
Ok I am new as in NEW with one open game flight and a few training (with more to come) flights. I jumped to a system and decided to practice my "landing". I located the nearest station a research station ( I did not take notes well or such but will do better next time) with an external landing pad. I called for clearance and got it with the number of the pad. I lowered my gear and made my approach low and careful. I lined up and finally got the indicator that I was above the pad. I lowered her down lining up by the indicator and sat it down gently. Nothing. I lifted slightly and tried again. I guess I finally wore out my welcome as I received a fine notice so I decided to depart. Obviously not quickly enough as they began to shoot me and I died.

Now you might think I might be mad. But I'm not as I'm just learning. But what might I have done wrong here?

Chief
 

Hellakitty

Hellakitty
Were you facing the right way?

Failing that, I find sometimes a really gentle touchdown won't register properly - if you were oriented correctly then giving your ship a firmer landing on the pad (but not too firm!) might do the trick.

Also, welcome to the madhouse - and congratulations on the first of your many silly ways to die in ED. :D
 

Limoncello Lizard

Limoncello Lizard
ChiefRedCloud said:
Ok I am new as in NEW with one open game flight and a few training (with more to come) flights. I jumped to a system and decided to practice my "landing". I located the nearest station a research station ( I did not take notes well or such but will do better next time) with an external landing pad. I called for clearance and got it with the number of the pad. I lowered my gear and made my approach low and careful. I lined up and finally got the indicator that I was above the pad. I lowered her down lining up by the indicator and sat it down gently. Nothing. I lifted slightly and tried again. I guess I finally wore out my welcome as I received a fine notice so I decided to depart. Obviously not quickly enough as they began to shoot me and I died.

Now you might think I might be mad. But I'm not as I'm just learning. But what might I have done wrong here?

Chief
Click to expand...

Exactly what happened to me my first day in the game:)

I won't mention trying to get into what looks like a docking slot in some outposts, that got me killed as well.

Try moving backwards and forwards and/or sideways a bit. Also try not being gentle, you do have shields.
 

Joe Cool

Joe Cool
I've been around for a while now but facing the wrong way at outposts was my nemesis in the early days. It occupies a slot and costs a few credits but fit a DC and let it teach you the way.
 

ChiefRedCloud

ChiefRedCloud
CMDR Hellakitty said:
Were you facing the right way?

Failing that, I find sometimes a really gentle touchdown won't register properly - if you were oriented correctly then giving your ship a firmer landing on the pad (but not too firm!) might do the trick.

Also, welcome to the madhouse - and congratulations on the first of your many silly ways to die in ED. :D
Click to expand...

Limoncello Lizard said:
Exactly what happened to me my first day in the game:)

I won't mention trying to get into what looks like a docking slot in some outposts, that got me killed as well.

Try moving backwards and forwards and/or sideways a bit. Also try not being gentle, you do have shields.
Click to expand...

Joe Cool said:
I've been around for a while now but facing the wrong way at outposts was my nemesis in the early days. It occupies a slot and costs a few credits but fit a DC and let it teach you the way.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input .... and I'm sure I'll get the hang of it .... eventually ... :D

Chief
 
Last edited:

Insomnia

Insomnia
Tried the docking computer today for the first, and last time. I was about 6 km away from the slot and the docking computer boosted. It frikkin boosted!! Ended up overshooting the slot and hit the wall. When it tried reversing it hit the sides of the station, scraping some paint on my Type 7.
I immediately turned it off and sold it. :p
 

Stealthie

Stealthie
I took my Python to a new engineer a couple of weeks ago.
The DC did it's thing, performing a textbook landing while I spent my time gazing at the scenery.
It came in to land, there was a nice, solid, "thunk" as I landed and I reached forward to use my mouse to twiddle the station menus.

And then the ship took off again, climbed to an altitude of about 150m, performed a 180° rotation, and then descended to land again.
Facing the right way on the pad this time.

Bizarre!

I actually rather like the idea of the DC "not being perfect" so you have to be prepared to take back control in order to avoid collisions but it completely beats me how it managed to do a perfect landing facing the wrong way on the pad.
 

SxChuck

SxChuck
AceFlares said:
I caught my son using a docking computer and called him a noob. 'Nuff said.
Click to expand...

The Noob would be someone who doesn't remember the original game and how big of a deal it was to finally afford one.
Of course docking was a much tougher deal back then and when done incorrectly you were quickly destroyed.
This new version lets you bounce all over the station before even scratching your paint.

I have a docking computer in almost all of my ships.
That docking computer takes me back to a game where I spent countless hours exploring an trading.

- - - Updated - - -

Genar-Hofoen said:
Here's what I've found when having a peek at the 2.3 beta...

2.3 has sorted out this problem! Now we can aim for being right in front of the station/letterbox due to the station's orientation being properly displayed whilst in supercruise! It's awesome! No more need for the DC to take the strain!
Click to expand...

I do use a docking computer, but that's not good at all. I do like flying the ship around to try and get lined up as best I can. Just that little change would make the whole thing too automated for my liking.
 

Limoncello Lizard

Limoncello Lizard
SxChuck said:
The Noob would be someone who doesn't remember the original game and how big of a deal it was to finally afford one.
Of course docking was a much tougher deal back then and when done incorrectly you were quickly destroyed.
This new version lets you bounce all over the station before even scratching your paint.

I have a docking computer in almost all of my ships.
That docking computer takes me back to a game where I spent countless hours exploring an trading.
Click to expand...
This is exactly why I love the DC so much.
 

Hank

H
All the hate for DC is unwarranted imho. I dock constantly with what I am currently doing in ED to make credits. Ppl who denigrate those who use the DC must never have interruptions or who play in a sealed vault in a basement somewhere. I have grandkids, elderly mom's, etc. that occasionally (frequently sometimes) need help unexpectedly so using a DC to dock frees me up to go help when needed.

I had a Type-9 for a long time. I learned to dock it manually then turned the DC on. I now have a Beluga and did the same. I dock every few minutes when flying since I am now running passenger missions within +-100 Ly distances along with cargo. If I was exploring or running long range passenger missions I may drop the DC for something else but at the moment the Money is too good to avoid with these short range drops.

If you don't like the DC, don't use it. But the "Elite" pilots here who like to throw negative comments at other pilots who do use the DC is not supportive of the good community we have here.

I also agree w/ others the DC should be fitted to all ships like the PAS is and have the ability to switch it on and off with a key binding or button.

Thx and have a nice day
 
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