The Docking Computer thread.

Ahri

A
Chango Dock in IBootis system... has the docking comp...

but the real question is, why does anyone need it?
it's slow, and i can land my type 6 and bigger ships way faster than the computer ever could. by the time the computer gets me thru the portal, i am already unloaded, newly loaded with other goods, have my ship repaired, got a tank full of gas, my windscreen wiped, and of course the tires changed. then i take off and hit full throttle till i can jump out.

(yes it's really that slow, we've tested it... )
i was in another system, when my friend made it into the station via docking computer...

so is it really that wise to use that thing, or not to try to improve the manual dcking skills? ;D
 

Commander Debic

Commander Debic
Betelgeuse said:
Beware with Lakon 9 - left it to dock while I was called away, came back and ship and 2mill cargo destroyed.

Don't know what happened but assume it got stuck in the slot. Could have been unrelated, of course. Message just said ship was destroyed.

But that's why we're testing :p
Click to expand...

Wow where the devil did you get 2 mil and a lakon in the short time sb has been available.
I am obviously doing something wrong.
 

Lobstris

Lobstris
Not got my own docking computer (matter of pride - can dock myself cheers! :cool:) but I hope it gets significantly improved just to stop the AI clogging up the station central axis (if they are using the same code to dock - which seems reasonable). Swear to Gawd I saw two AI Haulers matin' up there... shudder. And every station's toast rack seems to be littered with AI Cobras looking confused.
 

stevie

S
I enjoy docking to much to let it done by the DC. Next to that, I don't find it difficult at all. I would like to see docking a bit more challenging. Something like an ATC calling you in when its your turn.
 

Antoon

A
Ahri said:
Chango Dock in IBootis system... has the docking comp...

but the real question is, why does anyone need it?
;D
Click to expand...

It takes 2 to 3 minutes for the computer to dock. Starting at about 10km from the station. It's a nice moment to stretch my legs, get coffee, walk around a bit.:)
 

Im_Lost

I
I wouldn't go near the docking computer until they fix the AI, since it's probably based on the same code.

The AI misses the landing pad half of the time. If it doesn't blow up either in the docking port or from repeatedly slamming in to the outside of the station.
 

Johnny Cyclops

Johnny Cyclops
Andromalius said:
I can see those being of some use for people with keybopards and mouse, but using a hotas setup I can dock pretty well on my own after two evenings of play so I don't see the point of buying one as far as I'm concerned. Never crashed docking, the most serious hazards in stations are other players :D
Click to expand...

It's nothing to do with keyboard/mouse. I dock perfectly fine in manual using a keyboard only. Docking problems I had when joining PB last week it turned out were known to FD and fixed in SB (when rolling near the letterbox it would veer the ship sharply to side, not roll on a smooth central axis).

I tried the DC just once. Did the weird "five loop ballet" outside the station and I realised I was seeing what the NPCs are doing. Never again. It might land safely so long as another ship doesn't collide in the meantime, but I'm not filled with confidence. Once in a station I like to get to my pad fast, or thrust down out of the way if I can't immediately spot it, not hover infront of the letterbox as DC did.

I see others posting about turning it on and off. How? I only used it once, but I couldn't see a key binding or a toggle setting. I know I had to reduce speed to zero to activate it (turn on).
 

Lukozer

Lukozer
I would certainly imagine the docking computer, along with the AI in general, is still very much a work in progress. I've still not bought one (sorry but i'm with those who say if you can't dock at a docking station manually then you shouldn't be in space) but have seen several videos of the docking computer in all it's "glory". I have the Blue Danube in my mp3 collection, so really do have no reason to buy it. However that may change once planetary landings are added... especially if they're anything like as tricky as they were in Frontier :eek:
 

Lukozer

Lukozer
Andromalius said:
I can see those being of some use for people with keybopards and mouse, but using a hotas setup I can dock pretty well on my own after two evenings of play so I don't see the point of buying one as far as I'm concerned. Never crashed docking, the most serious hazards in stations are other players :D
Click to expand...

Why would it specifically be of use to people using keyboard and mouse?? I've used keyboard and mouse from the start and never had any problems docking.
 

Del-Dredd

D
It will start from as close as you want, just don't slow down enough for it to take over.

I tried it twice in a Hauler and thought it was crap, so sold it back.

Whats with the nose to the wall sideways crabbing rubbish it does with your ship to dock, have noticed the NPC's doing it now as well, looks a really stupid way to dock if you ask me.

I just go in straight glide down to my dock while lowering gear and touch down, easy, you know where your backend is at is following the front unlike the crab approach.
 

forger

forger
i would never ever put docking computer on anything that moves, it's no fun ;p

and i drive lykon type 9, it seems there can fit couple of 'em in the entrance as i frequently have ai ships flying past me there, the only problem is when i fly out the station "starts" to rotate right after i pass force field and i need to correct badly if i'm going too slow and probably boostin out the station is the answer ;p

anyway docking is fun, just make sure you use all 6DOF and mostly vertical/lateral thrust with throttle, there is really almost no need to pitch as it only make all worse :)
 

Cmdr Andy B

Cmdr Andy B
i can see the attraction for larger ships but what do you need a DC in a sidey or a hauler for? i can dock both while pelting through the letterbox at full speed (4 pips to engines) slowing down to land is nerve racking though; better hope the cylinder is empty of ships :D

and landing on the pad is easy, just face the tower so you view the back end of your ship on the scanner and slowly drop down.

viewing from the rear means you can get it level - that's the most important bit as the pad itself can be quite forgiving if your not 100% lined up.
 

Antoon

A
I found one. Think it's quite random cause I was in that station a few times before. I love the DC, it gives me a regular break and a chance to walz :)
 
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