Need autopilot

[mikaellq]

Oolite is completely useless without it.
In fact, I'd like to know what "genius" removed it and why, and in particular how I get it back without the money. 100 quid won't buy you an autopilot!

[another_commander]

Hi

What are you talking about?

[Disembodied]

Do you mean the [wiki]Docking Computers[/wiki]?

[mikaellq]

Yes I meant docking computer.
Now it's a challenge each time I dock to survive it.
To use the navigation beacon feels so second rate when an on board computer should be standard equipment.

[Rese249er]

Your fault for allowing that much damage. Keep trading or hunting. It's what everyone else does.

[another_commander]

The docking computer is still in the game and was never removed. Also, a new player never started with docking computers installed in any Oolite version, which is also what was happening in the BBC Elite, which Oolite is based upon.

Docking without a DC has always been one of the biggest challenges in the game and it should continue to be, although to be honest having a buoy is just making things too easy. As for whether it should be standard, well, maybe an automatic target tracking system together with a perfect combat computer that can kill any threat within seconds should be standard too in a ship flying in GalCop space in 3100AD, but then there wouldn't be much game left to play, would it?

If you remember starting a new Jameson with a docking computer in Oolite, then you were probably playing a modified saved game. If you want a DC so badly, then you need to open your savegame and change this:

Code: Select all

<key>has_docking_computer</key>
<integer>0</integer>

to this

Code: Select all

<key>has_docking_computer</key>
<integer>1</integer>

[Cody]

... although to be honest having a buoy is just making things too easy.

<nods> For some reason, I do enjoy shooting-up nav buoys though... especially at stations where they've tried to prevent me from docking.

[Commander McLane]

Yes I meant docking computer.
Now it's a challenge each time I dock to survive it.

That sounded differently six-and-a-half years ago:

I've practiced a little and discovered that it was just as easy to dock manually as scooping

So perhaps you just need to practice a little again…

[Cody]

That sounded differently six-and-a-half years ago:

I've practiced a little and discovered that it was just as easy to dock manually as scooping

<applauds the excellent quote-necromancy>

[Rese249er]

So please, don't complain about everyday life in the Ooniverse. Either suck it up, get an OXP like RepairBots, or fly like a [self-redacted synonym for coward].

[Amaranth]

Also may be of use:

If you're still in your stock Cobra Mk3, trade down and buy a smaller ship. A smaller ship will be easier to dock.

Line up from the buoy, but you don't need to roll all the way in, just cruise in at half impulse and line up at the end. This will help you judge the roll axis of the station and its speed. Too slow, and you will need to keep the roll going for longer when in the slot before the game takes over.

Just a like a learner pilot, do some circuits. Launch, go the the buoy, stop, turn around and dock again. You'll get the hang of it fairly soon but wont lose game progress if you crash a few times. I think there is a 'Lave Academy' OXP that will help with pilot training.

If you fall behind the roll rate, quickly roll the other way to catch the next line up slot.

Target the station (but don't fire of course) if you want to know how far away you are.

Unlike the BBC version, you can yaw as well as climb/dive and roll, making it a lot easier to control your centreline (it took a while to realise i could do this after a few dented dockings).

Happy landings!

[CommonSenseOTB]

Yes I meant docking computer.
Now it's a challenge each time I dock to survive it.
To use the navigation beacon feels so second rate when an on board computer should be standard equipment.

Why not try the Autodockv02.oxp? When you don't have a docking computer installed the main station can remote pilot your ship into the dock for 50 credits. (Tip: get a 25 credit refund by turning off the autopilot before docking is finished, preferably after your ship is already lined up with the main station's docking bay. Maintain your heading, match the roll rate and throttle up...easy peasy. )