Docking Connector
A new block that properly aligns grids similar to a merge block without actually merging them. Something similar to the Docking Ring mod by Darth Biomech.
Current merge blocks (as far as I'm aware) permanently delete the smallest grid and append it to the larger grid, which impacts performance when undergoing multiple connect/disconnect operations.
This new block would have a door and allow for a person to walk through it, along with protrusions for clamping the docking connectors together. Once in proximity to another docking connector, they'll have the option to connect. In this case, the grids would be aligned (such that XYZ rotations of both grids match) and share power, rotation, and velocity. If the doors are open, the docking blocks can pressurize the area in-between, hereafter referred to as the "shared space." This space will be restricted to the collision box of the block itself (excluding the clamps).
If one docking connector is not pressurized (the connected room has no air), it can pull air out of the shared space and into the connected room (again only if its door is open and as long as there is air in the shared space). If the supplying docking connector's door is closed or no air is available, air will not be introduced into the shared space and any air pulled out will drop the shared space air pressure. If both connectors have an air supply, both will contribute to pressurizing the shared space. Power is not required to do this, only that the doors are open and the room adjacent the connector have air.
The docking connectors can also keep track of the estimated/virtual tension between the two, and if it exceeds a certain limit (could be modified in settings, though higher max stress means it uses more power to deal with the higher stress), it would automatically disconnect, potentially damaging the connector; in which case the shared space's pressure is normalized against its environment. If the shared space was already pressurized (ie. docking within oxygen atmosphere), the shared space will remain pressurized, (even if leaving the atmosphere) until the connection is broken or all air in the shared space is exhausted.
The docking connectors would require power to maintain their integrity against any force applied to them, though they can withstand a very small stress when unpowered (maybe around 1-5 MPa) Again, once the stress is exceeded, the connection will fail (and may slightly damage the connector). This is mainly to allow limited and fragile docking to an unpowered ship or station.
I'm thinking this solution would be less of a performance hit as entire grids aren't being moved, though the resources devoted to maintaining the connection may negate that; depends on implementation.
I like this feedback
Something like this has been needed a long time and Darth is already half way there. A full implementation would be game changing IMO
Something like this has been needed a long time and Darth is already half way there. A full implementation would be game changing IMO
EDIT: The force required to break the connection (when at least one connection is off; the base strength) should probably be around 5-15kN. Was not supposed to measure that in Pa. Enough for the connection to hold while idle (or with really weak thrusters) but not suitable for higher thrust. This is the "off" strength, the actual force when active would be much higher.
EDIT: The force required to break the connection (when at least one connection is off; the base strength) should probably be around 5-15kN. Was not supposed to measure that in Pa. Enough for the connection to hold while idle (or with really weak thrusters) but not suitable for higher thrust. This is the "off" strength, the actual force when active would be much higher.
I think merge blocks only "delete" grids if blocks from each grid touch each other in a manner where they could normally be placed. In other words, if two grids are merged and the only connection point is the merge block, they will remain two separate grids.
More to your point, though, there are ways to create airtight docking connectors with vanilla blocks - but they aren't pretty or compact. So I'd definitely like to see something of the same. Another nice connector mod is from Zardos
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2783691448
I think merge blocks only "delete" grids if blocks from each grid touch each other in a manner where they could normally be placed. In other words, if two grids are merged and the only connection point is the merge block, they will remain two separate grids.
More to your point, though, there are ways to create airtight docking connectors with vanilla blocks - but they aren't pretty or compact. So I'd definitely like to see something of the same. Another nice connector mod is from Zardos
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2783691448
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