Autonomous probes?

[capiVara]

So the last time I played was when antennae were only used to transmit science data, but not required to control probes. I understand this has changed, and now the game also considers signal strength, line of sight etc.

However, I am not overly keen on the idea of dumb probes that merely follow remote commands, I always liked to think (headcanon) that my probes follow preprogrammed instructions, or possibly had limited AI. What is the correct way to do this now? Do only some of the probe cores allow this? Or none at all any more?

[Chibbity]

All probe cores require a connection to Kerbin now, although you can disable this in the game options if you want. There are some other options like allowing limited control without a signal. (You can use nodes, and max or stop the throttle.)

Some really advanced probe cores, and a few command modules allow directly controling another probe core nearby.

With the extra ground stations turned on (they are on by default) you'll have signal out past Duna without even setting up your own network, so it's not as hard as it may sound.

[Jupiter3927]

There's the Kerbal Operating System (kOS) mod that lets you write programs for your ships to do.
Probes are still act the way they used to as long as they have a connection.

[Toastie Buns]

Isn't signal delay a thing?

[Pembroke]

Infinite information speed, I think. Which is consistent with a purely Newtonian universe, so fits.

[Chibbity]

Originally posted by Toastie Buns:

Isn't signal delay a thing?

Only if you are using the remotetech mod.

[Toastie Buns]

I thought I saw signal delay in vanilla options... Oh well. Control the probe from a 1000 part ship for that vanilla delayed experience

[Jarr(cito)]

He just wants an Probe that doestn need comm...

But why you would want that?