Multi docking-port docking possible?

[Pizza on Pineapple]

I'm planning on a massive mission to Jupiter - I mean Jool. The Spaceship is called 'Discovery 1', and I want it to be enourmous; fit for purpose. My idea was to have a quad-coupler with 4 docking ports; my question: Will the game allow me to dock with all 4 ports, or will it only dock with one of them. (When I used the Klaw, only one grappled onto it, even though I put 4 on). the spacecraft will be assembled, then sent to Jup- Jool.

Yes ... inspiration from 2001: A Space Odyssey

[Cmdr_Lysander]

I've created large space stations before with multiple ships docked at the same time.

I've also tried to create a ship similar to the "Discovery" you intend to make. My ship ws literally torn apart though when I engaged the engines. Fortnately I cheated and copied my safe file so I was able to restore the saved game. If I kept my thrust low it worked fine.

Ideally if would be great i the kerbals could "SPACE WELD". Ie. weld two docked vssels into a large vessel once in space.

[Pizza on Pineapple]

Originally posted by Cmdr_Lysander:

I've created large space stations before with multiple ships docked at the same time.

I've also tried to create a ship similar to the "Discovery" you intend to make. My ship ws literally torn apart though when I engaged the engines. Fortnately I cheated and copied my safe file so I was able to restore the saved game. If I kept my thrust low it worked fine.

Ideally if would be great i the kerbals could "SPACE WELD". Ie. weld two docked vssels into a large vessel once in space.

Yes, I see. So are you saying that my plan of a Quad Coupler with 4 docking ports connected to another one, could dock, with all 4 docking ports attaching?

[Cmdr_Lysander]

I am :)

[Pizza on Pineapple]

Originally posted by Cmdr_Lysander:

I am :)

I'll test it out later; thanks! :D

[Empiro]

While it's possible to dock multiple ports at once, it's quite challenging to actually do it in the game. It's probably simpler to just use the 2.5m docking port for this.

You can also get Kerbal Attachment System to add struts after you dock to strengthen the port, but really the big docking port should do it unless you're putting on some enormous engines on it.

[Pizza on Pineapple]

Originally posted by Empiro:

While it's possible to dock multiple ports at once, it's quite challenging to actually do it in the game. It's probably simpler to just use the 2.5m docking port for this.

You can also get Kerbal Attachment System to add struts after you dock to strengthen the port, but really the big docking port should do it unless you're putting on some enormous engines on it.

Didn't think of that. Silly me!

[Bomoo]

Sure is possible. I've used it to perfectly align space station segments in the past, because OCD. Will add screenshot when I can find it.

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=231508721

[Gralzeim]

If you're not against using mods with large numbers of parts, KW Rocketry adds a 3.75/2.5 dual-purpose docking port for docking positively enormous things together, though if you don't want the engines and other stuff the mod adds, then I'd echo Empiro's comments about using the 2.5m docking ports and Kerbal Attachment System.

[El Rushbo]

I just developed my modular tanker setup.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=266623056
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=266623172
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=266623332
The three ports connected perfectly, I plan to launch a few more to create a small cluster and test if it is still controllable. The two together does look promising.

[Vandalen]

The stock Game handles multiple docking ports fine IF you dock it in space. Crafting something in the hangar connects only one port.

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=171280777

Hope this Link works. I docked the three orange parts all with 3 junior ports, so 3x3 connection. It is rock solid, but has a large partcount. You can also dock just 2x2. for ships it is just important to stay symetric, or you will never fly a straight line.

Note: There is a ship docked on the upper side. That is not part of the travel-config. ;)


And this thing made it to Laythe, and back to Orbit :)
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=171280065

[Pizza on Pineapple]

Thanks for the amazing replies; one quick quetsion. I'm not at a stage where I feel confident enough to use mods, ergo, I am trying to do this mod free.
Is my best bet (for strength) 4 docking ports, or 1 big one? I know which will be easier ... but I want this to work!

[Bomoo]

Originally posted by Dr. Seb Wilkes:

Thanks for the amazing replies; one quick quetsion. I'm not at a stage where I feel confident enough to use mods, ergo, I am trying to do this mod free.
Is my best bet (for strength) 4 docking ports, or 1 big one? I know which will be easier ... but I want this to work!

Honestly, one big port is way easier to work with. The only benefit of using multiple 1.25m ports is, in my opinion, if you want absolutely perfect alignment for things like solar panels. If that isn't a concern, I'd use the 2.5m port.

[Pizza on Pineapple]

Originally posted by Bomoo:

Originally posted by Dr. Seb Wilkes:

Thanks for the amazing replies; one quick quetsion. I'm not at a stage where I feel confident enough to use mods, ergo, I am trying to do this mod free.
Is my best bet (for strength) 4 docking ports, or 1 big one? I know which will be easier ... but I want this to work!

Honestly, one big port is way easier to work with. The only benefit of using multiple 1.25m ports is, in my opinion, if you want absolutely perfect alignment for things like solar panels. If that isn't a concern, I'd use the 2.5m port.

Much apprechiated. The Discovery Space program will now begin; only achieveable with help from you guys.

In-case it goes wrong ... Well, that is beyond question. It can only be attributed to human error. :)

[Vandalen]

just a hint - over the last few game-updates all the parts are much stronger together. Using the large 2,5m port is a very good option for stability. I would use a multiple port connection only for radial connections now. And remeber the symmetry.

[Narbat]

Originally posted by El Rushbo:

I just developed my modular tanker setup.

Heh. That looks very similar to the modular tanker I put together over the past few days. I now have seven of them connected up in LKO waiting for me to dock a lander module, then it's off to Moho on a rescue mission! My big problem right now is frame rate. When that puppy's on the screen the game drops to less than 4 fps. I haven't figured out what's killing it yet. I don't think it's the sheer number of parts, because I've made asparagus clusters way bigger than that without any problems. Maybe joints formed by docking ports are handled differently than regular joints and decouplers?