What is the easiest way to dock in space?

[Bomber]

I have read so many on line guides and not much help. What is the easiest way to dock in space? I have heard of a MechJeb not sure what that is. I don't care if it is a cheat code or mod just want to see what everybody does to make it easy.

[Starglazer]

I watched Scott Manley's docking tutorial from Youtube and worked my way from there. MechJeb is a mod that has docking tool that you can use to dock automatically.

[Rene]

I learned docking by watching the following youtube video by Scott Manley a couple of times, and by practising a lot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHkY3FusJIQ
That said, Mechjeb is a mod that among others makes it possible to automate docking. I don't use it, so I don't know more.

Edit: ninja'ed again.

[Streetlamp Le Moose]

Docking and easy are mutually exclusive in this game. It gets easier but never easy, and that's just practice practice practice.

[bpivk]

Docking can either be achieved manually or automatically.

The auto way uses Mechjeb mod to fly and/or dock for you. I prefer the manually way because it's nice to learn the ropes before you resort to automation.

You have a video about docking above and here is my guide using another method and the one I prefer if you're into reading. http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=148244062

As Small said it's never easy but it does get simpler each time you do it.

[Tryder]

Originally posted by gxs:

Docking can either be achieved manually or automatically.

The auto way uses Mechjeb mod to fly and/or dock for you. I prefer the manually way because it's nice to learn the ropes before you resort to automation.

You have a video about docking above and here is my guide using another method and the one I prefer if you're into reading. http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=148244062

As Small said it's never easy but it does get simpler each time you do it.

If I could vote I would vote for you being the squad help and support service.

[Bomoo]

Practice is overpowered; everything is easier when you practice.

[Tryder]

Originally posted by Bomoo:

Practice is overpowered; everything is easier when you practice.

Well it is, but still good for when you are doing it for serious purposes.

[DeltaDude]

Originally posted by Bomber:

I have read so many on line guides and not much help. What is the easiest way to dock in space? I have heard of a MechJeb not sure what that is. I don't care if it is a cheat code or mod just want to see what everybody does to make it easy.

Dont think there is one. With practice though any will be easy.

[Bomber]

The Scott Manly's Video has already been a huge help. Based on Everyone's suggestions I am going to try to keep at it and learn manually then try it with automation. When I started this I could not even get into orbit. The video has given me a great visual reference and the Docking 101 has put me on the right course. Thanks for the help I will let you know how it goes.

[Bubba Fett]

Mechjeb will make docking easier even if you fly it yourself. The automatic direction hold using the SmartAss is very handy. This can keep your ship pointed at the targeted docking port or keep it parallel to the port's axis.
You can also create a custom window giving you info not normally seen. Closest approach to target, RCS delta V, velocity at closest approach, accurate distance to target, ect.

You should also look at the Docking Port Alignment plugin. This gives you alignment markers, a more accurate readout of closing velocity and acurate distance to target.

This screenshot of a ship about to dock with my station shows mechjeb, the dock alignment plugin, as well as the standard distance to target you get from having ship labels on.
Notice that while KSP is showing the distance to the core of the station, both MJ and DPA are showing the distance to the selected port. (not sure which of them is right, but they're both more right than KSP)
Also notice that at this slow approach speed the relative velocity marker isn't even showing on the navball, the one in the dock align window is still nice and steady. (it even works when moving back)

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=185487941

My final advice for docking is to put an indicator light on the top of your ship or fly from the chase view. The light is so you can make the top of your ship point to the top of the screen. It makes your RCS much more intuitive. Using the chase view will automaticly do that, but since the camera is locked to your ship it's a bit more twitchy.

[Leberwurst1234]

i find docking way to hard there should be an kind of docking help i even cant dock with mechjeb i came nearer to my goal manual but its a pain and i give up... flying on planets moons its easier for me

[Bodkins(UK)]

Videos are good reference for the basics but i found trial and error are the best tutors.

If you want to learn manual docking, hit F5(quicksave) before you start the dock. Once complete - hit f9(loadquicksave) and try again.

Repeat it a few times and use the mission as a simulator.

I did this ALOT in preperation for my own Apollo style moon landing, ready for the lander/command docking i would need to do above the moon. The practice really paid off and i now find manual docking to be as easy as reaching orbit.

[Gertjan]

mechjeb is an autopilot system that also gives many information readouts, it is a very powerful tool to fly with even without the autopilots, but the pilots can automatically launch, land at a target, change orbits, transfer to moons and planets, rendevoux and even dock at the click of a button; although i only use it for the orbital readouts mainly.

for docking, i use a little plugin called "docking port allignment indicator", which shows the relative seperation of the two involved ports, your relative speed, the distance and even rotational orientation, that makes docking a breeze even in pitch black without any lights around

[Bomber]

Well still trying to Dock now I wonder if there is a good Mech Jeb Tutorial

[Pinus Alba]

whatever you do, i'd recommend against using mechjeb to dock. It is very sensitive to RCS position and cannot control craft precisely if it is out of perfect balance. Also it just LOVES to waste monopropellant. At first i used it and had to take an overkill amount of monopropellant with me. Now i do the docking myself and spend only a tiny bit of it.