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Whip's Skid Steering Script
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Type: IngameScript
Tags: other_script
File Size
Posted
Updated
794.397 KB
Oct 12, 2021 @ 12:16pm
May 27, 2024 @ 2:15pm
2 Change Notes ( view )
Created by
Whiplash141
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Whip's Skid Steering Script

In 1 collection by Whiplash141
Whip's Scripts
22 items
Description
Whip's Skid Steering Script

  Description
Howdy!

This script emulates tank skid steering using wheel suspensions, and it is able to skid steer without gyros! This is possible because the script uses adaptive steering friction to ensure that wheels closest to the centerline of the vehicle provide the most torque. You can still use gyros to aid in steering, but they should not be required!

Additionally, when you transition between driving straight and turning, the friction change is not instantaneous; instead, there is a configurable ramp-up time that will allow for smooth transitions between different friction settings for driving and steering. This should prevent many cases of flipping due to fast friction increases.




  Features
  • Wheel based skid steering
  • Adaptive steering friction means no gyros are needed!
  • Gyros can still be used to assist with turning
  • Gradual friction ramp-up to prevent flipping
  • Lots of Custom Data configuration options
  • Animated running screens!
  • Works across subgrids


  Adaptive Steering Friction
Adaptive steering friction permits vehicles to skid steer without the need of gyros. This is because wheels closest to the vehicle's centerline get the most friction, and the wheels furthest from the centerline get little-to-no friction. This prevents the suspension wheel system from locking up during turns.




  Setup Instructions
  1. Place this script in a programmable block.
  2. Place the wheels that you want to use for skid steering and the cockpit you will control the wheels from in a group named Skid Steering.
    • (Optional) You can also add gyros to the group to aid in turning, but they are not required.

Now you can configure the Custom Data to your heart's content!



  Custom Data Config
You can configure several settings in the Custom Data of the Programmable Block to fine tune how your vehicle behaves.
Key
Valid Values
Description
Group name tag
string
Name of the skid steering block group.
Draw title screen
true/false
If the animated title screen should be drawn on the programmable block's main screen.
Wheel friction - Driving (%)
number (0 to 100)
Wheel friction when driving straight.
Wheel friction - Turning (%)
number (0 to 100)
Max wheel friction when turning.
Friction ramp-up time - Turning to Driving (s)
number
Time it takes (in seconds) for wheel friction to linearly scale from turn friction to drive friction.
Friction ramp-up time - Driving to Turning (s)
number
Time it takes (in seconds) for wheel friction to linearly scale from drive friction to turn friction.
Gyro power - Driving (%)
number (0 to 100)
Gyro power when driving straight.
Gyro power - Turning (%)
number (0 to 100)
Gyro power when turning.
Gyro rotation speed (RPM)
number
Gyro max rotation speed when turning.
Invert steer while reversing
true/false
If steering direction should be inverted when reversing.
Enable adaptive steering friction
true/false
If adaptive steering friction should be enabled.

Recommended setting: true
Adaptive steering friction max angle (deg)
number (0 to 90)
Maximum angle (in degrees) between the wheel and the centerline for it to have adaptive friction. If the wheel is further off the centerline than this angle, it will have no friction.


  Author's Notes
I decided to completely rewrite my archaic skid steer script that I never "officially" released. I didn't want to release a skid steering script dependent on gyros, so I held off until I figured out how to make adaptive steering friction work.

Hopefully you tank nerds will find this useful!

The tank showcased in the first GIF is the Halvar MBT by Beans and can be found here: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2626456159

If you want to be able to drive while a different player controls a MART turret, you need to use Digi's mod that fixes that: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2304767743 This has finally been fixed!

Also, I made the sprites for the cute little running screen using the SESpriteBuilder tool that I developed: https://gitlab.com/whiplash141/spritebuilder/-/wikis/home. It may be of use to scripters trying to visualize and design sprites :)

- Whiplash141
135 Comments
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Cmdr. DoomForge™ Sep 13 @ 6:09am 
I've been experimenting with this skid steer system in recent efforts to rebuild one of my tanks to use pivoting tracks, looking over the settings for it vs SWCS, but I am curious how best to implement the braking system since I am going to be using the skid steer for it.

I think I read in the comments here somewhere something about using remote block group in the subgrids to toolbar toggle the brake? Or is there an argument line available in the skid steer script to make it reduce speed when pressing the brakes and allow the parking to keep it still?
Midat Aug 10 @ 5:47pm 
@Whiplash141 in the script, on how to set it up, it says: 1. Put all the wheels, gyros, and cockpits you want to use for skid steering into a group called "Skid steering." and it only works when the group when is called "Skid Steering" and not "Skid steering" (idk if its something about my game but if not check it)
Whiplash141  [author] Jun 1 @ 11:23am 
@Smoore:

It's ownership on all blocks the same?
Whiplash141  [author] Jun 1 @ 11:22am 
Not possible to skid steer around the front wheels like that
OutcastZeroOne Jun 1 @ 10:39am 
trying to set this up on a forklift with only 4 wheels with the front fixed wheels being the pivot point. any ideas how to do this?
SmooreMC85 Jun 1 @ 9:45am 
Mr. Whip: 1. thank you for all your contributions to the community. I don't think i would have the hours in this game if not for your massive QoL scripts. 2. I also have the "Skid Steering" group not found error message and could use some help. I have triple checked that i followed the instructions; what information can i provide for a little bit of troubleshooting? Funny thing is I had it working, but decided i didn't like how the rover i'm building was turning out, reloaded a save, made some adjustments to the lower grid, and then couldn't get the script to work. I ground down the PB located on the upper grid, reloaded the world, relaunched the game, all ownership is set to me, and the group name is "Skid Steering". I'm stuck :/. I'm building this: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/611785930602654605/
Autumn Apr 4 @ 11:34pm 
Fair enough lol, thanks anyways!
Whiplash141  [author] Apr 4 @ 11:23pm 
"Do you have one that has a turret position indicator kinda like the screen on this one?"

Yes, i can't remember where I put it though lol
Autumn Apr 4 @ 5:43pm 
Absolutely loving this script. Do you have one that has a turret position indicator kinda like the screen on this one? Would love an easier way to keep track of where my turrets are for the ones with an angle that makes it difficult!
Whiplash141  [author] Feb 8 @ 12:14pm 
Yeah I've been meaning to do that