Difference between revisions of "Connector"

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(→‎Undocking: changed version)
(added new layout (wanted to add more, but I'll fix it up in the future) - also will upload new picture for the new model change at another time)
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== Function ==
 
== Function ==
 
The connector has many functions. It can transfer items, eject items, and transfer energy. It also has a final interesting function in that it has a small magnetic pull in front of it. If another connector moves in front of it, they will start to pull each other at about 3 meters. The connector will then hold each other in place half a meter from each other.
 
The connector has many functions. It can transfer items, eject items, and transfer energy. It also has a final interesting function in that it has a small magnetic pull in front of it. If another connector moves in front of it, they will start to pull each other at about 3 meters. The connector will then hold each other in place half a meter from each other.
−
== Placement ==
+
{| class="wikitable" ; style="width: 20%
−
The connector may be placed where the placer wishes. It takes up 3x3x2 blocks on small ships, and one block space on large ships / stations. Both connector types have large conveyor ports on the back. However, the small ship version has small conveyor ports on all its sides.
+
!colspan="2" style="font-size:16px;"| [[Control Interface|Control Interface Menu]]
−
== Usage ==
+
|-
−
The connector provides many useful functions for the player(s) to take advantage of. The interface of the connector is simple, and an explanation is provided below.
+
!style="text-align:center ; font-size:14px;"| Options
−
{| class="wikitable" width "50%"
+
!style="text-align:center ; font-size:14px;"| Comments
−
!colspan="2" | Collector Interface
+
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Toggle block
 +
|Turns the device on, or off.
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Name
 +
|You can enter in your own custom name in the text box
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Show on HUD
 +
|If there is an [[Antenna]] attached to the same grid, this device will display its position on the players HUD
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Use Conveyor System
 +
|If "on" allows the connector to automatically draw items from other inventories connected to it
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Throw Out
+
!style="text-align:left;" | Throw Out
 
|This toggle tells the connector to eject items out from inside its inventory
 
|This toggle tells the connector to eject items out from inside its inventory
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Collect All
+
!style="text-align:left;" | Collect All
−
|This toggle tells the connector to retrieve items from the [[Conveyor Network]], and places inside its inventory
+
|This toggle tells the connector to retrieve items another inventory in the [[Conveyor Network]], and places inside its inventory
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Lock
+
!style="text-align:left;" | Lock
 
|This tells the connector to lock itself with another connector
 
|This tells the connector to lock itself with another connector
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Unlock
+
!style="text-align:left;" | Unlock
 
|This unlocks the connector from the other connector
 
|This unlocks the connector from the other connector
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
+
== Placement ==
 +
{|
 +
|
 +
{| class="wikitable" ; style="width: 80%"
 +
!colspan="5" ; style="text-align:center; font-size:18px; " | [[Large Ship|Large ship]] / [[Station]]
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:center;  width: 13%" ; colspan="2" | Outline
 +
!style="text-align:center; width: 3%" |
 +
!style="text-align:center; width: 60%" | Comments
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2" | Block Size:
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | 1
 +
|style="text-align:center;" |
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| Orientation affects function?
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | Yes
 +
|If the round connection end is covered, it cannot dock
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| Has limited range?
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | Yes
 +
|When docking with another connector, it will start to pull at about 3 meters
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| Can be placed on all sides?
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | No
 +
|Cannot attach blocks on the round top part of the connector
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| [[Conveyor Network#Large port|Has large conveyor port?]]
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | Yes
 +
|One on the bottom; opposite to the docking side.
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| [[Conveyor Network#Small port|Has small conveyor port?]]
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | No
 +
|
 +
|}
 +
|
 +
{| class="wikitable" ; style="width: 80%"
 +
!colspan="5" ; style="text-align:center; font-size:18px; " | [[Small ship|Small Ship]]
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:center;  width: 13%" ; colspan="2" | Outline
 +
!style="text-align:center; width: 3%" |
 +
!style="text-align:center; width: 60%" | Comments
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2" | Block Size:
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | 18
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | 3x3x2 cube
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| Orientation affects function?
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | Yes
 +
|If the round connection end is covered, it cannot dock
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| Has limited range?
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | Yes
 +
|When docking with another connector, it will start to pull at about 3 meters
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| Can be placed on all sides?
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | No
 +
|Cannot attach blocks on the round top part of the connector
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| [[Conveyor Network#Large port|Has large conveyor port?]]
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | Yes
 +
|One on the bottom; opposite to the docking side.
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="2"| [[Conveyor Network#Small port|Has small conveyor port?]]
 +
|style="text-align:center;" | Yes
 +
|one on each of its sides
 +
|}
 +
|}
 +
The connector may be placed where the placer wishes. It takes up 3x3x2 blocks on small ships, and one block space on large ships / stations. Both connector types have large conveyor ports on the back. However, the small ship version has small conveyor ports on all its sides.
 +
== Usage ==
 +
The connector provides many useful functions for the player(s) to take advantage of. Many of its functions are explained in detail below.
 
=== Item Ejection ===
 
=== Item Ejection ===
 
While capable of transferring items, it may also eject items as well. This does not require another connector, and it may do it at any time. As the items eject, it also applies a small amount force of '''1 m/s''' that pushes the items away from it.
 
While capable of transferring items, it may also eject items as well. This does not require another connector, and it may do it at any time. As the items eject, it also applies a small amount force of '''1 m/s''' that pushes the items away from it.
−
*To do this, the player must first set '''Collect All''' to '''Yes'''. This tells the connector you wish to pull items from other inventories to its own.[[File:Connector11.jpg|none|thumb|125px]]
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
*After the connector is set to collect items, under '''throw out''', set to '''on'''
+
|style="width: 530px;" | <ol>
 +
<li value="1">To do this, the player must first set '''Collect All''' to '''Yes'''. This tells the connector you wish to pull items from other inventories to its own.
 +
:[[File:Connector11.jpg|none|thumb|125px]]
 +
<li value="2">After the connector is set to collect items, under '''throw out''', set to '''on'''
 
:[[File:Connector10.jpg|none|thumb|125px]]
 
:[[File:Connector10.jpg|none|thumb|125px]]
 +
</ol>
 +
|}
 
=== Docking ===
 
=== Docking ===
 
Before item transferring can occur, the player must first connect a connector with another. Item transfer cannot occur in any other way.
 
Before item transferring can occur, the player must first connect a connector with another. Item transfer cannot occur in any other way.
−
*To dock, the player must guide the ship so that both connectors are aligned. Then approach the connectors slowly towards each other. [[File:Connector13.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
*When the player is close enough (3 meters), both connector lights will turn yellow, and a noticeable force will occur as both connectors will start to pull each other until a distance of 1 meter or so is between them. After which, the player must hit the docking/latch button (see [[Controls]]) to make a connection.
+
|style="width: 530px;" | <ol>
 +
<li value="1">To dock, the player must guide the ship so that both connectors are aligned. Then approach the connectors slowly towards each other.  
 +
:[[File:Connector13.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
 +
<li value="2">When the player is close enough (3 meters), both connector lights will turn yellow, and a noticeable force will occur as both connectors will start to pull each other until a distance of 1 meter or so is between them. After which, the player must hit the docking/latch button (see [[Controls]]) to make a connection.
 
::;Note * If the ships mass is too large, the force of the connector will be neglected and be unable to pull itself towards the other.
 
::;Note * If the ships mass is too large, the force of the connector will be neglected and be unable to pull itself towards the other.
 
:[[File:Connector07.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
 
:[[File:Connector07.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
−
 
+
<li value="3">Once successfully docked, the indicators on both connectors will turn '''green''', informing that a connection between both ships/stations has been established.
−
*Once successfully docked, the indicators on both connectors will turn '''green''', informing that a connection between both ships/stations has been established.[[File:Connector04.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
+
:[[File:Connector04.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
 
::;Note * While the player can dock at any point, it is recommended that the connectors be allowed to pull each other and settle at 1 meter from each other. This can prevent a smaller ship from being instantly pulled towards the connector; possibly causing damage.
 
::;Note * While the player can dock at any point, it is recommended that the connectors be allowed to pull each other and settle at 1 meter from each other. This can prevent a smaller ship from being instantly pulled towards the connector; possibly causing damage.
−
 
+
</ol>
 +
|}
 
==== Item transfer ====
 
==== Item transfer ====
 
The primary function of the connector is to allow ships/stations to transfer items items between each other. This can be done when two connectors are locked onto each other. Once docked, the player may freely transfer items between ship to ship, or ship to station. For information regarding multiple grid menu information, see [[Multi Grid Menu]].
 
The primary function of the connector is to allow ships/stations to transfer items items between each other. This can be done when two connectors are locked onto each other. Once docked, the player may freely transfer items between ship to ship, or ship to station. For information regarding multiple grid menu information, see [[Multi Grid Menu]].
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Below is a list of useful tips on how to undock from a connector.
 
Below is a list of useful tips on how to undock from a connector.
 
==== Turn Connectors Off ====
 
==== Turn Connectors Off ====
−
The simplest solution if you are unable to escape a connectors grasp is to turn off the connectors, therefore disabling their ability to "pull". However, there is a bit of confusion as to how to achieve this. To clarify, the steps will be listed below.
+
The simplest solution if you are unable to escape a connectors grasp is to turn off the connectors, therefore disabling their ability to "pull". To clarify, you simple only have to switch off power to one of the two connectors. Without power, they will no longer attract each other.
−
#'''Make Sure you are docked''' (Green indicators)
 
−
#Go to the Control Interface menu, and locate the connector your ship is attached to
 
−
#Once you locate the connector your ship is attached to, '''switch it off''' so that it is no longer powered
 
−
#Find your ships own connector, and '''switch it off''' as well, so that it's also not powered
 
−
#Undock by clicking the docking button (default P) to disconnect both connectors
 
−
#'''Give it one second''' for both connectors to realize they are not powered
 
−
#You are free to leave the area now, and will notice that both connectors are not applying any pull.
 
−
::;Note * If your station/ship has an antenna, you can remotely turn back on the connector.
 
  
 
==== Thrusting power ====
 
==== Thrusting power ====

Revision as of 14:27, 13 September 2014


Connector Icon.png
Large Ship Icon.png
Large Ship / Station
Connector
 
Components
Required

 

 
 
8
 
 
Mass (kg):
0
 
Integrity:
0
 
Build time (seconds):
35
Connector Icon.png
Small Ship Icon.png
Small Ship
Connector
 
Components
Required

 

 
 
6
 
 
Mass (kg):
0
 
Integrity:
0
 
Build time (seconds):
25
 
Idle Power Consumption (MW):
.00005
Small ship connector (left), and a large ship /station connector (right)
Angled view of the small ship connector (left), and a large ship /station connector (right)

Function

The connector has many functions. It can transfer items, eject items, and transfer energy. It also has a final interesting function in that it has a small magnetic pull in front of it. If another connector moves in front of it, they will start to pull each other at about 3 meters. The connector will then hold each other in place half a meter from each other.

Control Interface Menu
Options Comments
Toggle block Turns the device on, or off.
Name You can enter in your own custom name in the text box
Show on HUD If there is an Antenna attached to the same grid, this device will display its position on the players HUD
Use Conveyor System If "on" allows the connector to automatically draw items from other inventories connected to it
Throw Out This toggle tells the connector to eject items out from inside its inventory
Collect All This toggle tells the connector to retrieve items another inventory in the Conveyor Network, and places inside its inventory
Lock This tells the connector to lock itself with another connector
Unlock This unlocks the connector from the other connector

Placement

Large ship / Station
Outline Comments
Block Size: 1
Orientation affects function? Yes If the round connection end is covered, it cannot dock
Has limited range? Yes When docking with another connector, it will start to pull at about 3 meters
Can be placed on all sides? No Cannot attach blocks on the round top part of the connector
Has large conveyor port? Yes One on the bottom; opposite to the docking side.
Has small conveyor port? No
Small Ship
Outline Comments
Block Size: 18 3x3x2 cube
Orientation affects function? Yes If the round connection end is covered, it cannot dock
Has limited range? Yes When docking with another connector, it will start to pull at about 3 meters
Can be placed on all sides? No Cannot attach blocks on the round top part of the connector
Has large conveyor port? Yes One on the bottom; opposite to the docking side.
Has small conveyor port? Yes one on each of its sides

The connector may be placed where the placer wishes. It takes up 3x3x2 blocks on small ships, and one block space on large ships / stations. Both connector types have large conveyor ports on the back. However, the small ship version has small conveyor ports on all its sides.

Usage

The connector provides many useful functions for the player(s) to take advantage of. Many of its functions are explained in detail below.

Item Ejection

While capable of transferring items, it may also eject items as well. This does not require another connector, and it may do it at any time. As the items eject, it also applies a small amount force of 1 m/s that pushes the items away from it.

  1. To do this, the player must first set Collect All to Yes. This tells the connector you wish to pull items from other inventories to its own.
    Connector11.jpg
  2. After the connector is set to collect items, under throw out, set to on
    Connector10.jpg

Docking

Before item transferring can occur, the player must first connect a connector with another. Item transfer cannot occur in any other way.

  1. To dock, the player must guide the ship so that both connectors are aligned. Then approach the connectors slowly towards each other.
    Connector13.jpg
  2. When the player is close enough (3 meters), both connector lights will turn yellow, and a noticeable force will occur as both connectors will start to pull each other until a distance of 1 meter or so is between them. After which, the player must hit the docking/latch button (see Controls) to make a connection.
    Note * If the ships mass is too large, the force of the connector will be neglected and be unable to pull itself towards the other.
    Connector07.jpg
  3. Once successfully docked, the indicators on both connectors will turn green, informing that a connection between both ships/stations has been established.
    Connector04.jpg
    Note * While the player can dock at any point, it is recommended that the connectors be allowed to pull each other and settle at 1 meter from each other. This can prevent a smaller ship from being instantly pulled towards the connector; possibly causing damage.

Item transfer

The primary function of the connector is to allow ships/stations to transfer items items between each other. This can be done when two connectors are locked onto each other. Once docked, the player may freely transfer items between ship to ship, or ship to station. For information regarding multiple grid menu information, see Multi Grid Menu.

Note * If you connect to a ship/station with a powered Refinery or Arc Furnace, it will automatically pull ores from your ships inventory once connected.

Energy Transfer

An interesting feature the connector has when docked is that it is capable of transferring energy. This means that a smaller ship for example may dock with its larger one, and be provided with power. It allows for example Batteries on a smaller ship to be recharged from another ship/station.

Undocking

Since the release of the connector to the most recent update (Update 01.046), the strength of the connectors pull has be significantly reduced. However, there still is quite a significant amount that may cause some designs to have trouble escaping, or causing damage while doing so.

Below is a list of useful tips on how to undock from a connector.

Turn Connectors Off

The simplest solution if you are unable to escape a connectors grasp is to turn off the connectors, therefore disabling their ability to "pull". To clarify, you simple only have to switch off power to one of the two connectors. Without power, they will no longer attract each other.

Thrusting power

Content below is subject to change

Most ships with acceptable amounts of thrusting capability are able to escape a connectors "pull". However, even some very large ships can have difficulty moving away from the incredible force that connectors have. There appears to be a lot of debate regarding the amount of acceleration needed to pull away, however, it appears to depend on two factors:

  • Mass
  • Acceleration

While mass seems to have only a minor amount of impact, a smaller ship for example trying to escape from a large ship with small amount of mass would require that the smaller ship have a greater amount of acceleration as it is quite literally ... pulling the larger ship with it.

Acceleration seems to be the primary factor. With testing, it has been estimated that a small ship needs between 1.1 m/s and 1.3 m/s acceleration power to escape from a static connector. To give an example of ship, the default constructor ship (with 4 small thrusters) is capable of moving away from the connectors on its own.

Connector14.jpg

Examples

A connector ejecting items out to a collector on the other side
A giant blue ship docked to a station using the connectors
A connector on a small ship
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