Difference between revisions of "Action group"

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(add info on binding Action Groups)
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* Deploying [[solar panel]]s.
 
* Deploying [[solar panel]]s.
 
* Activating multiple [[environmental sensor]]s.
 
* Activating multiple [[environmental sensor]]s.
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== How to bind action groups ==
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Below are instructions to bind new actions to an Action Group, building on an example by Doc Faustus <ref>http://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/114367/kerbal-space-program-number-binding</ref> and merging it with the [[Tutorial: Apollo 11 | Apollo 11]] tutorial (one could also use the [[Kerbal X]] stock rocket).  Steam community forums also have some useful information on this topic <ref>http://steamcommunity.com/app/220200/discussions/0/864978835564032975/#c864978835644239443</ref>.  We'll begin the first steps of adding some '''Abort''' sequences to try and save [[kerbonaut | kerbonauts]] from launch pad disasters.
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Steps to bind Action Groups (version 0.21.1):
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# Load up the Apollo 11 (or Kerbal X) ship in the [[VAB]].
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# Click on the "Action Groups" icon at the top of the screen. It's the blue button that looks like two gears.
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# Select "Abort" from the Action Groups list on the left.  Alternately, select a number you would like the action to bind to.
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# Click on a ship component to activate, such as the [[Rockomax Brand Decoupler]].  The item will show up on the right Selection list, with available actions below.
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# Click on the target action from the Selection list, such as Decouple.
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Congratulations!  The Abort sequence is now bound to decoupling the Rockomax Decoupler in case of emergency.
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One can trigger the Abort sequence by either holding down the Backspace key, or by clicking on the abort icon next to the altimeter.
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Additional worthwhile Abort sequence steps probably include adding and igniting some [[Sepratron I]] solid rocket boosters to help lift the CM away from any exploding rocket debris.  Similarly, binding parachute deployment to a custom Action Group such as the number 9, will hopefully help the CM have a softer landing after getting some distance from the launch pad and rocket debris.
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== References ==
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<references/>

Revision as of 23:22, 10 October 2013

Configuring an abort sequence using action groups

An action group is a group of part actions that can be triggered using certain buttons or keys. They can be configured under the Action Groups tab in the VAB or SPH.

Available action groups

Name Triggered by[note 1] Default key Default effect
Stage Launch/Stages Space Activate all parts of next stage
Gear Landing Gear G Toggle position of all landing gear
Light Lights U Toggle all lights on/off
RCS RCS Toggle R Toggle all RCS thrusters on/off
SAS SAS Toggle T Toggle all SAS modules on/off
Brakes Brakes B Hold to activate all brakes
Abort Emergency abort Backspace -
Custom01 Custom action 1 Alpha1 -
Custom02 Custom action 2 Alpha2 -
Custom03 Custom action 3 Alpha3 -
Custom04 Custom action 4 Alpha4 -
Custom05 Custom action 5 Alpha5 -
Custom06 Custom action 6 Alpha6 -
Custom07 Custom action 7 Alpha7 -
Custom08 Custom action 8 Alpha8 -
Custom09 Custom action 9 Alpha9 -
Custom10 Custom action 10 Alpha0 -
  1. Names taken from "Input" section of settings

Uses

An action group can cause any action that can also be triggered by right-clicking a part and making a selection from its popup menu. This makes action groups useful for coordinating the functions of multiple parts all over a spacecraft, or for making the same change to several identical parts. Action groups trigger all their parts simultaneously, allowing quick changes in situations where using the popup menus would be impractical or dangerous, such as surface landings or while the engines are throttled up during a maneuver.

Common uses of custom action groups include:


How to bind action groups

Below are instructions to bind new actions to an Action Group, building on an example by Doc Faustus [1] and merging it with the Apollo 11 tutorial (one could also use the Kerbal X stock rocket). Steam community forums also have some useful information on this topic [2]. We'll begin the first steps of adding some Abort sequences to try and save kerbonauts from launch pad disasters.

Steps to bind Action Groups (version 0.21.1):

  1. Load up the Apollo 11 (or Kerbal X) ship in the VAB.
  2. Click on the "Action Groups" icon at the top of the screen. It's the blue button that looks like two gears.
  3. Select "Abort" from the Action Groups list on the left. Alternately, select a number you would like the action to bind to.
  4. Click on a ship component to activate, such as the Rockomax Brand Decoupler. The item will show up on the right Selection list, with available actions below.
  5. Click on the target action from the Selection list, such as Decouple.

Congratulations! The Abort sequence is now bound to decoupling the Rockomax Decoupler in case of emergency.

One can trigger the Abort sequence by either holding down the Backspace key, or by clicking on the abort icon next to the altimeter.

Additional worthwhile Abort sequence steps probably include adding and igniting some Sepratron I solid rocket boosters to help lift the CM away from any exploding rocket debris. Similarly, binding parachute deployment to a custom Action Group such as the number 9, will hopefully help the CM have a softer landing after getting some distance from the launch pad and rocket debris.


References

  1. http://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/114367/kerbal-space-program-number-binding
  2. http://steamcommunity.com/app/220200/discussions/0/864978835564032975/#c864978835644239443