Difference between revisions of "Advanced Grabbing Unit"

From Kerbal Space Program Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Moved Description up -- keeps helpful picture from "indenting" next section, and it matches placement on other pages.)
(Moved usage from intro to Use section; expanded Use section)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{:Advanced Grabbing Unit/Box}}
 
{{:Advanced Grabbing Unit/Box}}
  
The '''Advanced Grabbing Unit''' (AGU), or '''The Klaw''', is a medium-sized [[docking]] device which can couple to any surface like [[asteroid]]s without a docking node in place. As the name probably implies, this new part is the means by which asteroids can be captured to be redirected. Just arm the device, approach the target carefully, and the claw will do the rest. It's like a docking node, but without the need for a mate node on the other side. Better still, the AGU can be used to grab on to much more than just asteroids. In fact, it can pick up just about anything, even [[Kerbal]]s.  
+
The '''Advanced Grabbing Unit''' (AGU), or '''The Klaw''', is a medium-sized [[docking]] device which can couple to any surface without the requirement of another docking device on the target to mate with. This is a virtual necessity for redirecting [[asteroid]]s, though the AGU can be used to grab on to much more than just asteroids. In fact, it can grab just about anything, even [[Kerbal]]s.  
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
Line 10: Line 10:
 
== Use ==
 
== Use ==
 
[[File:AGU.jpg|thumb|left|Extended Advanced Grabbing Unit on a [[Command Pod Mk1]]]]
 
[[File:AGU.jpg|thumb|left|Extended Advanced Grabbing Unit on a [[Command Pod Mk1]]]]
The device features a toggleable state, 'Armed' or 'Disarmed'. While armed, the claw will stick to any object it collides with, attaching it to the current vessel. Just like with a docking connection, you can exchange resources like fuel or electric charge through it, and objects connected by claws are controlled together as a single entity. Kerbals grabbed by the claw will go limp into a ragdoll state.
+
The AGU is the primary means of capturing and redirecting asteroids. It's also useful for craft-to-craft docking or for exchanging resources with craft or debris without a docking port.
 +
 
 +
Operation is simple. Its state toggles between 'Armed' or 'Disarmed'. While disarmed, it behaves like any other [[part]]. Once armed, approach the target with moderate force and the extended claw will automatically grab anything it collides with (or that collides with it), docking the target to the current vessel. It's like a docking port, but without the complexity of aligning with a receiving port on the target.
 +
 
 +
As with docking ports, you can exchange resources ([[liquid fuel]], [[electricity]], etc.)) with the target. And objects connected by claws are controlled together as a single entity. Kerbals grabbed by the claw will go limp in a ragdoll state and can be carried with the craft.
  
 
An attached claw can be kept rigid, or it can be allowed to swivel by right-clicking on it and choosing '''Free Pivot'''. This is especially helpful when connected to large asteroids, as thrust must be aimed directly at the center of mass to keep the asteroid under control while moving it. While the claw is in free pivot mode, [[reaction wheel]]s or [[RCS]] can be used to tilt the attached vessel. After aligning the craft, the '''Free Pivot''' command can be used again to lock the claw in place.
 
An attached claw can be kept rigid, or it can be allowed to swivel by right-clicking on it and choosing '''Free Pivot'''. This is especially helpful when connected to large asteroids, as thrust must be aimed directly at the center of mass to keep the asteroid under control while moving it. While the claw is in free pivot mode, [[reaction wheel]]s or [[RCS]] can be used to tilt the attached vessel. After aligning the craft, the '''Free Pivot''' command can be used again to lock the claw in place.

Revision as of 10:59, 12 July 2014

Advanced Grabbing Unit
Part image
Docking port by
Kerbal Motion LLC

Radial size Small
Cost (total) 450.00 Funds
Mass (total) 0.08 t
Drag 0.2-0.3
Max. Temp. 2000 K
Volume  ?
Impact Tolerance 50 m/s
Research Actuators.png Actuators
Unlock cost 5 200 Funds
Since version 0.23.5
Part configuration part.cfg

The Advanced Grabbing Unit (AGU), or The Klaw, is a medium-sized docking device which can couple to any surface without the requirement of another docking device on the target to mate with. This is a virtual necessity for redirecting asteroids, though the AGU can be used to grab on to much more than just asteroids. In fact, it can grab just about anything, even Kerbals.

Description

Kerbal Motion engineers have long struggled with the problem of how to extract dropped tools from complicated machinery. After observing an intern cleaning out his shoes by turning them upside down and shaking them in the lab, our team was hit with a stroke of inspiration! Why not turn the rocket parts upside-down and shake them? The grabbing arm perfectly filled this niche, and is quite capable of lifting heavy machinery. It has since found other uses, besides delicate tool extraction operations. AKA "The Klaw!"

Kerbal Motion LLC

Use

Extended Advanced Grabbing Unit on a Command Pod Mk1

The AGU is the primary means of capturing and redirecting asteroids. It's also useful for craft-to-craft docking or for exchanging resources with craft or debris without a docking port.

Operation is simple. Its state toggles between 'Armed' or 'Disarmed'. While disarmed, it behaves like any other part. Once armed, approach the target with moderate force and the extended claw will automatically grab anything it collides with (or that collides with it), docking the target to the current vessel. It's like a docking port, but without the complexity of aligning with a receiving port on the target.

As with docking ports, you can exchange resources (liquid fuel, electricity, etc.)) with the target. And objects connected by claws are controlled together as a single entity. Kerbals grabbed by the claw will go limp in a ragdoll state and can be carried with the craft.

An attached claw can be kept rigid, or it can be allowed to swivel by right-clicking on it and choosing Free Pivot. This is especially helpful when connected to large asteroids, as thrust must be aimed directly at the center of mass to keep the asteroid under control while moving it. While the claw is in free pivot mode, reaction wheels or RCS can be used to tilt the attached vessel. After aligning the craft, the Free Pivot command can be used again to lock the claw in place.

Changes

0.23.5
  • Initial release