Difference between revisions of "Navball"

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(Gallery: -there is no Maneuver retrograde: You need accelerate in that direction => prograde;)
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Understanding the navball is critical to successful flight, both in space as in atmosphere. When the camera is not in ''chase'' mode only the navball can tell the current orientation and what the rotation commands will perform.
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The '''navball''' is one of the primary instruments to control the craft. Understanding the navball is critical to successful flight, both in space as in atmosphere. When the camera is not in ''[[Camera view|chase]]'' mode only the navball can tell the current orientation and what the rotation commands will perform. It is similar to the [[w:Artificial horizon|artificial horizon]] used in real-world planes.
  
{{TOC|align=left}}[[File:Navball.png|thumb|center|upright=2.0|1: Current Plane of Reference<br>
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{{TOC|align=left}}[[File:Navball.png|thumb|right|upright=2.0|1: Current point of reference<br>
2: Current Speed<br>
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2: Current speed<br>
3: RCS Status (active)<br>
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3: RCS status (active)<br>
4: SAS Status (active)<br>
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4: SAS status (active)<br>
5: Current Throttle<br>
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5: Current throttle<br>
6: Current G-Force<br>
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6: Current g-force<br>
 
7: Required maneuver delta-V<br>
 
7: Required maneuver delta-V<br>
 
8: Maneuver information<br>
 
8: Maneuver information<br>
 
9: Navball showing orientation and several attitude indicators<br>
 
9: Navball showing orientation and several attitude indicators<br>
 
10: Current heading in degrees<br>
 
10: Current heading in degrees<br>
11: Hides Navball]]
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11: Hides navball]]
  
== Point of Reference ==
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{{clear|left}}
Clicking this area will toggle the reference between ''Surface'' and ''Orbit'', indicated by the green text. If a target is selected on the map, there is the additional option ''Target'' to cycle through.  Changing the '''point of reference''' changes the location of the pro-grade and retro-grade markers. Point of Reference can also be changed by selecting the '''Control from Here''' option when right clicking on [[Docking port]]s or other [[Command module]]s that may be on the craft.
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== Point of reference ==
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As all movements are relative the the point of reference determine to which point it is measuring the velocity vectors. Clicking this area will toggle the reference between ''Surface'' and ''Orbit'', indicated by the green text. If a target is selected, there is the additional option ''Target'' to cycle through.  Changing the '''point of reference''' changes the location of the pro-grade and retro-grade markers.
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To land it is important to have the reference set to surface to account for the rotation of the celestial body. For orbital maneuvers the rotation is not important, except for [[synchronous orbit]]s, so that the point of reference is orbit which is like the surface reference but it isn't accounting for the rotation.
  
 
=== Speed ===
 
=== Speed ===
The speed is measured relative to the '''point of reference'''.
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The speed is measured relative to the '''point of reference''' and given in meters per second. It doesn't show a negative value when the point of reference is set to the target.
  
 
== Ball instrument ==
 
== Ball instrument ==
 
The most important part is the center ball which shows the current orientation of the craft and multiple directions which maybe important for future movements.
 
The most important part is the center ball which shows the current orientation of the craft and multiple directions which maybe important for future movements.
  
While blue background indicates skyward directions the brown indicates groundwards. The white line in the middle is the artificial horizon.
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While blue background indicates skyward directions the brown indicates groundwards. The white line in the middle is the artificial horizon. These directions shown are relative to the part from which the craft is controlled. It can be changed by selecting the '''Control from Here''' option when right clicking on [[docking port]]s or other [[command module]]s that may be on the craft.
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=== Level indicator ===
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The level indicator shows the current orientation. As the navball is rotating beneath the level indicator, the navball is like a cockpit view without any window needed. So a rotation at the [[Axis#roll|roll axis]] will turn the navball upside down.
  
 
=== Markers ===
 
=== Markers ===
 
On the navball are three different types of markers. All markers except the maneuver marker have an opposite marker on the other side of the virtual ball.
 
On the navball are three different types of markers. All markers except the maneuver marker have an opposite marker on the other side of the virtual ball.
 
==== Level indicator ====
 
The level indicator shows the current orientation. As the navball is rotating beneath the level indicator, the navball is like a cockpit view without any window needed. So a rotation at the [[Axis#roll|roll axis]] will turn the navball upside down.
 
  
 
==== [[Terminology#prograde|Prograde]] and [[Terminology#retrograde|retrograde]] ====
 
==== [[Terminology#prograde|Prograde]] and [[Terminology#retrograde|retrograde]] ====
The prograde and retrograde marker is facing in the direction of movement. As the craft orbits in most cases around a body these markers are moving. Burning at the prograde will accelerate the craft while burning retrograde will doing the opposite. When not accelerating exactly in the direction of the prograde marker, the prograde marker will move towards the direction the craft is pointing at and the retrograde marker will move away. These markers are relative to the point of reference.
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The prograde and retrograde marker is facing in the direction of movement. As the craft orbits around a body these markers are moving. Burning at the prograde will accelerate the craft while burning retrograde will doing the opposite. When not accelerating exactly in the direction of the prograde marker, the prograde marker will move towards the direction the craft is pointing at and the retrograde marker will move away. These markers are relative to the point of reference.
  
 
==== Target prograde and target retrograde ====
 
==== Target prograde and target retrograde ====
If a target is selected the purple icons are indicating at which direction the target is. Because the target is also moving the target marker is also moving and isn't fixed.
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If a target is selected the purple icons are indicating at which direction the target is. Because the target is also moving the target marker is also moving and isn't fixed. Usually the target marker and velocity marker doesn't follow exactly the same path and tend to drift away. This is important for docking that it requires frequent input to hold the craft on course. These markers aren't relative to the point of reference.
  
 
==== Maneuver prograde ====
 
==== Maneuver prograde ====
If a maneuver is planned on [[Map view|the map]], the maneuver marker is pointing in the needed direction to burn. This is the only marker without the opposite which could complicate using maneuver nodes when the marker isn't shown, as it is unclear in which direction the marker is nearest.
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If a maneuver is planned on [[Map view|the map]], the maneuver marker is pointing in the needed direction to burn. This is the only marker without the opposite which could complicate using maneuver nodes when the marker isn't shown, as it is unclear in which direction the marker is nearest. It also makes using them complicated when the engines are facing in another direction than the part of which it is controlled.
  
==== Gallery ====
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=== Symbols on the ball instrument ===
 
<gallery widths=64px heights=64px>
 
<gallery widths=64px heights=64px>
 
File:Level indicator.svg|Level indicator
 
File:Level indicator.svg|Level indicator
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== Information around ==
 
== Information around ==
On maneuvers, you additionally get a '''maneuver thrust indicator''', a green bar and small info text right of the navball.  
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On maneuvers, there is a '''maneuver Δv indicator''', a green bar and small info text right of the navball. The bar indicates the total amount Δv required in the maneuver direction and it will deplete as the burn is performed. Below that is indicated how long the burn will have to continue until the maneuver is completed. This is a mere estimation based on the current maximum thrust available. When engines get activated or deactivated this value will adjust instantly and may result in a longer burn time. It won't change when the engines run at a lower thrust level but simply reduce slower. Below that is a timer indicating the time left until the craft reaches the maneuver node. It is unclear when to start the burn:
The bar indicates the total amount of thrust required in the maneuver direction and it will deplete as you perform your burn.  
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* Start prior to the maneuver so that it finishes on T-0
Below that is indicated how long your burn will have to continue until you complete your maneuver. This is a mere estimation based on your current thrust level, so altering thrust controls will also immediately alter this value. Below that is a timer indicating the time left until you reach your maneuver node where you should start your burn.
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* Start halfway through so that it half of the maneuver's Δv is applied on T-0
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* Start the maneuver on T-0
  
 
=== Throttle ===
 
=== Throttle ===
'''Throttle''' is at how much power all engines are running (in percent). Beware of full throttle, as engines can overheat and then can be destroyed. This throttle will always control all engines, so if the engines are not balanced there is no way to balance this by reducing the power for those engines which apply to much thrust. Also it controls the engines equally at the given percentage so smaller engines will apply lower force.
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'''Throttle''' is at how much power all engines are running (in percent). Beware of full throttle, as engines can [[Overheating|overheat]] and then can be destroyed. This throttle will always control all engines, so if the engines are not balanced there is no way to balance this by reducing the power for those engines which apply to much thrust. Also it controls the engines equally at the given percentage so smaller engines will apply lower force. It can't throttle [[solid rocket booster]]s.
  
 
=== Heading ===
 
=== Heading ===
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=== G forces ===
 
=== G forces ===
'''G forces''' are the pressures exerted due to acceleration measured in a factor of g. One g is approximately 9.81 m/s<sup>2</sup>.
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'''G forces''' are the pressures exerted due to acceleration measured in a factor of ''g''. One ''g'' is approximately 9.81 m/s<sup>2</sup>. Not to be confused with the SI-unit gram.
  
 
=== Hide ===
 
=== Hide ===
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== Basic controls ==
 
== Basic controls ==
These are the most basic orientation controls of your craft, here is a short explanation on how their actions are represented on the navball.
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These are the most basic orientation controls of the craft, here is a short explanation on how their actions are represented on the navball with the default [[key bindings]]:
 
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* {{Key press|W}} moves the indicator down on the navball.
Default control '''W''' moves the indicator down on the navball.
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* {{Key press|S}} moves it up.
 
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* {{Key press|A}} moves it left.
Default control '''S''' moves it up.
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* {{Key press|D}} moves it right.
 
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* {{Key press|Q}} rolls it counterclockwise.
Default control '''A''' moves it left.
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* {{Key press|E}} rolls it clockwise.
 
 
Default control '''D''' moves it right.
 
 
 
Default control '''Q''' rolls it counterclockwise.
 
 
 
Default control '''E''' rolls it clockwise.
 
  
 
[[Category:Game interface]]
 
[[Category:Game interface]]

Revision as of 13:50, 14 December 2013

The navball is one of the primary instruments to control the craft. Understanding the navball is critical to successful flight, both in space as in atmosphere. When the camera is not in chase mode only the navball can tell the current orientation and what the rotation commands will perform. It is similar to the artificial horizon used in real-world planes.

1: Current point of reference
2: Current speed
3: RCS status (active)
4: SAS status (active)
5: Current throttle
6: Current g-force
7: Required maneuver delta-V
8: Maneuver information
9: Navball showing orientation and several attitude indicators
10: Current heading in degrees
11: Hides navball

Point of reference

As all movements are relative the the point of reference determine to which point it is measuring the velocity vectors. Clicking this area will toggle the reference between Surface and Orbit, indicated by the green text. If a target is selected, there is the additional option Target to cycle through. Changing the point of reference changes the location of the pro-grade and retro-grade markers.

To land it is important to have the reference set to surface to account for the rotation of the celestial body. For orbital maneuvers the rotation is not important, except for synchronous orbits, so that the point of reference is orbit which is like the surface reference but it isn't accounting for the rotation.

Speed

The speed is measured relative to the point of reference and given in meters per second. It doesn't show a negative value when the point of reference is set to the target.

Ball instrument

The most important part is the center ball which shows the current orientation of the craft and multiple directions which maybe important for future movements.

While blue background indicates skyward directions the brown indicates groundwards. The white line in the middle is the artificial horizon. These directions shown are relative to the part from which the craft is controlled. It can be changed by selecting the Control from Here option when right clicking on docking ports or other command modules that may be on the craft.

Level indicator

The level indicator shows the current orientation. As the navball is rotating beneath the level indicator, the navball is like a cockpit view without any window needed. So a rotation at the roll axis will turn the navball upside down.

Markers

On the navball are three different types of markers. All markers except the maneuver marker have an opposite marker on the other side of the virtual ball.

Prograde and retrograde

The prograde and retrograde marker is facing in the direction of movement. As the craft orbits around a body these markers are moving. Burning at the prograde will accelerate the craft while burning retrograde will doing the opposite. When not accelerating exactly in the direction of the prograde marker, the prograde marker will move towards the direction the craft is pointing at and the retrograde marker will move away. These markers are relative to the point of reference.

Target prograde and target retrograde

If a target is selected the purple icons are indicating at which direction the target is. Because the target is also moving the target marker is also moving and isn't fixed. Usually the target marker and velocity marker doesn't follow exactly the same path and tend to drift away. This is important for docking that it requires frequent input to hold the craft on course. These markers aren't relative to the point of reference.

Maneuver prograde

If a maneuver is planned on the map, the maneuver marker is pointing in the needed direction to burn. This is the only marker without the opposite which could complicate using maneuver nodes when the marker isn't shown, as it is unclear in which direction the marker is nearest. It also makes using them complicated when the engines are facing in another direction than the part of which it is controlled.

Symbols on the ball instrument

Information around

On maneuvers, there is a maneuver Δv indicator, a green bar and small info text right of the navball. The bar indicates the total amount Δv required in the maneuver direction and it will deplete as the burn is performed. Below that is indicated how long the burn will have to continue until the maneuver is completed. This is a mere estimation based on the current maximum thrust available. When engines get activated or deactivated this value will adjust instantly and may result in a longer burn time. It won't change when the engines run at a lower thrust level but simply reduce slower. Below that is a timer indicating the time left until the craft reaches the maneuver node. It is unclear when to start the burn:

  • Start prior to the maneuver so that it finishes on T-0
  • Start halfway through so that it half of the maneuver's Δv is applied on T-0
  • Start the maneuver on T-0

Throttle

Throttle is at how much power all engines are running (in percent). Beware of full throttle, as engines can overheat and then can be destroyed. This throttle will always control all engines, so if the engines are not balanced there is no way to balance this by reducing the power for those engines which apply to much thrust. Also it controls the engines equally at the given percentage so smaller engines will apply lower force. It can't throttle solid rocket boosters.

Heading

The heading is the direction in degrees that the craft is facing. As most bodies are rotating eastwards it is more fuel efficent to head at the east.

G forces

G forces are the pressures exerted due to acceleration measured in a factor of g. One g is approximately 9.81 m/s2. Not to be confused with the SI-unit gram.

Hide

Clicking the little arrow on the top of the navball (Hide) will toggles its display on-screen.

Basic controls

These are the most basic orientation controls of the craft, here is a short explanation on how their actions are represented on the navball with the default key bindings:

  • W moves the indicator down on the navball.
  • S moves it up.
  • A moves it left.
  • D moves it right.
  • Q rolls it counterclockwise.
  • E rolls it clockwise.