Probe Control Point
A Probe Control Point is a specific vessel which allows you to control a probe without any connection to the KSC.
Contents
Requirements
In order to use a vessel as such a control point, some requirements need to be fulfilled:
Probe control point
- Command module capable to function as Probe Control Point
- At least 1 Pilot on board (depends on the Command module, see table below)
- Relay Antenna
Remote ship
- A probe or command pod with the "remote pilot assist available" feature
- If it's a command pod, a capable kerbal (scientist or engineer) must be aboard
- Any antenna to establish the CommNet link
Pilot requirement and comm range
The following table lists all Command modules which can be used to build a Probe Control Point, the required number of Pilots on board and whether it is possible to use additional relay satellites to establish a connection with the probe (Multi-Hop) or just a direct connection can be used (Single-Hop):
| Command module | Required Pilot(s) | Link Type |
|---|---|---|
| RC-001S Remote Guidance Unit | 1 | Single-Hop |
| RC-L01 Remote Guidance Unit | 1 | Multi-Hop |
| Mk1-3 Command Pod | 2 | Single-Hop |
| Mk2 Lander Can | 2 | Single-Hop |
| Munar Excursion Module (Making History) | 2 | Single-Hop |
A connection will be automatically established as soon as the probe gets within range of the Probe Control Point. The remote ship will have a "remote control" icon in the Telemetry window.
While probes will automatically gain control, command pods need to have a capable kerbal (scientist or engineer, not a tourist) in order to gain the ability to create maneuver nodes. SAS is not transmitted, you need to have a probe core with SAS capabilities on the remote ship.
Uses
Remote control of tiny rovers with a weak/no antenna
Tiny antennae are cheaper and lighter than their long range counterpart. This allows the contruction of very light rovers to explore dangerous or far landscapes.
Help a lost probe or ship to set a maneuver node
Be your own space center to orient lost probes by giving them instructions! With a relay satellite cluster and a single piloted RC-L01 Remote Guidance Unit your can control everything within the relay range!
Gallery
Rightmost probe assisted by a probe control point on the left, passing through a relay.
A tiny rover controlled by the MK2 lander can.
