BARIS question

[Tranquility Base]

I recently downloaded the game Buzz Aldrin's Race Into Space.  One question that I have deals with the docking modules that are needed to fly docking missions in the game.  When I purchase a docking module, "max R @ D" is always at 0%.  This makes it virtually impossible to fly any docking missions.  So how is it possible to research and develop the docking module?   

[Peyre]

I recently downloaded the game Buzz Aldrin's Race Into Space.  One question that I have deals with the docking modules that are needed to fly docking missions in the game.  When I purchase a docking module, "max R @ D" is always at 0%.  This makes it virtually impossible to fly any docking missions.  So how is it possible to research and develop the docking module?   

Whoaaa, that doesn't sound right.  DMs are supposed to start at 40% reliability.  One of the game's data files might have gotten corrupted on your hard drive.  I'd try wiping and reinstalling the game (or using BARIS_Installed.zip).  If that doesn't work, maybe download the hardware modifier from my site and manually change the DM reliability to 40%.

[Tranquility Base]

The docking modules do start at 40% reliability.  I just meant that it was impossible to research and develop the DM's to move their reliability beyond 40%. 

I now realize the answer to my question is that I have to start out at 40% safety and fly unmanned missions to steadily improve their reliability.  It's not possible to do R&D on them.

[Peyre]

The docking modules do start at 40% reliability.  I just meant that it was impossible to research and develop the DM's to move their reliability beyond 40%. 

I now realize the answer to my question is that I have to start out at 40% safety and fly unmanned missions to steadily improve their reliability.  It's not possible to do R&D on them.

OHH!  That makes sense now.  Yes, that's correct; it's the only item that can't be researched--just as the C-Kicker is the only item that can't be tested before a lunar landing is attempted (since Soyuz Lunar Landing is the only mission that includes a C-Kicker).

I generally fly unmanned docking tests until my DMs are at least 60% before attpempting a manned docking.  Also, I don't recommend combining docking tests with duration steps, unless your DMs are very reliable: if the docking fails, the rest of the mission is scrubbed--so that duration step you were counting on isn't even attempted, and your schedule is probably disrupted as a result.

[Count Zero]

Wimps.   :P  I go for the all-up testing.  Manned Orbital-Docking-EVA-Duration.  If the docking fails, the budget penalty is negligable.  If nothing else, the astronauts stay happy, and the experience goes up.  I have never had a successful unmanned docking, and consider them a waste of good equipment.

To clarify about the docking module safety:  A failed docking attempt will increase the safety factor by 5% (you always learn something), and a successful attempt raises it by 15%.

[Peyre]

Wimps.   :P  I go for the all-up testing.  Manned Orbital-Docking-EVA-Duration.  If the docking fails, the budget penalty is negligable.  If nothing else, the astronauts stay happy, and the experience goes up.  I have never had a successful unmanned docking, and consider them a waste of good equipment.

To clarify about the docking module safety:  A failed docking attempt will increase the safety factor by 5% (you always learn something), and a successful attempt raises it by 15%.

Hmm, going straight for manned docking?  I've always done unmanned first, partly because it doubles as dummy tests of the capsule before putting my spam in a can.  OTOH, it might be worth trying the manned docking first--after all, the computer does that and gets away with it ('course, what doesn't the damned computer get away with?).  Next time I play, I'll try the manned docking first!

Incidentally--a successful docking missions raises the safety by 10%, not 15% (unmanned docking, anyway--manned might yield 15%, which could be another incentive to try manned from the start).

[Peyre]

Wimps.   :P  I go for the all-up testing.  Manned Orbital-Docking-EVA-Duration.  If the docking fails, the budget penalty is negligable.  If nothing else, the astronauts stay happy, and the experience goes up.  I have never had a successful unmanned docking, and consider them a waste of good equipment.

To clarify about the docking module safety:  A failed docking attempt will increase the safety factor by 5% (you always learn something), and a successful attempt raises it by 15%.

Hmm, going straight to manned docking?  I've always done unmanned first, partly because it doubles as dummy tests of the capsule before putting my spam in a can.  OTOH, it might be worth trying the manned docking first--after all, the computer does that and gets away with it ('course, what doesn't the computer get away with?).  Next time I play, I'll try the manned docking first!

Incidentally--a successful docking missions raises the safety by 10%, not 15% (unmanned docking, anyway--manned might yield 15%, which could be another incentive to try manned from the start).

[Peyre]

Wimps.   :P  I go for the all-up testing.  Manned Orbital-Docking-EVA-Duration.  If the docking fails, the budget penalty is negligable.  If nothing else, the astronauts stay happy, and the experience goes up.  I have never had a successful unmanned docking, and consider them a waste of good equipment.

To clarify about the docking module safety:  A failed docking attempt will increase the safety factor by 5% (you always learn something), and a successful attempt raises it by 15%.

Hmm, going straight to manned docking?  I've always done unmanned first, partly because it doubles as dummy tests of the capsule before putting my spam in a can.  OTOH, it might be worth trying the manned docking first--after all, the computer does that and gets away with it ('course, what doesn't the computer get away with?).  Next time I play, I'll try the manned docking first!

Incidentally--a successful docking mission raises the safety by 10%, not 15% (unmanned docking, anyway--manned might yield 15%, which could be another incentive to try manned from the start).