Manual:Docking
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 Manual
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Contents
DOCKING
About
Docking means to attach your ship to another object in the game by using special provisions that have been made for that purpose. These provisions are called 'docking bay indicators' for the purpose of the actual attaching (docking), and 'docking bays' for the purpose of keeping your ship continously attached (docked), to another object.
Docking is an essential part of the gameplay in Vega Strike. You need to dock at a base, a planet, a ship or another object to use the facilities it offers. Such facilities usually include ship dealers, trading provisions and mission computers. See [3] for a description of these.
This article is intended to explain how you can dock your ship at another object.
Example object to dock at
See here for an example object you can dock at. (image, large)
FIXME // The images should be displayed here instead of having to follow the links. They should be resized to a size at which they can more reasonably be displayed inline then. I just didn't find out how I could make the images displayed inline here, sorry. //
Standard docking protocol
The standard docking protocol requires you to approach[1] the object you want to dock at, then to request docking clearance[2] and finally to get close enough to a docking bay to actually dock[4].
The docking bay indicators are there to help you in getting to a docking bay.
Docking bay indicators
Once you got the docking clearance, a number of rectangles in red or in green color appear at the object that granted you the clearance. The rectangles indicate the exact location of the actual docking bays of the object so that you can see where you can dock.
See here for the example object, with docking bay indicators alight. (image, large)
FIXME // The docking bay indicators should be alight, but they do not appear on the screenshots. Thus, you cannot see them on the image until this is fixed. //
The red docking bay indicators show docking bays that are more or less hidden or unreachable --- hidden usually by the object they are attached to, or unreachable for being located on its far side. Some bays may even be damaged and unusable. You can fly around the object until getting a straight view on a hidden docking bay. Provided that the bay is operational, its indicator will become green then.
You can dock at docking bays with partially-red indicators. The larger the green part of a docking bay indicator is, the easier it is to dock there because you will have more room to manneuver than you get with the mostly read indicators. In other aspects than colors, the bays are all the same, so you can opt for your favourite bay as well as for any other.
To actually dock, choose a green docking bay indicator and move very close to it. Take care to have lowered your speed sufficiently before getting too close. Otherwise, you'll eventually collide with the object you wanted to dock at and thereby damage or even destroy your ship --- or the object, though that is rather unlikely.
This is a ship heading to a docking bay, on a path close along the example object. (image, large)
FIXME // as above: docking bay indicators
Final docking sequence
When you are close enough to the docking bay, to complete docking, you must initiate the final docking sequence by pressing 
. The automated docking systems will take over then and route you to the appropriate commons of the object you are now docked at. From there on, you can further explore the object and make use of its facilities[3], so there.
In case the final docking sequence cannot be initiated, you are probably not yet close enough to an operational docking bay. Continue to move closer then, and stubbornly press until you get docked. Still, do not get too close to an object to avoid a collision.
Sudden docking
Some pilots have gathered a reputation for attempting to dock without requesting clearance. Docking without clearance is not only considered to be impolite, it also is an endangering way of flying for the docking indicators cannot be turned on early enough to allow for save manneuvering then. Collisions with other ships following the standard docking protocol are inherent to sudden docking.
Sudden docking is an annoyance for all the personnel in charge and other people getting involved, as it tends to mess with their schedules and can create costly --- sometimes even deadly --- delays to other pilots.
Remarks
Bartenders are fond of telling stories that on some remote bases, sudden dockers, notoriously not heeding to the admonishments of station personnel, had been beheaded and put to drift about in orbit, as quiet reminders for those not adhereing to the common docking practice.
Thus remember, pressing 
will send a request for clearance to your target.
References
[1]: Insystem travel
[2]: Communication
[3]: Concourse
[4]: Docking
See also
- Manual:Keyboard layout for the necessary command keys.
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here's the old version; I didn't dare to delete it :)
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DOCKING
Docking is an integral function of playing Vega Strike. Without knowing how to dock, you can never interact with another base in the universe. There are several steps to be followed in order to dock with a station.
In order to dock at a location, you must first get there. How to target a base or planet, and flying there using SPEC drive or Flight Mode are discussed elsewhere. Once you have arrived, maintain a target lock on your destination.
Continue traveling towards your destination. As you close, green and red docking indicators will appear, indicating docking clamps. Green indicators are usable docking clamps. Red indicators indicate that the docking area is either on the far side of a base or ship's superstructure, or damaged; and as such, you cannot dock with that docking clamp.
Approach the green docking clamps under Combat Mode at low speed. When the green indicator fills your screen, you are close enough to dock. To initiate the automated docking sequence, press and your ship will dock. If you are not close enough to the docking clamps, you will receive a communiqué informing you to move closer to the docking clamps. Repeat this step until the sequence begins.
Once docked, your screen will then change from the in-flight HUD, to the Concourse interactive screen. During your approach, we recommend you seek clearance to land at the base or planet. Doing so will communicate your desire to dock ahead to the docking authorities. It is considered polite (maybe it will even improve your reputation), and also has a practical aspect. Seeking clearance will bring up the docking indicators earlier. Pressing will send a request for clearance to your target.
Final Note
Destinations without a 'type' (Factory, Industrial, Oceanic etc) are considered uninhabited; while you may still land, these destinations have only limited base facilities to interact with. Therefore there is usually no benefit in landing at these locations.
See also
- Manual:Keyboard layout for the necessary command keys.
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