Drone rack

    Drone rack 0.1



    EDIT: Upgraded version installed on a ship (just to show what it actually looks like on a ship, this isn't in the download. Read the "edit" below to see what's different):

    There's doors that close in front of the drones btw, I just opened them manually because of a glitch.

    the rack:


    The activator I press at the start is just there for the gif, it's not part of the rack you'll get with the download.

    THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE:

    This is meant to be docked to drone carrying ships and to be easily replaced once the drones have been launched, instead of manually re-docking everything. Keep in mind that this is simply a proof of concept (even though it works) and that I haven't actually installed it and tested it on a ship yet. Also keep in mind that this is the LEFT version of the rack (in case you want to use it on a ship).

    HOW TO MAKE IT WORK:

    All that needs to be done in order to make this work is to press the activator located at the back, the drones should all launch in sequence with a 0.5 second interval. If pressing the button the first time doesn't work simply press it a second time after waiting a few seconds.

    Note: Some drones WILL get stuck inside the rack (usually around 3 or 4). Simply activate the ejection system again in order to eject everything.

    YOU CAN:
    • Take it completely apart or otherwise modify it
    • use it on your ships
    Just please don't claim the idea/rack as your own (and maybe credit me if you're feeling like it :p)

    EDIT: I have improved the concept to have the push beam system be directly mounted onto the carrier, making the racks easier to buy/manufacture. The way it works is quite similar except that a core gets pushed into an area trigger located on the rack to activate the undocking sequence. The beams located on the main ship are synchronized with the undocking of the drones.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If you're interested in the individual drones you can download the latest version from here: http://starmadedock.net/content/soul-drone.1326/

    If you're interested about drones you can read this thread I made on the plus and minuses of drone warfare: http://starmadedock.net/threads/to-drone-or-not-to-drone-an-answer.3246/
    Author
    Keptick
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    Very nice engineering work!
    (Incidentally, I like having the push beams on the rack; when the game is more complete, these should be something you can purchase as a ready-made part.)
    Does anybody have this on a ship? I would like that but its a great idea I am just not much of a builder.
    Keptick
    Keptick
    I do. But the ship isn't public and won't be any time soon (if ever).
    Great! but how did you make them shoot that far?
    if u use the push beam logic stuff they slowly glide away
    Keptick
    Keptick
    The trick is just to use more beam (with push effect) to get a stronger push. Having multiple outputs also helps with force afaik.
    nicely done, like your drones nice design :)
    Keptick
    Keptick
    The kind words are very welcome, thanks!
    after reading several post on the pros and cons of drones and never dealing with them until being attacked by a drone carrier, my biggest W.I.P. not just a salvager and carrier of smaller ships but she will MOST DEFINITELY be wielding some of your racks and drones. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE DOWNLOAD.
    Drakil of the Dark Star Alliance...
    Keptick
    Keptick
    I'm glad that it can be of help! I actually have an updated version, the push systems are all on the main ship (this makes the rack a lot less expensive). However, the entire system is slightly more complicated.

    I'll be posting the new version as a different thing, since there's advantages and disadvantages to using it.
    wow this is awesome!
    this has inspired me to build the mother of all drone ships
    ill post a link when i get a prototype built. you can expect 200+ drones
    Keptick
    Keptick
    I can't wait to see it!
    This is modularity and thought put into actual ingame usability in its purest. Inspired me to add drone rack functionality to my upcoming destroyer.
    Ohh my god :D

    I wanted to look at the whole thing bur I could not resist, I had to prerss the button. That is amazing, when they get puched out!!!
    Keptick
    Keptick
    I'm glad you liked it :D
    A wonderful proof of concept for a drone launching system.
    Keptick
    Keptick
    Thank you!!!!!!! I really hope that you'll have fun with it :P