OHM ETS-Themis Launch Vehicle 1.0

[Woo482]

The autopilot is planned for the next release :thumbup: The only reason it wasn't in this release is because it seems to be a pretty complex thing to code, all of my attempts at coding one so far have ended in the vehicle getting just above the pad before spinning out of control.

 

[Ark]

The autopilot is planned for the next release :thumbup: The only reason it wasn't in this release is because it seems to be a pretty complex thing to code, all of my attempts at coding one so far have ended in the vehicle getting just above the pad before spinning out of control.

There's a few addons out there that you could probably pull inspiration from in trying to code an autopilot. IMO Velcro has the best autopilot because it works the same way in just about any combination of launchers and payloads.

 

[Dores]

Hi all,

I love this launcher! Like how I can spawn it in game and attach payload. Allows me to do several missions without restarting orbiter!

I just wondered if there was any news on the autopilot?

Let me know if I can help...

Dores

 

[Loru]

Pitch part (ApA - PeA) is basically done. For now Woo482 is making Head/Inc part to allow targeting desired orbit and is tying all the functions to Panel Buttons

 

[Dores]

Brilliant!

Really looking forward to this!

Thanks for getting back to me!

Dores

 

[Ark]

Pitch part (ApA - PeA) is basically done. For now Woo482 is making Head/Inc part to allow targeting desired orbit and is tying all the functions to Panel Buttons

That's cool to hear. I really do like this launcher and would like to see it made easier to use. It has the potential to be a Kulch Energia-level workhorse. :thumbup:

 

[Dores]

Autopilot

Hi everyone!

Is there any word on a new release date for the autopilot!

Hope new year and xmas was good!

Dores

 

[Loru]

Update 18.02.2012:

Due to some bugs & design flaws Themis is under major redesign/rewriting/remeshing/retexturing.

SRB setup wasn't very efficent and 4 boosters is little bit overkill for vehicle this size. We're moved directly to mk2 version with 2 LRB's with RD-171 engines. Thing looks like that right now (WIP):

Code is being rewritten to clear bugs and make it more stable.

Also we've found that LRB on it's own can be pretty powerfull LV so in pararell Themis Lite is being developed:

Night launch:

And second in the evening:

 

[Dores]

Ah!

Looks great!

Looking forward to flying her!

Dores

 

[Enjo]

I have problems with both UAP and Launch MFD. With UAP nothing happens and it just goes up, and Launch MFD causes the rocket to spin. I'll try to do it with the Atlantis launch script.

Could the interested people use the attached test release?
It contains a PID configuration file with path:
Config\MFD\LaunchMFD\ETS-System\ETS-Launcher_Cargo.cfg
Its contents are:

SPACE_XY = 2 6 0
SPACE_BANK = 100 50 0
ATMO_XY = 4 12 0
ATMO_BANK = 1 2 0
ATMO_CONTINUOUS_CONTROL_SWITCH_ANGLE = 45.0
ATMO_BANK_TARGET_WINGS_LEVEL_SWITCH_ANGLE = 20.0

I've successfully put the launcher into orbit with some fuel left, using the following strategy:
- fire up engines
- wait until you're at 10km
- activate the AP
The scenario I used was "Themis"

Not wanting to hijack the thread, but the test release also contains a possibility to configure the PIDs values in simulation with Shift+1 for pitch and yaw, and Shift+2 for bank. You have to tune the PID values seperately for space and atmosphere. A check on current atmospheric pressure is performed for that. The chosen values are not stored automatically in the config file though. One has to copy them and write into the file manually.

Please post specific replies in this thread.

Back to the authors - it would be great if the launcher had more bank power. Right now it can't be really stabilised.

 

[Loru]

Back to the authors - it would be great if the launcher had more bank power. Right now it can't be really stabilised.

Thanks for feedback. Surelly it will be taken seriously in coding process.

Cheers
Loru

 

[Enjo]

OK. I've coded pitch programme into the LaunchMFD. See the attached version.

The launcher config file (Config\MFD\LaunchMFD\ETS-System\ETS-Launcher_Cargo.cfg)
now looks the following way:

SPACE_XY = 2 6 0
SPACE_BANK = 100 50 0
ATMO_XY = 4 12 0
ATMO_BANK = 1 2 0
ATMO_CONTINUOUS_CONTROL_SWITCH_ANGLE = 45.0
ATMO_BANK_TARGET_WINGS_LEVEL_SWITCH_ANGLE = 20.0

PITCH_PROGRAM
0 90
10 80
20 75
40 45
60 30
END_PITCH_PROGRAM

Start the sim, bring up LaunchMFD, select target, press Shift+P, start engines and sit back.

Saved some of your coding time, maybe?

 

[Interceptor]

OK. I've coded pitch programme into the LaunchMFD. See the attached version.

The launcher config file (Config\MFD\LaunchMFD\ETS-System\ETS-Launcher_Cargo.cfg)
now looks the following way:

SPACE_XY = 2 6 0
SPACE_BANK = 100 50 0
ATMO_XY = 4 12 0
ATMO_BANK = 1 2 0
ATMO_CONTINUOUS_CONTROL_SWITCH_ANGLE = 45.0
ATMO_BANK_TARGET_WINGS_LEVEL_SWITCH_ANGLE = 20.0
 
PITCH_PROGRAM
0 90
10 80
20 75
40 45
60 30
END_PITCH_PROGRAM

Start the sim, bring up LaunchMFD, select target, press Shift+P, start engines and sit back.

Saved some of your coding time, maybe?

I can't get the PID autopilot to work I followed your instructions,and I am using the new launchmfd 1.47,and the themis just goes straight up,and it won't let me jettison the boosters.

 

[romanasul]

Is there any way to configure the rocket to launch without the SRB's? It's just too overpowered for simple satellite launches.

 

[Loru]

At this point it isn't however we're working on something smaller - fully configurable ~ 8-30 ton to LEO Themis-A

 

[I00I]

Good to know thanks..

 

[MaverickSawyer]

First thoughts from the field test facilities...

-Bank authority is slightly lacking. As noted above, you guys are working on it.
-Engaging KILLROT autopilot with the SRBs attached has a tendency to cause mild shaking during launch. Nice touch of realism.
-Flight under manual control is extremely easy, provided that you are on the roll heading you want before ignition. KSP is a wonderful teacher in regards to manual ascents, and the Themis doesn't sway like a Kerbal rocket!

 

[MaverickSawyer]

OK, further testing after adding the Payload Manager addon from kulch. (I guess I hadn't added it like I thought! :facepalm
-For light payloads, igniting the SRMs and shutting down the core stage engines seems to be a viable option. Just don't expect to steer during this phase! :lol:
-The KILLROT autopilot shake is in fact due to the long movement arm of the booster and rocket engines.
-When launching the Navigator probe atop a Themis-Sirius from CSSC, I was able to get a velocity of 15km/s at Sirius ECO. Not bad! Now I just need to work on the timing for the departure burn in order to get to my target...
-The Themis-Sirius seems to have enough ooomph to pack along a third stage for higher energy missions. I'll toy around with Kulch's DM-2 tug and the Velcro Delta II upper stage, as I have a lot of experience and success with both of these. I'll make sure to share the results, as well.
-How are we supposed to launch a ETS Prometheus Evac shuttle on this? I can't fit it into a fairing... Is there some specific interstage for the Prometheus?

 

[Loru]

From the provided PDF file:

CONFIGURATION:
Rocket is configurable via config files located in: „Config\Vessels\ETS-system”
directory.
Here is sample config file:

; === Configuration file for vessel class ETS Launcher ===
ClassName = ETS-Launcher
Module = ETS-System\ETS_LCORE
EditorModule=ETS-System\ETS_LCORE
;This line decides what 2nd stage we're using, the options are:
;0 = No 2nd stage at all
;1 = The lower power and smaller upper stage
;2 = The high power and larger upper stage
UpperStage Config = 2
;This line decides what fairing diameter we're using
;0 = No fairing at all
;1 = 5x5
;2 = 5x8
;3 = 6x7
;4 = 6x12
Fairing = 3
;This line decides if we have the interstage or not, this also controls the
ETS / MTS LES
;0 = No Interstage / LES
;1 = ETS LES
;2 = MTS LES
;3 = Standard Interstage
Interstage = 3

I think file is self explanatory. As for now ETS and MTS stages are for shuttles
and and can be used when ETS Prometheus and ETS vertigo will come out (but
you can use Prometheus Evac shuttle with this Rocket).
Note: When spawning Prometheus shuttle please first close gear (as it's over
ground). That's Shuttle's limitation

You can create as many configs as you like and all will appear in scenario
editor.

I think that will explain all

 

[MaverickSawyer]

Ah. So THAT'S what that's for! :facepalm: Thanks, Loru.