The Navigational Computer (usually referred to as NaviComp) is a multi-purpose device installed on most (ones with thrusters) spacecraft. It is used to navigate to and along waypoints in space and to show the spacecraft's current heading and direction of flight, which is essential during orbital maneuvering, interplanetary travel and docking. With the recent update, non-vehicular objects (station modules, fuel silos, etc.) no longer have NaviComps and therefore do not display their movement vectors or waypoints when selected. Those that do, are listed here. Furthermore, a source of Power (e.g. batteries, solar panels, CSgt Nuclear Generators) is required to use NaviComps. NaviComps require one unit of power.
Functionality
- Waypoint-related
- Displays and stores of waypoints, their names and coordinates
- Can create and delete waypoints
- Emits warning sounds and the waypoint turning orange or red when the spacecraft is closer than 200 or 100 NaviComp units to a waypoint
- Maneuvering-related
- Displays shapes, guidelines and target areas during training or Missions
- Displays the spacecraft's current heading and velocity vector when not in orbit
- Calculates and displays the spacecraft's heading, orbital trajectory and orbit escape path when in orbit
- Automatic assistance during alignment with a waypoint or the velocity vector when not in orbit
Interface
The NaviComp's built-in display and keypad
Although most of the NaviComp's functionality is either automatic or appears on the HUD, it is possible to directly control it using its keypad and read additional information on its built-in display. That way it is possible to:
- Manually switch the NaviComp on and off
- Navigate through the complete list of waypoints
- Check the spacecraft's or a waypoints coordinates
- Check the position of a waypoint relative to the spacecraft at any time (as opposed to only if it is closer than 1000 NaviComp units)
- If your distance is from 501-999 NaviComp units, a waypoint becomes a transparent green.
- Create, rename and delete waypoints
- To create a new waypoint, press the new button, then name it using alphabet/numerical keypad, after that, press save.
- To rename the waypoint, select the waypoint that want to renamed by pressing the arrow keys, then press the alphabet/numerical key one at a time, after that, press save.
- To delete that waypoint, select the waypoint that want to deleted by pressing the arrow keys, then press CLR, press Y key or press CLR again to confirm.
It is advisable to turn off the NaviComp using the visible power button on the very top left when taking a screenshot as all the waypoint markers disappear, making a cleaner view. However, it must be noted that it takes approximately 7 seconds for the NaviComp to turn back on. A NaviComp may also shut down due to collision damage, and will need to be turned back on manually.