Functions (Logistics)
This needs to have the table of modules reconciled with MKS 0.50
An illustrated version of the below guide is also available online or as an in-game help manual (requires KIS).
In MKS, Logistics is the process of moving things from one vessel (the Warehouse) to another (the Consumer). This can happen via many different methods each with their own ranges and requirements, but all logistics use the same basic mechanism. Regardless of the specific method's range, a few things must be true. The Consumer must have the LogisticsConsumer module, the Warehouse must have the ResourceWarehouse module, and they must be within range. Consumers will also only request resources if they are below 50%, will never request more than 10% of their capacity at a time, will never request Machinery, and will only request EC if they are hooked up into a proper Power Coupling/Distribution network.
Sometimes you need stuff from far away. Even without dedicated storage of their own, these vessels can relay resources between parts within range so long as they are piloted. Qualifying rover parts include the Karibou Expedition Rover cockpit, and the surface Pioneer Module.
Example: Your mining rig is over a kilometer away from your processing plant. Just toss a qualifying rover in range of both, and resources will flow automatically to the ship that needs them.
Sometimes the stuff you want is on the other side of the planet. And sometimes you make so much stuff that you run out of a place to put it. Planetary Logistics is like a giant warehouse shared by every vessel on the planet, and uses special warehouses that can tap into planetary storage (which is infinite!).
If the warehouse has too much stuff, it puts it in storage. If it has too little, it pulls it out. There's a GUI where you can see how much stuff you have in the giant global warehouse. A Logistics Module is required for the craft to take part, currently either the 'Duna' Logistics Center or the 'Tundra' Pioneer - Logistics Module. Resources can be 'pushed' to planetary storage without Crew provided a Logistics module or Material Processing Unit is present, but require a 'Pilot' or 'QuarterMaster' and a Logistics module to pull resources back out.
A chart is provided below listing all Resource Warehouses currently implemented, as well as if they possess additional functionality.
| Part | Planetary Logistics |
|---|---|
| Ranger ISM (Inflatable Storage Module) | X |
| Ranger Saddle Tank | X |
| MK-V Supply Redi-Pak | X |
| Tundra Nuclear Fuel Processor* | X |
| Nuclear Fuel Container | X |
| Nuclear Waste Container | X |
| Kontainer Tank (01.25m) | X |
| Kontainer Tank (02.5m) | X |
| Kontainer Tank (03.75m) | X |
| Kontainer Tank (05m) | X |
| Kontainer Tank - Round (all sizes) | X |
| Kontainer Tank - Cluster (all sizes) | X |
| Kontainer (01.25m) | X |
| Kontainer (02.5m) | X |
| Kontainer (03.75m) | X |
| Kontainer (05m) | X |
| Kontainer - Flat (all sizes) | X |
*=Logistics Consumer
Logistics Consumers are listed below. These are the only parts which can initiate a pull request.
- MK-V: 'Scout" Colony Pod, 'Koala' Colony Hub, Power-Pack, Sifter, Smelter, Workshop, Agriculture, Crusher,
- OKS: Aeroponics, Pioneer, Habitation Ring, Kerbitat, Workshop, Workspace
- MKS: Aeroponics, Pioneer, Kerbitat, PDU, Workspace
- Mk-III: Akademy, Fabricator, Nuclear Fuel Processor, Refinery, Sifter,
- MEU Drills, Light Globe
- Stock: Radial Drill, Fuel Cell Array, ISRU's
- All parts with command capabilities
Power is important too! Power distribution lets you send power from a "power distributor" (crewed by an engineer) to lots of vessels within range. Just like you need outlets in your house to plug your power cords into, vessels will need a power coupler to tap into your power distribution network. Example: rather than having separate power sources (RTGs, solar, etc.) for your smaller vessels around the base, just wire them into one giant power source (like a nuclear reactor) and save on part count!
The small Power Pack and Power Coupler will distribute (and receive) power within 500 meters, while the larger Power Distribution Unit and ad-hoc Microwave Power Transceiver will distribute (and receive) power within 2000 meters.
Power couplers are included in the following, which use the Power Distributor for their range unless noted:
- MkV: 'Scout' Command Pod & Power-Pack (500m)
- MK-III: Akademy, Fabricator, Nuclear Fuel Processor, Refiner, Sifter
- (Duna-Class) MKS: Aeroponics, Pioneer, Kerbitat, and PDU (2000m)
- Light Globe(250m), Microwave Power Transceiver (2000m)
- Stock Fuel Cell Array (500m)