Space Engineers

Space Engineers

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SmartRotors: Solar
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Type: Mod
Mod category: Block
File Size
Posted
Updated
26.515 MB
30 Apr, 2019 @ 7:59pm
22 Nov, 2024 @ 5:08pm
23 Change Notes ( view )

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SmartRotors: Solar

Description
SmartRotors, rotors with built-in functionality for ease of use.
This is the solar variant, it automatically tracks the sun. Other variants to follow later, currently planned are VTOL and PMW.

Isn’t this the same effect as running a script on rotors? Yes.
But I can run this on a server where scripts are disabled? Also yes.

Simply place the base part and a 2 axis solar tracking system is automatically set up.

Some welding required if in survival mode.
This is composed of a baseplate and a hinge rotors.
For single-axis tracking, remove the 2nd axis hinge parts and the baseplate will continue to work.
You will notice the shiny dome “sensor” always faces the sun. Place the solar panels to the rotor ends appropriately, the system will continue to track as the sun or the grid it’s mounted to is moved.

Included in this mod:
  • SmartRotor:Solar; Conveyored style for large grid O2 and/or solar farming.
  • SmartRotor:Solar Type B; Double-ended style, non conveyored, for large and small grid.
  • Solar support; This is a large grid pole with panel mounting structure to mount solar panels to.
  • Simple rotor; Vanilla logic versions of the slim baseplate rotor and hinge, small and large grid. Feel free to use these for any application.

Additional notes:
If the structure seems unstable, try turning the torque down. Same issue as with other rotor scripts, the feedback loop is not "one size fits all" so it helps to tune the motor's power to the weight of your solar structure.
Additionally, consider that the maximum torque is the same as vanilla rotors. If in gravity, too heavy of an array may not work, try to build it in a balanced way so that not so much torque is required, or split it into multiple smaller arrays.
The "Share Inertia Tensor" is a good option to increase stability as well, especially for large arrays on slow moving craft or bases.
There is a plain 15m (6 block) version of the support pole included in the MA Stackable Wind Turbines mod, it is a handy way to get your array off the ground.
POLE PARTS: https://steamoss.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2302105467

Known Issues:
Unable to reattach top part on slim bases. Re-adding works.
Automatic placed hinges will not work in cockpit tools bars. (good thing they are automatic)
Unable to delete automatic placed solar hinge top part with CTRL + X shortcut when creative tools enabled.

Those seem rather minor compared to the gained function

Art and assets: AutoMcD
Programming and functionality: SISK
Support testing and help: Nukeguard, Mattacon
This mod may not be re-uploaded without permission.

Satisfied with this mod? Hit that thumbs-up button.
Want some say on what happens next? Consider buying us some beer, we appreciate it.
Auto:Patreon[www.patreon.com], Paypal[paypal.me].
Sisk:Patreon[www.patreon.com], Paypal[www.paypal.me].
Popular Discussions View All (13)
150
5 Dec, 2024 @ 4:59pm
Please report any issues/bugs/crashes >HERE<
AutoMcDonough
6
15 Apr, 2023 @ 2:34am
Automatons update conflict: hinges movement properties vanished
Gromit
3
12 Jun, 2023 @ 6:20pm
Solar Rotor issues
Garrett
669 Comments
Zaisho 18 hours ago 
Hey i got problems with the rotors on a planet are not tracking the sun of my system with the Real Solar System Mod in the ''Vanilla Systems (Real Solar Systems)''. The rotor tries to follow the normal skybox sun i assume which is not present. Could that be a problem with custom skyboxes or is there a other way to fix that?

Amazing mod btw, using it for a long time now.
Bunnies&Cherris 16 Jan @ 10:50pm 
I completely agree, thwack19. I have played this game inconsistently since then, but this mod stays consistent.
thwack19 12 Jan @ 9:59am 
I just wanted to post a huge THANK YOU to the mod authors! I subbed to this mod back in '19, and it has been an integral part of my engineering since.
O_T 2 Jan @ 10:45am 
That's what I thought. I guess it's sad for the mod but great for the game.
🅂🄸🅂🄺  [author] 2 Jan @ 3:18am 
@O_T no, the vanilla tracking is probably better. This mod existed before we got the turret controller in SE.
O_T 2 Jan @ 2:48am 
Is the mod doing anything better then the new vanilla blocks, aside using a little less space?
MagicMarker 1 Jan @ 6:21am 
Never was setting up an auto-aligning solar array easier than with this absolutely fan-fricken'-tastic mod! Thanks for sharing.

It works very well with Isy's Solar Alignment Script. The alignment part of the script is redundant, of course, but the rest of the script is still useful.
Slimger 22 Nov, 2024 @ 6:59pm 
Everything is cool, it works, only the light pickup is directed in the opposite direction
Slimger 22 Nov, 2024 @ 6:37pm 
You are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AutoMcDonough  [author] 22 Nov, 2024 @ 5:09pm 
Pushed SISK's update. Sorry for the delay!