Docking Connector

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## Docking Connector

### Scale

1/4m to 8m

**Docking Connectors** are docking systems blocks that allow entities to be permanently connected together. Mostly used in the procedurally generation of Space Stations.

*As of 23w41a, the Station generation system has not been fully implemented yet. Attempting to use this block to generate stations will do nothing.*

## Overview

Docking connectors are one of several docking modules that used to connect two separate entities together. Despite the name, they are not related to Shipyards and are mostly used in the creation of Station modules. As of 22w33a, docking connectors are used exclusively for the station module procedurally generation.

### Setup

Docking Connectors can be placed on any entity but is only useful on non-Handhelds. They can be scaled but not expanded. They are designed to be connection modules so they do not require energy to function.

When highlighted in the hotbar, the docking connector will display two orientation arrows on its placement ghost. The green arrow corresponds to the **"UP"** direction while the red arrow the **"FORWARD"** direction. This is important and will affect how entities will dock to this port. Pressing **[R]** will allow players to rotate the block to change the orientation of the arrows. The scale of the docking connector will also determine what can and cannot dock.

### Usage

Once placed docking connectors will be ready to accept another entity docking to it. To docked entities together players will need to use the Connect Station tool. With the connect station tool selected, pressing **[Left Mouse Button]** on a docking connector will select it as an anchor point which will connect to another entity. The docking connector will turn green to indicate this. To connect entities player need only find a similarly scaled docking connector on another entity and press **[Left Mouse Button]** on it. This will create a placement ghost of the first entity anchored to the docking connector. If the orientation of the placement ghost is undesirable it can be rotated by pressing **[R]**. To finalize the connection player need to press **[Left Mouse Button]** one last time; Once confirmed the other entity will teleport to its new port. Connected entities will stay connected as along both ports are intact; Removing one will disconnect both.

As of 22w33a, Fuel and items are not shared between connected entities. However it is confirmed that in the future connected entities will share them via pipes connected to docking connectors.

## Procedural Generation

***Additional information on the procedural generation system is pending***

Docking Connectors are used in the station procedural generation system. Linking a Docking Controller to a docking connector will allow players to configure what modules will spawn at those linked connectors.

## Tips

* Pressing **[F]** on a docking connector will play a sound similar to a Blast Door opening but does absolutely nothing.
* Connected entities do not share a parent entity's shield or power and must generate their own.
* Connected entities will not be saved to a parent entity's blueprint.
* Docking Connectors can be used to make modular rooms for Ships and Stations.

## Bugs

As of 22w33a:

* Successfully docked entities that have been disconnected cannot be connected to each other again.

## Upcoming Features

* Entities will eventually be able to share their Fuel and Cargo by docking to docking connectors