Nebular Vortex 2013-05-07

 Nebular Vortex

 
 
This addon is a further attempt to create something that resembles a nebula (all be it a very small one). You can change the appearance of the nebula in several ways;
 
A) Change the color (i.e., emitter ships) in the scenario. In the documents folder I have included a representation of the relative positions of the attachment points.
 
B) Increase or decrease the number of emitter ships.
 
C) Change the characteristics of the particle emissions for individual ships (found in the config/vessels/vortex folder in Orbiter.
 
D) Change the speed of rotation of the Vortex. By pressing F4, select ship, GR-0, in the menu in Orbiter, and pressing 6 on the number pad to increase the rotation.
 
 Artlav's gravity tool is at the heart of this addon, and I want to extend to him my gratitude for allowing me to incorporate his work in to my concept.
 
 I would also like to thank BrianJ for his nebgen module which made this all possible, and to T.neo for his nothing mesh.
 
 Issues;
 
  A) When I started this project, I wanted to incorporate Artlav's gravity tool to create an increased gravitational effect that would slingshot a ship through the Nebula's center. However, due to the rotation of the nebula, the ship gets accelerated off to the right at a much slower rate. I don't know if this "characteristic" can be corrected.
 
  B) Also, there is an artifact associated with the emitter ships which can be seen after you exit the nebula and get a certain distance away.
 
 I have included Artlav's read me for his gravity tool, so you can change the parameters. The gravity tool is located at the center of the nebula, so pilot your ship to the center of the vortex.
 
I have also included the set up mesh (in the documents file). If you want to see the relative position of Artlav's gravity tool, substitute the set up mesh for the original mesh (don't forget to replace it with the original mesh afterwards.
 
 The size of the nebula is about the same size as the entire KSC area. To make it any larger would entail adding more emitter ships and this tends to increase lag time.
 
In the scenario folder, I have included a scenario labeled "Emitter ship TEST". To better visualize the color and particle characteristics of each individual emitter ship, simply replace the emitter ship name in the TEST scenario with the name of the ship you want to look at.
 
 As always, input and constructive criticism is welcomed and appreciated.