Getting to Mars

In using the method I outlined in the previous post - a couple questions arise.

1) do i have to align with Mars using the align hud prior to the ejection burn or is that handled autmotically?

2) I saved a scenerio where I'm in orbit. Now IMFD won't function. It comes up with the wrong target and I can't seem to change the target.

I'm using the DGIV - here is the scenerio:

BEGIN_DESC
Orbiter saved state at T = 60628
END_DESC
BEGIN_ENVIRONMENT
System Sol
Date MJD 58292.8686957941
END_ENVIRONMENT
BEGIN_FOCUS
Ship GL-01
END_FOCUS
BEGIN_CAMERA
TARGET GL-01
MODE Cockpit
FOV 30.00
END_CAMERA
BEGIN_HUD
TYPE Orbit
REF AUTO
END_HUD
BEGIN_MFD Left
TYPE Orbit
PROJ Ship
FRAME Ecliptic
ALT
REF Earth
END_MFD
BEGIN_MFD Right
TYPE Orbit
PROJ Ship
FRAME Ecliptic
ALT
REF Earth
END_MFD
BEGIN_PANEL
END_PANEL

BEGIN_SHIPS
ISS:ProjectAlpha_ISS
STATUS Orbiting Earth
RPOS 6513853.27 672324.68 -1454666.78
RVEL 1183.838 -7390.850 1854.526
AROT 110.00 -10.00 80.00
PRPLEVEL 0:1.000
IDS 0:588 100 1:586 100 2:584 100 3:582 100 4:580 100
NAVFREQ 0 0
XPDR 466
END
GL-01:DeltaGliderIV
STATUS Orbiting Earth
RPOS -5941469.29 1168038.01 2697822.77
RVEL -3341.111 -996.810 -6926.348
AROT -179.18 62.51 -101.87
PRPLEVEL 0:0.902 1:0.990 2:0.983 3:1.000
IDS 0:45 100
NAVFREQ 94 524
XPDR 0
;-------------------------- Skin parameters must contain directory name of skin (without space)
MeshSkin Shuttle_Discovery_Skin
;-------------------------- Cargo payload must contain name of config file or "none".(see doc)
CargoPayload DGIVMTKSSAT
NOSECONE 0 0.00
GEAR 0 0.00
AllDoorsState 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 1.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 0 0.00
But1Cockpit 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 5
But2Cockpit 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
TransEffect 0
LifeBut1State 0 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 4
LevelBatt 100.0002
Emergency_power 10000.0000
VoltageStartBus 0.0000
VoltageGen1 96.2820
VoltageGen2 96.2819
VoltageGenBus 96.0000
O2tankALevel 76.5192
N2tankALevel 100.0000
O2tankBLevel 100.0000
N2tankBLevel 100.0000
CabinO2Level 21.3878
CabinCO2Level 600.0000
CabinTempLevel 21.2000
CabinPressure 14.7000
CabinMoistLevel 36.0000
CabinDustLevel -0.0000
CabinO2Setting 21.4000
CabinTempSetting 21.2000
CabinPressSetting 14.7000
AntennaTarget Earth
O2ConsumptionSetting 6
FuelConsumptionSetting 3
MainenginePower 2
;------------------Crew parameters UMMUCREW Function-Name-Age-CardiacPulse-WeightKg (fonction of Pilot must be: Capt)
NoOneOnBoard 0
NoPilotOnBoard 0
UMMUCREW Capt-Jack_Marshall-51-65-65
UMMUCREW Spe-Pearl_Marshall-38-69-66
UMMUCREW Tech-Jeff_Quinn-36-76-76
UMMUCREW Vip-David_Gregory-48-66-78
UMMUCREW Tech-Dave_Cain-35-77-72
FailGearFailure 0
FailGearCollapse 0
FailLeftMainEngine 0
FailRightMainEngine 0
FailHoverEngine 0
FailRcs 0
FailSurfaceControl 0
FailComputer 0
FailComputerBlueScreen 0
FailAutopilot 0
FailExtRadiator 0
FailAirbrake 0
FailNoseCone 0
FailCanopy 0
FailAntenna 0
FailLeftTurbo 0
FailRightTurbo 0
FailCargoDoor 0
SpacesuitTimer 0
END
END_SHIPS
 
Last edited:
That's a fine tutorial. I'll print it and read it and see if it helps.

The version of the MFD I have is 5.1 - do i need to go back to 4.2.1?

One of the opening statements in your tutorial is, "This tutorial will not tell you what to do"

I kinda wish it would tell me what do to . . . that being the point of my original question which started this thread. The issue is using the tool to meet the goal of getting to Mars. Learning the science behind it is great and would come in time - at this point, I just wish I could get there.

I will continue to try.
 
According to the scenario file above, you had OrbitMFD open in both MFD slots. Since IMFD wasn't open when you closed the sim (or perhaps you used "quicksave", which doesn't seem to save many add-on's status correctly) it didn't record IMFD's status. Just from looking I can't tell whether you've made the ejection burn or not. If not, you should set the source (SRC button) to Earth, then you should be able to target Mars. If you've made the ejection burn, set the source to x (which IMFD interpretes as "self"), then you should be able to target Mars and make correction burns as needed).

As for crashing into Earth during ejection (using AB), that is a result of user error. As you change parameters, time passes, or you change your orbit, the ejection time will change. So, before pressing the AB button, make sure that the dotted radial line indicating where you will be at ejection time is lined up with the other radial line that indicates the ejection point. If your TEj comes before you reach the actual ejection point the result will be IMFD trying to fly through the planet, with predictable results.
 
VERY helpful Tommy - thanks!! That answers a huge question! and no, I haven't made the ejection burn yet. Still in Orbit after arriving from launch a few moments earlier.

EXCEPT

There is no SRC button on my IMFD - so how do you clear IMFD to set the target. No matter what I do, including relaunch in a new scenario, IMFD is now not able to function.


-----Post Added-----


Again, no matter what scenerio I open, or even if i create a new one, IMFD is stuck. I cannot change target.
 
Last edited:
I think you press the PG button then on the Right of the MFD a Src button comes up
 
Nope - tried it and no SRC button comes up.

If I can't reset IMFD - well, game over.

come on - no one has an idiots guide to getting to mars??

no tutorial reaches my synapse. The closest thing that's worked is that step guide from the first page. But if i can't reset IMFD, then it too is pointless.

I want to stress the fact i can get to the moon, land and return to Earth with ease - in fact I've never missed getting to the Moon. I can also fly a variety of craft into orbit and back again, dock with ISS, etc.

The issue is, I cannot get beyond the Moon.

So let's go back to the original question. Is there a way to get to Mars using the stock MFD's? I know the answer is yes, I've seen it done and if I could find the topic on the old forum, I'd use it.
 
what version of IMFD do you have ?
 
It's not a good idea to have more than one version of IMFD installed at a time. I suggest using jonesoft's add-on manager (link somewhere around the forum) for that purpose.

Try the scenario in a clean install, with just one version of IMFD installed. Alternatively, open your saved scenario, ensure that IMFD isn't open, and then exit the sim (use F4, then the bottom option) and use the save feature on the launchpad. Open that new save and see if the problem persists.

You can get to Mars using the alignplanes, orbit, and transfer MFD's but that's even more difficult than using IMFD or TransX. It will also likely be a 2 plane transfer, and not very fuel efficient.
 
Instructions received. On a clean install I'll install one version only and try again. I'll begin with 5.1.

Thanks!

Oh and the only reason I wanted to try the alignplanes, orbit, and transfer MFD's are that I know those intimately.
 
somehow, I've gotten to Mars.

IMFD is still stuck on Mars so no matter what scenerio I open, the target is always Mars.

Any thoughts on how to reset IMFD?


-----Post Added-----


For example, once at Mars, how do i clear IMFD for Jupiter, or the return to Earth? This answer wold solve alot of the issues I've been having with IMFD for the last couple days. Instead of using it to go to Mars, I'm stuck trying to figure out how to shut it down or reset it for a different target.

Again, I can get to Mars. Hooray. But i can't reset IMFD back for a different target.
 
dcsmokey said:
Any thoughts on how to reset IMFD?
Click to expand...
Hmm, IMFD normally resets for me if I close the sim with some other MFDs open instead of IMFD. This stops IMFD from saving it state to the scenario file and it should reset when you open the (Current state) scenario. If that doesn't work, leave IMFD open, exit the sim and post the contents of the scenario here (in
Code: 
 tags, please). That may give us some clues. Also, [I]whilst running [/I]Orbiter, have a look at Orbiter\IMFD-Log.html for any error messages.
 
Here is the scn

OK, so this is the scenerio. IMFD is not open during the save. But when i go to IMFD once I've launched this scn it's already targeting Mars.




Code: 
BEGIN_DESC
 
END_DESC
 
BEGIN_ENVIRONMENT
System Sol
Date MJD 58292.8687372756
END_ENVIRONMENT
 
BEGIN_FOCUS
Ship GL-01
END_FOCUS
 
BEGIN_CAMERA
TARGET GL-01
MODE Cockpit
FOV 30.00
END_CAMERA
 
BEGIN_HUD
TYPE Orbit
REF AUTO
END_HUD
 
BEGIN_MFD Left
TYPE Orbit
PROJ Ship
FRAME Ecliptic
ALT
REF Earth
END_MFD
BEGIN_MFD Right
TYPE User
MODE Clock MFD
SelectedMode 0
DisplayMode 0
TimeZone -5.00
SummerTime 1
ShowMJD 0
ShowCounter 1
CounterEnabled 1
CounterLastStartMJD 58292
CounterLastStartMJT 854959
CounterSavedMJD 0
CounterSavedMJT 0
END_MFD
 
BEGIN_PANEL
END_PANEL
 
BEGIN_SHIPS
ISS:ProjectAlpha_ISS
STATUS Orbiting Earth
RPOS 6518040.90 645830.25 -1448007.85
RVEL 1153.000 -7393.969 1861.395
AROT 110.00 -10.00 80.00
PRPLEVEL 0:1.000
IDS 0:588 100 1:586 100 2:584 100 3:582 100 4:580 100
NAVFREQ 0 0
XPDR 466
END
GL-01:DeltaGliderIV
STATUS Orbiting Earth
RPOS -5953391.58 1164455.19 2672975.09
RVEL -3311.944 -1002.529 -6939.518
AROT -179.18 62.51 -101.87
PRPLEVEL 0:0.902 1:0.990 2:0.983 3:1.000
IDS 0:45 100
NAVFREQ 94 524
XPDR 0
;-------------------------- Skin parameters must contain directory name of skin (without space) 
MeshSkin Shuttle_Discovery_Skin
;-------------------------- Cargo payload must contain name of config file or "none".(see doc) 
CargoPayload DGIVMTKSSAT
NOSECONE 0 0.00
GEAR 0 0.00
AllDoorsState 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 1.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 0 0.00
But1Cockpit 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 5
But2Cockpit 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
TransEffect 0
LifeBut1State 0 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 4
LevelBatt 100.0002
Emergency_power 10000.0000
VoltageStartBus 0.0000
VoltageGen1 96.2820
VoltageGen2 96.2819
VoltageGenBus 96.0000
O2tankALevel 76.5192
N2tankALevel 100.0000
O2tankBLevel 100.0000
N2tankBLevel 100.0000
CabinO2Level 21.3878
CabinCO2Level 600.0001
CabinTempLevel 21.2000
CabinPressure 14.7000
CabinMoistLevel 36.0000
CabinDustLevel 0.0000
CabinO2Setting 21.4000
CabinTempSetting 21.2000
CabinPressSetting 14.7000
AntennaTarget Earth
O2ConsumptionSetting 6
FuelConsumptionSetting 3
MainenginePower 2
;------------------Crew parameters UMMUCREW Function-Name-Age-CardiacPulse-WeightKg (fonction of Pilot must be: Capt) 
NoOneOnBoard 0
NoPilotOnBoard 0
UMMUCREW Capt-Jack_Marshall-51-65-65
UMMUCREW Spe-Pearl_Marshall-38-69-66
UMMUCREW Tech-Jeff_Quinn-36-76-76
UMMUCREW Vip-David_Gregory-48-66-78
UMMUCREW Tech-Dave_Cain-35-77-72
FailGearFailure 0
FailGearCollapse 0
FailLeftMainEngine 0
FailRightMainEngine 0
FailHoverEngine 0
FailRcs 0
FailSurfaceControl 0
FailComputer 0
FailComputerBlueScreen 0
FailAutopilot 0
FailExtRadiator 0
FailAirbrake 0
FailNoseCone 0
FailCanopy 0
FailAntenna 0
FailLeftTurbo 0
FailRightTurbo 0
FailCargoDoor 0
SpacesuitTimer 0
END
END_SHIPS
 
dcsmokey said:
That's a fine tutorial. I'll print it and read it and see if it helps.

The version of the MFD I have is 5.1 - do i need to go back to 4.2.1?

One of the opening statements in your tutorial is, "This tutorial will not tell you what to do"

I kinda wish it would tell me what do to . . . that being the point of my original question which started this thread. The issue is using the tool to meet the goal of getting to Mars. Learning the science behind it is great and would come in time - at this point, I just wish I could get there.

I will continue to try.
Click to expand...

If I told you what to do, you would have a checklist.
What this tutorial is about is how to understand what you are doing.
When you understand what you are doing, you could make more informed decisions on what to do, according to what you want.

I could tell you that if you want to go from home to the supermarket, turn on car, press accelerator and continue 100 meters, then stop. But having such a checklist might not be useful if you want to go inside the city, because the number of steps would depend on your current situation and what you wish.

So instead of having a checklist so you reverse engineer the concepts behind tit, I give you the concepts so you figure out the checklist.

There are many ways to do exactly the same thing.
 
CLOSE THE THREAD!

Because I am an Orbinaut.

I left Earth June 23rd, 2018.
Arrived at Mars Febuary 26, 2019
Left a month later and arrived at
Jupiter, May 15, 2022.

After exploreing the Jovian System for six months,
I left for Earth on December 23rd, 2022

Landing at The Cape October 1st, 2025

2657 days, 3hours, 37minutes and 19 seconds from the intital launch.

Thanks guys, it all came together. I will now make a step by step of what I did and hope it'll help someone less fortunate than I - though I doubt there are any. LOL
 
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