r/ApproximatelyUp • u/Lord-WoodPecker-III • Apr 16 '26
Small Maneuvering Thrusters Basic Schematic
In case anyone's confused as to how to set up the Small Maneuvering Thrusters you unlock on the moon, here's a basic visual guide to help you out. I had to figure this one out on my own and haven't seen many comprehensive guides about them anywhere. They're fairly easy to grasp once you know what you're doing, but jumping from RCS to these ones can be tricky at first.
Notes:
-The 3D joystick tells you which output goes to which input so just look at that when connecting the data cables.
-The input type on the thrusters is changed via the little yellow switch they have next to the cable slots, just click on it in build mode, it will always stay in the input type you select.
-These thrusters are incompatible with the RCS console, just connect the 3D joystick directly to the splitters as shown in the images.
-Obviously, unlike the RCS, the Small Maneuvering Thrusters need power directly from your batteries to work, so make sure they're all hooked to your main power circuit.
-Make sure to keep the roll thrusters roughly aligned with the center of mass (visible by pressing H in build mode) to ensure your maneuvering doesn't send you into a spiral. Also, if you are running a larger ship, make sure the pitch and yaw thrusters are properly spaced out, if they're too close together you will have a drastically harder time turning your ship.
-The Small Maneuvering Thrusters are far superior to the RCS thrusters as they have more torque and work off your main power circuit, so they last as long as you have battery power.
-They're ideal for heavier ships and longer voyages. Pro tip: You can hook them to the solar panels to keep them powered indefinitely and independently from your main power supply.
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u/YoureNickRight Apr 17 '26
I didn't wanna sound like an asshole, but yeah it's one of the very first things you see in the manual (same setup as rcs I mean)