Calculator Inputs
Formula Used
The calculator treats antenna power as a range rating in meters. For one antenna type, the effective vessel power is:
Vessel Power = Single Antenna Power × Antenna Count ^ Combinability Exponent
The maximum link range is:
Maximum Range = √(Vessel Power × Target Power)
The safety test uses:
Required Safe Range = Entered Distance × (1 + Safety Margin ÷ 100)
If maximum range is greater than required safe range, the planned hop passes the margin test.
How To Use This Calculator
- Select the antenna installed on your craft.
- Enter how many matching antennas are active.
- Keep the default exponent or enter your preferred setting.
- Choose a DSN target or enter relay power manually.
- Enter the expected separation distance for the hop.
- Add a safety margin for orbit changes and poor geometry.
- Press calculate and review the result above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF export to save the calculation.
Example Data Table
| Mission Case | Craft Antenna | Count | Target | Approximate Range | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerbin Moon Probe | Communotron 16 | 1 | Level 1 Network | 31.623 Mm | Early Mun and Minmus work |
| Duna Relay Test | RA-15 Relay | 1 | Level 3 Network | 61.237 Gm | Interplanetary relay planning |
| Outer System Relay | RA-100 Relay | 2 | Level 3 Network | 205.048 Gm | Large mission network design |
KSP Antenna Planning Guide
A long probe flight can fail because one link is weak. KSP uses a simple range model, but mission geometry can still surprise players. This calculator helps you test craft power, target power, distance, and safety margin before launch.
Why Antenna Range Matters
CommNet links decide whether a probe can receive commands, send science, and hold maneuver control. A craft near Kerbin may work with a small antenna. The same craft near Duna, Jool, or Eeloo may need relay hardware or a stronger Deep Space Network. Planning range early saves mass and prevents dead vessels.
How The Tool Helps
Enter an antenna type, antenna count, target source, and current distance. The tool combines same antennas with a chosen exponent. It then compares the effective vessel power with the target power. The answer shows maximum link range, range load, spare distance, required safe range, and extra antennas needed when the link is short.
Relay And DSN Choices
A DSN target is useful for direct contact with Kerbin. A relay target is useful when another satellite carries the signal. Relay chains only work when each hop has enough range. One strong final hop cannot repair a weak earlier hop. Check every expected hop separately.
Stacking Antennas
Multiple antennas help, but they do not add in a straight line. The exponent models the reduced gain from stacking. A higher exponent gives more benefit. A lower exponent is more conservative. Use your game settings or preferred chart value.
Mission Tips
Add a safety margin for inclined or eccentric orbits. Test worst case separation, not just average distance. Compare direct and relay paths. Keep probe cores powered. Remember that blocked bodies can interrupt links. A wide relay network can solve coverage gaps.
Reading The Result
A connected result means the entered distance is within maximum range. A safe result means it also clears your chosen margin. A failed result gives suggested minimum vessel power, target power, and antenna count.
Good Defaults
Start with the stock exponent shown in the form. Use meters for exact work. Use gigameters for planet scale planning. Record one calculation for each relay hop. Export the result when comparing several launch designs or tracking station upgrades later.
FAQs
1. What does antenna power mean here?
It is the range rating used by the communication system. The calculator stores it in meters, then displays friendly units such as kilometers, megameters, or gigameters.
2. Can I calculate a relay to relay hop?
Yes. Choose the custom target option. Enter the effective power of the other relay vessel. Then enter the distance between both relay points.
3. Why does stacking not add linearly?
Stacking uses a combinability exponent. This reduces the gain from extra antennas. It makes two identical antennas helpful, but not twice as powerful in many cases.
4. What exponent should I use?
The default value is 0.75. Use another value when your save, mod, or reference chart uses different antenna combinability settings.
5. Does this calculator handle signal occlusion?
No. It checks range only. Plan relay placement separately because planets, moons, and the sun can block otherwise valid communication paths.
6. Why include a safety margin?
Planet distance changes during orbits. A safety margin helps cover imperfect transfer windows, eccentric paths, relay drift, and measurement mistakes.
7. What is the target power for Kerbin contact?
Use the Deep Space Network option. Select the tracking station level that matches your save. Higher levels provide stronger target power.
8. Can I export repeated mission tests?
Yes. Calculate one case, then use the CSV or PDF button. Repeat the process for other antenna counts, relays, and target distances.