Animation Initialization

Module Animation Initialization

Built to solve a classic KSP problem:

“Why is this thing deployed again?”

A flexible KSP1 PartModule that initializes animations while remaining compatible with stock animation systems.

This module solves incorrect startup states without fighting stock modules like ModuleAnimateGeneric or ModuleDeployableSolarPanel.

Features

Supports multiple animations (comma-separated)
Supports per-animation normalizedTime values
Works in:
    Editor (VAB/SPH)
    Flight (launch, vessel load, vessel switching)
Cooperative mode (default):
Syncs with ModuleAnimateGeneric
Syncs with ModuleDeployableSolarPanel
Prevents animation snap-back issues
Persistent settings and UI state

Usage

Example Config
MODULE
{
    name = ModuleAnimationInitialization
    animationNames = deploy, rotate, extend
    animationTimes = deploy:0, rotate:0.5, extend:1
    defaultNormalizedTime = 0
    freezeAnimation = true
    applyInEditor = true
    applyInFlight = true
    useCooperativeMode = true
}

Fields

Field Description animationNames Comma-separated list of animation names animationTimes Optional per-animation values (name:value) defaultNormalizedTime Default fallback value normalizedTime Persisted shared value hasInitialized Internal initialization flag freezeAnimation Stops animation playback after applying applyInEditor Apply in VAB/SPH applyInFlight Apply in flight useCooperativeMode Sync with stock modules debugLogging Enable debug logs

Live Sync Display

Shows the actual current animation state:

Reads from Unity AnimationState.normalizedTime
Updates every frame
Useful for debugging:
    Stock module overrides
    Animation drift
    Timing issues

Cooperative Mode (Default)

The module detects and follows stock animation owners.

ModuleAnimateGeneric

Uses:
    animTime (0–1)
Supports partial animation states
Treated as a continuous deploy system

ModuleDeployableSolarPanel Uses deploy state: Retracted → 0 Extended → 1 No partial states

Behavior Priority

For each animation:

ModuleAnimateGeneric.animTime
Solar panel deploy state
Per-animation config (animationTimes)
Shared normalizedTime

Behavior Summary

Scenario Result Editor placement Uses default or configured values Launch Syncs with stock module Vessel switch Restores correct state Solar panels Fully retracted or deployed MAG animations Full precision

Important Notes

Works with Unity legacy Animation system only
Do not use Animation.Stop() (resets animation)
Best animation setup:
    Frame 0 = retracted
    Frame 1 = deployed
Max supported animations in UI: 8

Limitations

Solar panels cannot represent partial deployment
Cooperative mode limits full manual override
Multiple animations share same timing unless overridden
No dynamic PAW field creation (KSP limitation)